Travelogue - 4 July 2008 (part III)
I attempt to protect my porcelain white skin with SPF 45 sunblock (with Helioplex). I apply before we leave the house and several times on the beach. I return home without a spot of pink.
Later that day, after my shower, the Captain notices my shoulders look a little red. Several hours after that, the texture of the couch irritates my thighs. At dinner my t-shirt rubs painfully against my back.
Once home again, I strip down and look in the mirror. The undersides of both legs are scorched. The skin on my back is red and angry. Two symmetrical burns overtake each shoulder blade, arc at the tops of my shoulders, and trail off down the triceps. It looks like I have crimson wings. They are hot to the touch.
My clothes are almost unbearable against my skin. I have to sleep on my stomach that night (and several nights following).
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of aloe.
SPF 75 next time.
Snigs, actually I’m home. I’m just really slow about posting the entries from my travel journal. Several days and lots and lots (and lots) of aloe lotion later, I’m sore, but surviving. (Thank God I’m naturally a stomach sleeper.)
Ouch - glad you’re feeling OK now. As you know sun burn is best avoided - so SPF 75 sounds good!
Oh girl! You KNOW I can relate to this! I’ve only just stopped peeling from my unfortunate incident with spray-on sunblock and a windy day. Sounds like your vacay was amazing!
Apparently Helioplex doesn’t work as well as it claims to. Good to know.
Stacey- I know you’re away from home, but if you can find a doc there, tell them you need some Silver Sulfadiazine Cream. It does amazing things for sunburn. Be warned, it turns black after it dries, but black goo is preferable to pain. (It washes out of clothes just fine)
If nothing else seems to be working and you can’t get the Rx, Prep H will work. It stinks though and it elicits remarks like “You know this means you’re a big asshole” from those who supposedly love you. Once again, it’s better than hurting.