About all

Itchy sunburn with bumps. Sun Poisoning 101: Unraveling the Mystery of Itchy Sunburns and Bumps

What is sun poisoning? How does it differ from a regular sunburn? Discover the signs, symptoms, and treatments for this sun-induced skin reaction.

Understanding Sun Poisoning: Beyond a Typical Sunburn

Sun poisoning, also known as polymorphic light eruption (PMLE), is not actually a form of poisoning but rather an allergic reaction to sunlight. It is a sun-induced rash that can manifest in various ways, typically presenting as an itchy, red, and bumpy skin irritation in sun-exposed areas. This condition is caused by the immune system’s response to changes in the skin triggered by ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Sun Poisoning

The most common signs of sun poisoning include an itchy, red rash with small bumps or elevated patches of skin. The rash can develop within hours or days of sun exposure and may last several days before subsiding. In some cases, individuals may also experience chills, fever, nausea, and dehydration. It’s important to note that the severity and specific symptoms can vary from person to person.

Who is at Risk of Developing Sun Poisoning?

Sun poisoning can affect anyone, but it is more prevalent in individuals with lighter skin tones and hair colors. People with Fitzpatrick skin type 1, which is characterized by an ivory skin tone, light blue, green, or gray eyes, and red or light blonde hair, are at a higher risk of developing PMLE. Additionally, women are nearly four times more likely to experience sun poisoning compared to men, and the condition is more common in areas with higher elevations and temperate climates.

Differentiating Between Sunburn and Sun Poisoning

While sunburn and sun poisoning share some similarities, they are distinct conditions. Sunburn is an acute injury to the skin caused by excessive UV exposure, whereas sun poisoning is an allergic reaction to sunlight. The key difference is that sun poisoning typically presents with a distinctive rash, while sunburn may not. It’s important to seek medical attention if the symptoms are severe or worrisome.

Preventing and Treating Sun Poisoning

To prevent sun poisoning, it’s crucial to use broad-spectrum sunscreen with an appropriate SPF, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure, especially during peak hours. If sun poisoning does occur, the primary treatment involves relieving the symptoms, such as applying aloe vera gel, taking anti-itch medications, and staying hydrated. In severe cases, medical intervention may be necessary to manage the condition effectively.

The Importance of Understanding Sun Poisoning

Sun poisoning is a significant health concern that can have a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life. By understanding the causes, symptoms, and risk factors associated with this condition, individuals can take proactive steps to prevent and manage sun-induced skin reactions, ultimately promoting better overall skin health and well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between sunburn and sun poisoning?. Sunburn is an acute injury to the skin caused by excessive UV exposure, while sun poisoning is an allergic reaction to sunlight that typically presents with a distinctive rash.

What are the symptoms of sun poisoning?. The most common symptoms of sun poisoning include an itchy, red rash with small bumps or elevated patches of skin, as well as potential chills, fever, nausea, and dehydration.

Who is at a higher risk of developing sun poisoning?. People with lighter skin tones and hair colors, particularly those with Fitzpatrick skin type 1, as well as women, are more susceptible to sun poisoning. The condition is also more prevalent in areas with higher elevations and temperate climates.

How can sun poisoning be prevented?. To prevent sun poisoning, it’s important to use broad-spectrum sunscreen with an appropriate SPF, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure, especially during peak hours.

What is the treatment for sun poisoning?. The primary treatment for sun poisoning involves relieving the symptoms, such as applying aloe vera gel, taking anti-itch medications, and staying hydrated. In severe cases, medical intervention may be necessary.

How does polymorphic light eruption (PMLE) relate to sun poisoning?. PMLE is the medical term for sun poisoning, as it describes the condition in which the immune system reacts to changes in the skin caused by UV radiation exposure, resulting in a rash.

Can sun poisoning be a serious condition?. While sun poisoning is typically not life-threatening, in severe cases, it can lead to symptoms like fever, chills, nausea, and dehydration, which may require medical attention.

Sun Poisoning 101 | MedExpress

August 23, 2022

You’ve heard of the term, but do you know what sun poisoning really is? It actually has nothing to do with poisoning and more to do with an allergic reaction on the skin from the sun. It’s a sun-induced rash in those who have developed sensitivity to sunlight. It typically appears as an itchy rash in sun-exposed areas hours to days after sun exposure and lasts several days before disappearing. Here’s your guide to the signs and treatment of sun poisoning and how you can prevent it.

Polymorphic Light Eruption (Sun Poisoning Rash)

The most common rash caused by sunlight is sun poisoning, also known as polymorphic light eruption (PMLE). It can take many distinct forms depending on your sensitivity to the sun. PMLE is a rash that develops as a result of sun exposure and is typically characterized by small, red bumps or slightly elevated patches of skin that are extremely itchy. Indeed, as previously stated, PMLE is a kind of photodermatoses, which is an unusual reaction to sunlight, most commonly the ultraviolet (UV) rays.

A PMLE rash is going to be an itchy rash that typically presents the same way in an individual each time they are sun exposed. Sun poisoning can start with the soreness you associate with a typical sunburn and be mistaken for it when you notice the red shoulder or thigh that goes white when you press your finger across it. After a few hours, however, things can start to go wrong when a scorching rash appears on your skin that itches and burns like crazy. While less likely, you may experience chills and/or become exceedingly thirsty. You might even feel nauseous. These are some of the signs and symptoms of sun poisoning. Polymorphic light eruption is brought on by UV radiation changing a substance in the skin, to which the immune system responds by inflaming the skin.2

Anyone can get PMLE, although it’s more common for people with lighter color skin and hair. The people most at risk of getting sun burn or poisoning are people with Fitzpatrick skin type 1. The Fitzpatrick skin types scale was created in 1975. It’s the system that classifies skin types according to the amount of pigment your skin has and your skin’s reaction to sun exposure. The Fitzpatrick skin type 1 is commonly recognized as an ivory skin color, light blue, light green, or light gray eyes and is typically paired with red or light blonde hair. The sun’s reaction on this skin type is normally to freckle, burn or peel when exposed. Women are nearly four times as likely to experience PMLE than males. Although the symptoms could appear at any age, they usually appear between the ages of 20 and 40. Additionally, it happens more commonly in areas with greater elevations and temperate climates.

Sun Poisoning Symptoms

We’ve all heard about sun poisoning, but how easy is it to identify when you have it? It usually presents itself as an itchy rash that occurs on sun exposed areas (arms, hands, chest, legs, feet), usually within hours of sun exposure. It can be similar to other allergic rashes, but usually resembles previous episodes in the same individual. Rarely, symptoms such as fever, headache, and nausea may be present. It can also take a few hours or days for the redness and discomfort of the rash to appear. There’s individual variation in the amount of UV exposure required to trigger PMLE, which can be different for everyone. However, the risk of developing the rash, and serious sunburns, goes up if you stay in the sun for long periods of time. That is especially true when not properly wearing sunscreen.

The exact cause of PMLE isn’t known. However, people who have a heightened sensitivity to sunlight, particularly UV radiation from the sun or other sources like tanning beds, get the rash. The term for this is photosensitivity. It triggers immune system activity, which results in an itchy rash. Polymorphic means “many forms,” and PMLE can look different for different people. Sun poisoning rash can manifest itself in a variety of ways (depending on the severity). These may include the following:

  • Skin redness and blistering
  • Severe bumpy rash
  • Pain and tingling
  • Swelling and intense itching
  • Headache
  • Fever and chills
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Dehydration

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s critical that you drink lots of water and electrolytes to stay hydrated and alert. If you’re feeling sick, nauseated, dizzy, or otherwise ill, it’s likely that you’re severely dehydrated and should seek medical attention. If you spot any oozing, increased redness, or streaking, it could indicate a developing infection and medical attention should also be sought immediately.

