Top Home Remedies and Treatments for Sun Poisoning: What Works Best

Spending time under the sun can result in a painful sunburn and where it is not checked, may lead to sun poisoning. 

This condition may attract certain sun poisoning symptoms like blistering, headache, fever, nausea, and extreme skin irritation. 

While medical care may be necessary in serious cases, many individuals find relief with simple home remedies and over-the-counter sunburn treatments that help to soothe the skin, restore hydration, and speed up recovery. 

In this guide, you will discover effective ways to treat sun poisoning symptoms with natural remedies, when to seek medical attention, and ways to prevent sun poisoning.

So let’s dive in.

What Is Sun Poisoning

Sun poisoning is a severe reaction to excessive exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays.  It is a serious sun-related illness that affects not just the skin but also the entire body.

It occurs when UV radiation penetrates deeply through the skin overpowering the body’s natural defenses.

Unlike a simple sunburn where only the outer layer of skin is damaged and may only result in redness and discomfort, sun poisoning on the other hand is a severe stage of sunburn. 

It triggers a stronger inflammatory response, which may involve the immune system, dehydration, and heat-related stress.

The two main forms of sun poisoning are;

1. Severe Sunburn 

This is an extreme sunburn where the skin sustains a major damage causing intense pain, blistering, and systemic illness. This condition often requires a proper sunburn treatment.

2. Photodermatitis 

Photodermatitis is an allergy type of reaction that some individuals experience when they are over exposed to the heat of the sun.

Factors that may influence this condition are certain medications, or chemicals on the skin that react with sunlight, resulting in rashes.

Since sun poisoning is not just the typical sunburn, it usually requires more urgent sunburn treatment and may have a lasting effect if not properly managed.

Individuals that are at a higher risk of sun poisoning include;

• Older adults
• Infants and young children because their skin burns quickly,   
• Individuals with chronic illnesses such as heart disease, certain cancers, kidney problems, autoimmune disorders

 Common Sun Poisoning Symptoms

These symptoms are peculiar to sun poisoning:

• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Fainting
• Fever and chills
• Rapid heartbeat
• Rash, hives, or itching 
• Headache or dizziness
• Swelling and tenderness
• Painful blistering or peeling
• Dehydration and extreme thirst
• Severe redness and inflammation

These sun poisoning symptoms make it different from a mild sunburn because it affects both the skin and overall body health.

Natural Remedies for Sun Poisoning 

Here are the common home remedies that can bring relief.

1. Move Indoors 

This is the first important step you need to take to avoid further damage on your skin.

Look for a cool area, take enough rest and ensure that you avoid additional sun exposure until the skin heals.

2. Cold Showers

Alt text- Photo of man having a cold shower

Apply a cool, damp towel to the affected area or take a cool shower to reduce heat and inflammation. 

3. Hydration

Alt text – Photo of woman taking some water

Drink plenty of cool water (not cold)  or electrolyte-rich fluids to combat dehydration, which is common with sun poisoning. Staying hydrated also helps the skin recover faster.

4. Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera has natural cooling and anti-inflammatory properties that can help to ease pain and speed up the healing process.

Apply pure aloe gel directly to the burned skin for quick relief.

5. Moisturizers

Moisturizers play an important role in sun burn treatment, by keeping the skin hydrated and preventing dryness or peeling. 

Use fragrance-free lotions to avoid irritation. While moisturizers can help relieve discomfort, they may not be suitable for severe cases with symptoms such as fever, dizziness, or widespread blistering. In such situations, it is best to seek medical help.

When to Seek Medical Attention

You should contact your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following.

• Severe dehydration
• Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
• High fever or chills after sun exposure
• A rash or hives spreading beyond the burned area
• Severe blistering covering a large part of your body
• Rapid heartbeat, shallow breathing, or low blood pressure
• Pain that doesn’t improve with over-the-counter medication

If sun poisoning symptoms worsen after using medications, seek medical help immediately.

Final Thoughts

Recognizing the difference between a simple sunburn and sun poisoning can help you take the right steps quickly and prevent long-term complications.

While mild cases can be managed at home with cooling measures, hydration, soothing creams, and over-the-counter remedies, more severe cases may require urgent medical care.

Finally, one of the best ways to preventing sun poisoning is to pay attention to your body.

Frequently Asked Questions

Some questions people ask about sun poisoning

1. What  Is Sun Poisoning?

Sun poisoning is a severe form of sunburn or a sun-related allergic reaction. It happens when the skin and body are overwhelmed by too much ultraviolet (UV) radiation, leading to skin damage and other symptoms like fever, nausea, and dizziness.

2. Can Sun Poisoning Go Away On Its Own?

Mild cases may improve with rest, hydration, and proper skin care at home. However, severe cases with high fever, widespread blistering, or signs of dehydration may need medical attention to prevent complications

3. Is Sun Poisoning Different From  Sunburn?

Sunburn causes redness, mild pain, and tenderness limited to the skin while sun poisoning is a more severe case of sunburn and it causes blistering, swelling, dehydration, fever, and other systemic symptoms which are beyond a mere skin damage.

4. How Long Does Sun Poisoning Last?

Recovery time depends on the severity. Mild cases may go away within 5 days, while more serious burns can take two weeks or longer to heal fully.

5. Can Certain Medications Increase the Risk?

Yes. Some drugs, like antibiotics, birth control pills, acne medications, and certain diuretics, can make skin more sensitive to sunlight, increasing the risk of sun poisoning.

6. Is Sun Poisoning Contagious?

No. Sun poisoning is not an infection and cannot spread from person to person. 

7. When Should I See a Doctor?

Seek medical care if you have severe blistering, high fever, confusion, dehydration, or persistent vomiting.