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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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:
Thread gallery
12
JamesWebbSpaceTelescope · 18/04/2025 10:26

You made a stupid mistake that is not the same as being stupid! A lot of very clever people make some very very stupid mistakes. Everyone does from time to time. And reading here there are different types of sunbeds and some you do use for longer times, so it really wasn’t that daft. I have never used one so I honestly wouldn’t have had a clue beforehand.

Yes this site can be tough on times and people forget there is a living breathing feeling person on the other end but it has given you enough confidence to go and be seen again, get fluids and appropriate treatment. Hopefully next time( though 🤞🏻 there isn’t one) you will be able to stand up for yourself if a medic is dismissive.

Both are massive wins. Mumsnet is like a packet of revels - take what you want and ignore those you don’t (but occasionally you won’t pay attention and eat a coffee one).

SansaStark90 · 18/04/2025 10:32

kittensinthekitchen · 17/04/2025 22:07

@SansaStark90

I had a quick look through your previous posts and notice that you have had a recent course of antibiotics.
Have you mentioned this to 111/A&E at all? Some antibiotics can cause increased photosensitivity. Many have warnings to avoid sun exposure. I am not sure exactly what the connection is, but it might also be applicable to sunbeds, so could be worth mentioning in case it changes their advice.

One final thing. I really think you pointed out what has made this situation worse. I very recently had a course of penicillin. Only once in my life have I felt my skin was warm when I took acne antibiotics a decade ago from a short walk in the sun but I didn’t burn.

OP posts:
TheFormidableMrsC · 18/04/2025 10:49

I really wouldn’t delete this thread because it may be very useful to others. You’ve made a mistake @SansaStark90but the salon is absolutely negligent and you must deal with that. Make sure you take plenty of pictures of your burns while you can. It’s really important because next time, somebody could die. I am glad you’re feeling better and hope it continues to improve. As an aside, I had radiotherapy for breast cancer and that caused significant burns. What helped a lot was 100% aloe vera gel and E45 lotion. Applied after a lukewarm shower. It really took the sting out.

ilovesushi · 18/04/2025 11:27

So glad you got seen again and got better treatment. I don't even know you but I was worried for you! Hope you feel a lot better soon.

CustardySergeant · 18/04/2025 11:39

I am so pleased you've now had suitable treatment, OP. I hope you're out of pain soon. You sound absolutely lovely and I'm so sorry you've been upset by the critical posts on top of your physical pain. All the best for a speedy recovery 🎉

Violashifts · 18/04/2025 12:15

TheFormidableMrsC · 18/04/2025 10:49

I really wouldn’t delete this thread because it may be very useful to others. You’ve made a mistake @SansaStark90but the salon is absolutely negligent and you must deal with that. Make sure you take plenty of pictures of your burns while you can. It’s really important because next time, somebody could die. I am glad you’re feeling better and hope it continues to improve. As an aside, I had radiotherapy for breast cancer and that caused significant burns. What helped a lot was 100% aloe vera gel and E45 lotion. Applied after a lukewarm shower. It really took the sting out.

I agree! This thread has been more useful from my daughter than me going on at her. As what do I know.

Thanks for the pics too. It makes it real.

Sophue · 18/04/2025 12:39

I'm glad that you are receiving treatment and hope you recover soon. It has been a harsh lesson for you but I hope you don't delete this thread.
I and many others I'm sure, hope it will make people think twice about using sunbeds.
Spray tanning shops are a much safer option if you want a tan before going away or even if staying at home. Take care.

ThreePointOneFourOneFiveNine · 18/04/2025 13:14

I’m glad you finally got some appropriate treatment. I hope you feel better soon.

Soggydog · 18/04/2025 13:15

Before using a sunbed as a one off i thought that 20 minutes is like 20 minutes sunbathing which it clearly isn't. The salon u went to asked me if I had used one before and advised me to do 3 minutes to start which surprised me but was right. The salon has a duty of care and I would certainly be looking at taking further action if I were you, at minimum a complaint but potentially you could be entitled to compensation. The guidance for those providing sunbeds can be found here: https://www.activesalon.com/faq/tanning-salon-safety-guidelines-policies/

tanning salon health and safety

Basic Tanning Salon Safety Guidelines and Policies - ActiveSalon

All sunbed shop owners must ensure that they follow UK tanning salon safety guidelines. Lean more about sunbed laws and regulations with ActiveSalon.

https://www.activesalon.com/faq/tanning-salon-safety-guidelines-policies/

nocoolnamesleft · 18/04/2025 14:05

Really glad you’ve gone back and got some treatment. The receptionist should not have been attempting to give you medical advice. Please don’t have the thread deleted, reading it may save others from what you’ve endured. Oh, and the tanning salon were very remiss, this is not all on you. You had no experience of sunbeds, but they’re meant to guide and safeguard you.

ThisFluentBiscuit · 18/04/2025 15:45

I'm glad that you and your poor little skin are feeling better, OP!

Ignore the critics. If you've never been on a sunbed before and the person doing your appointment didn't do their job, how were you supposed to know that 20 mins isn't OK? I wouldn't have known. Twenty minutes would have sounded about right to me! I'm amazed that you're only supposed to do 2-3 mins. And I am not stupid; I have a degree and a higher degree and a responsible job. What I am is inexperienced with sunbeds, same as you.