What is the Difference Between Sunburn and Sun Poison?

It’s sometimes difficult to distinguish between sunburn and sun poisoning. Sunburn is an acute injury to skin, resulting from sun exposure that can vary in severity. Sun poisoning is a recurrent condition that occurs in susceptible individuals due to an allergic response to UV rays. A sunburn is a temporary redness of the skin that goes away after a few days.

It’s probably sunburn if it’s smooth and is most likely sun poisoning if it is lumpy. A sunburn usually goes away after a few days, but a PMLE rash typically lasts longer. After you have been exposed to the sun for an extended period of time without adequate protection, blisters or a solar rash are common symptoms, though the severity varies depending on the person and amount of exposure. PMLE is likely in those that tend to break out in similar, itchy rashes each year after sun exposure. However, it may be a good idea to see your medical professional as they can help make the diagnosis and rule out other causes.

How Can You Prevent Sun Poisoning?

The best way to avoid symptoms of PMLE is by taking steps to prevent it. It all starts with following the basics of sun safety. Wear sunscreen with at least an SPF of 30 and the words “broad-spectrum” on the label, which implies it protects against both UVA and UVB rays from the sun. Apply it to your entire body 15 to 30 minutes before going outside in the sun. Reapply at least every two hours and after being in the water or sweating. PMLE can also be caused by sunlight through a window so make sure to wear sunscreen inside and outside.

It’s also a good idea to limit your sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and keep in mind that water, snow and sand can magnify the sun’s harmful rays. Yes, that’s right – sunburn isn’t just a concern for the summertime! Protect yourself by using sunglasses, a hat, and protective gear. We recommend covering up with long sleeves or a broad-brimmed hat if you’re going to be out in the sun for an extended amount of time.

Last but not least, don’t rely solely on sunscreen and other forms of UV protection to keep you safe from the sun. Move to a shady spot if you start to burn or if your skin becomes red, bumpy, or irritated from the sun.

Sun Poisoning Treatment

Depending on the degree of the burn, sun poisoning can continue for weeks. You can also face the danger of getting an infection if you scratch or pick at the burn. If you detect any bleeding or oozing, you should seek medical attention because it could be an indication of infection and require proper care.

The majority of sunburns and sun poisoning can be treated at home. Some methods for reducing pain or discomfort include:

  • Rehydrate with water, electrolyte-containing beverages or IV fluids.
  • Use a cool (but not freezing) compress, cool baths, aloe vera gel or steroid cream to soothe the sore area.
  • Avoid scratching or bursting blisters.
  • Exfoliate peeling skin gently.
  • Additional sun exposure should be avoided.
  • Ibuprofen or naproxen can help relieve discomfort and reduce swelling.
  • Apply an anti-itch cream or take an oral antihistamine.
  • Protect the rash from any more sun exposure and stay covered up.

With repeated exposure, sensitivity to sunlight decreases in polymorphous light eruption. Some characteristics of polymorphous light eruption are predictable:

  • After a prolonged period of no exposure to the sun, such as in the spring or early summer, an episode is most likely to happen after the first one or two exposures.
  • The duration of episodes decreases as the summer goes on.
  • After the first occurrence, it probably occurs yearly. Over several years, some people progressively lose their sensitivity and eventually stop getting the yearly rash.

While sunburn can be managed at home, sun poisoning may need medical attention. If you are experiencing any severe symptoms of discomfort, our friendly medical team is available to treat you and get you back to feeling better. Our neighborhood medical centers are open from 8 to 8, seven days a week with no appointment necessary.


