A Tale Of Getting Too Much Sun | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

A Tale Of Getting Too Much Sun

As told by the palest of them all.

22
A Tale Of Getting Too Much Sun
YouTube

There are two types of people in this world: people who get beautiful natural tans and people who just say the word "sun" and instantly get third-degree burns.

As one of those unfortunate people, I have recently experienced one of my worst sunburns to date. It is 100 percent percent my fault (as it oftentimes is), even though I thought I put on more sunscreen than is probably legal.

But that's how it always starts isn't it?

You go to the beach with good intentions

but the sun has other plans for you, and not even sunblock can save you.

You go home realizing the damage has been done, while also praying that it's not going to be so bad this time around.

But it's worse. It's always worse.

Perhaps a cool shower may help ease the pain? Nope!

What you thought was going to be a peaceful shower after a long hot day at the beach quickly turns into excruciating torture by the pounding water that is now assaulting your newly burned skin.

Once you are out of the torture chamber, you apply as much aloe as possible to get some kind of relief.

But it doesn't last very long.

After covering yourself in a lifetime supply of aloe, you head off to bed. You know you'll be alright once you fall asleep and dream of a better, less painful place.

But of course that doesn't happen because you can't even get comfortable in your bed, you know, since you feel like your skin is going to burst into flames at any moment.

What most people don't talk about (but what you have experienced too often), is that sometime during the night you start to feel incredibly sick— chills, nausea, the works. You definitely got too much sun, and your body is going into shock.

Great, bring on the blankets.

When your hellish fever breaks the next morning, you feel great, but that happiness only lasts for a moment, as you look in the mirror and see that you are even more red today than you were yesterday.

Besides for looking like a tomato, every part of your body is in so much pain, and even the most simple things are no longer doable.

Getting dressed is the real struggle because putting clothes on top of your burn is super painful, so you have two options.

1. Wear as little material as possible, and be prepared to receive comments and stares.

2. Cover up your entire body so you don't get comments or stares, but be prepared to be in extraordinary amounts of pain (bonus: your covered areas will not get any more sun).

Choose wisely.

When you see your friends or family, all they'll want to do is poke you to see how badly you got burned - do not let them.

Next comes the blistering and peeling. Brace yourself, this stage lasts for a very long time.

There isn't enough moisturizer in the world that can make this any less unattractive, but hang in there, you'll get through it.

Finally your skin no longer burns and the peeling is done, but instead of being beautifully tan like you thought you would be, you're actually just as pale as you were before.

You then vow to never ever go back to the beach. You won't go through that again. This love-hate (mostly hate) relationship is officially O. V. E. R.


Maybe you'll just go get a spray tan.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

188684
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

13950
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

457142
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26208
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments