Why does my whole body feel stinging pain as soon as I'm exposed to sunlight?

Nov 28, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
In general, experiencing a stinging sensation all over the body upon sun exposure may be caused by factors such as dry and sensitive skin, prolonged sun exposure, solar dermatitis, polymorphic light eruption, or porphyria. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a正规 hospital. For daily outdoor activities, plan your schedule in advance to avoid peak ultraviolet radiation hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Generally, experiencing body-wide pain upon sun exposure may be caused by factors such as dry and sensitive skin, prolonged sun exposure, solar dermatitis, polymorphic light eruption, or porphyria. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a正规 hospital. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Dry and Sensitive Skin

Insufficient moisture in the skin's stratum corneum leads to a weakened barrier function. UV exposure can damage the stratum corneum and stimulate nerve endings, causing stinging pain. Maintain daily skin hydration, use skincare products containing ceramides, and apply a gentle sunscreen 15 minutes before sun exposure.

2. Prolonged Sun Exposure

Extended time in sunlight causes cumulative UV damage to skin cells, triggering an inflammatory response that results in redness and pain. Immediately move to a shaded area, apply cool compresses with a damp towel to reduce temperature, and subsequently enhance moisturization to prevent dryness.

3. Solar Dermatitis

An allergic reaction of the skin to ultraviolet rays leads to acute inflammation after exposure, manifesting as erythema and stinging pain, sometimes accompanied by blisters in severe cases. Treatment may include calamine lotion, levocetirizine hydrochloride tablets, or hydrocortisone butyrate cream under medical guidance. Avoid further sun exposure.

4. Polymorphic Light Eruption

UV exposure triggers an abnormal immune response, resulting in skin rashes, erythema, stinging, and itching, commonly occurring in spring and summer. Under medical supervision, treatments may include nicotinamide tablets, loratadine capsules, or mometasone furoate cream. Use physical sun protection when outdoors.

5. Porphyria

Abnormal porphyrin metabolism leads to accumulation of porphyrins in the body, which become activated upon UV exposure, damaging skin cells and causing pain, erythema, or even ulceration. Patients should avoid light exposure and may take hydroxychloroquine tablets, beta-carotene softgels, and vitamin B6 supplements as directed by a physician. In severe cases, phlebotomy therapy might be required.

For daily outdoor activities, plan ahead to avoid peak UV hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.; wear long-sleeved clothing and wide-brimmed hats; use sunscreen with SPF 30+ and PA+++ or higher; maintain a balanced diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables containing vitamins to strengthen skin resistance.