I think you absolutely need to make the shop owner aware, though, in case other people are getting burned! You don't have to make your complaint formal or anything at this stage, but it sounds as if that worker didn't know what she was doing, and she needs to know asap!

mainecooncatonahottinroof · 18/04/2025 15:59

SansaStark90 · 18/04/2025 10:06

No I didn’t take it that way that you were. Yes I came back and have been on fluids, pain relief which has really taken the edge off and for the blisters, which has only been on my chest.

I know you weren’t criticising but I will delete as this is a very critical forum I’m realising and I’m not the brightest, but there is bad advice. I would never complain about a receptionist who was listening to what I had done and offered some advice. Im an adult. It’s on me if I listen. And she said she was thinking about going on one and I had firmly put her off.

I am glad you got proper attention this time round. You shouldn't have had to go back.

Please pay no attention to the naysayers. I think there are people who have nothing in their lives but to sit around and make nasty comments to strangers online. It says everything about them and nothing about you.

I did sunbeds a few times in my early-mid 20s. That was back when you lay (in pools of your own sweat, yuck!) on the bed with tubes under and above you. I'm nearly sure that I did 20 minute sessions back then. I loved it when the standy-uppy beds became popular because they were so much more pleasant to use, and the only reason I know that you can only do a few minutes in them is because I used them. I haven't used them in well over 30 years so I wouldn't know the current guidelines, and if you're not a user either, then how on earth would you know? That was the salon's job and I really think they should be reported.

I think you should leave the thread up because, although there's a load of bullshit in it, it's a warning about the dangers of sunbeds.

I will never use one again and I'm sure you won't either. My DDs have never even though of using them, and I'd go mad if they did! They know what their aunt has gone through for the best part of 20 years.

I hope your skin heals quickly, and that you're not in too much pain. And don't be putting yourself down either. You've come across as a lovely person throughout the thread, even when posters have been mean-spirited x

Whattodo1610 · 18/04/2025 16:07

SansaStark90 · 18/04/2025 10:32

One final thing. I really think you pointed out what has made this situation worse. I very recently had a course of penicillin. Only once in my life have I felt my skin was warm when I took acne antibiotics a decade ago from a short walk in the sun but I didn’t burn.

Penicillin doesn’t cause sun sensitivity. However, other antibiotics (especially acne ones) usually do.

DuckbilledSplatterPuff · 18/04/2025 16:53

Thank god you went back and got treatment. It was tough reading.
I've seen burns and sunstroke close up and I hope anyone who has similar experience gets treatment as soon as possible and doesn't experiement with "home" remedies as burns are tricky things.
wishing you a speedy recovery

Summertimeblahness · 18/04/2025 17:26

How are you feeling @SansaStark90 ?

PourCream · 19/04/2025 14:00

faerietales · 17/04/2025 08:49

Why would anyone lie about seeing a sunbed shop?

I know they still exist as I’ve seen them multiple times in the past but not recently and certainly not in our local area. I’m sure they exist in larger towns or cities but they’re not something I look out for or pay any attention to, really.

I expect they exist in areas where there is a demand for them. There are certainly none near my home in London.

NewAgeNewMe · 19/04/2025 14:02

How are you feeling @SansaStark90

TheFormidableMrsC · 19/04/2025 17:13

PourCream · 19/04/2025 14:00

I expect they exist in areas where there is a demand for them. There are certainly none near my home in London.

There is one that has recently opened in my semi rural location in Herts. I thought it was an odd place to open one to be honest but it’s very busy. It’s not something I’d ever do but there is clearly a demand.

ThisFluentBiscuit · 20/04/2025 12:33

TheFormidableMrsC · 19/04/2025 17:13

There is one that has recently opened in my semi rural location in Herts. I thought it was an odd place to open one to be honest but it’s very busy. It’s not something I’d ever do but there is clearly a demand.

Awful to read that this sunbed shop is busy. I don't know why on earth they're still legal, considering what we know about sunbathing and cancer. But I guess it's the same with smoking, and it's still legal.

YourLoyalPlumOP · 20/04/2025 15:04

AppleDumplingWithCustard · 16/04/2025 23:07

Your husband clearly lacks knowledge too!

Once you insult youve immediately lost the argument.

you should be able to have a discussion without eh need for names and insults.

mainecooncatonahottinroof · 20/04/2025 15:16

YourLoyalPlumOP · 20/04/2025 15:04

Once you insult youve immediately lost the argument.

you should be able to have a discussion without eh need for names and insults.

That is neither!!

CheeseAndHamToastieAndCrisps · 20/04/2025 15:56

I drove through a less nice part of my town yesterday and there were definitely a few sunbed shops.

Hope you’re ok OP.

YourLoyalPlumOP · 20/04/2025 17:17

mainecooncatonahottinroof · 20/04/2025 15:16

That is neither!!

To say neither me or my husband has knowledge? That’s not an insult?

come on…

mainecooncatonahottinroof · 20/04/2025 18:32

YourLoyalPlumOP · 20/04/2025 17:17

To say neither me or my husband has knowledge? That’s not an insult?

come on…

Someone not having knowledge might be factual. I don't think it's particularly insulting?

YourLoyalPlumOP · 20/04/2025 20:21

mainecooncatonahottinroof · 20/04/2025 18:32

Someone not having knowledge might be factual. I don't think it's particularly insulting?

Well I see it as an insult

To discuss something you do not need to put someone down or insult someone. It’s that simple