References:

1 Healthline: Overview of Polymorphous Light Eruption (Sun Allergy). Last updated May 9, 2022. Accessed May 14, 2022.

2 NHS: Polymorphic light eruption. Last updated July 28, 2021. Accessed May 14, 2022.

3 Optum Hospice Pharmacy Services LLC: Polymorphous light eruption. Last updated March 25, 2021. Accessed May 14, 2022.

4 Mayo Clinic: Polymorphous light eruption. Last updated March 15, 2022. Accessed May 14, 2022.

5 Healthline: Sun Poisoning. Last updated on September 28, 2018. Accessed May 14, 2022.

Poisoning, Allergy, Treatment, Causes, Pictures, and More

Sun Rash: Poisoning, Allergy, Treatment, Causes, Pictures, and More

  • Health Conditions
    • Featured
      • Breast Cancer
      • IBD
      • Migraine
      • Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
      • Rheumatoid Arthritis
      • Type 2 Diabetes
    • Articles
      • Acid Reflux
      • ADHD
      • Allergies
      • Alzheimer’s & Dementia
      • Bipolar Disorder
      • Cancer
      • Crohn’s Disease
      • Chronic Pain
      • Cold & Flu
      • COPD
      • Depression
      • Fibromyalgia
      • Heart Disease
      • High Cholesterol
      • HIV
      • Hypertension
      • IPF
      • Osteoarthritis
      • Psoriasis
      • Skin Disorders and Care
      • STDs
  • Discover
    • Wellness Topics
      • Nutrition
      • Fitness
      • Skin Care
      • Sexual Health
      • Women’s Health
      • Mental Well-Being
      • Sleep
    • Product Reviews
      • Vitamins & Supplements
      • Sleep
      • Mental Health
      • Nutrition
      • At-Home Testing
      • CBD
      • Men’s Health
    • Original Series
      • Fresh Food Fast
      • Diagnosis Diaries
      • You’re Not Alone
      • Present Tense
    • Video Series
      • Youth in Focus
      • Healthy Harvest
      • No More Silence
      • Future of Health
  • Plan
    • Health Challenges
      • Mindful Eating
      • Sugar Savvy
      • Move Your Body
      • Gut Health
      • Mood Foods
      • Align Your Spine
    • Find Care
      • Primary Care
      • Mental Health
      • OB-GYN
      • Dermatologists
      • Neurologists
      • Cardiologists
      • Orthopedists
    • Lifestyle Quizzes
      • Weight Management
      • Am I Depressed? A Quiz for Teens
      • Are You a Workaholic?
      • How Well Do You Sleep?
    • Tools & Resources
      • Health News
      • Find a Diet
      • Find Healthy Snacks
      • Drugs A-Z
      • Health A-Z
  • Connect
      • Breast Cancer
      • Inflammatory Bowel Disease
      • Psoriatic Arthritis
      • Migraine
      • Multiple Sclerosis
      • Psoriasis

Medically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, D. O. — By Jaime Herndon, MS, MPH, MFA — Updated on December 10, 2021

A sun rash can occur due to a genetic condition or the use of a certain medication. The rash may appear as small blisters and cause an itching or burning feeling, among other symptoms.

Sun rash is a type of photodermatosis, where exposure to sunlight causes a reaction on your skin. One common sun rash is called polymorphous light eruption (PMLE), sometimes also called a sun poisoning rash.

PMLE is a red, itchy rash that appears because of exposure to sunlight.

Many people incorrectly refer to PMLE as a sun allergy. In fact, as mentioned, PMLE is a type of photodermatosis. This refers to a sun-related skin disorder. It is one of the most common forms, occurring in around 10 to 20 percent of people.

Other kinds of sun rash can:

  • have hereditary causes
  • relate to the use of certain medications
  • have links to exposure to compounds in certain plants

We explain how to spot sun rash, what causes it, and how to manage symptoms once they develop.

Sun rash typically appears several hours or days after sun exposure. It can develop anywhere on the body that’s exposed to sunlight. Some kinds of sun rash occur on skin that’s usually covered in the fall and winter, such as your chest or arms.

Characteristics of the rash can vary between people depending on skin type, but they can include:

  • groups of small bumps or blisters
  • itchy red patches
  • areas of the skin that feel like they’re burning
  • raised or rough patches of skin

If a person also has a severe sunburn, they might also feel a fever or headache.

