Woman Skips Sunscreen On Beach Outing, Sees Face Swell Like A Balloon

A woman's TikTok video describing a tragic sunburn event has gone viral, serving as a grim warning for people to wear sunscreen. Many others are learning for the first time about a painful and severe burn known as sun poisoning.

Woman's Facial Swelling Serves As A Reminder To Always Apply Sunscreen At The Beach

Bela Chatwin, 21, exhibits images from a trip to San Diego in April 2018, where she got extremely, very tanned after falling asleep for five hours on Mission Beach by accident. The photos show her face swollen and red, and she claimed in one post that it grew so awful that her sister didn't recognise her.

The video she posted on Tuesday has received over 30 million views and elicited visceral reactions from viewers who were stunned by what they witnessed.

Many others started frantically tagging friends to remind them to use sunscreen. Chatwin told Insider that her symptoms did not manifest right away when she awoke, and she appeared OK the rest of the day. When she awoke the next day, her face was red and puffy, with a blister running over her chin and upper cheek area.

On the third day, things took a bad turn. Chatwin remembered her face being so bloated that she couldn't open her eyes, with sores bursting open and oozing everywhere.

To make matters worse, she was on vacation and sleeping on a plastic bed on a catamaran, where her skin would "stick to it and peel off" whenever she moved. "The pain was horrific," she admitted.

What is sun poisoning?

SWNS

Sun poisoning, also known as sunburn, is a severe form of sunburn caused by prolonged exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. It is not actually a form of poisoning but rather a severe reaction of the skin to excessive sun exposure.

Symptoms of sun poisoning can include redness, blistering, swelling, pain, fever, chills, and nausea. It is important to protect your skin from the sun by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade to prevent sunburn and potential sun poisoning.

If you suspect you have sun poisoning, it is advisable to seek medical attention. Here are some do's and don'ts for when you step out in the sun.

Dos:

1. Do apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 30 or higher, at least 15 minutes before going out in the sun.

2. Do reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more frequently if you're swimming or sweating.

3. Do wear protective clothing, such as hats, long-sleeved shirts, and sunglasses that block UV rays.

4. Do seek shade, especially during the peak sun hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

5. Do hydrate yourself by drinking plenty of water to keep your skin and body well-hydrated.

6. Do use umbrellas or sun-protective gear like sun umbrellas and sun-protective clothing when spending extended periods outdoors.

Don'ts:

1. Don't forget to apply sunscreen on all exposed areas, including your face, ears, neck, and feet.

2. Don't rely solely on sunscreen; it's essential to use other protective measures as well.

3. Don't stay in direct sunlight for prolonged periods, especially during peak hours.

4. Don't use tanning beds or sunlamps, as they emit harmful UV radiation.

5. Don't underestimate the strength of the sun, even on cloudy days, as UV rays can still penetrate through clouds.

6. Don't wait until you feel thirsty to drink water; stay hydrated throughout the day.

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