Sunburns can indeed make a person feel sick. Beyond the immediate pain and redness associated with sunburn, severe cases can lead to symptoms such as fever, chills, nausea, and fatigue. This occurs when the skin's intense inflammatory response to ultraviolet (UV) radiation extends beyond the skin. It also triggers systemic effects that resemble those of an infection or illness. Thus, understanding the importance of proper sun protection helps to avoid these potentially serious side effects.
For same-day sunburn and heat-related illness treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care South Plainfield. Our medical team is dedicated to providing the most accessible, quality, and affordable care to all patients in the South Plainfield, NJ area. Just walk-in today!
How Can a Sunburn Make a Person Sick?
Sunburn can make a person sick by causing a condition known as sun poisoning or severe sunburn, which extends its effects beyond the skin. Here’s how it happens:
- Inflammatory response: The body's immune response to the damage caused by UV radiation results in widespread inflammation. This can lead to symptoms such as fever, chills, and a general feeling of malaise.
- Dehydration: Sunburn often leads to fluid loss through damaged skin and sweating, which can cause dehydration. Dehydration can result in headaches, dizziness, and nausea.
- Electrolyte imbalance: Severe sunburn and dehydration can disrupt the body's balance of electrolytes, leading to muscle cramps, fatigue, and nausea.
- Immune system stress: The body’s immune system becomes stressed as it tries to repair the damaged skin. This can weaken the body's ability to fend off other illnesses.
How to Prevent Sunburn
Preventing sunburn involves several proactive steps to protect your skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation:
- Use sunscreen
- Stay in the shade, especially during the peak sun hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when UV radiation is strongest.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, and wide-brimmed hats to cover as much skin as possible.
- Protect your eyes with sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays.
- Avoid tanning beds
When to Seek Medical Attention for a Sunburn
You should seek medical attention for sunburn if you experience any of the following:
- If your sunburn is extremely painful or if blisters cover a large portion of your body, it may be a sign of a severe burn requiring medical care.
- If you develop a high fever, chills, or feel unusually hot or cold.
- Persistent nausea, vomiting, or dehydration symptoms such as dizziness, extreme thirst, or decreased urine output are signs you should see a doctor.
- If you feel confused, lightheaded, or faint, it could indicate heat exhaustion or heatstroke.
- If the sunburned area is significantly swollen, intensely red, or shows signs of infection. This includes increased pain, pus, or red streaks leading away from the blistered area).
- Severe eye pain or sensitivity to light after sun exposure could be a sign of photokeratitis, which needs medical evaluation.
These symptoms indicate a more serious reaction that can lead to complications if left untreated. Prompt medical evaluation and treatment can alleviate discomfort, prevent further health issues, and ensure a quicker recovery. Hence, protecting your skin and visiting urgent care are key steps in maintaining your overall health and well-being.
Get Walk-In Summer Healthcare at AFC Urgent Care South Plainfield
While mild sunburns can be managed with supportive care, it’s important to seek medical attention if your condition worsens or persists. At AFC Urgent Care South Plainfield, we’re here to help you manage your sunburn and provide relief from additional heat-related illnesses. Don’t ignore your symptoms! Our urgent care center is open seven days a week and provides care on a walk-in basis, meaning no appointment is necessary to be seen by a medical provider. We accept most health insurance plans and provide low-cost options for self-paying patients. If you have any additional questions about sunburn prevention and treatment, or other services we provide, please contact us directly at (908) 222-3500.