Some people who get sun rash live with a rare photodermatosis called solar urticaria (sun allergy hives). Folks with solar urticaria may feel the following symptoms alongside sun rash:

  • faintness
  • breathlessness
  • headache
  • other allergy symptoms

These symptoms will usually happen within a few minutes of sun exposure for people with solar urticaria.

Doctors have yet to work out exactly what causes sun rash.

UV radiation from the sun or artificial sources like sunlamps might cause reactions in some people with a sensitivity to this type of light. The resulting immune reaction triggers the rash.

Some risk factors for certain kinds of sun rash can include:

  • being assigned female at birth
  • having light skin
  • living in Northern regions, such as Scandinavia, Central Europe, and the United States
  • having a family history of sun rash
  • living in high altitude areas

If you experience a rash after being out in the sun, it’s important to speak with a doctor, such as a dermatologist (if you have access to one). They can rule out other conditions like contact dermatitis or lupus.

Your doctor can also examine the area to see what kind of sun-induced rash it might be. If you’ve never had a sun rash before and suddenly get one, call your doctor.

You should get immediate medical attention if your rash becomes widespread and painful or if you also have a fever. Sometimes, sun rashes can mimic other, more serious ailments, so it’s best to have a medical professional examine you.

Healthcare professionals do not always recommend treatment for sun rash. Most of the time, it can resolve without treatment in a few days. However, this depends on the specific rash and if there’s severe sun poisoning.

The following remedies can help you manage your comfort while the rash is visible:

  • Apply anti-itching creams. If your rash itches, an over-the-counter (OTC) anti-itch corticosteroid cream like hydrocortisone can be helpful. OTC oral antihistamines can also help.
  • Try cold compresses or a cool bath. These can also provide itch relief.
  • Avoid scratching at any blisters. If you have any blisters or if the rash is painful, don’t scratch or pop the blisters. This can lead to infection. You can cover the blisters with gauze to help protect them and take an OTC pain-relieving medication like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol)
  • Use gentle moisturizers. As your skin starts to heal, you can use gentle moisturizers to relieve itching from dry or irritated skin.

These remedies aren’t effective for everyone. If the treatments don’t have the desired effect, you might need to reach out to a doctor. They can prescribe you a stronger anti-itch cream or oral medication to relieve symptoms.

For people who regularly take medication for another condition, a doctor can let you know if your sun rash is a side effect of the medication.

If your sun rash is due to an allergy, your doctor might prescribe allergy medication or corticosteroids to help address any symptoms you might be having. Sometimes, a physician will prescribe the antimalarial medication hydroxychloroquine, since it’s been shown to address symptoms of certain types of photodermatoses.

There are precautions you can take to minimize your risk of sun rash happening again:

  • Wear sunscreen. Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 about a half hour before going out into the sun, and reapply every 2 hours (sooner if you go swimming or are sweating a lot).
  • Protect your skin with long-sleeve shirts and a wide-brim hat. You might also want to think about wearing specially made clothes that contain sun protective factors.
  • Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun’s rays are most intense. For extra protection, stay out of the sun until after 4 p.m.
  • Depending on the type of sun rash, it may be beneficial to gradually expose yourself to more light in the spring. This might help reduce the likelihood of developing a rash. Work with your doctor to be on the safe side.

Sun rash often goes away on its own, but it can recur with exposure to sunlight.

Sun rash typically goes away within a few days, depending on the underlying cause. If your rash recurs despite taking precautions or doesn’t seem to be improving with treatment, call your doctor.

Last medically reviewed on December 10, 2021

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

  • Harris BW, et al. (2021). Solar urticaria.
    ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441986/
  • Lehmann P, et al. (2011). Photodermatoses: Diagnosis and treatment.
    ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3063367/
  • Oakley AM, et al. (2021). Polymorphic light eruption.
    ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430886/
  • Sun poisoning dangers: Symptoms, treatment and prevention. (2014).
    share.upmc.com/2014/06/dangers-sun-poisoning/

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Current Version

Dec 10, 2021

Written By

Jaime R. Herndon, MS, MPH, MFA

Edited By

Adam Felman

Medically Reviewed By

Stacy Sampson, D.O.

