What does getting sun sick feel like? Decoding severe sunburn symptoms

Overexposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause a severe reaction often mislabeled as “sun poisoning.” What does getting sun sick feel like is not a simple question, as the effects extend far beyond the typical skin redness of a mild sunburn, potentially affecting your entire body and making you feel genuinely unwell.

Quick Summary

Getting sun sick, or experiencing severe sun poisoning, can feel much like having the flu, with symptoms including fever, chills, nausea, headache, and severe skin blistering after extended sun exposure.

Key Points

• Flu-like Symptoms: Sun sickness can cause fever, chills, and nausea, mimicking the flu, a reaction to severe UV exposure.

• Severe Skin Damage: Watch for blistering, swelling, and intense pain, which are key indicators of sun poisoning and signify a deeper level of skin damage.

• Dehydration Risk: Many systemic symptoms like headache and dizziness are directly caused by dehydration, a major complication of severe sunburn.

• Distinction from Heatstroke: While symptoms overlap, sun sickness is a reaction to UV damage, while heatstroke is a potentially fatal overheating of the body with different skin signs.

• Immediate Treatment: The first steps to recovery include getting out of the sun, cooling the skin, and rehydrating with plenty of fluids.

• When to See a Doctor: High fever, widespread blistering, confusion, or persistent vomiting are signs that warrant immediate medical attention.

What is Sun Sickness (Sun Poisoning)?

Despite its common name, "sun poisoning" isn't caused by a toxin but is a severe, systemic reaction to excessive UV radiation. It indicates that your body has suffered significant damage beyond the surface level and is reacting with a range of symptoms. While a typical sunburn is marked by painful, red skin, sun sickness involves a much more intense inflammatory response, leading to a host of debilitating, flu-like symptoms that can affect your entire body.

The body's inflammatory response

When your skin is overexposed to UV light, it triggers a strong inflammatory reaction. This response is the body’s way of trying to heal the damaged cells, but it releases chemicals called cytokines that can cause systemic symptoms like fever and fatigue. This means that the illness is not just localized to your skin but is a widespread response involving your immune system.

The telltale symptoms of sun sickness

The signs of sun sickness typically appear within a few hours to a day after sun exposure and can last for several days or even weeks in severe cases. The symptoms can be categorized into skin-related and systemic issues.

Skin-related symptoms

• Severe redness and pain: The affected skin becomes intensely red, swollen, and extremely painful, often feeling hot to the touch.
• Blistering and peeling: Blisters indicate a second-degree burn, and they should be left intact to prevent infection. Peeling will follow as the body sheds the damaged layers of skin.
• Rashes: In some cases, a severe sun poisoning rash may develop, which can be intensely itchy.

Systemic symptoms

• Fever and chills: A fever accompanied by chills is a common indicator of a severe reaction, signaling the body's battle against the extensive UV damage.
• Headaches: Severe, throbbing headaches can occur, often worsened by dehydration.
• Nausea and vomiting: Feeling nauseous or experiencing vomiting can be signs of dehydration and the body’s overall distress.
• Dizziness and lightheadedness: These are often linked to dehydration and a loss of electrolytes.
• Fatigue and weakness: The body expends significant energy repairing the damaged skin, leading to overwhelming tiredness.

Sun Sickness vs. Heat Exhaustion

It's easy to confuse sun sickness with other heat-related illnesses, especially if the weather is hot. However, the cause and some key symptoms differ significantly. Understanding the distinction is vital for proper treatment and knowing when to seek emergency care.

Feature	Sun Sickness (Sun Poisoning)	Heat Exhaustion	Heat Stroke (Emergency)
Cause	Excessive UV radiation exposure	Overheating due to high temps, physical exertion	Dangerous core body temperature >104°F
Skin Appearance	Severe, blistering sunburn; may be swollen	Clammy, sweaty, and pale skin	Hot, dry skin (or sometimes sweaty); flushed face
Symptom Focus	Skin damage and systemic, flu-like illness	Dehydration, muscle cramps, fatigue, dizziness	Altered mental state, confusion, seizures, fainting
Sweating	May be present, but the body's temperature regulation is less the central issue	Heavy sweating as the body tries to cool itself	Lack of sweating is a serious sign; body's cooling system fails
Urgency	Seek medical help for severe blistering, high fever, or confusion	Find cool place, rehydrate, rest; can progress to heat stroke	Medical emergency; call 911 immediately

How to treat sun sickness at home

If you are experiencing symptoms, taking action quickly is crucial. Here are some steps you can take for milder cases, but remember that severe cases require professional medical attention.

