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We’ve all been there. After telling ourselves SPF is for the weak, we dove headfirst into the boiling sun bath, furiously refusing any advice to put on sunscreen. It was all about getting that sun-kissed tan you’ve seen in “The Blue Lagoon.”

The next day, the painful reality hits. Please welcome your torture for the next coming days, aka the redness, the soreness, the itchiness, the swollenness, you name it. As an additional bonus, you get unsolicited comments like “I told you,” “I knew it,” and “This is what you get if…”

Bored Panda has compiled a painfully funny list full of the unfortunate ones who got too badly sunburned. And hopefully, learn from the mistakes of others, 'cause whatever you do, do not try this at home.

Warning: sun is extremely dangerous, and prolonged exposure may lead to permanent skin damage and even skin cancer. Don’t forget to always use sunscreen, and seek medical attention immediately in case you get a severe sunburn. Scroll down for our interview with Dr. Adil Sheraz, the spokesperson for the British Skin Foundation, to find out more about what we should all know about sun damage.

#1

Sunburn

Sunburn

While at SDCC 2013, I did my Aang cosplay, and after waiting in a line out in the sun I got a little burnt. Later on when I washed of the arrow I noticed it decided to stick around. Once the avatar always the avatar I suppose.

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#3

Not "Happy". Forgot Sunscreen On My Face, And Am Waiting For An X-Ray For A Rolled Ankle. Not Happy Jan. And Not So Fun Color Run

Not "Happy". Forgot Sunscreen On My Face, And Am Waiting For An X-Ray For A Rolled Ankle. Not Happy Jan. And Not So Fun Color Run

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Although sunburns may look fun, sizzling your skin under the hot summer sun is more harmful than we would like to think. In order to find out what kind of damage a sunburn can actually do to our skin, Bored Panda reached out to Dr. Adil Sheraz, a consultant dermatologist and spokesperson for the British Skin Foundation.

Dr. Sheraz explained that sunburn is predominantly caused by overexposure to UVB (ultraviolet B.) “We need to remember that UVB Is a form of radiation.”

And although the sun has many benefits, including promoting the production of vitamin D in our skin and boosting our well-being, “it is also well known that excessive sun exposure can and does lead to skin cancers, including fatal melanoma.”

#4

Never Sleep Outside With Cereal, Guys

Never Sleep Outside With Cereal, Guys

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#6

My Friend Told Me That I Look Like A Popsicle Stick

My Friend Told Me That I Look Like A Popsicle Stick

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The dermatologist said that sunburn is not just redness, swelling, and blisters. In reality, these are the signs that the body is repairing itself from damage caused in the DNA of cells. “Over time, if too much DNA is damaged, this will often mutate into cancer-forming cells and results in either a melanoma or one of the other types of skin cancers,” he explained.

Dr. Sheraz also said that the type and degree of sunburn will depend on many factors, including your age and skin type. “If you are younger than 6 or older than 65, then you will have a greater risk of burning.”

Moreover, “If you have type 1 skin, i.e. blue eyes, blonde hair, and very fair skin, then you will burn quicker and will not tan before burning.”

#7

What Could Go Wrong If I Forget The Sunscreen?

What Could Go Wrong If I Forget The Sunscreen?

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#8

Trying To Even Out My Tan On My Lunch Break

Trying To Even Out My Tan On My Lunch Break

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#9

A Buddy Of Mine Seemed To Think Stick Sun Screen Was A Good Idea

A Buddy Of Mine Seemed To Think Stick Sun Screen Was A Good Idea

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NamiKoa
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But it's nice to see what a big difference sun screen makes. The parts he managed to cover arr perfectly fine.

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The majority of sunburns will result in mild pain, redness, and peeling of the skin. “This would be in keeping with a first-degree burn. This type of sunburn tends to resolve spontaneously and doesn’t require one to come into hospital or see the GP.”

However, if you develop blistering from the sun, it would mean that the deeper layers of the skin have been affected. “This is more akin to a second-degree burn. The skin can be swollen, very painful, and, of course, bright red,” the spokesperson at the British Skin Foundation said.

#10

That's Why You Shouldn't Wear Jeans With Holes On Sunny Days

That's Why You Shouldn't Wear Jeans With Holes On Sunny Days

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#11

Tried Evening Out My Tan From The Other Day, Didn't Go So Well

Tried Evening Out My Tan From The Other Day, Didn't Go So Well

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#12

Finish Painting Deck - Check, Give Yourself Sunburn Tramp Stamp - Check

Finish Painting Deck - Check, Give Yourself Sunburn Tramp Stamp - Check

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MellonCollie
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And, gentlemen, that's another reason why you ALWAYS have to pull up those pants!! ;-)

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Dr. Sheraz urges anyone who develops signs of fever, develops blisters, or feels lightheaded or confused to seek immediate medical attention.

“Severe sunburn can lead to significant dehydration and the resulting inflammation in the skin (which is the body’s healing response) can send one into shock, with a significant drop in blood pressure and even death in extreme situations.”

#13

Who Needs A Farmer's Tan When You Can Get A Cavs Finals Hat Burn

Who Needs A Farmer's Tan When You Can Get A Cavs Finals Hat Burn

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#14

Baseball Mom's Yoga Pants Worked Out Just Fine

Baseball Mom's Yoga Pants Worked Out Just Fine

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#15

Apparently My Adam's Apple Provided Just Enough Shade To Prevent A Small Portion Of My Neck From Getting Sunburned

Apparently My Adam's Apple Provided Just Enough Shade To Prevent A Small Portion Of My Neck From Getting Sunburned

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Among other features of sunburn, some people may feel itching which, Dr. Sheraz explained, “is thought to be associated with the release of a chemical called bradykinin from damaged skin.”

