You spent the day outdoors, and now your skin is red, painful, maybe even blistering or breaking into a rash. If you're also feeling nauseous, lightheaded, or running a fever, you might be dealing with more than a bad sunburn. This could be sun poisoning, a severe reaction to excessive UV exposure that affects both your skin and your overall health.

So, what should you do if you think you have sun poisoning? Immediate care is crucial. In this article, we’ll discover how to treat sun poisoning symptoms at home, what products can soothe and protect your skin, and when it’s time to call your doctor.

Key Highlights

• Sun poisoning is a more severe form of sunburn that can cause systemic symptoms like fever, dizziness, and nausea in addition to skin damage.

• Immediate steps like cooling the body, rehydrating, and wearing loose clothing help stop the reaction and support recovery.

• Use barrier-repairing and calming skincare ingredients such as SYRICALM™, Saccharide Isomerate, SEPIBLISS™ FEEL, and Squalane to soothe inflammation and rebuild skin health.

• Avoid active ingredients, exfoliants, and sun exposure while your skin is still healing.

• Seek medical care if you have a high fever, widespread blisters, signs of infection, or persistent discomfort.

What is Sun Poisoning?

Sun poisoning is a severe inflammatory response caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. It often starts with a severe sunburn but can progress to systemic symptoms like headache, chills, dehydration, or fever. Some people also develop a red, itchy rash or hives in sun-exposed areas.

How to Recognize Signs of Sun Poisoning Early

Recognizing the early warning signs and symptoms of sun poisoning is the first step to preventing complications and starting treatment.

Common symptoms include:

• Deep red or swollen skin, often with blistering

• Headache, dizziness, or nausea

• Fever or chills

• Rapid heartbeat or extreme fatigue

• Dehydration symptoms, such as dry mouth or lightheadedness

• In some people, a rash or hives may develop in response to UV exposure

If you notice any of these symptoms, especially if they appear a few hours after sun exposure, it’s important to act quickly. Sun poisoning can worsen over 24 to 48 hours and may become more serious without proper care. Recognizing these early symptoms and taking action quickly is essential. There are several ways to treat sun poisoning at home that can help reduce discomfort and prevent long-term skin damage when started early.

What to Do If You Have Sun Poisoning: First Steps

Although there’s no single cure for sun poisoning, taking these first steps as soon as symptoms appear can prevent worsening and support your body’s natural recovery process. The most urgent thing to do if you have sun poisoning is to remove yourself from sunlight immediately. Continued UV exposure will aggravate the skin and delay healing.

Here’s what to do next:

• Get out of the sun right away and stay in a cool, shaded, or indoor environment.

• Wear loose, breathable fabrics like cotton to avoid friction and overheating. Tight or synthetic clothing can trap heat and further irritate your skin.

• Avoid active skincare products like exfoliants, acids, or retinoids until your skin is fully healed. These can worsen inflammation and slow recovery.

How to Soothe Sun Poisoning: Rehydrate and Cool the Body

When your body has been overexposed to UV radiation, it loses moisture rapidly through damaged skin. Rehydration is critical, both internally and externally, to speed up recovery and reduce the risk of complications.

Drink plenty of fluids, especially water or oral rehydration solutions. Avoid alcohol or caffeine, which can worsen dehydration. Mild electrolyte drinks may also help if you're feeling weak or lightheaded.

To cool the skin, try the following:

• Apply a cool, damp cloth or compress to the affected areas for 15 to 20 minutes at a time.

• Take short, cool showers (not cold) and avoid hot water, soaps, or anything that strips the skin.

• Do not rub the skin dry. Gently pat it with a soft towel.
  

Treat the Skin Gently: What to Apply and What to Avoid

Using the right ingredients while avoiding harsh actives is one of the key ways to treat sun poisoning safely, especially when the skin is inflamed or blistered. Use fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and alcohol-free products only. Look for skin-calming and hydrating actives such as:

• SYRICALM™ – reduces inflammation and soothes sensitivity

• Saccharide Isomerate – deeply hydrates and supports barrier repair

• Squalane – replenishes lost moisture without clogging pores

• SEPIBLISS™ FEEL – relieves itching, burning, and discomfort caused by inflammation

 To avoid clogged pores or further barrier-damage, scan your skincare with our Glow Checker, a fast, dermatologist-backed tool that helps you identify hidden acne triggers and comedogenic ingredients while your barrier is vulnerable.

Avoid these ingredients until your skin has fully healed:

• Retinoids

• Vitamin C

• AHAs/BHAs

• Benzoyl peroxide

• Physical exfoliants or scrubs

 To avoid clogged pores or further barrier-damage, scan your skincare with our Glow Checker, a fast, dermatologist-backed tool that helps you identify hidden acne triggers and comedogenic ingredients while your barrier is vulnerable.

Knowing what to do if you have sun poisoning on your face can make a big difference in how quickly your skin recovers. When sun poisoning affects your face, it’s even more important to use minimal, barrier-supportive skincare. Focus on hydration and barrier repair before reintroducing active treatments.

When to Seek Medical Help for Sun Poisoning

Most mild to moderate cases of sun poisoning can be managed at home with proper care. However, some symptoms indicate the need for professional treatment.

See a doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:

• High fever, chills, or persistent nausea and vomiting

• Severe headache or dizziness

• Large or widespread blisters

• Intense pain that doesn’t improve within 48 hours

• Confusion, rapid heartbeat, or fainting

• Signs of skin infection (yellow discharge, warmth, or spreading redness)

What Not to Do If You Have Sun Poisoning

Certain habits and product choices can slow healing or make symptoms worse. To protect your skin and avoid complications:

• Do not pop blisters, they act as natural bandages and protect your skin from infection.

