Sunbed Shock

[SansaStark90]

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?

You need to see someone, 111 or a walk in clinic type thing.

@SansaStark90 Please seek medical attention asap. You have significant burns covering a significant amount of your body.
Home hydration and electrolytes is unlikely to be sufficient.

You need to get urgent medical advice.

Please ring 111. You’re about to become rather poorly.

You can scar from blisters, but you also might not. Really just need to see how bad it is. You probably won’t though. I wouldn't be worrying about scars right now though, i’d just be looking after myself.

Take paracetamol, keep drinking water, get into a cool/tepid gentle shower and stay in there until all the heat is out of the skin. Aloe all over.

Or call 111 and check with them!! Are you following any of the advice you are being given over and over?

Oh wow, I went for the first time in ten years yesterday, I am PALE so they talked it through a lot with me before agreeing I could go on one, and only for the shortest time they offer for the first few weeks!

No. This is wrong and OP needs medical attention.

I used to go for 18 minutes but that was after building up from 3 minutes over a long period of time. I’ve had my fair share of sunbed burns and been pretty similar to you. I used loads of aftersun and tepid baths/ showers. Drinking plenty of water also helps too! Do not get on another sunbed until you fully heal and take it slow if you do.

OP, hope you've gone to urgent care or AandE.

And PPs who are also using sun beds - you don't need to burn like this to get damage that can lead to skin cancer, which is not cured by getting a mole cut off. Why are you taking these risks??

You need to be less worried about how it's going to look and more about the all over burns! Please get some qualified medical help. Now.

That sounds painful and I have no advice on what you should do now.
What I can say is that having had two family members die of skin cancer I always try and dissuade people from using sunbeds, and if you have health anxiety I'd discourage you even more. Fake tan is the way to go!

Different scenario but also daft: I fell asleep in the sun and blistered. I was in agony (and you have my sympathies) but didn't scar. Seek medical advice and take care of your skin/drink lots of water and stay out of the sun. I have learnt my lesson and have been a strict factor 50 user these past 20 years now as a result.

You need to get that seen too

Yes you can but more likely if it’s blistered so 🤞.
That looks nasty. Call 111 or go to A&E, it needs to be assessed.
Salon needs reporting to local council. They’ll call in H&S executive if necessary.

Oh OP ☹️

I can’t believe they let you go on for 20 minutes!

I’ve only used a sun bed once years ago, only did 2 minutes.
Hope you feel better. I’m not an expert but my anxiety would make me get that seen to!

I’m going to join my voice and urge you to get medical treatment. Your burns will heal much better if they are looked after properly and you might need stronger pain relief.

Whats done is done, everyone has done some stupid things at some point. So don’t beat yourself up about it. Don’t let it stop you getting the help your body needs now.

Please go and see a medical professional today. Don't let the fact you feel stupid stop you seeking advice. That would be even more stupid!

Take care

I have burnt a lot in my youth from the actual sun and a very pale complexion. It looks like you are going to get blisters. These can get infected and are very uncomfortable. One time I burnt so bad I bled and ended up with a nasty scab that had to be dressed - I actually had this done at a pharmacy.
please go to a drop in place, pharmacy or gp. If you feel shivery or sick go to A and E.

Oh you poor thing. You have to get medical help - and fast. Call 111 for advice. I have been going to the sunbeds for years and I go on 16mins a time about 3 or 4 times a week. For you to have been allowed to go on for 20mins for your 1st time is negligent on the Salon. Their staff should be trained to know this sort of thing. First & foremost though, is for you to get medical help. Please do this @SansaStark90.

Firstly, please go to the A&E straightaway, grab a bottle of water and drink it on the way. Really deep burns can potentially result in permanent nerve damage. From the pic you posted, you need professional help.

Secondly, get a referral to a dermatologist for post-emergency care.

Good luck and hope you get better soon.

I haven't used them since the 90's but seven minutes was the longest you could build up to back then, now a (wizened) factor 50 girl. Please do get some proper medical attention, that sounds awful and an all-over sunburn could have done real damage to your skin.

Go to A&E.

I know people who did that back in the noughties but really? In 2025, you’re on the sunbed for a combined hour a week? Did you sleep through all the sun bed/skin cancer link information?

Echoing other posters but you need medical advice! A burn is a burn and if it's coving a large part if your body and blistering then you may need treatment. Lots of fluids, sit in a tepid bath/ shower as much as possible and put aloe Vera on religiously. Not Moisturiser!

I know this isn't helpful, but why does anyone use sun beds any more? Self tanning lotions are so good these days, that I don't know why anyone would risk sun beds?