The sun is one of the most beautiful creations in the galaxy. However, like every other created things, too much of it can be detrimental to our health.
From drying clothes to the illumination of the earth’s surface to the growth and survival of living organisms, the need for the sun in the Milky Way galaxy is numerous.
Summer time is a highly anticipated season by most people. They like to go to beaches and engage in other outdoor recreational activities with family and friends.
How much sun is too much? There is no one-size-fits-all to the amount of sun that is considered to be too much for a person. Hence, the distinction between sunburn and sun poisoning.
Sunburn occurs when there is a red colouring on the skin due to extended exposure to sunlight while sun poisoning occurs when there are changes in the skin due to excessive exposure to sunlight accompanied by symptoms of dizziness, swelling, headaches, and dehydration.
Both sunburn and sun poisoning can be prevented by staying hydrated, applying sunscreen, and wearing protective clothing.
Although sunburn is used interchangeably with sun poisoning, several distinct information show clear differences between them. Here are four striking differences between sunburn and sun poisoning.
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1. It takes longer time for sun poisoning to occur than in sunburn
A person’s skin can be sunburned in a few minutes of enjoying sunlight without protecting their skin, while sun poisoning occurs after hours of basking in the sunlight.
2. Sunburn takes a shorter time to heal compared to sun poisoning
When a person gets sunburned and applies the right treatment to it, they get relief within a few days. On the other hand, sun poisoning requires a visit to a medical practitioner for proper diagnosis, tests, and treatment. And this takes time.
3. Symptoms of sun poisoning are more severe than sunburn
Sun poisoning has more severe symptoms like nausea, fever and swelling when compared to sunburn. These symptoms of sun poisoning can keep the patient bedridden. Sunburn doesn’t prevent one from performing other duties.
4. More parts of the body are affected in sun poisoning than sunburn
Sunburn affects only the skin while sun poisoning affects other parts of the body. As earlier mentioned, the symptoms of sun poisoning affect both the internal and external parts of the body.
As far as our dear sun continues to exist, sunburn and sun poisoning will always occur. The trick is in knowing one’s body and how to prevent it.
Early detection of the signs and symptoms is also a game changer in the treatment of sunburn and sun poisoning. Do not forget to make use of facemasks and sunscreen to help prevent them.