• Avoid applying thick oils or butter-like ointments (like coconut oil, Vaseline, or body butters) in the early phase. These can trap heat in the skin and worsen inflammation.

• Don’t exfoliate or scrub peeling skin. Let it shed naturally and focus on gentle hydration.

• Avoid further sun exposure, even through windows or light clothing, until the skin fully recovers.

Dermatologist-Approved Skincare Tips for Recovery and Aftercare

Once the pain has eased and any blistering or swelling begins to subside, your skin enters the repair phase. Knowing how to soothe sun poisoning and supporting this recovery with the right skincare helps restore your barrier, prevent dark spots, and minimize long-term sensitivity.

Here’s how to care for your skin after sun poisoning:

Hydrate and repair the barrier

Use moisturizers rich in barrier-supportive ingredients that help lock in hydration and calm inflammation. Some of the recommended ingredients include Squalane, Saccharide Isomerate, SYRICALM™, and SEPIBLISS™ FEEL. Apply moisturizer twice daily, and more frequently if your skin feels tight or itchy.

Tip: For even deeper recovery, apply a calming, barrier-repairing serum before your moisturizer. Rush Hour Serum is formulated with just the right post-sun actives, including Saccharide Isomerate, SEPIBLISS™ FEEL, and SYRICALM™, to hydrate, soothe inflammation, and support your skin’s natural repair process. Lightweight and non-comedogenic, it layers seamlessly under moisturizer and is especially helpful for skin that feels tight, overheated, or reactive after sun damage.

Resume cleansing with care

Use a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser that doesn’t strip your skin of natural oils. Avoid anything foaming, exfoliating, or with active acids until the skin fully stabilizes.

Introduce sun protection slowly

Once your skin stops peeling and no longer feels irritated to the touch, begin applying a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ daily. Choose a non-comedogenic, mineral-based sunscreen if your skin is still sensitive.

Avoid makeup until skin heals

If possible, skip foundation and concealers while your skin is peeling or healing. These can clog pores, cause further irritation, and slow barrier recovery. If makeup is essential, use fragrance-free, non-comedogenic products labeled for sensitive skin.

FAQs About Sun Poisoning and Recovery

Here are a few of the most common questions about how to treat sun poisoning:

1. What is the difference between sunburn and sun poisoning?

Sunburn is limited to redness, heat, and mild peeling, while sun poisoning involves more severe symptoms like swelling, blistering, fever, nausea, or rash. It can affect your entire body, not just the skin.

2. How long does sun poisoning last?

Mild cases improve within 3 to 5 days with proper care, but more severe sun poisoning may take up to 10 days or longer. Full healing can take several weeks, especially if blistering, dehydration, or pigmentation develops.

3. Can sun poisoning cause long-term skin damage?

Yes. If left untreated or if the skin is repeatedly damaged, it can result in scarring, long-term sensitivity, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Severe sun poisoning may also increase your lifetime risk of skin cancer.

4. Can sunscreen prevent sun poisoning completely?

Sunscreen significantly lowers the risk of sun poisoning but doesn't offer complete protection. No sunscreen blocks 100% of UV rays, so additional sun-safe habits are essential. For best results, use a broad-spectrum SPF 50+, reapply regularly, and pair it with shade and protective clothing.

5. How to hydrate after sun poisoning?

Start by drinking plenty of water throughout the day, in small, frequent sips. You can also use oral rehydration solutions or electrolyte-rich drinks to replace lost fluids and minerals. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages, as they can worsen dehydration. For the skin, apply fragrance-free moisturizers with hydrating ingredients like Saccharide Isomerate and Squalane to restore moisture and support the healing barrier.

6. How fast does sun poisoning show up?

Symptoms of sun poisoning can begin within a few hours after intense sun exposure, but they often worsen over the next 24 to 48 hours. You may first notice redness and heat, followed by swelling, blisters, headache, nausea, or fever. Early signs should be taken seriously to prevent complications and begin treatment as soon as possible.

Did You Know?

Your lips can also get sun poisoning. The skin on your lips is thinner and lacks melanin, which makes it especially vulnerable to UV damage. In fact, sun poisoning on the lips can cause painful swelling, blistering, and peeling that may resemble cold sores. Using a lip balm with SPF 30 or higher is just as important as sunscreen for your face and body, particularly during outdoor activities.

The good news is that breakouts from sweat are preventable with the right skincare routine. Cleansing your skin before and after sweating, wearing breathable clothing, using non-comedogenic products, and avoiding irritants like fragranced detergents or heavy hair products can make a big difference. Acne-like conditions such as fungal folliculitis may also mimic sweat-induced breakouts, so persistent or unusual flare-ups should be evaluated by a dermatologist. You don’t need to give up exercise or avoid sweating altogether, just adopt smart habits that support your skin’s health in every environment.

Takeaway

Sun poisoning is more than just a severe sunburn. Acting quickly by moving out of the sun, cooling the skin, staying hydrated, and applying barrier-repairing skincare can ease symptoms and support faster healing. Use calming ingredients like SYRICALM™, Saccharide Isomerate, and Squalane to reduce inflammation and strengthen your skin. The most effective way to avoid sun poisoning in the future is by using a broad-spectrum SPF 50+, wearing protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours.