How to Identify and Treat Sun Poisoning

While many people know about sun burn, dehydration, and heat exhaustion, not as many people are aware of the dangers of sun poisoning. Sun poisoning is more extreme than normal sun burn, and needs to be treated after being identified to prevent it from becoming something worse, like sun stroke. Read on to learn how to both identify, and to treat, sun poisoning.

Things You'll Need

• Aloe Vera lotion
• Water
• Shade
• Beta Carotene supplements (optional but very helpful)
• Cold compass
• Sun screen (if you absolutely have to go outside while still recovering)

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Instructions

• 1

  The first indicator of sun poisoning is severe sunburn. Beyond the normal indicators for sunburn, people who are affected by sun poisoning often also have nausea, headaches, migraines, fever, dizziness, and diarrhea. A person afflicted by sun poisoning may not have every single one of these symptoms, but he/she will most likely have a few and may often describe themselves as "just not feeling right."

• 2

  After you identify sun poisoning, the next step is treatment. The first step is to IMMEDIATELY get the person out of the sun, preferably in a cool shaded place. Indoors with AC and a cool or lukewarm shower is a great start. A cold ice pack or compass is a good idea if the majority of pain is in one area (like the forehead or shoulders).

• 3

  Use Aloe Vera to treat the burned areas of skin. Avoid greasy or oily lotions.

• 4

  Take two aspirin. Not ibuprofen, not Aleve, but aspirin has been shown to help with the pain without negative side effects, and in general has helped the swelling and feelings of pain. In addition to aspirin, Beta Carotene supplements have been shown in lab tests to ease the inflammation that comes with sun burn and sun poisoning.

• 5

  Drink plenty of water, but do it slowly. You need to get re-hydrated, but you don't want to increase the dehydration by throwing up.

• 6

  If possible, stay indoor for a few days until you are fully recovered. If not, use strong sun protection and cover up.

• 7

  If at any point you have a very high fever or can't control vomiting, go to the emergency room immediately.