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Original poster

Sunbed Shock

689 replies

SansaStark90 · 16/04/2025 17:09

I’ve been really stupid and gone on the sunbed for twenty minutes and the burns I’ve got - I’ve never seen skin as red. I’ve got like indents to my skin as though I’ve woken to stretch marks on my chest. Will these disappear? I’m in agony. I’ve never burnt and so didn’t know it could cause this kind of pain. I’m shaking shivering. I did this yesterday. Can someone reassure my health anxiety that these indents will all calm down?

OP posts:
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12
housethatbuiltme · 16/04/2025 19:54

SansaStark90 · 16/04/2025 19:23

I have pale white Irish skin. I had porcelain clear skin with no sun damage so I despair at my stupidity.

Were you in agony even laid down? I’ve done my entire body except my face. Every time I move I’m howling and I’m normally pretty tough! It’s literally 80% of my body.

Thank you for the advice and I’m dilly dallying as I should have tried to get in to my gp today but embarrassment has stopped me

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Yes it hurt lying down, I couldn't really do anything else as movement hurt.

80% is a LOT of area, I think your biggest risk is right now and possible shock rather than long term damage. I'm not sure how you could take blood pressure to check for shock though when burned as it would be agonizing.

MightAsWellBeGretel · 16/04/2025 19:53

Cabbagefamily · 16/04/2025 19:47

No one with health anxiety, extreme or otherwise, would dream of ever using a sunbed.

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Exactly.

BobbyBiscuits · 16/04/2025 19:52

The machines at the shop should shut off after a certain time. It's not safe that someone could go in there for that long.
I don't know if it's an industry thing or whether that shop has dodgy beds, but that's really awful.
I remember being horribly burned before from being out too long. I hope you feel better soon x

PooksBear · 16/04/2025 19:52

Ring 101

mainecooncatonahottinroof · 16/04/2025 19:51

YourLoyalPlumOP · 16/04/2025 19:43

Let’s not freak out the girl who suffers with severe health anxiety eh?

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Well it's the reality?

TheBluntTraybake · 16/04/2025 19:50

Cabbagefamily · 16/04/2025 19:47

No one with health anxiety, extreme or otherwise, would dream of ever using a sunbed.

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I have diagnosed OCD and health anxiety and have a used a sun bed. Maybe I'm AI?🤔

YourLoyalPlumOP · 16/04/2025 19:48

Cabbagefamily · 16/04/2025 19:47

No one with health anxiety, extreme or otherwise, would dream of ever using a sunbed.

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Ahh. You know the OP personally or are the OP right?

Cabbagefamily · 16/04/2025 19:47

YourLoyalPlumOP · 16/04/2025 19:43

Let’s not freak out the girl who suffers with severe health anxiety eh?

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No one with health anxiety, extreme or otherwise, would dream of ever using a sunbed.

TheBluntTraybake · 16/04/2025 19:45

There's really no need to call the OP names. She's not to know what she doesn't know! It's the fault of the sunbed company who should have told her. I'd definitely seek medical attention though OP.

ToysRus56 · 16/04/2025 19:45

Ah you poor thing! I have been this burnt before. It really is agony. I recommend dousing - and I mean dousing - yourself in aloe vera/ aftersun every hour. And drinking a lot of water. It will calm down in a few days

Hastentoadd · 16/04/2025 19:45

SansaStark90 · 16/04/2025 19:23

I have pale white Irish skin. I had porcelain clear skin with no sun damage so I despair at my stupidity.

Were you in agony even laid down? I’ve done my entire body except my face. Every time I move I’m howling and I’m normally pretty tough! It’s literally 80% of my body.

Thank you for the advice and I’m dilly dallying as I should have tried to get in to my gp today but embarrassment has stopped me

Show quote history

Have you never been sun burnt before?
It should calm down in 24hrs and become less painful,
Have a lukewarm shower ( temp you can tolerate) don’t use shower gel / cleanser, just water and moisturise really well afterwards , keep the skin very hydrated and then you might not peel so badly

lalaloopyhead · 16/04/2025 19:43

It's been quite a few years since I last used a sunbed (something I now regret btw, bring 50+ and skin damage on my chest) I am sure I remember increments of 3 minutes, so 20 sounds like a lot!
Don't be embarrassed, seek medical advice on this..I don't think the salon should have allowed you to go on for so long.

