by Audrey-Anastasia Alleyne

Created on: September 24, 2009   Last Updated: September 27, 2009

Sun Poisoning and Sunburn are basically the same. The skin gets burnt by the sun, and becomes red, very painful, hot to the touch and swollen. It may even be blistered. The difference is that if the burn is severe or extensive, you may also suffer from chills, nausea fever and vomiting. So while the symptoms are similar in one way, those who experience a hypersensitive reaction are said to suffer from sun poisoning.

Both conditions are caused by too much exposure to the ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun. Even on overcast days, caution should be taken, because the sun's UV rays are not screened out by thick clouds as you may think. Tanning bed rays are also responsible for severe burning or sun poisoning.

What makes one person's skin more sensitive to sun exposure than others? It is a fact that people who do not have much have melanin in their skin, particularly fair skinned people with blue eyes and blond or red hair are at more risk for sunburn. These people should take extra precaution, but everyone should be cautious about being the sun in the middle of the day when the sun is at its height. However, certain medications such as tetracyclines, amoxicillin, oral contraceptives, sulfa-containing drugs and some diuretics can also increase one's sensitivity to the sun.

The pain of sunburn or sun poisoning is at its worst about 6 to 48 hours after exposure. You need to be particularly vigilant where your children are concerned, since they can play in the sun for hours, without being aware that they are getting sunburned. Ensure that your children wear, sunscreen, just like you should, a hat or cap, and protective clothing. Do not use sunscreen on very young children though, and do try to keep them out of the sun as much as possible.

What can you do to relieve sun burn and sun poisoning? Sun poisoning, if it seriously involves vomiting and fever, may require medical attention. You can use self-care measures for yourself and your children to treat sunburn .You need to use cool compresses by dipping towels or strips of gauze in cool water, and then lay them on the burnt areas,; this will help to reduce heat and pain.

You can also add half a cup of baking soda to a bathtub full of water and soak in it. You can also try over the counter pain relievers like aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen, but do not give aspirin to anyone under 19; it is said to cause a rare problem called Reye's syndrome. Give your children ibuprofen or acetaminophen instead. Drink plenty of water.

Be aware that sunburn can age your skin, before it's time. Severe sunburn or sun poisoning can put you at risk for skin cancer. So, use the age-old adage "prevention is better than cure" and avoid damage to your skin, which could result in lifetime damage of a life-threatening situation.

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