Sun poisoning is the colloquial terminology used for the medical condition called photodermatitis. This condition results in a rash on a skin surface that was exposed to the sun, like the back of the neck or the hands especially. The condition is caused by an allergic reaction to the ultraviolet radiation of the sun and the subsequent inflammation of the skin from it. While ultraviolet radiation is one of the causative factors for the symptoms of the condition, some further causes like a drug can trigger the allergy.
Some of the common drugs that can cause an allergy to ultraviolet radiation are the fragrances added in perfumes or sunscreens; the active ingredient of some sunscreens PABA, some antibiotics like tetracycline and fluroquinolone, bacterial soaps and an existing disease like Pellagra. Lemon oil has also been implicated as a causative factor. The treatment of the condition involves prevention of further exposure to the sun until the drug treatments have run their course and soothing natural oils and topical, natural anti-inflammatory applications. Preventing exposure to the sun, being the first step, you need to start covering your skin up from the sun. There is a misconception that on a cloudy day you don’t have to do this because the sun’s rays don’t reach the surface. This is true only for radiation of the visible light spectrum. Ultraviolet light doesn’t fall under this category and cannot be scattered by cloud cover, so even on a cloudy day you need to cover up. Wear shirts and a hat to prevent UV radiation hitting the normally open areas of skin or best of all, use an umbrella when walking in the sun. This is required mostly during the hottest part of the day from noon till about 5 pm in the afternoon depending on how close to the tropics you are.
The remedies that are available for treating sun poisoning stem from the use of Aloe Vera, which can be found over the counter in a variety of natural skin care products, to dietary supplements. Most of the dietary supplements include vitamin B supplements, the best source of which is dairy foods; vitamin C, D, and E are also to be consumed; therefore, you should by a multivitamin preparation from your local drugstore. Beta carotene (from carrots), protein and Omega 3 fatty acids are also useful, which is found in seafood. Green tea is also useful since it has antioxidant properties.