How Long Does Sun Poisoning Usually Last?

Sun poisoning, otherwise known as sunstroke, usually lasts for up to 10 days and symptoms should peak between twelve and twenty four hours after prolonged, severe sun exposure. Sun poisoning is similar to sunburn but is much more severe and symptoms are much worse and the risk to health is much greater. The reason for getting sun poisoning is the same as sunburn; extended periods of time in the direct sun, without sufficient sun protection cream and not taking in enough water. The symptoms of sun poisoning include hive-like skin rashes, painful skin, nausea, dizziness, fluid loss and blisters on the skin where there has been exposure to sunlight. These blisters can become infected if cracked and not cleaned but the infection is not part of sun poisoning, just a result of one of the things that can happen as a result of sun poisoning. If you do have a fever, which is where your body temperature increases and becomes higher than 37.5 degrees, you should make sure that you drink plenty of water as you do not want to get even more ill by becoming dehydrated as a result of sun poisoning. You may also wish to take a lukewarm/cold shower or bath to decrease your body temperature. Only do this if it is not overly painful to do so due to skin rash or blisters. Aspirin, paracetamol and ibuprofen can also help to reduce fever, take away the pain of the skin rash and also reduce the nausea symptoms. Please do visit your GP if symptoms are concerning. As with most illnesses, prevention is better than cure and the best ways to prevent sun poisoning are to stay out of direct sun between the hours of 11am and 3pm, wear sun lotion which is approved and above SPF30, wear a hat to help your head from overheating and to keep the sun off your face and also make sure that you stay hydrated.

I got sun poisoning on Saturday, I am always very careful about sunscreen and the spf I use but I think I sweated it off for a period of time before I reapplied. It is now tuesday and I am still itching.   I knew what it was but it has been atleast ten years since I had it before.   I had to call my doctor to figure out what to do .   I was told benadryl, hydrocortisone cream, and keep atleast 30spf of sunblock on.   It looks like red pimples when inflamed, and when the benadryl kicks in it looks like white bumps with a little red in the center.   The closest thing I can compare the feeling to is chicken pox.   My doctor said if the itching was too bad I can get a cortisone shot.   I might have to do that.

It sounds more like hives, I do the same thing. I get large extremely itchy bumps on my skin, and I get all red. I have to take hydroxizine for it, it is stronger than benadryl. You might want to talk to your doctor about it. Hope this helps you out.

It does sound like sun poisoning to me! I also have the same going on right now due to overexposure to the sun while taking an antibiotic. I have found that a cool shower helps itching and an aloe lotion feels great! Good luck and don't scratch! It only feels worse!

Hey guys I was at the beach for about 5 hours with no sunscreen on but I didn't burn and I'm not itchy but I have awful headaches, very dizzy, disoriented, and nausea's. I'm pretty sure it is from my exposure just not sure how to mend it. Symptoms started showing up about 2 hours after returning from the beach.

Sun poisoning is due to exposure to ultraviolet radiations of sun. It starts within 30 minutes of exposure, pain starts from 6 hours to 2 days after exposure. The symptoms can last up to 3 days then decline start in the form of peeling of skin and can take 2-8 days for healing. You are using correct medicines.

I know have sun poisoning and I had gone swimming with my friends from round 2 till 4, which I had no sun screen and I am red headed. Which I ended up with very bad sun poison. I have had it since Tuesday and it is now Wednesday I know have little bumps under neath the eyes and on the head from one temple to the other. I have applied aloe vera basically every 25 to 45 minutes. I applied a wet cloth and it seems to be okay but still itches. When it itches does that mean that it helping or am I doing something wrong? And to anyone else please apply sunscreen next time you go out in the sun, because sun poisoning hurts and looks disgusting.

I need help because I got it the other day and it's itching so much...... Some ppl say it takes 8 days...... Is that true

I have had it fifteen days now or more. I got really badly burned after being out on a sandy beach for five hrs. In the rain and cloudy weather with no sunscreen. I wasn't itching this badly until about five days ago. I got the blisters that burst, and used triple antibiotic on it to keep it from getting infected, but after that healed up, I seemed better, then about three days later started itching like crazy and cant even sleep because of the intense pain and burning sensations. It is awful!! I suggest everyone always wear sunscreen even if it is cloudy. Oh, and I also got the blisters on my lips to go with all of it----two of them!

I am having sun poisoning rashes since 3 days on my face and hands.. Today is the 3rd day and the rashes are increasing and itching severely.. Doctor suggested to cover full body, hands and asked to apply a sunscreen above SPF30 when you go out. I am applying pure coconut oil and vinegar on the rashes whenever they are itching... The itching subsides in a minute or two after applying oil/vinegar. Taking more water than daily intake. Don't know when this rash will go.. Seems to be 2 more days..

I have not had much itching or pain. I have scaly, flaky eyelids that are also red under my brows. I have two quarter size red spots on my forehead. The worse is a large red flaky spot around my lips.

It seems to be spreading.  I have had it over a month!  Fortunately, I am retired and don't have to go out often. I'm beginning to think it may be permanent!

Yuck sun poisoning sucks!  I have it too- I'm itching like crazy- I put my aloe vera in the fridge to help cool off the inflammation even more- it helps a little.  Also, using a cortisone cream designed for insect bites-It helps too, but effects don't seem to last long.

I currently have sun poisoning and it is quite possibly the worst feeling ever.  I actually left work three times today because if I didnt get into a shower immediately I might have gone insane.  As of now only showers have worked for me but I heard calamine lotion works pretty well so I am thinking I am going to try that.  Anymore suggestions?

Try getting it on your lips...I've had it for 9 days now and it didnt start out that bad but got worse.  I woke up with just swollen lips and then over the next few days they turned into blisters and now its getting smaller but its still disgusting and I don't think it's ever going to go away.

So far I have had it for 10 days  and has not gotten any better, if anything it has gotten worse.
My legs have it the worst. It looks like tiny raised pimples all over and within close proximity. The Doctor put me on steroids but they have done nothing.

Sun poisoning? Haven't heard anything that funny in a while! It sounds like very severe sun burn, keep his back clean, use aftersun or calamine lotion, sit with a sheet behind him in case they pop and if the pain is too bad or they look like they're getting infected get him to a doctor. They should clear in a few days and in future sun screen wouldn't go a miss.