THE warm weather has well and truly arrived.
This weekend the UK reached a blistering 32C – the hottest temperature of the year so far.
GettySun poisoning is a serious condition which is commonly caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation[/caption]
And while it can be fun to bask in the heat and get your tan on, the current high temperatures can bring a real danger of sun poisoning.
Sun poisoning is a serious condition which is commonly caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation that inflames your skin.
It’s not exactly a medical diagnosis, rather it’s a lay term for a really bad sunburn.
Unlike a mild sunburn, sun poisoning usually requires medical treatment to prevent complications such as skin damage, heatstroke and cancer.
One of the common symptoms is facial swelling.
Dr Debra Jaliman, a dermatologist based in New York, said facial swelling is an allergic reaction to the sun.
“When your body gets too much sun, its immune system reacts by turning the affected area of skin red, which becomes painful,” she told health website, HealthCentral.
Blood vessels enlarge to boost blood flow and accelerate healing, resulting in redness and sometimes swelling.
Other symptoms of sun poisoning
According to WebMD these are the 8 other symptoms to be aware of:
Skin redness and blisteringPain and tinglingSwellingHeadacheFever and chillsNauseaDizzinessDehydration
If you think you or someone you know has sun poisoning you need to see a doctor right away.
Your doctor might may treat sun poisoning with cold compress and intravenous (IV) fluids for dehydration.
They might also prescribe steroids for blistering and swelling, antibiotics to prevent infection and pain medications for relief.
Preventing sun poisoning
Brits love nothing more than basking in the glorious heat.
But the hot weather is as dangerous as it is joyous.
Experts say it can take as little as ten minutes to get sunburnt.
Here are some ways you can stay cool in the warmer weather, according to the NHS.
Keep out of the heat if you canIf you have to go outside, stay in the shade especially between 11am and 3pm, wear sunscreen, a hat and light clothesAvoid exercise or activity that makes you hotterHave cold food and drinks, avoid alcohol, caffeine and hot drinksHave a cool shower or put cool water on your skin or clothesClose windows during the day and open them at night when the temperature outside has gone downElectric fans can help if the temperature is below 35C