I fell asleep in the sun for 15 minutes and woke up in agony with my face disfigured
Share this @internewscast.com

Jean Hill, who was left with shingles after developing sun poisoning

Jean Hill, who was left with shingles after developing sun poisoning (Image: Emma Trimble / SWNS)

Jean Hill, 67, from Kidderminster, Worcestershire, decided to enjoy the warm weather on May 1 by reading in her garden deckchair as temperatures soared into the late twenties.

The unsuspecting grandmother-of-two then took what was meant to be a short rest on her sunbed, but dozed off for “10 or 15 minutes”, during which her sunglasses slipped off.

Upon waking, Jean carried on with her day, oblivious to the nightmare that awaited her the next morning when she found her eye swollen shut, blistered with white spots, and in excruciating pain.

Despite having applied factor 30 sunscreen, doctors informed her that she had suffered sun poisoning, which had compromised her immune system enough to trigger shingles – an intensely painful and itchy rash caused by an infection, often accompanied by fever and nausea.

Even after receiving medication, Jean, who is retired from her job as a cleaner, still experiences soreness and pain in her face nearly two months later.

Jean Hill was left with a puffy and blistered face after developing sun poisoning.

Jean Hill was left with a puffy and blistered face after developing sun poisoning. (Image: Jean Hill / SWNS)

Jean recounted the ordeal, saying: “It was coming up to the first Bank Holiday in May and the sun came out so I got out my sun lounger.

“I’m not much of a sunbather – but I fell asleep for a short time.

“But the next day I woke up and couldn’t open my eye, and I was in so much pain.

“I was bright red, swollen and blistered and my face felt like it was on fire.”

She added: “When I went to the hospital I was told the sun poisoning had caused shingles – I couldn’t believe it.

“I was given antiviral tablets, creams and eye drops – but six weeks on, I’m still swollen and in pain.

“I had only been sat outside for 10 or 15 minutes – people don’t realise the danger of sunbathing.”

Jean developed sun poisoning after falling asleep in the sun

Jean developed sun poisoning after falling asleep in the sun (Image: Emma Trimble / SWNS)

After a seemingly innocent spell catching rays in her own backyard, Jean confronted a nightmarish reflection in her mirror the next morning—her own visage unrecognisable.

Her husband Timothy Hill, 67, a retired handyman, witnessed the alarming transformation, describing her as ‘bright red’, prompting a swift visit to A&E.

Jean expressed her dismay, saying: “My face was so disfigured I could barely recognise myself.

“There were little white spots under my skin and it was burning.”

Medications which Jean has been taking for two months since getting an infection and shingles after sun poisoning

Medications which Jean has been taking for two months since getting an infection and shingles after (Image: Emma Trimble / SWNS)

Further medical consultation unveiled the need for specialist attention, which led to a grim diagnosis using advanced medical equipment.

Additionally, Jean learnt her sunbathing had devastatingly compromised her immune system, giving rise to her infection, according to her doctor.

Subsequent to receiving prescription antivirals to contend with the shingles, she faced ongoing medical appointments due to persistent symptoms.

Jean lamented: “I didn’t go out for weeks, and I had to wear sunglasses or close the curtains because my eyes were sensitive to the light.

“I’m still on medication now – I’ve still got blisters under my brows, and my forehead is inflamed.

“I have nerve tablets for the pain and eye drops and night cream to soothe it.

“But it’s still really painful, I feel like banging my head against the wall.

“The corner of my eye is the worst.”

Jean was left with a puffy and blistered face after developing sun poisoning.

Jean was left with a puffy and blistered face after developing sun poisoning. (Image: Jean Hill / SWNS)

Jean’s doctors have assured her that the condition will eventually resolve.

However, she is determined to raise awareness about the potential damage caused by the sun – highlighting that even brief exposure can have severe consequences.

Jean believes her troubles started when she dozed off and her glasses slipped off, exposing her closed eyelids to intense UV rays.

She cautions: “There are people who go out not wearing sunglasses or a hat, and lie on the beach with no sun cream on.

“I was careful and this happened to me – they don’t realise the danger.

“I never dreamt anything like this could or would happen.

“I don’t want it to happen to anyone else.”

The official NHS guidelines for sun safety include:- staying in the shade between 11am and 3pm- avoiding sunburn- wearing appropriate clothing and sunglasses- taking special care with children- using sunscreen with at least SPF 30.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

‘Caught in the Rain: My Unexpected Battle with Immobilized Legs’

Ryan Swanepoel was running with friends one day when he suddenly noticed…

Specialists Caution Against Viral Drink Claiming to Eliminate Stress and Fatigue

A cocktail of fruit juices, sparkling water and vitamin powder might be…

Exploring the Obesity Capital: A Town Where McDonald’s is Eaten Four Times a Day and 80% Face Weight Issues

Will Tennyson traveled thousands of miles to visit a town known as…

Warning Issued for Popular Over-the-Counter Medication – Pills Associated with Disease Linked to Bowel Cancer in Healthy Teens

Frequently taking a common type of painkiller could trigger inflammatory bowel disease…

Mother Undergoes Dramatic Transformation with Nine Stone Weight Loss by Embracing One Lifestyle Change

A mother-of-one who once weighed over 18 stone has revealed how she…

Recognizing Eye Signs of Critically High Cholesterol Levels: Key Symptoms to Watch For

When it comes to watching your cholesterol levels, the eyes could signal…

FDA Announces Emergency Recall for Blueberries Due to Highest Risk Level Classification

The FDA has upgraded its warning about potentially deadly blueberries, indicating a…

Major Relationship Deal Breakers: Are You Unknowingly Sabotaging Your Love Life?

If you’re looking to spice up your relationship, upping your emoji game…

ITV Health Expert Highlights How Addressing This Midlife Problem May Reduce Dementia Risk

The Alzheimer’s Society predicts that by 2040, the number of people in…

Identify This Early Warning Sign of Dementia While Reading – It’s Not Memory Loss

According to the NHS, the earliest stage of dementia is often termed…

My wife thought her bloating was due to perimenopause – she passed away on Sunday.

A mother has shared that her impending death from bowel cancer allowed…

Effective Ways to Quickly and Safely Stop Bleeding After a Tooth Extraction

Ever experienced having a tooth extracted and thought, why won’t the bleeding…