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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Help got a situation in Tenerife!

158 replies

Allyg1185 · 01/04/2018 08:53

This isn't aibu but I'm needing help and know I will get a high response here.

Basically we are in Tenerife ( costa adeje ) for a week. Myself, dh and ds ( 6 )

Now I know I'm probably going to get flamed here but my ds has got a bit of sunburn along his shoulders and is feeling miserable, cold and shivery. I feel awful. I did the usual things, factor 50 on at all times and reapplied regularly, hat on even in the pool, had a tshirt on in the pool for most of the time, loads to drink etc. We have been to Turkey in double this heat and he was fine with the same measures.

Basically what I'm asking is if anyone knows this area and can recommend stuff to do in the relative shade and not involving water. We have already been to Jungle Park which would have been ideal today.

I don't need judged just helpful advice please.

OP posts:
hungryhippo90 · 01/04/2018 11:45

Can I just say, some people on the Orlando group I'm on on Facebook have had the same problem with Nivea suncream- was yours the 50 very very water resistant one? If so it could have been a dodgy bottle. Someone's child was burnt fairly badly despite using it religiously.... We had no problem using the same stuff the year before so please keep in mind it could have just been a dodgy bottle.

Some people also just don't get on with certain suncream- last year people were using the spray on ones and we're horrifically burnt.

Please try not to feel bad. It sounds like you tried your best.

Lovemusic33 · 01/04/2018 11:46

I always get shivery with sunburn, I have had sunstroke which makes you feel awful.

I would just stay in for the day, keep him cool and make sure he drinks loads, if you go out tomorrow stay in the shade and make sure he’s covered. Try and buy some better suncream. Last year my friend gave me some lotion with lavender oil in it for my sunburn, it really helped take the sting away.

BusyBeez99 · 01/04/2018 11:50

A day in the room should help. Poor lamb. We've all done it. Don't beat yourself up.

Chin up OP. He will be fine I'm sure. You've done the right thing keeping him in the room today.

Grassyass · 01/04/2018 11:53

It's not the suncream.
I've just come back from the Canaries. It was sunny but not hot and also windy. So you don't feel the heat at all. I'm usually a Factor 50 and sit in the shade all day sort. I come home exactly the same colour as I went. This time I ended up out in the sun far longer than usual because it was actually chilly sitting in the shade and I have accidentally got a very light tan.

In Costa Adeje there are doctors surgeries everywhere for tourists. You can walk in and be seen or the hotel will call them out.

Keilninnock · 01/04/2018 11:53

Essential oil on sunburn? Holy crap, that sounds really, really painful.
I hope he is better soon, he will be ok after a day inside.

MrsJayy · 01/04/2018 11:55

If it is heatstroke get himto eat salty crisps or crackers and sip roomtemp water and aloe vera aftersun.

Shesellsseashellsontheseashore · 01/04/2018 11:57

Natural yoghurt applied to the sun burn is also good at soothing the skin.

MrsJayy · 01/04/2018 11:59

Ah i missed a page glad he is better.

Yogagirl123 · 01/04/2018 12:00

I hope little one is feeling better, definitely query it with Nivea.

Lockheart · 01/04/2018 12:15

DO NOT PUT YOGHURT OR ESSENTIAL OILS ON A BURN

It's bloody stupid and dangerous advice that could lead to a horrible infection. And yoghurt especially would seal the heat in and in the long term have the exact opposite effect.

Use only cool - cold water (never ice) and an appropriate burn salve from a pharmacy; many of these are designed to be soothing as well as healing.

RB68 · 01/04/2018 12:26

So long as the skin isn't broken germolene is good as it has an anesthetic as well as antiseptic properties, I would second him being looked at as burns can dehydrate and if as others have said it is mild heatstroke you need to make sure you are doing the right thing. Keep him cool, no running around, plenty of water to drink and possibly childs paracetamol or similar plus ointment on burns. Might even be worth using some diarolyte or similar (not imodium but one that brings salts back in balance)

Original poster
Allyg1185 · 01/04/2018 15:28

Another wee update. Ds has really perked up and we have just found out the kids club have a small indoor air conditioned soft play so hes away there for an hour happy as larry

OP posts:
KurriKurri · 01/04/2018 15:42

Maybe you can venture out for half an hour's walk or something early evening when it is a bit cooler.

lattewith3shotsplease · 01/04/2018 15:49

OP,
Pleased to hear he's doing better.

