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What Are the Different Types of Sun Poisoning Treatment?
Sun poisoning refers to a serious sunburn, and it can occur after only a short exposure to the sun. Once an individual realizes that he has developed sun poisoning, the first step in treatment is to get out of the sun and to stay out of it until at least the worst of the symptoms disappear. Drinking plenty of water can help rehydrate the body, and cool compresses on the exposed, burned skin can help alleviate heat. In some cases, taking a cool bath can help, although submersion in cold water can cause more damage.
For an individual suffering from sun poisoning, the temperature of the skin has generally been raised well above comfort level. To bring this temperature back down, damp, cool towels should be applied to the most severely exposed areas of the body, or mild, cool water should be run over the skin. This high body temperature can also cause the individual to become severely dehydrated, which can make symptoms such as headaches and weakness worse. Sun poisoning treatment often involves drinking plenty of cool water or drinks containing electrolytes to help restore balance to the body.
Cooling gels can be applied to the skin in places it has been burned the worst. Aloe can help remove some of the heat and relieve the pain of the sunburn. In some cases, there can be an incessant itchy feeling to the burned skin, especially as it begins to heal. Application of calamine lotion as part of sun poisoning treatment can help relieve some of the itching and also help keep the individual from scratching the already damaged skin.
Sun poisoning treatment can also include pain relief. Damaged skin can become tight and painful, and many over-the-counter pain relievers can be taken in order to alleviate some of the discomfort. After the skin begins to heal, applying moisturizers can also help relieve the tightness.
Severe cases of sun poisoning may require professional medical attention. If an individual exposed to the sun begins to suffer from difficulties breathing, a racing heart, dizziness, or fainting spells, it may be necessary to call for professional help in sun poisoning treatment. While waiting, getting the individual out of the sun and into a cool area is crucial, as is getting him or her to drink liquids to replenish lost moisture. An individual on certain types of medication, such as birth control and antidepressants, can be more susceptible to developing a severe case of sun poisoning.
For the most severe cases, sun poisoning treatment may also include a dose of antibiotics to help keep infection from setting in. Areas of the skin that have been badly damaged may require topical creams and bandages while healing. An individual may also be instructed to continue to increase fluid intake while the burns heal.
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![A man with sun poisoning.]()
By: soupstockA man with sun poisoning. -
![Aloe vera gel can help with sun burn.]()
By: sassyphotosAloe vera gel can help with sun burn. -
![Some after sun products contain vitamin E and other deep moisturizers that help rehydrate the skin in cases of sun poisoning.]()
By: AntonioguillemSome after sun products contain vitamin E and other deep moisturizers that help rehydrate the skin in cases of sun poisoning.
Discussion Comments
@umbra21 - It is important to make sure you don't get too much sun. But you also have to make sure you get enough. Humans need vitamin D from sunlight and there has been a trend recently of children getting sick because they don't get enough. Their parents rarely let them into the sun because they are afraid of long term damage and they slather them in sunscreen each time. There has to be a balance between avoiding the sun like poison and making sure you get healthy amounts to live well.
@KoiwiGal - The thing about sunburn remedies is that no matter how well they work in the short term, they don't mitigate the long term effects of sun damage. Skin cancer is becoming more and more of a concern for people around the world and the risk of it is made much greater every time a person gets a sunburn, or even a tan.
The best way to prevent it is to use sunscreen and avoid going out in the middle of the day as much as possible.
The aloe vera plant can work wonders if you've burned yourself, as long as you use it right away. It will still help if you wait a bit before using it, but it won't be quite as effective.
All you have to do is take a few leaves and split them open, then smear the gel inside on the burn. I once managed to burn a strip on my lower back when I was riding my bike to a friend's house and didn't realize that my shirt had hitched up a little bit. It was a bad enough burn that I expected to have massive blisters but my friend treated it with aloe vera and it barely even hurt the next day.
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