Sun Poisoning

Sun Poisoning

What is Sun Poisoning?

Sun poisoning describes a variety of allergic reactions of the skin to the sun. Sunburn, sun poisoning and sun allergy are usually used to describe a hypersensitive reaction to the sun. All are known as photodermatitis in medical terms and are caused by either overexposure to sun's rays (ultraviolet UVA and UVB) alone or in combination to certain cosmetics, chemicals, plants and drugs used on the skin or taken internally which make the skin more sensitive to sun exposure.

Frequent overexposure to ultraviolet rays can develop rashes, scars, itchy skin, dry skin and premature wrinkles; and increases the risk of developing eye cataracts and macular degeneration, leading to blindness. Sunburn early in life increases the risk of developing skin cancer at a later age.

Fair-skin people are more susceptible to the allergies because they have a shortage of protective skin pigmentation. Farmers who handle foods such as celery, carrots, parsnips, figs and limes under sun are susceptible. However, sunburns and sun poisoning can happen to anyone who is exposed to sunlight.