On holiday and in immense pain :-(

[TrustMeImLying]

I'm on holiday at the moment (EU) and ended up getting sunburnt on both my legs on Monday. Put a load of after sun on Monday night and thought no more of it. When I woke up Tuesday I could barely walk, I had excruciating pain in both shins (It feels like inside the leg rather than the outside if that makes sense). The pain is enough to bring tears to my eyes and normally I have a high tolerance to pain. It eases off when you walk hobble around into a strong full ache and almost goes when I am lying down. It's now Thursday and it's no better. I cannot stand still at all, I was in tears a few mins ago trying to pour myself a drink because the pain was increasing over those few seconds. I've not been in the sun at all since Monday and have been using cold compresses, etc on the actual burn. My skin doesn't feel like it is on fire anymore but I don't know what to do about the awful shin pain. I'm due to fly home on Sunday and honestly don't know how I'm gonna get through airport queues and stuff. I haven't gone to the dr yet as I just assumed it would go away but it seems pointless if they are just going to tell me it's sunburn and there is nothing they can do.

Has anyone had any experience of this?? Google shows a few people have had the exact same symptoms but I can't find out what it actually is.

I was only out in the sun for 2hrs so didn't think if need to reapply su cream but I was apparently wrong

Oh forgot to say, the actual sunburn is still bright red but turns deep red/purple after I've been on my feet.

Also, my nerves feel like they are firing. The leg is randomly twitching and I keep getting the sensation of a water drop running down my leg but nothing is there....

Oh dear. I think you need to see someone if only for some effective pain relief.

No advice beyond that, but sorry you're in a bad way.

Hope you get it sorted.

I really think you need to see someone today. It is possible that you have compartment syndrome ('internal' swelling in the legs due to inflammation from sunburn). If so, it needs to be treated asap

In the meantime, lie down with legs elevated and don't try to hobble around/tough it out.

Hope you are sorted out soon.

did your skin blister up as a result of the initial burn? is there a possibility that you now have infection as a result of the blistering?

as unpleasant as this is for you, the good news is that its unlikely that, beyond possible infection, there is anything more sinister going on her.

i do agree that given your level of discomfort, and your impending travel, you should probably see a doctor - if nothing else, you could consider taking anti-inflammatories for the plan and inflammation, and perhaps even a topical steroid cream (provided you have no contraindication to either).

Just wondering if you managed to see anyone op?

I agree it could be compartment syndrome. Get yourself to a doctor or A&E as soon as you can.

Hi all,

Sorry for the delay in replying, it's hard to get any wifi here.

I did indeed see a dr who said that I have severe burns, and had I gone to see him when it had actually happened then it could have been sorted with a couple of days in hospital

Instead he has perscribed Flamazine cream to reduce the swelling (hopefully reducing the pain with it) and mitigate the risk of infection.

The blisters are now HUGE and a horrible yellow colour but none have burst yet thankfully.

Dr does seem to think that I will have some long term affects so will need to see my GP when I get home.

If anyone needs pictures to show people why they should wear sun cream then I'm happy to provide!

Thank you for all the advise yesterday, was much appreciated