I thought I’d get a tan but woke up with sun poisoning – I looked just like an Avatar thanks to my swollen eyes

[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”I got England flag SUNBURNED on my face during Euros final – I thought it was a laugh at first but it’s a proper nightmare” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6358404819112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]

A YOUNG woman has revealed that she thought she would get a tan whilst on holiday, but instead, woke up with sun poisoning.

Hannah, a 22-year-old model from Toronto, went abroad with her pal, but was left looking like an Avatar after not wearing sun cream.

Woman with sun poisoning.
A 22-year-old has revealed that after not wearing sun cream whilst on holiday in Cuba, she woke up with severe sun poisoning
Woman with sun poisoning showing swollen face.
Hannah, a model from the US, raced to hospital, after she woke up swollen and red
UK print exclusive to the Sunday Times Culture for 25th September 2022 cover. Avatar: The Way of Water teaser poster without text. Supplied by Hannah.Proudlock@disney.com
Hannah’s swollen eyes left her looking like an Avatar

The influencer enjoyed herself while sunbathing and swimming in Cuba, but was left in hysterics when her swollen eyes had her resembling the blue creatures from the 2009 Sci-Fi film

Keen to show off her sun poisoning, Hannah took to social media, where she compared her swollen face to that of an Avatar.

Posting online, Hannah uploaded a clip of her red face and simply penned: “How sun poisoning has me looking.”

‘Sun poisoning,’ though not a formal medical term, is a common way to describe a severe sunburn, potentially involving symptoms beyond just skin redness and pain, such as fever, chills, and nausea.

In addition to the typical signs of sunburn, sun poisoning can also cause blisters, headaches, dizziness, dehydration and confusion.

Sun poisoning is caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, leading to a severe burn. 

While anyone can get sun poisoning, those with fair skin are at a higher risk.

Not only this, but babies, children, and people with certain skin conditions or those taking medications that increase sun sensitivity can also find themselves at risk of sun poisoning. 

In Hannah’s short clip, the brunette beauty zoomed in on her swollen eyes and explained: “I’m fully healed now but the edema in my face was too crazy not to post, literally woke up with my eye swollen shut.” 

Hannah confirmed that she didn’t wear sun cream whilst in Cuba and as a result, suffered from severe sunburn. 

[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”Student, 20, ‘died for 25 minutes’ during surgery after sunburn revealed ‘silent killer’ condition” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6359827711112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]

She then confessed: “I had no idea what [sun poisoning] was. Me and my girl both woke up like this because we didn’t use sun screen.”

With red and swollen skin, Hannah quickly made her way to the nearest hospital, where she was given an injection in her bum to control the body’s reaction.  

To prevent sun poisoning, it is crucial to wear sun cream with a high SPF, even on cloudy days. 

Those in the sun should seek shade where possible, especially during peak sun hours, and as well as wearing protective clothing, such as long sleeves and hats, should also ensure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. 

If you do suspect you have sun poisoning, you should seek medical attention, especially if you have a fever, chills, or dehydration symptoms.

[quote credit=”Hannah”]Me and my girl both woke up like this because we didn’t use sun screen[/quote]

To control sun poisoning, you can apply cool compresses and have cold showers to help relieve pain and inflammation. 

Over-the-counter pain relievers can also help, and hydration is crucial, so drinking plenty of fluids is advised.

Social media users react

The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @xo.hannah.3, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly gone viral and amassed 1.8 million views.

Not only this, but it’s also racked up 129,100 likes, 855 comments and 10,00 shares.

Social media users were gobsmacked by Hannah’s sun poisoning and many flocked to the comments to express this. 

One person said: “Omg I thought it was a filter.”

Another added: “I’m scared.” 

A third commented: “Jump scare omg.”

[quote credit=”TikTok user”]I’m sooo sorry that happened to you, but Avatar was the first thing that came to mind[/quote]

At the same time, many agreed with Hannah and noticed her resemblance to an Avatar

One user penned: “You look like you’re from an Avatar movie omg.”

A second agreed: “I’m sooo sorry that happened to you, but Avatar was the first thing that came to mind.”

Alongside crying emojis, someone else chimed in: “It’s giving Avatar.”

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Avatar: The Way of Water still image of a Na'vi woman.
Social media users claimed Avatar was the “first thing” that came to their minds after seeing Hannah’s swollen face
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