Soooo…I was out skiing on one of those greybird/mostly cloudy/mountain snow-shower days last week (pretty much like every day last week) and of course, I didn’t use any sunscreen since it didn’t seem like the sun was really out. Well, at the end of the day (and after I got out of the shower) my face was completely red, like a lobster, and a couple days later, my nose started to have these bloody welts on it. It now appears that I may have gotten a second degree burn. It’s a total bummer and I sure hope it doesn’t leave a scar.
I get a wicked burn if I encounter a mix of sun, moisture and wind but I never bleed like that. My sunscreen only lasts so long while out on extended BC trips. Maybe the goggles had something to do with it?
Just for FYI, not because I think it’s this:
“Basal cell carcinoma starts in the top layer of the skin, grows slowly and is painless. A new skin growth that BLEEDS EASILY or does not heal well may suggest basal cell carcinoma. The majority of these cancers occur on areas of skin that are regularly exposed to sunlight or other ultraviolet radiation. They may also appear on the scalp. Basal cell skin cancer used to be more common in people over age 40, but is now often diagnosed in younger people.”
yeah chuck…i hear that. it seems like you feel the heat of the sun the most when there are those misty-like clouds that reflect the sun’s rays right back at you after they bounce off the snow surface.
That ain’t basal cell, yet, bloody skin or not.
Just don’t pick it and you’ll probibly be fine. They make some spray stuff to put on sun burns – we use it a lot in Florida during the summer, but I forget what it’s called. You might want to check it out.
Skiing too fast with too much air friction from re-entry to lower atmosphere.
Fresh Aloe Vera dude!
i guess next time i need to bring a heat shield for re-entry.
I’ve had something similar Steve from not enough sunscreen. Quite painful and I was worried it might get infected. A friend recommended some stuff called Cellfood Oxygen Gel. Not cheap – about $30, but at that point price was not a consideration. It worked great and healed up very quickly. Relieved the pain immediately which was a huge benefit. Do a google search or check your local health food store. Highly recommended!
Steve,
You really want to avoid doing this…. I’m 57, fair and have had a couple of 2nd degree burns (which is what you have). The issue is that when you get older you will pay for it… with basil or squimas(sp) skin cancer… I go now every 6 months for a checkup, and have had numerous pieces of ski removed and have had my lower lip replaced.
Every day you are out, clouds or not… sunscreen, even in the winter… it helps with windburn and keeps your skin moist. The tops of your ears are another place to watch.
mark…i know, i know. i feel stupid for not realizing the strength of the sun that day. worse yet is that my dad is a retired dermatologist…so i’m hearing it big-time from my folks. i usually have my ears covered with a buff…so hopefully they will be saved.
Steve, geez, that’s sorta funny! Your dad being a dermatologist! Look into spf fabric hats they work well.