As the day shines bright and temperatures rise, it’s tempting to soak up the sun’s rays. But before you get too comfy in your sun-soaked paradise, it’s important to know when things might be going south. While a little sunshine can be great, overdoing it can lead to sun poisoning, which is more than just a nasty sunburn. Here’s how to figure out if you might be dealing with sun poisoning and what you should do about it.
For same-day sunburn treatment, or other seasonal care services, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Grand Junction. Our medical team is here to provide quality, convenient, and affordable healthcare. Just walk-in today or pre-register your visit below!
What Is Sun Poisoning?
Sun poisoning isn’t a medical term you’ll find in textbooks, but it describes a serious reaction to too much sun. Think of it as sunburn on steroids—it’s way more severe and affects your whole body, not just your skin. It refers to a severe sunburn that results from prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. Sun poisoning is usually accompanied by symptoms that go beyond the typical redness and pain of a sunburn. This condition can lead to more serious complications, like heat stroke or dehydration, if left untreated. It’s important to be able to recognize the signs of sun poisoning and seek medical attention when necessary.
Spotting the Symptoms
Extreme Skin Reaction
So, your skin is looking like a lobster and feels like it’s on fire. If you’ve got big, painful blisters and the redness seems to be spreading, you might be dealing with sun poisoning. Regular sunburn usually isn’t this intense and can often be managed with some aloe vera and a cool bath.
Feeling Nauseous?
Sun poisoning can upset your stomach, leading to nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. If your tummy’s in turmoil, it’s a red flag that your body is having a rough time handling the sun.
Running a Fever
Feeling hot and cold at the same time? A high fever and chills are common with sun poisoning. When your body gets too hot from the sun, it struggles to keep its temperature in check, causing these symptoms.
Headaches and Dizzy Spells
A sun-soaked day can sometimes lead to dehydration and heat exhaustion, which might leave you with a throbbing headache or feeling dizzy. If you can’t seem to shake off the light-headedness, it could be a sign of sun poisoning.
Dehydration Woes
Feeling parched and seeing dark urine? Dehydration is a big clue that you’ve had too much sun. Make sure you’re drinking lots of water and replenishing lost fluids.
What to Do If You Think You’ve Got Sun Poisoning
- Chill Out and Hydrate: Get out of the sun and find some shade. Drink up—water is your best friend right now. It’ll help rehydrate you and flush out toxins.
- Cool Down: Apply a cool, damp cloth to your sunburned skin to ease the pain and reduce inflammation. It’s like giving your skin a refreshing drink.
- Avoid More Sun: Stay out of direct sunlight until you’re feeling better. Sunburned skin needs time to heal without any more damage.
- Over-the-Counter Help: Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory meds can help with discomfort and swelling. But remember, they’re just a temporary fix—professional medical advice is crucial.
When To Seek Medical Attention
If you’re dealing with severe symptoms like a high fever, constant vomiting, extreme dehydration, or serious blistering, it’s time to get some professional help. These signs can lead to bigger health problems if you don’t address them promptly. Visiting urgent care will get you the right treatment and help prevent any serious issues down the road. In a nutshell, enjoying the sun is great, but knowing when you’ve had too much can make a big difference. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t hesitate to get checked out. Your health should always come first!
Get Walk-In Healthcare at AFC Urgent Care Grand Junction
If you experience sun poisoning or other heat-related illness, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional. At AFC Urgent Care Grand Junction, our medical team can ensure that you receive the appropriate treatment to alleviate your symptoms and prevent complications in a timely manner. Our urgent care center is conveniently located at 995 Independent Avenue in Grand Junction, CO. We’re open seven days a week and appointments are never required to be seen by one of our board-certified providers. Just walk-in any day of the week between 8am and 8pm. We accept most health insurance plans and offer low-cost options for self-paying patients. If you have any additional questions about sun poisoning treatment, or other services we provide, please contact us directly at (970) 609-2001.
