A pregnant woman has issued a warning after experiencing horrific second-degree burns from just 30 minutes in the sun.
Mum and nurse Kara, 32, shared photos of the terrible burns she endured while chatting to her neighbour outside and warned other pregnant women to be careful, as their skin is more sensitive to UV exposure.
"Did you know that when you are pregnant the increased hormones make your skin twice as sensitive to sun exposure? I didn't!! Silly me!" Kara writes.
"Over a week ago, just before Christmas, I sat outside with my next-door neighbour for a casual chat… the result, 2nd-degree sunburn! This resulted in me being unable to walk for several days, unable to regulate my body temperature, nausea and oedema (with a little trip to Emergency on my birthday/Christmas)."
Oedema refers to fluid retention which usually collects around the ankles or knees. It is a difficult condition for pregnant women to navigate as anti-inflammatory medications are not recommended for pregnant women — particularly those at the beginning or near end of their pregnancy.
In the photos, Kara revealed deep red and purple burns she received from the sun exposure, and some puss-filled lumps on her knees.
According to SkinVision, increased hormones experienced during pregnancy make skin more sensitive, and prone to burning, so pregnant women are encouraged to cover up when in the sun. This means wearing hats, applying plenty of 50+ and sitting in full shade.
Additionally, pregnant women are encouraged to use non-chemical sunscreens, containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, as these are most suitable for sensitive skin, and also do not contain oxybenzone, which has been linked to low birth weight in female infants in some studies.
Kara also experienced some puss-filled lumps in areas where the burn was very bad. (Facebook / Kara Lorraine)