Enjoy the rest of the Holiday.

Nottsangel2015 · 01/04/2018 15:52

Glad your little boy is feeling better. I have a very pale, blonde daughter and it's very hard stopping them burning abroad when they are in and out of the pool all day. Don't feel bad op!

Your in the canaries so I would recommend getting some pure aloe Vera gel and running this on every couple of hours. It's amazing stuff we use it every year, stops any peeling and helps the skin heal whilst keeping it nice and moist so it doesn't tighten up. They sell it all over the canaries that's where they make it. You can purchase is normally in any pharmacy or perfume shop over there. Just make sure you get the gel not the cream and make sure it's the pure one. It's honestly the best thing for sunburn.

We use it every night after a shower on holiday to take away any redness from the sun and keep the skin nice and moisturised.

Hope you enjoy the rest of your holiday and ignore the negative posters on here! X

Mummyoflittledragon · 01/04/2018 15:59

Bless him. Glad he’s feeling so much better. Phew. I expect you were worried in the beginning.

DullAndOld · 01/04/2018 16:00

the Canaries is so dangerous for the sunburn because of the wind.

So glad he is feeling better...

rookiemere · 01/04/2018 16:01

There's a submarine trip you can do - pricey but unique and definitely out of the sun !

wentmadinthecountry · 01/04/2018 16:12

OP, enjoy your holiday. Glad he's doing better and is happier - we all try our best and sometimes stuff happens. Some people are just so smug! Keep him hydrated and have fun. I love Costa Adeje - if you are in the pink Sheraton Hotel I am very very jealous.

Fatandfrigid · 01/04/2018 16:16

Paracetamol. Plenty of fluids.
No need for a doctor. What would a doctor do that you wouldn’t do yourself ?
He’ll be fine soon

TheJoyOfSox · 01/04/2018 16:23

@lockheart, I don’t know where you get your info from, but yoghurt has been used successfully on sunburn for a long while. As well as taking the heat out, it helps restore the skins natural flora balance. The lactic acid also does the burnt skin good.

20+ years working in frontline NHS.

Idontdowindows · 01/04/2018 16:27

That's weird TheJoyOfSox cause the NHS advice is actually:

"Sunburn
In cases of sunburn, follow the advice below:

If you notice any signs of sunburn, such as hot, red and painful skin, move into the shade or preferably inside.
Take a cool bath or shower to cool down the burnt area of skin.
Apply aftersun lotion to the affected area to moisturise, cool and soothe it. Don't use greasy or oily products.
If you have any pain, paracetamol or ibuprofen should help relieve it. Always read the manufacturer's instructions and do not give aspirin to children under the age of 16.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Watch out for signs of heat exhaustion or heatstroke, where the temperature inside your body rises to 37-40C (98.6-104F) or above. Symptoms include dizziness, a rapid pulse or vomiting."

No mention of yoghurt whatsoever. Oh wait, hang on: "Burns First Aid April 2017.pdf" an NHS document specifically says NOT to apply yogurt....

Lockheart · 01/04/2018 16:28

Joy then you need to go back to your employer and ask for some training. Yoghurt (and butter etc) seals the wound and traps the heat in - and that’s ignoring the obvious risk of infection - and should never be used on sunburn, scalds, or any burns!

BoreOfWhabylon · 01/04/2018 17:05

Thing is, sunburn is caused by radiation, not heat. That's why the effects don't come on immediately and why the management advice is different.

For thermal (heat) burns, early rapid cooling under running water is essential. The aim is to reduce tissue damage. For sunburn the damage has already occurred so cooling compresses/lotions etc are for symptom relief.

frasier · 01/04/2018 17:07

I was in hospital with sunstroke much older than your son, I was 11. He needs to see a doctor.