There’s nothing quite like summer in East Tennessee. Weekends are filled with trips to the lake, afternoons at the park, and family adventures that keep everyone outside for hours. Unfortunately, all that time in the sun can sometimes end with more than a painful sunburn.
If you or your child comes home with bright red skin, it’s easy to assume a little aloe vera and extra water will solve the problem. In many cases, that’s true. But when a sunburn is severe enough to cause symptoms throughout the body, it may actually be sun poisoning.
Whether you’re spending the day at Fletcher Park in Cleveland, exploring The Commons in Chattanooga, or relaxing along the shores of Chickamauga Lake, knowing the difference between a typical sunburn and a more serious reaction can help you decide when it’s time to seek medical care.
What Exactly Is Sun Poisoning?
Despite its name, sun poisoning isn’t caused by poison. It’s the body’s response to excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, often combined with dehydration or heat-related illness.
While a mild sunburn affects only the skin, sun poisoning can make you feel sick overall. Symptoms often continue to worsen after you’ve left the sun, which is one of the biggest differences between the two.
Children are especially susceptible because their skin is more delicate, but adults can develop sun poisoning, too, especially after spending long periods outdoors without adequate sun protection.
What Are the Warning Signs?
A painful sunburn doesn’t always mean you have sun poisoning. The condition becomes more concerning when additional symptoms begin affecting the rest of your body.
Watch for warning signs like:
- Large or painful blisters
- Fever or chills
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness or feeling faint
- Swelling around the burned skin
- Signs of dehydration, including dry mouth or dark-colored urine
It’s also important to pay attention to how someone is acting. If your child becomes unusually sleepy, refuses to drink fluids, or seems confused, those symptoms shouldn’t be ignored.
If you notice severe blistering, dehydration, or symptoms that continue getting worse, visit your nearest AFC Urgent Care Tennessee Regional clinic for a walk-in evaluation.
What Should You Do Right Away?
The first priority is getting out of the sun.
Move indoors or into a shaded area as soon as possible, and begin replacing fluids with water or an electrolyte drink if appropriate. A cool shower or cool compress can help soothe burned skin, but avoid using ice directly on the affected area, as it may cause additional irritation.
Loose-fitting clothing can make your skin more comfortable while it heals, and it’s best to stay out of the sun until the burn has significantly improved.
If blisters develop, leave them intact whenever possible. They help protect the damaged skin underneath and reduce the risk of infection.
When Is It Time to See a Provider?
Many mild sunburns can be managed at home, but there are situations where professional medical care is the safest choice.
It’s a good idea to see a provider if the burn covers a large portion of the body, the pain is severe, or symptoms like vomiting, fever, dizziness, or dehydration develop. Young children and older adults may need medical attention sooner because they can become dehydrated more quickly.
A provider can also determine whether you’re experiencing sun poisoning, heat exhaustion, or another heat-related illness that may require treatment.
Our providers at AFC Urgent Care Tennessee Regional can evaluate severe sunburns, dehydration, and heat-related illnesses to help you recover safely and comfortably.
How Can You Lower Your Risk?
Sun poisoning is often preventable with a few simple habits.
Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 before spending time outdoors, and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating. Wearing lightweight clothing, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat can also help protect exposed skin.
If you’re planning a long day outside, schedule breaks in the shade and encourage everyone in your family to drink water throughout the day. Don’t wait until someone says they’re thirsty. By then, dehydration may have already started.
Remember that UV rays don’t disappear when clouds roll in. Even overcast days can result in significant sunburn if you’re outside long enough.
Walk-In Care for Sun Poisoning Across East Tennessee
Most summer memories should involve family cookouts, afternoons on the water, and evenings spent outside, not severe sunburns that leave someone feeling miserable.
At AFC Urgent Care Tennessee Regional, we provide walk-in care for sun poisoning, severe sunburns, dehydration, heat exhaustion, and many other seasonal health concerns. Our experienced providers can evaluate your symptoms, recommend the appropriate treatment, and help you feel better as quickly as possible.
Whether your day was spent at Founders Park in Cleveland, enjoying the sunshine near Chickamauga Lake, or exploring The Commons in Chattanooga, our team is here when you need us.
Walk into your nearest AFC Urgent Care Tennessee Regional clinic today for fast, convenient care for sun poisoning and other heat-related illnesses. No appointment is necessary.
Recent Comments