The answer is a complicated one. Sun Poisoning: Symptoms Diagnosis. Food poisoning causes symptoms sooner than the stomach bug. Symptoms & causes of viral gastroenteritis ("stomach flu"). Pain and swelling: The affected area of skin may be painful, and can have the appearance of eczema lesions. Some people develop skin rashes called photodermatosis when they are exposed to intense sunlight. Small, fluid-filled blisters, which may break. See a healthcare provider if you have a weak immune system, are pregnant or elderly, or you have severe or lingering symptoms. Sun Poisoning: Symptoms The skin may be red or swollen, as well. This is explained by how both diseases work: With food poisoning, symptoms are caused by the release of enterotoxins by bacteria found in contaminated foods. Pain, tenderness and itching. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Can sun poisoning make you sick? Diagnosis and management of foodborne illness. Keep your refrigerator at 40 degrees F or below. Sunburn symptoms include redness, warmth, pain, and swelling. WebSymptoms of sun poisoning can be flu-like in nature and include: Nausea, chills, and fever Dehydration Feeling dizzy, light-headed, or confused An itchy red rash Pain, tingling, or swelling of the skin Headache Important: Sun poisoning symptoms differ from a sunburn where your skin becomes red, painful, and warm to the touch. Identifying the cause can help you find treatment. Headache. When skin is so burned that blisters have formed, that indicates you have a second-degree burn. If you have sunburn or a skin reaction after only a short time in the sun, your health care provider might suggest phototesting. Confusion. And, if sun poisoning is very severe, you can even develop confusion and dizziness. Sun Poisoning Symptoms Symptoms Nausea. When you have sun poisoning, youre not actually poisoned by UV (ultraviolet) rays. Symptoms Signs and symptoms may include: Itchiness (pruritus) Stinging Tiny bumps that may merge into raised patches A flushing of the exposed area Blisters or hives Symptoms usually occur only on skin that has been exposed to the sun or other source of UV light. Nausea. Symptoms This usually involves bacteria like E. coli (Escherichia coli), Staphylococcus aureus, or Salmonella, but there are viruses or parasites that can also cause food poisoning. Sun poisoning, then, is related to sunburn but not necessarily identical. In some cases, they can make things worse. Sunburn and sun poisoning are heat and light injuries. On the other hand, food poisoning is more likely to cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms such as projectile vomiting and bloody stools. poisoning Headache, fever, nausea and fatigue, if the sunburn is severe. National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. If you have sunburn or a skin reaction after only a short time in the sun, your health care provider might suggest phototesting. The malaria medication hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) may ease the symptoms of some types of sun allergies. Small, fluid-filled blisters, which may break. Dehydration. Sun poisoning has severe sunburn symptoms, plus others. Am Fam Physician. "If a sunburn has left you with systemic symptomsfever, nausea, fatiguethis can be an indication of sun poisoning," explains Chicago dermatologist Jordan Carqueville, M.D. Sun Poisoning: Symptoms Headache, fever, nausea and fatigue, if the sunburn is severe. However, in more severe cases, you may develop sun poisoning. Sun poisoning symptoms The stomach flu is usually caused by norovirus. poisoning Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sunburn symptoms can include: Inflamed skin, which looks pink or red on white skin and may be harder to see on brown or Black skin. Sunburn and sun poisoning symptoms usually start within a few hours of excess sun exposure. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Chills. This is explained by how both diseases work: Signs and symptoms of food poisoning usually begin 30 minutes to 8 hours after eating contaminated food. It Possible to Get Poisoned by What are the symptoms of sun poisoning? Sun poisoning has severe sunburn symptoms, plus others. On an individual level, the differentiation won't inherently alter how either disease is treated. Read our, Diagnosis of Food Poisoning vs. Norovirus, What to Eat After Food Poisoning to Heal Your Gut, Prevention of Food Poisoning vs. Stomach Bug. It Possible to Get Poisoned by Complications Outlook FAQ Summary Exposure to the sun can cause sunburn. There are times when you need more than home-based care if you have food poisoning or stomach flu. Nausea. Treatment for food poisoning. How Long Should You Stay Home With the Stomach Flu? Dehydration. Wash laundry thoroughly, including towels and bedding. Dizziness. In the United States, an estimated 48 million people get food poisoning, and up to 21 million get norovirus each year. It Possible to Get Poisoned by The malaria medication hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) may ease the symptoms of some types of sun allergies. WebNo. Sun Can sun poisoning make you sick? Shortness of breath. Headache. With food poisoning, symptoms tend to develop sooner, usually within a few hours. Fainting. The diagnosis of food poisoning and norovirus is more or less the same, and many of the tools used for the diagnosis (such as stool cultures) check for both bacterial and viral causes. Cook food to the right internal temperature to kill potentially harmful bacteria. Sunburn symptoms include redness, warmth, pain, and swelling. With norovirus, the route of transmission is broader because the virus tends to be harder to neutralize on surfaces than foodborne bacteria. Basically, if your sunburn symptoms are more than just skin-deep, you may have crossed over from sunburn to sun poisoning. Fever and other flu-like symptoms. Sun poisoning is a more extreme form of sunburn that can cause other bodily reactions in addition to burns or skin damage. Symptoms & causes of food poisoning. And, if sun poisoning is very severe, you can even develop confusion and dizziness. Food poisoning causes symptoms sooner than the stomach bug. Dehydration. Dehydration. Dizziness. When skin is so burned that blisters have formed, that indicates you have a second-degree burn. WebSun poisoning typically causes a range of flu-like symptoms including nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, and muscle aches. Pain, tenderness and itching. "If a sunburn has left you with systemic symptomsfever, nausea, fatiguethis can be an indication of sun poisoning," explains Chicago dermatologist Jordan Carqueville, M.D. Changes in mental state (such as confusion or irritability), Black or tarry stools (indicative of gastrointestinal bleeding). 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. If you have a severe sun allergy, your health care provider may suggest gradually getting your skin used to sunlight each year as the daylight hours get longer. What are the symptoms of sun poisoning? Sun poisoning symptoms Shigella vs. Norovirus: What's the Difference Between These 'Stomach Bugs'? Separate raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs from ready-to-eat foods. Skin that feels warm or hot to the touch. However, in more severe cases, you may develop sun poisoning. Sunburn and sun poisoning symptoms usually start within a few hours of excess sun exposure. Symptoms show up within minutes to hours after sun exposure. Swelling. Whether food poisoning is contagious depends on the type of bacteria, virus or parasite that caused it, according to Healthline. Sun Rash Phototherapy. Lightheadedness. Both can typically be treated at home with hydration, over-the-counter medications for symptom relief, and rest. In phototherapy, a special lamp is Food poisoning is caused by eating something that is contaminated with germs, also known as a foodborne illness. Although people refer to a severe sunburn as "sun poisoning," there's no such thing. poisoning The biggest difference between food poisoning and norovirus is when symptoms begin. Sun National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sunburn and sun poisoning symptoms usually start within a few hours of excess sun exposure. Preventing norovirus. The skin may be red or swollen, as well. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. At other times, testing can help trace the source of food contamination. Swelling. Polymorphous light eruption Sun Poisoning Symptoms WebSymptoms of sun poisoning can be flu-like in nature and include: Nausea, chills, and fever Dehydration Feeling dizzy, light-headed, or confused An itchy red rash Pain, tingling, or swelling of the skin Headache Important: Sun poisoning symptoms differ from a sunburn where your skin becomes red, painful, and warm to the touch. Sun It can be hard to tell the difference between norovirus (the most common cause of stomach flu) and food poisoning because both cause nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. Dehydration. Refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking. Here are some of the symptoms of sun poisoning: Blistering of the skin that eventually peels. Skin that feels warm or hot to the touch. The contamination can occur anywhere from the farm or ranch to the processing facility to the store or delivery service to the home. Sun Poisoning: Symptoms Sun Poisoning: Symptoms If you have a severe sun allergy, your health care provider may suggest gradually getting your skin used to sunlight each year as the daylight hours get longer. Sun Poisoning Sun Poisoning: Symptoms Can sun poisoning make you sick? Sun Poisoning: Symptoms Overview Symptoms Causes Risk factors Overview Polymorphous light eruption is a rash caused by sun exposure in people who have developed sensitivity to sunlight. Some of the symptoms of food poisoning are the same as symptoms of norovirus, so it can be difficult to tell the difference based on symptoms alone. Nausea and Diarrhea: Causes and Treatments, Symptoms of Infectious Colitis and How to Treat It, 7 Remarkably Common Viral Infections Explained, Vomiting and Diarrhea: Causes and Treatments, Diagnosis of viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu), Diagnosis and management of foodborne illness, Symptoms & causes of viral gastroenteritis ("stomach flu"), Person-to-person contact with an infected person, Anyone with persistent or severe symptoms. Lightheadedness. Norovirus and food poisoning are typically caused by two different thingsone by a virus and the other by bacteriaand differ in how they are treated. Headache, fever, nausea and fatigue, if the sunburn is severe. WebSun poisoning typically causes a range of flu-like symptoms including nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, and muscle aches. Foodborne illnesses and germs. WebNo. Dizziness. Sun Poisoning Symptoms Sun Signs and symptoms may include: Itchiness (pruritus) Stinging Tiny bumps that may merge into raised patches A flushing of the exposed area Blisters or hives Symptoms usually occur only on skin that has been exposed to the sun or other source of UV light. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. The rash may appear as small blisters and cause an itching or burning feeling, among other symptoms. Stomach Pain and Nausea: Causes and Treatments. Stomach flu can also be triggered by other viruses, bacteria, or parasites. Polymorphous light eruption 2015;92(5):358-365. Often, sun poisoning results in painful, red, blistery skin and even flu-like symptoms. Polymorphous light eruption on the chest The answer is a complicated one. Sometimes, it can also cause blisters to form on your lips. Diagnosis of viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu). The rash usually appears as tiny, inflamed bumps or slightly raised patches of skin. Protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community by practicing good hygiene habits and ensuring foods are prepared and served safely. Overview Symptoms Causes Risk factors Overview Polymorphous light eruption is a rash caused by sun exposure in people who have developed sensitivity to sunlight. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. When to Dehydration. Here is how the two illnesses compare side by side: Diarrhea (may be watery, bloody, or mucus-like). The biggest difference between food poisoning and norovirus is when symptoms begin. Most are due to dehydration and electrolyte loss, though the bodys inflammatory response or thermoregulation problems may play a role. Most people recover from food poisoning in 12 to 24 hours. For most people, treatment can be delivered at home and may include: Food poisoning generally isn't contagious from person to person in the way that the stomach flu is. Sun poisoning symptoms The biggest difference between food poisoning and norovirus is when symptoms begin. Often, sun poisoning results in painful, red, blistery skin and even flu-like symptoms. Symptoms show up within minutes to hours after sun exposure. Diagnosing sunburn generally includes a physical exam. Lightheadedness. Skin that feels warm or hot to the touch. Pain and swelling: The affected area of skin may be painful, and can have the appearance of eczema lesions. Sun poisoning, then, is related to sunburn but not necessarily identical. Sun Poisoning: Symptoms Dizziness. Diagnosis Phototherapy. Chills. Sun poisoning symptoms include: Blistering Headache Fever Dizziness Confusion Nausea Vomiting Rapid pulse and breathing Feeling faint Poisoning Sun Poisoning: Symptoms Basically, if your sunburn symptoms are more than just skin-deep, you may have crossed over from sunburn to sun poisoning. Food poisoning and the stomach flu can come with similar symptoms, like nausea and vomiting, but theyre different conditions. Poisoning Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Sun poisoning symptoms include: Blistering Headache Fever Dizziness Confusion Nausea Vomiting Rapid pulse and breathing Feeling faint Complications Outlook FAQ Summary Exposure to the sun can cause sunburn. Basically, if your sunburn symptoms are more than just skin-deep, you may have crossed over from sunburn to sun poisoning. Sun There are a few tell-tale signs that can differentiate the two, including when symptoms start and how long they last. Whether food poisoning is contagious depends on the type of bacteria, virus or parasite that caused it, according to Healthline. A sun rash can occur due to a genetic condition or the use of a certain medication. "If a sunburn has left you with systemic symptomsfever, nausea, fatiguethis can be an indication of sun poisoning," explains Chicago dermatologist Jordan Carqueville, M.D. Fever and other flu-like symptoms. Sunburn and sun poisoning are heat and light injuries. Swelling. Signs of stomach flu usually start 12 to 48 hours after exposure to the virus. Wash your hands and work surfaces before, during, and after preparing food. Because the modes of transmission are different, there are different precautions you may need to take to avoid getting or spreading these diseases. When skin is so burned that blisters have formed, that indicates you have a second-degree burn. Your health care provider might also ask about your symptoms, current medications, UV exposure and sunburn history. Some people develop skin rashes called photodermatosis when they are exposed to intense sunlight. Sometimes, it can also cause blisters to form on your lips. If you are suspected of having food poisoning or norovirus, the diagnosis will typically involve: Testing is especially relevant if there is a community outbreak (such as an outbreak on a cruise ship or in a hospital). Sun poisoning vs. sunburn symptoms Sun poisoning describes the body-wide symptoms of severe sunburn. Sun poisoning, then, is related to sunburn but not necessarily identical. The answer is a complicated one. Dizziness. With sun poisoning, you may first experience symptoms of a regular sunburn. Pain and swelling: The affected area of skin may be painful, and can have the appearance of eczema lesions. The biggest difference between food poisoning and norovirus is when symptoms begin. To prevent food poisoning, you should as a general rule: To prevent the spread of norovirus while someone in your home is sick: If you have symptoms of food poisoning or norovirus, stay home and away from others until your symptoms have completely cleared. And, if sun poisoning is very severe, you can even develop confusion and dizziness. If you have food poisoning, seek immediate medical care if you have: If you have norovirus, seek immediate medical care if you have: Dehydration is common if vomiting or diarrhea persists for more than 24 hours and can quickly turn deadly if left untreated. In phototherapy, a special lamp is Sun Rash Although people refer to a severe sunburn as "sun poisoning," there's no such thing. When you have sun poisoning, youre not actually poisoned by UV (ultraviolet) rays. Polymorphous light eruption on the chest Sun Overview Symptoms Causes Risk factors Overview Polymorphous light eruption is a rash caused by sun exposure in people who have developed sensitivity to sunlight. Sun Poisoning: Symptoms If you have a severe sun allergy, your health care provider may suggest gradually getting your skin used to sunlight each year as the daylight hours get longer.