Sun poisoning is the common term for the medical condition known as photodermatitis. This condition is characterized by a rash on the areas of the skin that have been exposed to the sun. Areas which commonly get affected are the hands and the back of the neck. Photodermatitis results from an allergic reaction to the sun’s UV radiation. It causes the inflammation of the skin and may also result in redness and stinging. It can lead to long term damage to the skin. These reactions are more severe than those caused by sun burns and can cause a lot of discomfort. Blistering of the skin may also take place, increasing the risk of infection. Other symptoms of sun poisoning include fever, headache, nausea and dizziness. Dehydration may also take place due to loss of fluids and disruption in the electrolyte balance.
If the symptoms are relatively mild you can treat the condition in the same way you would treat a sun burn. Drink plenty of water and other fluids to restore the diminished fluid content in the body. Applying cold compresses such as an ice pack will help to reduce swelling and irritation. The itching will also be considerably reduced with the application of ice to the affected areas. Rubbing aloe vera gel to the affected skin is also beneficial. Make sure you do not expose the skin to the sun again until you recover completely. Avoid applying oils and creams that contain fragrances as these tend to irritate the skin.
If the burns are more severe, then you can soak in a bath of cool water. Do not rub the skin when drying it. Pat it dry gently so as not to irritate the skin further. Another good remedy for soothing the skin after sun poisoning, is to apply apple cider vinegar to the affected areas. Placing damp towels on the burned skin for fifteen minutes will soothe the skin. Cleansing the area with anti-bacterial soap will prevent infection from developing in the affected skin. Placing a cloth soaked in cold milk on the skin helps greatly in soothing the affected areas. Applying a few drops of cod liver oil to the affected areas helps to relieve sun burns. An excellent remedy for easing the itching resulting from sun poisoning is to apply a paste of grated cucumber and milk to the burned areas. Juice extracted from grated potato is also beneficial in treating skin irritation caused by sun burns and sun poisoning.