Copy Edited By

Chris Doka

Oct 24, 2018

Written By

Jaime R. Herndon, MS, MPH, MFA

Medically Reviewed By

Stacy Sampson, D.O.

Share this article

Medically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, D.O. — By Jaime Herndon, MS, MPH, MFA — Updated on December 10, 2021

Read this next

  • Sun Poisoning

    Medically reviewed by Catherine Hannan, M.D.

    Sun poisoning refers to a case of severe sunburn. It occurs after you’ve been exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun for an extended period of…

    READ MORE

  • Everything You Should Know About Solar Urticaria

    While it’s rare, some people have allergic reactions to the sun — a condition known as solar urticaria. Learn more about its causes and treatments.

    READ MORE

  • How to Identify a Tanning Bed Rash

    Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP

    Tanning beds are a popular way to make your skin look tanner without going outside. One side effect of tanning is something called a tanning bed rash…

    READ MORE

  • How Long Does a Sunburn Take to Heal?

    Medically reviewed by Sarah Taylor, MD, FAAD

    So, you forgot to put on sunscreen and fell asleep in your lawn chair. Learn about what to expect as your body works to remove and repair the damaged…

    READ MORE

  • Every Sunscreen Question You Have, Answered

    Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP

    Find out if kids need different sunscreens from adults, if sunscreen can be toxic, and whether it matters if you’re slathering on SPF 100.

    READ MORE

  • What to Do When a Scab Becomes Infected

    Medically reviewed by Judith Marcin, M.D.

    A scab is your body’s natural way of healing from an injury that broke your skin. If not handled properly, a scab can become infected. Here’s how to…

    READ MORE

  • How to Identify and Treat Nail Pitting

    Medically reviewed by Graham Rogers, M.D.

    Have you ever noticed little depressions in your fingernails and toenails? This is called nail pitting. Here’s why it happens and what you can do…

    READ MORE

  • What Are the Best Scar Creams for 2023?

    Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP

    This roundup covers our top picks for best scar creams, from the best overall to creams for postsurgery, old scars, and fading discoloration.

    READ MORE

  • Using Hydrogen Peroxide to Remove Earwax

    Medically reviewed by Nicole Leigh Aaronson, MD, MBA, CPE, FACS, FAAP

    Hydrogen peroxide is one of several home remedies for earwax removal. Learn more about why this works, how to try it, and other treatment options.

    READ MORE

Photodermatosis: a common sun allergy

Summer sun dermatitis, often referred to as sun allergy, is the most common form of photodermatosis. This disease is caused by increased sensitivity of the skin to ultraviolet radiation and is caused by exposure to sunlight. This phenomenon is not uncommon today – about 20% of the population worldwide faces photodermatosis. Allergies show up as small red itchy dots. This usually happens after 12 hours. Relapses are often inevitable. Sun allergies can be more severe: more dots, more itching, and more affected areas.

Sun allergies are very common in women between the ages of 15 and 35. It causes discomfort and negatively affects the appearance, is expressed in the appearance of small red spots that cause intense itching and burning. On the face, these spots usually do not appear, but they are on the neck, shoulders, arms and legs. Other symptoms of photodermatosis: peeling of the skin, rashes in the form of papules or folliculitis (pustules), prolonged pigmentation in the affected areas.

Often the symptoms do not appear immediately. Unlike sunburn, photodermatosis can develop only a few hours after returning home (phototoxic reaction), and sometimes even after a few days (photoallergic reaction).

