Why on earth would peeling hurt on your back?

2

Okay, so. Stupidly, a week ago, I got severely sunburnt. Ended up with blisters, lack of sleep, taking horrendously-too-many cool baths, etc. etc. Tried aftersun, burns antiseptic, etc. etc., and the pain eased off slightly. Except now...I'm peeling.

And it's not just my usual peel. The first layer is coming off, and then beneath it the now-top layer of skin is breaking, so beneath that (in the cracks) it's all red-raw and sore and everything. The soreness is worse on my back than on my arms and shoulders, except I don't really know why (I would have thought stretching the arms would have made it more sore, but apparently not). The skin keeps breaking and is getting redder and redder on my back, and now I'm all uneven and rough (it really is just "ugh").

Any ideas on how to ease this? And why my back hurts more?

Reply 1

DenkMit

9

sounds like you've done serious skin damage, i'm afraid. if its below the first layer of skin, i think it counts as a burn, and its time to go see a doctor.

Reply 2

Segat1

16

lostinfantasies

Okay, so. Stupidly, a week ago, I got severely sunburnt. Ended up with blisters, lack of sleep, taking horrendously-too-many cool baths, etc. etc. Tried aftersun, burns antiseptic, etc. etc., and the pain eased off slightly. Except now...I'm peeling.

And it's not just my usual peel. The first layer is coming off, and then beneath it the now-top layer of skin is breaking, so beneath that (in the cracks) it's all red-raw and sore and everything. The soreness is worse on my back than on my arms and shoulders, except I don't really know why (I would have thought stretching the arms would have made it more sore, but apparently not). The skin keeps breaking and is getting redder and redder on my back, and now I'm all uneven and rough (it really is just "ugh").

Any ideas on how to ease this? And why my back hurts more?

TBH, I would go to the doctor. I did this once, on my front. The skin on my chest peeled 4 times, and was red red raw (*goes to my head*) so I went to the doctor who gave me some creams and pills. You need to do this, you don't want it to get infected.

Will not give the usual *******ing for getting sun burnt but will say this - you only need to have three really bad burns to almost guarantee you're going to get skin cancer. Please people, don't use baby oil and bake youselves this summer. I saw too much of this last summer and it looks stupid and hurts. Use 30 plus at first and then once you've got your base, if you want some colour, reduce your spf. But don't try to go brown first day.

Reply 3

lostinfantasies

OP

2

It's entirely my fault though, so I'm trying to avoid the "YOU'VEGIVENYOURSELFSKINCANCER" lecture :biggrin:

(I've had it from my family, my colleagues, my friends...etc.)

According to the NHS Direct site, they are second-degree burns, and the worst I've ever had! But it's all entirely my own fault -- didn't use suncream, kept moving as the shade moved, didn't cover up, etc.!

Reply 4

Segat1

16

lostinfantasies

It's entirely my fault though, so I'm trying to avoid the "YOU'VEGIVENYOURSELFSKINCANCER" lecture :biggrin:

(I've had it from my family, my colleagues, my friends...etc.)

According to the NHS Direct site, they are second-degree burns, and the worst I've ever had! But it's all entirely my own fault -- didn't use suncream, kept moving as the shade moved, didn't cover up, etc.!

Silly billy! Get to a doctor, and sort it.

Reply 5

Anonymous #1

well, if you actually do have skin cancer or early symptoms that you might not realise are symptoms (they could be hidden by sunburn affects) then you NEED to see a doctor! The skin has one hell of a good blood supply, you don't want to have nasty little tumors popping up everywhere!

Reply 6

Anonymous #1

also do you realise that it could scar?

Reply 7

lostinfantasies

OP

2

Can I get the pills/cream from a chemist? Just in case I can't get an appointment today or tomorrow (I've an exam tomorrow afternoon).

Reply 8

jennyflake

All i can think of is a spray called solarcaine which should take some pain away, thats what people tried to spray on me when I burnt top of my head. Maybe go along and ask the pharmacist to have a look, theyll then be able to give you whatever is best.

Reply 9

lostinfantasies

OP

2

I've been to the chemist now, and was told to go to the doctor's, who's given me antibiotics (to prevent infection) and cream. Ended up getting the appointment booked for five minutes after I went in!

Thanks for all your help guys!

Why on earth would peeling hurt on your back?

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