Are Sunburns and Sun Poisoning the Same?

A sunny day is usually an invitation to get some fresh air, enjoy the beach and, of course, enjoy the sunshine. But many of us have had those times when the sun hits us a little too hard and we wonder: Is this just another sunburn or could it be sun poisoning?

As both are often partners in crime during the hot summer months, family medicine doctor Matthew Goldman, MD, discusses sunburn vs. sun poisoning — and how to find relief from both.

Differences in sunburn and sun poisoning symptoms

Sunburns typically go away after a few days. If you’re experiencing the following symptoms (and they subside after a couple of days), you may have a sunburn:

• Redness of your skin
• Swelling
• Itching or tenderness
• Skin feels warm to the touch

Though sun poisoning isn’t a medically defined condition, it’s essentially a severe sunburn. It lasts longer than a typical sunburn and the symptoms are more serious. The following symptoms are common signs of sun poisoning:

• Blisters
• Severe itching or pain
• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever and chills
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Dehydration
• Fatigue
• Rapid heartbeat

This is why you may have heard people describe sun poisoning as more of an allergic reaction or “sickness” rather than just a burn.

“While both a sunburn and sun poisoning can cause your skin to become red, painful and swollen, sun poisoning will give you additional symptoms that go deeper than the skin,” explains Dr. Goldman. “Although sun poisoning can resemble an allergic response, it’s typically due to intense UV exposure and not a true allergy.”

How to treat sunburn or sun poisoning

A sunburn can go hand-in-hand with sun poisoning — and so can their treatments. Depending on severity, you can treat your sunburn and a mild case of sun poisoning at home. To find relief from both a sunburn and sun poisoning:

• Get out of the sun. If your skin is having a reaction to the sun, you should immediately avoid any more exposure to the sun’s rays. Find shade or get inside to help cool down your skin.
• Avoid picking at your skin. You’ll likely experience peeling and flaking from both sunburns and cases of sun poisoning. Additionally, with sun poisoning, you’re bound to get blisters. But it’s important to avoid picking at your skin, as this will make your skin more inflamed and could cause scarring.
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers. Medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce the pain, stinging and discomfort that can come with intense sunburns and sun poisoning.
• Rehydrate. One thing that happens during a sunburn and a case of sun poisoning is that your body can become dehydrated. Rehydrate with plenty of water or drinks with electrolytes.
• Try a cool compress or cold shower. In some cases of mild sun poisoning or sunburns, you may find relief from just a cool-down treatment like using a cold compress or taking a gentle cold shower.
• Use over-the-counter creams. You can find relief from the burning sensation, redness and itching by applying store-bought ointments like hydrocortisone or natural aloe vera creams and gels. But take caution: Over-the-counter creams can sometimes make sun poisoning even worse. Ingredients like benzocaine or lidocaine can cause skin irritation or allergic contact dermatitis in some people.

When to see a doctor if you think you have sun poisoning

In general, after a few days, if you’re still feeling extreme, burning pain, as well as widespread blistering on your skin despite at-home treatments, you should seek medical attention.

Although mild sun poisoning can be treated and relieved at home, there are some cases where you should go to the emergency room. If you experience any of the accompanying symptoms or signs of heatstroke, you should go to the emergency room or see your healthcare provider:

• Dizziness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever and chills
• Headache
• Rapid heartbeat
• Feelings of confusion
• Severe dehydration

Once admitted, you may need to receive intravenous (IV) fluids or be treated at the burn unit.

Bottom line: Protect yourself from the sun

The discomforts of sunburn — like redness and itchiness — can be an inconvenience. But they’ll heal with time and over-the-counter treatments. More severe symptoms of sun poisoning — such as nausea, dizziness and blistering — may require a visit to a healthcare provider.

Either way, precaution is the best prevention.

“Each time you head outside, make sure you apply and reapply sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher,” stresses Dr. Goldman. “You also want to limit your time in the sun, stay hydrated and wear sun-protective clothing and hats.”