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It’s summer, and most of us love spending some time outside. As redheads, we must be careful about our time in the sun. Exposure to UV rays poses a risk not only to the health of our skin but to our physical health. Without proper protection, you put yourself at risk of sun poisoning. Sun poisoning can be avoided, so it’s important to know what signs/symptoms to look for, how to prevent it, and how to treat it.
What is sun poisoning?
It sounds like a rare disease, but sun poisoning comes from a very severe sunburn. Those with fair skin, sun sensitivities, a personal (or familial) history of skin cancer, and babies/children are the most at risk of sun poisoning. This means redheads should be extra cautious. Those who experience severe sunburns are at a much higher risk of dehydration, infection, developing skin cancer, and premature signs of aging, such as wrinkles and fine lines.
9 signs and symptoms of sun poisoning
Some common signs of sun poisoning include headache, nausea, vomiting, chills, dizziness, and confusion. You may also experience symptoms on your skin, such as blisters, swelling, severe pain, redness, and discomfort.
Redheads often have fair skin, which can be more susceptible to sun poisoning. Here are some signs and symptoms to watch for:
1. Severe Sunburn: Intense redness and swelling of the skin.
2. Blisters: Painful blisters that may form on sunburned skin.
3. Pain: Severe pain and tingling in the affected area.
4. Swelling: Swelling of the skin.
5. Fever and Chills: Elevated body temperature and chills.
6. Nausea and Vomiting: Feeling sick to the stomach or vomiting.
7. Headache: A persistent headache.
8. Dizziness or Confusion: Feeling lightheaded or disoriented.
9. Dehydration: Dry mouth, excessive thirst, reduced urination, and dark-colored urine.
If you experience these symptoms, it’s essential to seek medical attention. In the meantime, get out of the sun, stay hydrated, and cool the skin with cold compresses or take a cool bath. If your symptoms do not ease up, or you are experiencing severe symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
9 ways to prevent sun poisoning
You can prevent sun poisoning by reducing your time in the sun, always using SPF 30+ and reapplying every 90 minutes, wearing protective clothing, seeking shade, and staying hydrated. If you start to experience a minor sunburn, get indoors to cool down as soon as possible; this will reduce your risk of it becoming sun poisoning. We often don’t know we’ve experienced sun poisoning until too late, so don’t wait for your skin to turn red before taking precautions this summer.
1. Use Sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Reapply every two hours and after swimming or sweating.
2. Wear Protective Clothing: Wear long sleeves, pants, and a wide-brimmed hat. Consider clothing with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor).
3. Seek Shade: Stay in the shade, especially during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
4. Avoid Tanning Beds: Tanning beds can increase the risk of severe sunburn and skin damage.
5. Wear Sunglasses: Protect your eyes with sunglasses that block 100% UVA and UVB rays.
6. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated.
7. Be Cautious with Medications: Some medications can increase sun sensitivity. Could you check with your doctor if your medication has this side effect?
8. Gradual Exposure: If you’re not used to being in the sun, gradually increase your exposure time to build tolerance.
9. Monitor the UV Index: Check the daily UV index and take extra precautions when it is high.
Rock it like a Redhead!
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