What are signs of excessive sun exposure?
Written by
Leilani Ibeh
Reviewed by
Prof. Graham Pierce, Ph.D.Identifying symptoms of overexposure to sunlight allows one to avoid serious skin damage and exposure-related disease. The first signal may be warmth of the skin that later develops into painful redness, unusual fatigue that later develops into dizziness, or painful sensitivity of the eyeball that later develops into sensitivity to light. These are signals that the body's protective mechanisms are overwhelmed.
Early Stage (0-4 hrs)
- Skin feels warm to touch with faint pink discoloration
- Mild thirst and slight fatigue develop
- Eyes feel gritty or sensitive to bright lights
Moderate Stage (4-12 hrs)
- Definite redness with skin tenderness developing
- Headache and nausea may occur
- Visible skin tightness and mild swelling
Severe Stage (12+ hrs)
- Intense pain with blistering skin
- Fever, chills, and confusion indicate heat stroke
- Severe light sensitivity requiring dark environments
Prevent any escalation by taking action at the first sign of symptoms. Take immediate action and go indoors. Particularly if the skin seems abnormally warm, replace fluids by drinking electrolyte solutions. Apply cool compresses to the affected area. I have treated clients who did nothing at first and then suffered extensive second-degree burns needing weeks of recovery.
Increased vigilance is required for special risk groups. Individuals with light skin tend to manifest symptoms more quickly than those with darker skin. Those using medications such as antibiotics tend to experience symptoms more quickly. Workers outdoors should schedule work for hours other than those of maximum UV rays. Keep track of exposure using UV indicator apps and set timers as a reminder to stay objective.
After excessive exposure, recover properly. For forty-eight hours, refrain from further sunlight. Use fragrance-free creams on damaged areas. Wear loose cotton garments. Remember that overexposure will hasten aging and increase the risk of skin cancer regardless of type.
Read the full article: 10 Morning Sunlight Benefits for Health and Wellness