Even though it’s just a theory, the dermatologist said that “online sufferers have described their experiences as feeling ‘like fire ants are biting you under your skin,’ ‘wanting to rip your skin off,’ or ‘an uncontrollable itch that, when scratched, causes stabbing pain.’”

#17

The Difference Between Tanned And Untanned From My Leg To My Foot

The Difference Between Tanned And Untanned From My Leg To My Foot

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#18

Daughter's Sunburn Looks Like Patrick From Spongebob

Daughter's Sunburn Looks Like Patrick From Spongebob

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Minha Khan
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

this is honestly adorable but when I was younger sunburn hurt so much. if this happens to your kid, I would recommend aloe vera.

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#19

My Friends' First Time In The Florida Sun. Apparently It Was Also Their First Time Using A Spray-On Sunscreen

My Friends' First Time In The Florida Sun. Apparently It Was Also Their First Time Using A Spray-On Sunscreen

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Johnny
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That looks more like a stick based sunscreen, spray on wouldn't leave lines that sharp

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#20

Bought Some New White Fingerless Gloves

Bought Some New White Fingerless Gloves

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#21

This Is Cade's Freshly Shaved Head After A Sunscreenless Few Hours Mowing A Field

This Is Cade's Freshly Shaved Head After A Sunscreenless Few Hours Mowing A Field

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#22

This Is What You Get For Wearing Those Awful Things

This Is What You Get For Wearing Those Awful Things

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#23

Long Kayaking Trip + Belly Rolls = Most Inconsistent Sunburn Ever

Long Kayaking Trip + Belly Rolls = Most Inconsistent Sunburn Ever

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#24

What Happens When You're Super White And You Walked Around All Day In A Shirt With Cutout Squares. And This Was With Multiple Applications Of Sunscreen

What Happens When You're Super White And You Walked Around All Day In A Shirt With Cutout Squares. And This Was With Multiple Applications Of Sunscreen

In hindsight, I probably should have worn a different shirt

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#25

When You Are From Arizona And Think 70 Degrees On The Beach In Cali Doesn't Require Sunscreen. I. Hurt

When You Are From Arizona And Think 70 Degrees On The Beach In Cali Doesn't Require Sunscreen. I. Hurt

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#26

When People Ask Me Why I Want To Sit In The Shade I Show Them These Photos

When People Ask Me Why I Want To Sit In The Shade I Show Them These Photos

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#27

The Tan Of My Hand Compared To My Foot

The Tan Of My Hand Compared To My Foot

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Peko
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd be more worried that my foot was blue rather than not tanned.

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#30

Stubborn Husband Said He Didn't Need My Help Putting Sunscreen On His Back

Stubborn Husband Said He Didn't Need My Help Putting Sunscreen On His Back

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Pseudo Puppy
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

ah yes, those moments of self-inflicted paid, due to ego / stupidity / stubbornness.... :o

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#31

Co-Worker Shaved His Head, Then Went Golfing, And Decided To Wear A Visor

Co-Worker Shaved His Head, Then Went Golfing, And Decided To Wear A Visor

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#32

This Tomato Man Looks Nearly Fake

This Tomato Man Looks Nearly Fake

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Zophra
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This "tomato man" looks more like a poster boy for future melanoma. :(

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#33

I Get This Tan Line Every Year. A Result From My Job Outside Wearing The Same Uniform Everyday. The Tan Line Lasts Through The Winter

I Get This Tan Line Every Year. A Result From My Job Outside Wearing The Same Uniform Everyday. The Tan Line Lasts Through The Winter

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Daria Z
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah, I get the same line from the shorts. I don't mind as it reminds me of summer :)

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#34

Met A Guy Last Summer That Fell Asleep In The Sun With His Phone On His Chest

Met A Guy Last Summer That Fell Asleep In The Sun With His Phone On His Chest

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#35

My Husband's First Time Wearing Sandals Since Starting His New Asphalt Job

My Husband's First Time Wearing Sandals Since Starting His New Asphalt Job

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#36

My Friend Refused To Ask For Help With Putting Sunscreen On, This Is The Result

My Friend Refused To Ask For Help With Putting Sunscreen On, This Is The Result

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Clara Knaub
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People are so stubborn. They should really ask for help when they need it.

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#38

My Cousin’s Legs After A Day In The Sun In Ripped Jeans

My Cousin’s Legs After A Day In The Sun In Ripped Jeans

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#39

This Is What Happens When You Go On A Bike Ride When It’s 100 Degrees Outside Without The Proper Sunscreen

This Is What Happens When You Go On A Bike Ride When It’s 100 Degrees Outside Without The Proper Sunscreen

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Malakai
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Temperature has nothing to do with sun exposure. Why do people keep equating heat with bad sunburns? You didn't get a bad sunburn from the heat--you got a bad sunburn from being an idiot that didn't apply sunscreen!

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#40

I Spent A Little Too Much Time Outside While Wearing 3/4 Pants

I Spent A Little Too Much Time Outside While Wearing 3/4 Pants

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3ke
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I keep looking at her toes to see if she's wearing blue pantyhose but it's just the lighting.

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Note: this post originally had 79 images. It’s been shortened to the top 40 images based on user votes.