This past weekend, I went on a road trip to Cedar Point amusement park with a friend.  While we had a great time, there was one thing that spoiled the trip for both of us.  Sunburn.  So, in this post, I have decided to share with you exactly how to treat sunburn, how to identify sun poisoning, and also how I got just so burnt in the first place!Here are the things I did that caused me to get super sunburnt- avoid these at all costs!

1. I listened to the weather report.
I have become recently aware that meteorology is nothing more than a system of educated guesses.  You should never take the weather report as fact.  I was told by the lovely weather people on TV that it was going to rain all day when we were at the amusement park.  Therefore, I didn’t put any sunblock on.  How was the weather?  It was 80 degrees and sunny.  The entire day.

2. I was out in the sun between 10am and 3pm.
These are the hours that the sun’s rays can do the most damage.  Try to stay out of the sun during these times when you can.  Do NOT (as I did) stand in line for hours at a time without any trace of shade.

3. I let my body trick me.
I often think that when I don’t feel hot, I can’t possibly be getting sunburnt.  There was a nice cool breeze all day, so my mind was tricked into thinking I wasn’t getting burnt.  Stupid, stupid mind!

What am I left with now?  A lobster-like chest and a peeling face.  Not attractive.  I’m in the healing stage now, so I’m applying lotion and drinking water like crazy!  Click here for 6 helpful tips on how to treat a sunburn.

One immediate risk of severe sunburn is sun poisoning, which (luckily!) I did not get.  If you think you may have sun poisoning, take a look at the symptoms and see if the match up.

The Symptoms of Sun Poisoning
-dehydration
-headache
-fever
-chills
-dizziness or shock
-rapid pulse and breathing
-nausea
-swelling, redness of skin, and blistering

If you experience many or all of these symptoms, you may have to visit a doctor.

This summer, don’t be like me- be safe in the sun to avoid skin cancer, prematurely aged skin, and the discomfort of burnt and peeling skin! Click here for even more sun safety tips.