Summertime is the best time of year, right? The sun is shining, the weather is warm, and there's nothing better than spending a day at the beach. What do you do if you spend too much time in the sun and start to feel sick? You may have sun poisoning!
AFC Urgent Care Louisville provides treatment for sun poisoning and other severe sunburns. While, in many cases, there is not much we can do for the skin, our providers can recommend treatment for additional symptoms. Visit our urgent care clinic today for sun poisoning treatment.
What is sun poisoning, and what are the symptoms?
Sun poisoning is a type of severe sunburn that can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, fever, and chills. The skin may also blister and peel.
Sun poisoning is usually caused by spending too much time in the sun without wearing sunscreen or protective clothing. It can also be caused by using a tanning bed.
How do you know if you have sun poisoning, and what should you do about it?
The symptoms of sun poisoning can start within a few hours of being in the sun. If you are showing signs of any of these symptoms, as well as severe sunburn, it's important you receive medical attention:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Fever
- Chills
- Dehydration
What are some of the long-term effects of sun poisoning?
Sun poisoning can increase your risk for skin cancer, so it’s important to take steps to protect yourself from the sun. This includes wearing sunscreen, staying in the shade, and covering up with clothing.
If you have sun poisoning, you should also avoid using tanning beds. Tanning beds can cause the same harmful effects as the sun and can increase your risk for skin cancer.
Are there any treatments available for sun poisoning?
Yes, there are treatments for sun poisoning. Treatment options include taking pain relievers, applying cool compresses to the skin, and using hydrocortisone cream.
In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary. If you have sun poisoning, it’s important to stay out of the sun until your symptoms go away.
How can you prevent sun poisoning?
The most effective way to prevent sun poisoning is to avoid excessive exposure to the sun. This means wearing sunscreen, staying in the shade, and covering up with clothing.
If you are in direct sunlight, make sure to reapply sunscreen often and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. If you start to feel sick, get out of the sun and seek medical attention right away.
Sun poisoning is a serious and painful condition that can be life-threatening. If you start to feel sick after spending time in the sun, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. With prompt and effective treatment, most people make a full recovery. Call or visit AFC Urgent Care Louisville to learn more.
