A dream family holiday in Cape Verde turned into a terrifying ordeal for 10-year-old Hector and his family when he suffered severe sunburn, leading to a hospital visit. What started as a fun day by the hotel pool ended with Hector’s back and shoulders covered in painful blisters.
Hector’s mother, Natalie, from Chilwell, Nottinghamshire, shared their experience to warn other families about the risks of using unfamiliar suncreams while on holiday. During their trip, the family’s suncream ran out, so they purchased a new bottle from the resort. Despite multiple applications, Hector’s skin turned bright red, and by the time they reached the airport, large blisters began to form.
Back home, Hector required hospital treatment where his blisters were popped and cleaned under general anaesthetic to prevent infection. Though Hector is expected to make a full recovery, his family has been advised to be extra vigilant with his skin care for the next two years.
Natalie suspects the suncream they purchased may have been out-of-date, mislabelled, or even counterfeit. She is now urging others to be cautious and only use sun protection products they know and trust. Her message is clear: “Use something you know, use something you trust.”
Medical professionals, like Sunday Nwose, a plastic surgery registrar at Nottingham’s Children’s Hospital, also advise holidaymakers to be careful with sun exposure, especially between 11:00 and 16:00 when the sun is strongest.
Hector is now recovering at home, but his story serves as a vital reminder for families planning to travel: always pack and use reliable sun protection.