Symptoms and Signs of Sunburn (Sun Poisoning)

Sunburn and Sun Poisoning Symptoms

Other common symptoms include:

• Chills
• Fever
• Nausea or vomiting
• Flulike symptoms
• Blistering that may range from a very fine blister that is only found when you begin to "peel" to very large water-filled blisters with red, tender, raw skin underneath. When blisters pop, the skin that covered the blisters will slough off.
• Skin loss (peeling) about 4 to 7 days after exposure

Some individuals experience a sun rash (sometimes called sun poisoning) due to a condition called polymorphous light eruption (PMLE). About 10% of Americans are affected by PMLE, a reaction that does not appear to be linked to drugs or diseases.

Symptoms of PMLE are a mild to severe skin rash, usually appearing within 30 minutes to several hours of sun exposure. The rash may be itchy and have these characteristics:

• Small bumps all over the body, predominantly in sun-exposed areas
• Sun rash progresses to dense clumps of bumps
• Hives, usually on the arms, lower legs, and chest

Sunburn and Sun Poisoning Causes

• Mild and uncomplicated cases of sunburn usually result in minor skin redness and pain.
• Initially, the skin turns red about 2 to 6 hours after exposure and feels irritated. The peak effects are noted at 12 to 24 hours.
• More severe cases (sun poisoning) are complicated by severe skin burning and blistering, massive fluid loss (dehydration), electrolyte imbalance, and possibly infection.
• With too much exposure, severe untreated sunburn can cause shock (poor circulation to vital organs) and even death.