Sun poisoning symptoms.

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What exactly is sun poisoning?

In order to prevent Sun Poisoning Symptoms it is better to keep your baby out of the direct sun light .

Many of you will probably say: What is sun poisoning?

Photodermatitis is a kind of contact dermatitis that occurs when an allergen activated by light causes a skin reaction.

Sunburn and sun poisoning are both called photodermatitis.

A sunburn may affect a certain area of the body but sun poisoning affects the whole system.

Sun poisoning symptoms are identical to sunburn symptoms like:

Itching.
Redness of the skin.
Blisters and peeling.
Skin rash

But your baby can can also feel very ill with symptoms like:

Nausea and vomiting
Fatigue
Dizziness
Dehydration

There are two types of sun poisoning.

More on baby sun safety:

Keep baby safe in the sun

The first is a combination of certain soaps, antibiotics, cortisone creams or suntan lotions in combination with exposure to sunlight causing a rash which is called a sun poisoning rash.

Because baby’s have very sensitive skin even a small amount of sun with the above mentioned factors can cause a skin rash.
This allergic reaction usually occurs when the skin is first exposed to the sun.

The second type is a severe sun stroke because of dehydration and loss of electrolytes.

What to do when baby shows the symptoms of sun poisoning?

With severe symptoms of sun poisoning take your baby out of the sun, contact your doctor and give plenty of fluid to your baby to prevent dehydration .

In mild cases you can use the following home remedies.

To reduce baby’s itching apply cold compresses or add some oatmeal to baby’s bath water.
It will take several days for the sun poisoning symptoms to disappear completely. Keep your baby out of the sun until the rash has completely gone.
You can also try some calamine lotion, aloe Vera or calendula to relief the itching.
If this doesn’t help better consult your doctor for the proper sun poisoning treatment.

How to prevent sun poisoning symptoms?

sun poisoning symptoms in babies © Fotoaloja | Dreamstime.com

If your baby takes antibiotics or other medication keep him or her completely out of the sun.
Protect your baby with light weight clothing, long sleeves and sun hats.
Always use a sunshade on the stroller.
Check if the sunscreen you use on your baby contains ingredients that may cause a sun poisoning rash.

Home remedies and treatment:

The following foods or treatment may also help:

Eating more carrots which contain Beta Carotene - not proven to be effective.
Omega-3 fatty acids - found in fish and flax seed. Some studies show that infants taking a supplement with fish oil have a better developed immune function.
Malnutrition may be a contributing factor. Try to increase the protein intake.
Taking extra Vitamin B3, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and Vitamin E
Drink more green thee which contains antioxidants.
The use of calendula. (external use). Calendula is well known for it's antiviral and antiflammatory properties. It is often used to sooth irritated skin tissue.

Ingredients in sunscreens that may cause such a reaction:

Active chemicals absorbing the UV, fragrance, preservatives, lanoline and
PABA (Para-amino benzoic acid)

Due to the problems with sunscreens containing PABA many sunscreens for babies claim to be hypoallergenic because they are PABA free.

Sunscreen can cause two different reactions.

First an allergic reaction or irritation without exposure to UV light.

And second a photo allergic and photo toxic reaction reactions with exposure to UV light.

If your baby has sun poisoning symptoms every time you take him or her in the sun a dermatologist may be able to help to determine what causes your baby’s sun sensitivity.

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