Photodermatosis is caused by ultraviolet rays, especially UVA rays. Their negative impact is increased by deodorants, perfumes, ointments and creams that were applied to sensitive skin before sun exposure. Some substances in perfumes and cosmetics can react with ultraviolet light and cause allergies. This property has, for example, eosin contained in lipstick, and para-aminobenzoic acid, which is part of some sunscreens. Other substances have a similar effect: phenol, retinoids, salicylic, boric and polyunsaturated fatty acids, parsley juice, rose oil, bergamot, musk, St. John’s wort and sandalwood.

It is not uncommon for medications to cause symptoms of sun allergy. In particular: barbiturates, antihistamines, cytostatics, oral contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy drugs, sulfonamides, chlorpromazine, certain cardiovascular drugs, certain antibiotics and certain anti-inflammatory drugs. An increased reaction to ultraviolet light is also manifested in the case of a decrease in the protective function of the skin due to additional exposure to it (for example, peeling, cosmetic manipulations). Often the cause of photodermatosis is a violation of the hepatobiliary and gastrointestinal tract.

And there is only one way to solve this problem – to prevent its occurrence. The ideal solution is to avoid the sun or wear protective clothing. If the sun cannot be avoided:

  • do not sunbathe between 11.00 – 16.00
  • before going to the beach, do not use perfumes and creams containing alcohol
  • sunbathe gradually (20-30 minutes a day)
  • Use a broad spectrum sunscreen with a strong protection factor (against UVA and UVB rays). The first days only on limited areas of the skin. And only after making sure that there is no photodermatosis, when applying these products to certain areas of the skin, use them on all surfaces of the skin.
  • reapply the cream every two hours
  • if it was still not possible to avoid negative effects on the skin, and there is no way to consult a doctor, you can remove the acute manifestations of photodermatosis using cold lotions and special after-sun products containing panthenol. It is better and more effective to seek help from a dermatologist or allergist.
  • in the period of exacerbation of allergies, follow a hypoallergenic diet, exclude the intake of alcoholic beverages.

It is important to take every precaution to achieve the best possible result.

Sunburn – MedSwiss Medical Center

Summer, sun, heat… You just want to lie in the sun, on the banks of the river or on the beach by the sea and acquire a beautiful golden skin tone, which you can show off to your pale-faced colleagues and friends. But here we can expect trouble in the form of sunburn. Sunburn is not only painful, but also unaesthetic, so before going to the beach, you must use sunscreen. When buying a cream, you need to pay attention to the protection factor (SPF) – it can be from 2 to 50, and in modern creams up to 100. When choosing a cream protection factor, it is important to consider the natural color of your skin: the lighter your skin, the more the degree to which it is exposed to the infrared part of the sunlight spectrum, the higher the risk of sunburn and the higher the protection factor of the cream you should prefer. It is recommended to apply sunscreen 30 minutes before sun exposure and then every 2 hours or immediately after swimming. In addition, the time spent on the beach also remains relevant: it is optimal to be in the open sun from 8 am to 11-12 noon, and then from 4 pm.

It is important to remember that prolonged exposure to the sun without the use of protective equipment significantly increases the risk of developing skin cancer (melanoma, squamous cell skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma), keratosis, and also leads to premature skin aging.


What to do if sunburn does happen?

First of all, you need to get out of the sun. Then you need to treat areas of damaged skin with soothing creams containing D-panthenol. At the first stage, it can be a spray with D-panthenol, and then a cream with D-panthenol, or Bepanten cream, or Radevit cream. The skin needs to be processed quite often – 3-4 times a day. In the days following the burn, you should avoid direct contact of the burned areas of the skin with the sun’s rays, wear clothes that cover your shoulders and arms. In the future, it is desirable to use sunscreens with higher protection factors.

If the sun’s rays not only had a local effect on the skin, but also led to a violation of the general condition in the form of malaise, rise in body temperature (sometimes up to 39-40C), headache, dizziness, loss of consciousness, i.e. to a condition that is popularly called “sunstroke”, you need to do the following: immediately go into the shade, if the victim cannot leave on his own, then he must be transferred, ice should be applied to the head and large vessels (this is the neck, armpits, groin area) .