If You Have Had Too Much Sun

If you’ve had Too Much Sun:

Getting out in the sunlight has many benefits; including getting Vitamin D and giving your skin some color. Unfortunately, there is such a thing as getting too much sun which can cause a variety of issues for your health and for your skin. Here are some warning signs that you have been in the sun too long and what you should do about it.

Sunburns

When you spend too much time in the sun without wearing sunscreen, you are inevitably going to get sunburn. Sunburns skin cancer may seem like a minor inconvenience, but they can also be a warning sign of sun poisoning. Sun poisoning can be more severe in that it can cause small blisters on your skin which can get infected. You may also experience headaches, fever, nausea and dizziness as a result.

In most cases, sun poisoning can be a minor problem. However, it can easily get out of hand and require professional medical attention. If the burns are very painful, or if you start vomiting, you should go to an emergency room right away. A high fever of at least 104 degrees is also cause for getting medical attention immediately. At the hospital, you will probably receive fluids through an IV to help rehydrate you along with an external cream for reducing the inflammation on your skin.

Preventing Sun Damage

In order to prevent sun damage from being outside, there are several precautions you can take. For instance, always wear sunscreen if you are going to be outside for more than a few minutes. Doctors recommend that you use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more for ideal protection. You should also avoid taking certain medications when you are going to spend some time in the sun, especially if you are doing some strenuous activities. If you aren't sure if you are on those types of prescription medications, contact your physician or pharmacist to find out. Similarly, you should also be careful if you are on oral contraceptives, St. John's Worth, antidepressants and acne medications as these often have ingredients that make you more sensitive to potential sun damage.

If you enjoy spending time in the sun, it's important to do it the right way. Too much sun can cause a variety of problems despite its benefits of helping your skin look younger, providing Vitamin D, and making your feel more energetic. Make sure you are cautious and have the proper protection to prevent major sun damage to your body.