Excess exposure of the skin to sunlight can cause tan and it can poison you. When your skin is exposed for a long time to sunlight, the UV rays in sunlight can severely burn your skin. If this sunburn affects your health, then you must take immediate action. Here is how you can recognize sun poisoning.
How can sun poisoning kill you?
It is natural that you get sun burnt when you go out in the sun. We all experience it. Staying in the sun for more than 15 minutes can cause tanning of the skin. Sometimes it can appear even before that time. Sunburn is caused by the UV rays of the sun. If you stay longer in the intense sunlight, your skin becomes red as well as splotchy. The UV light slowly poisons you without your knowledge. Sun poisoning is a severe condition of sunburn and it does not get healed itself. You will have to take measures to heal it.
Symptoms of Sun Burn (Sun Poisoning):
- Dehydration
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headache, confusion
- Inflammation
- Nausea
- Pain and a tingling sensation
- Red blisters on the skin
- Swelling Fever and chills
If your skin is fair or pale, you are more prone to sun poisoning than those who have darker skin. Those who are unfamiliar to tropical heat can also develop these symptoms fast. Here are some remedies for cooling down the sun poisoning.
Natural Home Remedies for Sun Poisoning:
Aloe vera:
Applying aloe vera gel on the sun burnt and itching skin provides a cool and soothing effect o the skin. Aloe vera is very effective when there is sun poisoning. You can apply aloe vera gel two or three times a day on the affected parts of your skin. This will give you relief from inflammation and itching. The best way is to cut the leaf of aloe vera and apply the fresh gel that you get from it.
Bathing in cool water:
Instead of warm water, bathe in cool water. This can help in soothing your inflamed skin. Adding a few drops of lavender and chamomile essential oil to the bathing water makes you feel more relaxed. Just dip in cool water without rubbing your body with any harsh soap. Remember that the water is cool, but not cold.
Baking Soda:
Baking soda can also help you treat sun poisoning. Make a paste by mixing baking soda and water and apply it on the affected areas. This can help you get rid of rashes and the pain that that you experience as a result of sun burn.
Calamine:
Calamine lotion is great for soothing blistered skin. You have to keep the skin moisturized to prevent peeling of the skin and also to get relief from itching. You can apply calamine lotion directly on the burnt skin and this will get you relief from the inflammation and itching.
Cucumber:
To keep your sun poisoned skin cool, you can cut cucumber into slices and place them on the affected areas. When you put these slices on the burned areas of the skin, the cucumber juice draws out the heat from the skin and provides your relief from the discomfort that you feel. You can also use potato peels and onion peels instead of cucumber slices. They are also very effective. Instead of using slices, you can grate cucumbers and potatoes use them for treating sun burned skin.
Chamomile Tea:
Chamomile tea that is cooled down is amazing for soothing sun poisoned skin. It can calm the irritation felt on the skin. Once you apply it on your skin, it provides you relief and heals the skin. You can also mix chamomile tea with your bathing water. Applying chamomile tea regularly on your skin can provide you positive results very fast.
Green tea:
Green tea is also a wonderful home remedy for sun poisoning. Applying cooled green tea on your burned skin can provide you relief from blisters and rashes that appear on the skin. Apply it at least two times a day on your skin to get relief.
Honey:
Honey is very beneficial for treating sunburns. It helps in healing the skin and also prevents the skin from getting infected in future. Instead of using only honey, you can also mix honey with turmeric powder and basil leaves and then apply on the affected parts of the skin. Applying this paste on the skin provides you relief from irritation and heals the skin fast.
Milk:
Milk is considered as one of the most effective remedies for sun poisoning. Just pouring milk all over your body is the best way to treat sunburns with milk. If you do not like the mess, you can dip a cloth in cold milk and use it as a cold compress on the affected parts of the body. Dab your skin gently with it for a minimum of 30 minutes and then you can wash off with water. This will provide a cooling affect on your skin and soothes your skin.
Vinegar:
Mix 2 teaspoons of vinegar with 2 teaspoons of water and apply it on the affected areas. This can restore the pH balance of the skin and offer you comfort.
Water:
Make sure that you keep yourself hydrates all the time. Sun poisoning can cause dehydration. So, drink enough water to get rid of the symptoms. Water is also good for keeping your skin moist by hydrating the skin.
Yogurt:
Apply yogurt generously on the burns and blisters that have formed as a result of sun burns. Applying it frequently can keep your skin cool and also reduce swelling and pain, healing your skin effectively.
Additional Tips to Remember:
- Wear a sunscreen with SPF 30, at least 30 minutes before you go out.
- Re-apply it every 2 hours.
- Remember that places with sand, snow and water reflect light more.
- Try not to go out in the sun during the time between 10 am and 2 pm.
- Wear sunglasses, hat and proper clothes when you go out.
- Keep your skin moisturized and your body hydrated.
- Tanning beds can be unsafe. So, think twice before you use it.
