Risks of Sleeping in the Sun

Pick Me Up magazine featured the story of a woman who suffered devastating sunburn after falling asleep in the sun. Cosmedics Skin Clinics founder and Medical Director, Dr Ross Perry was asked for his expert advice. 

28 year old Emma Duggan describes her experience, which happened while travelling in Australia:

“…we all headed down to the beach to recover from our post-night out headaches….

“… I must have dozed off because the next thing I knew, it was six hours later!

“In my state of tiredness, I’d completely forgotten to apply sunscreen, but luckily there didn’t seem to be any damage. I carried on as usual, but the next day, I noticed there was some swelling on my face. I applied some after sun to cool it down. I didn’t think too much of it, but then the next day, when I woke up, I couldn’t open my eyes. I was so worried. I stumbled to my bathroom and could just about see my face in the mirror. I couldn’t believe it was me, my face was three times the size it should be and I looked horrendous!”

Friends took her straight to hospital, but as she was uninsured, they were only able to prescribe antihistamine and aloe vera gel. Emma stayed inside for 2 weeks, having to bite on a towel while applying cream due to the excruciating pain. She continues:

“Now I apply factor 50 sun cream every 2 hours to ensure that this never happens again.

“I don’t have permanent scarring, but my skin is so sensitive now and is very red. I’ve never really been worried about sunburn. It usually just turns into a nice tan, but I learnt the hard way just how dangerous it really can be.”

Expert Sunburn Advice

Dr Ross Perry

Dr Perry gave his expert view and advice:

“This is a severe case of sunburn but unfortunately once it’s happened, there is little to be done. Applying soothing gel like aloe vera or cream such as Sudocrem to keep the skin hydrated and help avoid any infection from blisters.

“Patients should also stay well hydrated – both in case of sun stroke and also to help the skin recover.

“Going forward, the advice we give to all patients is to wear high SPF every day of the year, not just for holidays or when sunbathing. This habit protects the skin against the harmful UVA/UVB rays which can cause burning, as well as premature ageing and skin cancer.

“Severe sunburn can increase your risk of skin cancer by four times, so it is imperative not to get burnt.

“In most cases, sunburn can be treated with moisturisers and cold compress. If more severe, then antihistamines and ibuprofen can also help.

“The main thing is to avoid getting burnt, or being exposed for too long a period in the sun. It’s important to look after your skin in the sun.”

Dr Ross Perry

Dr Ross Perry regularly provides expert comment and advises the media on a range of skincare and health-related issues.

He has particular expertise in skin surgery mole removal and melanoma; having removed thousands of moles in his career, both within the NHS and privately through Cosmedics Skin Clinics. He provides expert advice on skin cancer, sun damage and sun protection for a variety of UK media and publications.

He is also highly experienced in non-surgical cosmetic and medical treatments such as BOTOX® and dermal fillers, where he has a reputation for excellent results that look entirely natural.

DR ROSS PERRY

Cosmedics Skin Clinics

Cosmedics Skin Clinics was established in 2003 and has built up an excellent reputation for cosmetic and medical treatments, carried out by GMC Registered Doctors.  The company offer a full range of cosmetic treatments, including popular lip enhancement and wrinkle relaxing injections, dermal fillers; plus medical treatments including mole removal, thread vein treatment and excessive sweating injections.

Cosmedics Skin Clinics has a team of skin treatment doctors and surgeons in their 5 skin clinics across London and Bristol led by Dr Ross Perry.

Call 020 7386 0464 or email enquiries@cosmedics.co.uk to book an appointment.