**Grandmother’s Brief Nap in the Sun Leaves Her with Lasting Pain and a Warning**
A West Midlands grandmother has issued a stark reminder about the potential dangers of sun exposure, after a short rest in her own garden led to a severe medical ordeal that left her unrecognisable and in excruciating pain.
Jean Hill, 67, describes herself as someone who only occasionally lounges in the sun. However, while enjoying what appeared to be a peaceful afternoon in the garden of her Kidderminster home on 1st May, she unwittingly experienced the harmful effects too much sunlight can quickly inflict. Temperatures that day soared into the high twenties, and after a brief period reading outdoors, Jean decided to stretch out on her sun lounger. She soon nodded off, unprotected after her sunglasses slipped off, for what she estimates was no more than fifteen minutes.
The consequences of this innocuous-sounding nap did not become apparent until the following morning. Upon waking, Jean found one eye swollen so badly she could not open it, while her face was covered in blisters and burned bright red. In her own words, her face felt as though it was on fire—a condition that soon required a trip to the A&E department.
Despite having applied factor 30 sun cream before venturing outside, Jean was diagnosed with sun poisoning—a serious reaction to overexposure to UV rays. Doctors explained that the intense sun had compromised her immune system, which then triggered a bout of shingles, a viral infection known for causing a painful, blistering rash accompanied by fever and nausea. Nearly two months after the incident, Jean reports her face remains tender and uncomfortable.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Jean said: “It was just a quick rest—no more than a quarter of an hour. I’d never imagined something like this could happen, especially as I’d tried to be careful with sun cream.” Her husband Timothy, also retired, expressed alarm the morning after when he saw the swelling and redness that had transformed his wife’s face.
Hospital staff provided Jean with antiviral medication, cream, and eye drops in response to both the sun poisoning and shingles. However, even after returning for follow-up treatment and being prescribed antibiotics, Jean’s recovery continues to be prolonged and distressing. “I have nerve pain tablets and soothing creams, but the discomfort is still there and very intense, especially around the corner of my eye.”
This experience has forced Jean to stay indoors, keep curtains drawn, and wear sunglasses even at home to avoid discomfort from light. The emotional toll has also been marked, with Jean admitting, “My face was so disfigured I could barely recognise myself. I really didn’t expect such lasting effects from something that happened so quickly.”
Notably, Jean’s misfortune occurred despite taking standard protective steps, shining a light on just how dangerous brief UV exposure can be—especially for older adults or those with sensitive skin. Medical specialists confirmed the sequence of events, noting that the temporary loss of her sunglasses allowed direct sun exposure, which triggered her symptoms.
Jean now feels compelled to share her story, hoping to warn others against underestimating the potential dangers of even fleeting sun exposure. “I was careful, and this still happened to me. There are lots of people who might not even wear sun cream or sunglasses—I want everyone to understand the risk isn’t something to take lightly.”
The NHS continues to urge the public to take basic precautions when enjoying sunny weather: Seek shade between 11am and 3pm, always use at least SPF 30 sunscreen, wear appropriate clothing and sunglasses, and be particularly vigilant with young children. Covering up and limiting sun exposure remain among the best ways to prevent such serious medical outcomes.
Jean’s story stands as a stark reminder to remain vigilant, even during the briefest moments enjoyed in the sun. Her experience underlines the message that the sun’s rays can cause harm far more swiftly and severely than many may realise.