Has anyone heard of sun poisoning?

Question

Every time I go out in the sun, my arms break out with little blisters, they itch!! What should I do to prevent it from coming at all, besides staying inside?

Answer 1

DEFINITION--Reaction to overexposure to the sun. This is likely to be a problem in any hot-season sport such as swimming, surfing, sailing, tennis or water skiing.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Red skin rash, sometimes with small blisters, in areas exposed to sunlight.
Fever.
Fatigue or dizziness.

CAUSES & RISK FACTORS
Exposure to sun during hot seasons when ultraviolet light is strongest. It is triggered by exposure to the sun, usually in conjunction with sunburn. Risks increase with any of the following:
Use of medications that cause photosensitivity (increased sensitivity to ultraviolet light). The most common drugs include tetracycline antibiotics, thiazide diuretics, sulfa drugs and oral contraceptives. Some cosmetics, including lipstick, perfume and soaps, can also cause a photosensitive reaction.
Underlying infection.
Previous episodes of sun poisoning.
Metabolic disorders, such as diabetes mellitus or thyroid disease.
Use of immunosuppressive drugs.

HOW TO PREVENT
Stay out of the sun when possible if you have a history of sun poisoning. Change vigorous workouts to a cooler part of the day.



DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES
Your own observation of symptoms.
Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.

NORMAL COURSE OF ILLNESS
Symptoms can be controlled with treatment if you stay out of the sun. Allow up to 1 week for recovery.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Recurrence of the rash and other symptoms when exposed to the sun--even for short periods -- especially in spring and summer.

NOTE -- Follow your doctor's instructions. These instructions are supplemental.

MEDICAL TREATMENT
None usually needed after diagnosis and prescription of medications.

HOME TREATMENT

Stay out of the sun during the hours of strongest ultraviolet light (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.).
If you must go out in the sun for your athletic workouts, wear protective clothing and the most protective sunscreen preparation available. Beware of heat exhaustion and dehydration.

MEDICATION
You may take aspirin or acetaminophen to relieve mild pain or itching. Your doctor may prescribe:
Beta-carotene to reduce discomfort.
Chloroquine prior to sun exposure to prevent a recurrence of symptoms.
Corticosteroids for severe cases.

ACTIVITY
No restrictions, except to avoid prolonged sun exposure.

Answer 2

Yes and it has nothing to do with being allergic to the sun like someone in here is suggesting.Sun poisoning is where the skin is exposed to the sun without sunblocker for such a long time in one day that the skin becomes very sunburned and blisters and you will get a fever and can even throw up.It does not sound like you are getting sun poisoning everytime you go outside.If you are on medication then check the precation on it because there is a lot of antibiotics and blood pressure medications that will cause your skin to blister real fast from the sun.

Answer 3

Some people are allergic to the sun's rays, so to speak. Blisters and itching are the main symptoms. Try and stay indoors as much as possible. But when you go out, use sunscreen with a high spf. You can also take some benadryl before being out in the sun and try to wear long sleeves. The less skin exposed the better!

Answer 4

I don't know who told you that putting sun on your stomach is harmful to the baby. It's funny how society keeps moving away from natural things. You need sun, the vitamins in it are fantastic for you and the baby. The only thing you have to worry about is the heat. The baby can be harmed if your core temperature rises too high. Sunburn and sunbathing are perfectly fine. You probably burned worse because your first burn wasn't totally healed.

Answer 5

Where sun block. Highest protection available. You're staying in the sun too long. If you want to stay looking young, don't stay in the sun so long. Sure, you might look good with a tan, but have you ever seen someone that you thought probably stayed in the sun too long! They look twice their age! It makes your skin loose and saggy and looking like leather! Where sun block please!

Answer 6

Here is a good site that explains sun poisoning.

http://www.mdadvice.com/library/ped/pedillsymp400.html

You should really discuss it with your doctor on what you should do medically. The main thing you can do is cover your skin with clothing so that it is not exposed to the sun.

Answer 7

Use a high spf sunblock (not just sunscreen), wear a shirt. Limit your sun exposure. You must be very sensitive to the sun.