14 Bitter Sun Poisoning Symptoms

It’s a known fact that the harsh UV rays of the sun can do extensive damage to the skin, and sun poisoning is just one of the ways that it can affect the skin. Also known as photodermatitis, sun poisoning is a severe case of sunburn. Since the condition isn’t well known and the symptoms can mimic those of sunburn, many people don’t realize when they have been affected by sun poisoning. It is important to be aware of the signs of sun poisoning, as it is a serious condition and if left untreated, it can cause serious and long-lasting complications.

Sun positioning most commonly occurs during the summer season and affects people who live in or visit areas with strong sunlight. People with fair skin, such as redheads, are the most likely to be affected by sun poisoning. That’s because their skin does not contain a lot of melanin, the pigment in the skin that absorbs the UV rays of the skin and tans it in order protect it.

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you are likely suffering from sun poisoning and should seek prompt medical care.

1. Severe reddening of the skin

Like sunburn, sun poisoning also makes the skin turn red; however, the degree of redness is different. With sunburn, the skin tends to turn a reddish-pink; however, with sun poisoning, the skin turns an extreme, dark shade of red; almost maroon in color. The redness is your skins response to exposure to the sun’s UV rays. It is the result of the production of extra blood capillaries.

The discoloration is a clear sign that the DNA (the genetic material of the body) in the cells of your skin has been damaged by UV rays. Any change of color to the skin after being exposed to sun a sign that the DNA of the skin cells have been damaged; however, sun poisoning causes extreme damage to the skin, which is why it turns so severely red. If your skin is excessively red after spending time in the sun, it’s likely that you have sun poisoning.