Hope you all made the most of this summer with lots of beach time, pool cool-downs and outdoor fun. I'm also hoping you used plenty of sunblock and practiced good sun protection. If for some reason you didn't and were overexposed to the sun - look out for these signs to stay safe and healthy.
A Tan
Yes a tan means your skin got a good amount of sun exposure. A tan is actually a reaction by the body to injury from UV rays.
There is no such thing as a healthy tan from the sun or from an indoor tanning booth. Check out more myths of tanning here.
A Sunburn
The most obvious one! If your skin is red or painful and feels hot to touch then you might have sunburn.
A sunburn usually appears within a few hours if your skin has had too much sun. Thankfully we have 5 easy tips for treating sunburn here.
Wrinkles
UV rays from the sun cause skin aging - specifically they cause the breakdown of collagen and fiber in the skin. You may not see these signs tomorrow but overexposure to the sun adds up. With too much sun you will start seeing more and more wrinkles as time goes on beyond just the natural signs of aging.
In fact, The Skin Cancer Foundation says 90% of skin aging is due to UV rays. That's why sunscreen is really the best anti-aging product out there!
Rashes, Bumps or Blisters
Too much sun can cause heat rash. Heat rash occurs when your pores become blocked and sweat can't escape. It mostly occurs in hot and humid conditions. Symptoms include blisters and deep, red lumps. Some forms of heat rash can be intensely itchy or even feel prickly.
Cooling down the skin and preventing sweating can relieve most heat rash. If your heat rash is severe definitely get medical attention.
Sun Poisoning
If you experience painful blisters - you may have sun poisoning. Other symptoms of sun poisoning include nausea, chills and fever. You should definitely consult a doctor if you are having these symptoms.
Muscle Pains or Spasms
Your body can become exhausted from the heat and sun. Signs of heat exhaustion include cramps, sharp pains, spasms and twitching.
Partly this is because heavy sweating in the sun can reduce your salt and hydration levels, which can cause your muscles to seize up.
If these pains or spasms occur seek shade and drinks lot of water. Wait before exerting yourself again in the sun and if the cramps persist seek medical help.
Dehydration
Sometimes hot and humid weather increases the amount you sweat and fluid loss, especially if you are partaking in vigorous activities. If water is not replaced after excessively sweating dehydration can occur.
Drinking more fluids can reverse mild dehydration. Severe dehydration requires medical attention.
Heatstroke
Heatstroke can occur if your body temperature rises to 104F or higher after prolonged exposure or physical exertion in hot conditions.
Some symptoms of heat stroke include high body temperature, throbbing headache, dizziness, confusion, flushed skin, rapid breathing, high heart rate, nausea and vomiting.
Heat stroke requires immediate emergency treatment and if left untreated can cause serious complications.
The Wrap-Up
I don't mean to scare you. I just want you all to be aware so you can have even more fun in the sun. Find even more sun safety tips here.