YourLoyalPlumOP · 16/04/2025 19:43

faerietales · 16/04/2025 19:27

You don't need a GP, you need to go to hospital. You may need to be put on a drip to prevent severe dehydration.

You are also now at incredibly high risk for skin cancer including melanoma, so you will need to check your skin monthly and ideally book in for annual mole checks.

Let’s not freak out the girl who suffers with severe health anxiety eh?

YourLoyalPlumOP · 16/04/2025 19:41

SansaStark90 · 16/04/2025 17:29

I thought I’d be over the worst as in I didn’t think it would swell anymore. But the indents and little white dots are appearing. Think it’s going to blister. Im in agony. Feel dreadful. And i have no one to blame but myself. I went to a sunbed shop. But it’s my own fault as I used to tan very easily in the sun, I thought 20 minutes was standard. The young girl was probably 20 and wasn’t paying attention to me. Dumb dumb award of the year, goes to…..me.

I’d be ringing 111. Just cos of how bad it can get.

DeffoNeedANameChange · 16/04/2025 19:41

NotsosunnyShropshire · 16/04/2025 18:50

I disagree, the OP has to take responsibility for their own actions too. Yes, report them for H&S reasons, but no one forced the OP to stay there.

I hope you’ve sought medical advice now @SansaStark90 ?

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But why would someone walk in off the street and automatically know what's a sensible time for their first time on a sunbed?

It's like someone with no understanding of alcohol ordering a pint of vodka, and the bartender actually serving it.

Stravaig · 16/04/2025 19:39

@SansaStark90 Look at it this way:
The sooner you seek qualified medical help, the better the outcome will be.

Please set aside your embarrassment, medical staff will want to care for you.

They will also want to know about the tanning salon, to ensure that it is investigated and closed down before it creates any more patients for them!

Thegreyestate · 16/04/2025 19:38

Definitely go and see a doctor.

I'm porcelain white and when I did a sunbed I was told 3 minutes max

Oual · 16/04/2025 19:36

I know you feel embarrassed but healthcare workers would much rather treat you than you sit at home in pain from burns. Ring up 111 see if they will give you an ooo appt or see where they will send you too, and get the healthcare you need.

IVbumble · 16/04/2025 19:36

It's important to call 111 or go online because you might need emergency treatment. Remember the full impact of the burns could still be to come.

You may need prescription grade pain relief so need to be seen asap.

Drink lots of water as pp have been saying.

I used lots of ice on my legs when they were burnt badly from sitting under a beach raffia sunshade & not realising they don't protect you from the sun at all.

You won't be the first person they have seen in this type of situation & your health is so important.

BodenCardiganNot · 16/04/2025 19:35

Please see proper medical advice. Don't let embarrassment stop you.

MightAsWellBeGretel · 16/04/2025 19:35

No reputable salon allowed you to go beyond 12 minutes when I was stupid enough to use them 20 year ago. 20 mins is scandalous - these places need to be made illegal, I didn't even know they were still around!

Health anxiety and sunbedding don't really go together, do they, OP?

HallidayJones6779 · 16/04/2025 19:34

OP didn't want to read and run. Please be kind to yourself - it's a lesson learned for the future. In the meantime, bite the bullet and go and get yourself seen. You'll feel better - both physically and from an anxiety point of view too xx

LittleLabrador · 16/04/2025 19:34

I can’t believe they let you do 20 mins! The place i used to go to had 12 as a maximum even for people who were obsessive sun bed users!

Blackdow · 16/04/2025 19:34

SansaStark90 · 16/04/2025 19:23

I have pale white Irish skin. I had porcelain clear skin with no sun damage so I despair at my stupidity.

Were you in agony even laid down? I’ve done my entire body except my face. Every time I move I’m howling and I’m normally pretty tough! It’s literally 80% of my body.

Thank you for the advice and I’m dilly dallying as I should have tried to get in to my gp today but embarrassment has stopped me

Show quote history

For goodness sake, will you do something to look after yourself!? If you’re too scarred to get help then call an adult who will take you and do it for you.

Get medical attention; just in case. Take strong painkillers. Drink. Get in a cool bath.

mainecooncatonahottinroof · 16/04/2025 19:32

For the love of god, please go to A&E, now! They won't give a shit about you going on the sunbed but you need urgent medical attention! Please, just go!