What are the symptoms of sun poisoning?

Author: Dr. Millie Kovacek  |  Last update: Friday, August 8, 2025

The symptoms of sun poisoning
  • blistering or peeling skin.
  • severe redness and pain.
  • fever and chills.
  • dehydration.
  • joint or muscle pain.
  • nausea and vomiting.
  • headaches.
  • dizziness or fainting.

How do you tell if you have sun poisoning?

Symptoms of sun poisoning last longer and are more severe. They start with a red rash and can progress to blisters, severe pain, swelling, and fever. Blisters indicate a second-degree burn and can result in severe complications, including: dehydration from loss of fluids and electrolytes.

What is the fastest way to get rid of sun poisoning?

Sun Poisoning Treatment
  1. Rehydrate with water, electrolyte-containing beverages or IV fluids.
  2. Use a cool (but not freezing) compress, cool baths, aloe vera gel or steroid cream to soothe the sore area.
  3. Avoid scratching or bursting blisters.
  4. Exfoliate peeling skin gently.
  5. Additional sun exposure should be avoided.

How long after sun exposure do you feel sick?

The pain and skin color changes tend to start after a few hours and peak after 24 hours or so. While mild sunburn symptoms may fade quickly, some signs of a severe burn, such as peeling skin, might linger for weeks. While sun poisoning can cause a rash that's hot to the touch, it's not the same as a heat rash.

When should you go to the ER for sun poisoning?

Severe sunburns can cause serious complications if you don't seek medical attention. The burners may blister and become infected with a bacterial infection. You may need emergency room treatment if you have a fever, feeling hot and shivery, dizziness, nausea, headaches, and muscle aches.

8 Common Symptoms of Sun Poisoning | GoodRx

Can a doctor do anything for sun poisoning?

Your physician can assess your burns to decide if you need more treatment. Treatment could include medication for inflammation or medicated cream to help your skin recover. The burn is accompanied by a high fever, chills or nausea. These could be signs of sun poisoning (a severe case of sunburn).

What does a 2nd degree sunburn look like?

Second-degree burns (also known as partial thickness burns) involve the epidermis and part of the dermis layer of skin. The burn site appears red, blistered, and may be swollen and painful.

Can being out in the sun all day make you sick?

Absolutely. Too much sun exposure can lead to dehydration, sun hangovers, and even flu-like symptoms due to immune activation.

What is the finger test for sunburn?

The fingertip test. Fingertip test for checking that skin blanches which is a normal skin reaction. Skin that does not blanch when gently pressed is damaged. Remove finger and there should be a blanched (pale) area where the finger was.

How quickly do you feel sick after exposure?

Incubation period for common infectious diseases

Common cold: 12 hours to three days. COVID-19: Two to 14 days (average of three to four days for omicron and its subvariants). Hand, foot and mouth disease: Three to six days. Influenza (flu): One to four days.

Does Benadryl help with sun poisoning?

An oral antihistamine such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl, Chlor-Trimeton, others) might help relieve itching as the skin begins to peel and heal underneath. Apply a soothing medicated cream.

What is hell's itch?

Hell's Itch is an inciting dermatologic reaction that can occur after sun exposure and is often characterized by symptoms such as intense pain, itching, paresthesia, and suicidal ideation.

What ointment is good for sun poisoning?

What ointment is good for sun poisoning? Calamine lotion and a lightweight moisturizer with aloe vera or soy can help soothe sunburned skin. Apply them while your skin is still damp after taking a cool bath. You can also apply these throughout the day when your skin feels uncomfortable.

What are symptoms of too much sun exposure?

Symptoms
  • Inflamed skin, which looks pink or red on white skin and may be harder to see on brown or Black skin.
  • Skin that feels warm or hot to the touch.
  • Pain, tenderness and itching.
  • Swelling.
  • Small, fluid-filled blisters, which may break.
  • Headache, fever, nausea and fatigue, if the sunburn is severe.

What is the difference between sun poisoning and sun allergy?

Sun allergy is a general term that also refers to photosensitivity or a sun rash. It includes other conditions like sun poisoning and solar urticaria. Sun poisoning is more common than solar urticaria. Symptoms of sun poisoning include blistered, red, inflamed, or painful skin.

What not to put on a sunburn?

Don't
  1. do not use petroleum jelly on sunburnt skin.
  2. do not put ice or ice packs on sunburnt skin.
  3. do not pop any blisters.
  4. do not scratch or try to remove peeling skin.
  5. do not wear tight-fitting clothes over sunburnt skin.

What color is a bad sunburn?

A second-degree sunburn, which is more serious, causes the skin to become severely red, swollen, and blistered because the dermis, a deeper skin layer, and nerve endings have been damaged. This type of sunburn is more painful and could take about two weeks to heal.

What is the liquid coming out of my sunburn?

The liquid inside a sunburn blister is typically clear and watery and leaks in from neighboring tissues. If you leave your sunburn blisters alone, this liquid can actually provide protection to the skin and help with healing, which is why it's so important to not pop or pick at your blisters.

What does sun poisoning feel like?

Compared to a sunburn, sun poisoning is a more serious medical condition. It results from longer exposure to direct sunlight, and might feel like a common sunburn at first. But you'll eventually notice symptoms like blisters, “sun rash” or even fevers, chills and nausea.

What are the first signs of heat exhaustion?

Possible heat exhaustion symptoms include:
  • Cool, moist skin with goose bumps when in the heat.
  • Heavy sweating.
  • Faintness.
  • Dizziness.
  • Fatigue.
  • Weak, rapid pulse.
  • Low blood pressure upon standing.
  • Muscle cramps.

What is the best thing to put on a sunburn?

Apply a moisturizer that contains aloe vera or soy to help soothe sunburned skin. Do this while your skin is still damp from a bath or shower and whenever you feel discomfort. To relieve discomfort, you can also apply calamine lotion, place a cool, damp washcloth on the affected area, or take a colloidal oatmeal bath.

Should I go to the ER for a second-degree sunburn?

When should second-degree burns be treated by a healthcare provider? Visit a healthcare provider if your burn: Covers a large area of your skin (more than 3 inches in diameter). Affects your ability to use certain parts of your body.

What is the rule of nines?

The size of a burn can be quickly estimated by using the "rule of nines." This method divides the body's surface area into percentages. The front and back of the head and neck equal 9% of the body's surface area. The front and back of each arm and hand equal 9% of the body's surface area.

Is it bad if your sunburn turns purple?

Purpura is common in older people. It is called solar purpura because it occurs most often on areas that are exposed to the sun. The bruises bother some people because of how they look. But they aren't serious.

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