Feeling chills after spending time in the sun might seem unusual, especially when your body has been exposed to heat. However, this reaction is not entirely uncommon and can be a sign of your body trying to regulate its internal temperature. While most people expect to feel hot or sweaty under the sun, experiencing chills could point to issues such as dehydration, sunburn, or even the early stages of heat-related illnesses.
For same-day seasonal care, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Livingston. Our medical team is dedicated to providing convenient, accessible, and affordable care to all patients in the Livingston, NJ area. Just walk-in today!
Why Do I Have Chills After Being In The Sun?
Chills following sun exposure can be a symptom of a more serious issue like heat exhaustion or even heatstroke. Both conditions occur when your body overheats, typically due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures and inadequate hydration. Heat exhaustion can cause symptoms like chills, excessive sweating, nausea, dizziness, muscle cramps, and a rapid heartbeat. Your body may begin to lose its ability to regulate temperature effectively, triggering chills as a stress response.
What Are The Symptoms of Chills From The Sun?
Symptoms of chills from the sun can vary depending on the underlying cause, whether it's heat exhaustion, sunburn, or dehydration. Below are common signs to watch for:
- Shivering or Goosebumps: Even in hot weather, you might experience uncontrollable shivering or develop goosebumps. This is your body's way of trying to cool down or respond to internal stress.
- Sweating Followed by Cold Sensations: You may sweat excessively at first, then suddenly feel cold as your body struggles to regulate its temperature, especially if you're dehydrated or overheated.
- Fatigue or Weakness: Feeling tired shortly after being in the sun, especially when paired with chills, can be a sign of heat exhaustion or early heat stroke.
- Headache or Dizziness: Prolonged sun exposure can cause dehydration and heat-related illnesses, leading to dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, and chills.
- Nausea or Upset Stomach: A queasy stomach, nausea, or even vomiting may occur with chills, often signaling that your body is overheated or reacting to sun exposure negatively.
- Red or Burned Skin: If you have chills with sunburn, your skin may feel hot, red, and painful to the touch. This is a common sign of sun poisoning or severe sunburn.
How To Prevent Chills From The Sun
Chills after sun exposure are often a sign that your body is stressed from heat, dehydration, or sunburn. Thankfully, there are several practical ways to prevent this uncomfortable reaction:
Drink plenty of water before, during, and after being in the sun.
- Take breaks in the shade, and don't stay under direct sunlight for too long.
- Wear light and breathable clothing: Choose light-colored, loose-fitting clothes made from cotton or moisture-wicking materials.
- Apply sunscreen regularly.
While occasional chills after sun exposure may not always be severe, they can sometimes signal underlying conditions like heat exhaustion or sun poisoning.
Get Walk-In Heat-Related Illness Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Livingston
If you experience persistent chills, dizziness, confusion, nausea, or a rapid heartbeat after being in the sun, it's essential not to ignore these warning signs. Visiting an urgent care center ensures you get prompt evaluation and treatment to prevent more serious complications and help your body recover safely. For same-day heat-related illness treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Livingston. Our urgent care center is conveniently located at 90 South Livingston Avenue in Livingston, NJ, and we provide immediate care 7 days a week with no appointment necessary. We accept most health insurance plans and offer low-cost options for self-paying patients. If you have any additional questions about the services we provide, please contact our team directly at (973) 601-2626.
