Beware of the Sun!

This is what I look like after 6 hours in the sun yesterday with multiple applications of SPF 70 sunblock. (Although in this picture to you I may not look so bad, you cannot tell that I am actually badly sunburned and swollen, but I am. The swelling is more of a inconvenience for me than the burn.)

And while I swam the ocean and layed out in the sun, not one symptom of a burn appeared. Not even lastnight, hours later after a shower. Only when I woke up this morning did I see my forehead, eyes, ears, and neck swollen and burnt. Not to mention the top of my forehead leaking a little bit. My skin feels tight and I look and feel like complete shit. I was told to take some Ibuprofen or Benadryl to get the swelling to go down and to apply a cold compress to my forehead, bath in cool water, and use Aloe through out the day. Sadly for me, I am carless, refuse to go out beneath the sun to walk to the store, and all I have is Aspirin & Aloe. Hopefully someone will save me from my misery and maybe even drop some icecream off aswell!

The sad part about the sun is that we just do not realize how strong it is. I remember falling asleep on the beach as a teenager, getting burnt, and having the best tan all summer long. Nothing like whats going on now a days. I did not even realize I was burning until almost 24 hours later, which is very scary. The harm that the sun can actual do to your body is hirendous and I caution everyone to be very careful when out in the sun.

In the case of sun poisoning

The reaction is a bit more severe than a "sun burn" and the symptoms may become seriously uncomfortable. A typical sunburn involves itching, redness, and peeling. Severe sunburns may also be accompanied by small blisters that may lead to infection. Symptoms of sun poisoning also tend to include nausea, fever, headache, and dizziness and may also be accompanied by fluid loss and electrolyte imbalance.

If your symptoms are limited to mild discomfort, treat your skin the way you would treat any sunburn. Stay hydrated, apply ice or cold compresses to reduce swelling or itching, and take aspirin. Apply aloe if it helps and keep out of the sun. Try taking beta-carotene supplements as they've been shown to ease inflammation. Avoid using oils or anything that contains potential irritants such as fragrances and exfoliants.

On the other hand, if the burn is more painful or you exhibit any of the systemic symptoms listed above, step up your efforts to cool down and hydrate. Drink plenty of fluids and take a bath in cool (not cold) water. Pat skin dry-don't rub-and stay in a cool environment until your symptoms ease.

And to think, I am supposed to look beautiful tomorrow and go to David's Bridal to make my final decision on a dress. To decide if I am going to pick up the one I already put on hold, or if I am going to try on 100 more and change my mind. Plus they are having an awesome sale tomorrow so I have to make it. Even if I still look like this. Ill just wear sunglasses all day!

One thing that makes me happy - I gave myself a beautifl mani - pedi lastnight. I used some light nailpolish and did the tips in silver sparkle. Looks great :)

UPDATE: Two days later after my nasty sunburn and the fluids that swelled my forehead have now swelled my left eye shut. I look horrible and can barely see. Im continuing to use benadryl and ibuprofen while frequently holding ice on my face...

Three days after and the fluids out of my upper eyelid and now just beneath my eye and throughout my nose and cheeks. I look completely different & too horrified to post pictures. Some people say to wash my face with whole milk or soaken wet warm tea bags but Im just hoping when I wake up tomorrow I will be back to normal :(