Does short sun exposure cause diarrhea even without stomach cramping?

[marashara]

This morning I was sitting indoors with the windows closed but in the sun, just getting warm. I must have sat in the sun for 1 and a half hours and it felt really good, no skin burn or anything, but about 1 hour later I had really watery diarrhea. I know it was nothing I ate because all I had was oatmeal, which is what I usually have in the morning. I didn't have a stomach ache, so where is the diarrhea coming from?


This discussion is related to Is this sun poisoning, and if so does diarrhea accompany?.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
The diarrhea could be due to something you ate even a day or two before. It is unlikely to be due to sitting in the sun. Take an OTC lactobacillus preparation and yoghurt with your meals. Drink plenty of fluids. Eat light, do not stay hungry but eat simple things like toast, porridge, cereals, crackers etc. Take ORS. Take over the counter antacid and antiemetic (this SOS for vomiting). Watch out for a day or two with this treatment. Take care!

[geminigirl1963]

Even if you are accustomed to eating oatmeal every day, it's still possible that it could be the culprit of your diarrhea.  It may also be due to something that you ate yesterday or even the day before - sometimes our stools don't get affected immediately from what we've eaten.

Some medications can cause very adverse reactions to sun/heat, even with short exposures, so if you're taking any medications, they may also be the culprit.

Did/do you have any other symptoms, such as dizziness, headache, nausea?

[thedocsquawk]

Your diarrhea is likely due to another cause. If you have no rash or skin problems, "sun poisoning" is not your problem.