1. Get out of the sun immediately: Move indoors or find a cool, shady area to prevent further damage.
2. Cool your skin: Apply cool (not ice cold) compresses or take a cool bath or shower. Adding colloidal oatmeal to a bath can also soothe skin.
3. Hydrate: Drink plenty of water and electrolyte-rich fluids. Dehydration often worsens systemic symptoms like headache and nausea.
4. Soothe your skin: Apply aloe vera gel or a fragrance-free, soy-based moisturizer to damp skin. Avoid oily lotions that trap heat.
5. Manage pain and inflammation: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help reduce pain and swelling.
6. Protect the blisters: Do not pop blisters. They protect the underlying skin and are susceptible to infection if broken.

When to seek medical attention

While home remedies can treat mild cases, you must know when to seek professional help. Go to the doctor or urgent care if you experience any of the following:

• Your skin is severely blistered or covers a large portion of your body.
• You have a high fever (over 101°F) and chills.
• You experience intense nausea and vomiting.
• You feel dizzy, confused, or faint.
• Your skin shows signs of infection (pus, increased swelling, red streaks).

Preventing future sun sickness

The best way to deal with sun sickness is to avoid it altogether. Prevention is key to protecting your skin and overall health. Here are essential tips:

• Use broad-spectrum sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Reapply every two hours, or more often if swimming or sweating.
• Wear protective clothing: Opt for long-sleeved shirts, pants, and wide-brimmed hats made from tightly woven fabric. Consider sun-protective clothing with a UPF rating.
• Seek shade: Limit sun exposure, especially during peak hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m..
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day when spending time outdoors, not just when you feel thirsty.
• Be mindful of medications: Certain medications can increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun. Check with your doctor or pharmacist about any photosensitive side effects.

For more detailed information on preventing sun damage and heat-related illnesses, visit the CDC's website.

Conclusion

Understanding what getting sun sick feels like is the first step toward recovery and prevention. It is a serious condition that goes far beyond a simple sunburn, affecting your entire body with flu-like symptoms. By recognizing the warning signs and taking appropriate action, you can protect your health and enjoy the outdoors safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to feel sun sick after sun exposure?

Symptoms of sun sickness, or severe sun poisoning, typically begin to appear several hours after prolonged exposure to the sun and tend to worsen within 12 to 24 hours.

Is sun sickness the same as heat exhaustion?

No, sun sickness and heat exhaustion are different. Sun sickness is a severe reaction to UV radiation, while heat exhaustion is caused by the body overheating. While symptoms can overlap, a distinguishing feature of sun sickness is severe skin damage like blistering.

Can you get sun sick even if you don't have fair skin?

Yes, people of all skin types are susceptible to severe UV damage. While fair-skinned individuals may be at higher risk, prolonged unprotected exposure can cause sun sickness in anyone.

What is the fastest way to relieve sun sickness symptoms?

To get fast relief, move indoors, apply cool compresses to the affected skin, drink plenty of water, and use aloe vera gel to soothe the burn. Over-the-counter pain relievers can also help reduce discomfort.

Should I pop the blisters from sun poisoning?

No, you should not pop the blisters. They are the body's natural protection against infection. Breaking them increases the risk of scarring and infection.

What kind of lotion is best for treating severe sunburn?

Use soothing, fragrance-free moisturizers containing aloe vera or soy. Avoid products with alcohol, petroleum, or heavy oils, which can trap heat and worsen the burn.

What does a sun poisoning rash feel like?

A sun poisoning rash can feel intensely itchy and may appear as small red bumps or larger, red, inflamed patches on the skin, often accompanied by pain and warmth.