sunburn的过去式和过去分词（Sunburned and Scorched A Tale of Painful Memories）

Sunburned and Scorched: A Tale of Painful Memories

Sunburned skin is probably one of the most uncomfortable things that we can experience in the summertime. It happens when we spend too much time outside without adequate protection against the sunlight, and our skin gets damaged by the UV rays. The result is red, irritated, and painful skin that can take days or even weeks to heal. In this article, we will explore some personal stories of sunburn and its consequences, from mild discomfort to severe burns that left long-lasting scars.

The First Burn

For many of us, our first sunburn happens during childhood, when we are too young to understand the risks of prolonged exposure to the sun. In my case, I remember spending a whole day at the beach with my family, without wearing any sunscreen or a hat. I was having so much fun building sandcastles and swimming in the sea that I didn't even notice that my skin was turning pink. By the end of the day, my back and shoulders were painful to the touch, and I had blisters on my nose and cheeks. My parents applied aloe vera gel and gave me painkillers, but I couldn't sleep well for days because of the stinging sensation. The lesson was learned, but at a high cost.

The Gradual Damage

As we grow older, we may become more aware of the dangers of sunburn, but we may also become more complacent in our sun protection habits. We may think that a little bit of sun won't hurt us, or that we don't need sunscreen on cloudy days. We may also forget to reapply sunscreen after swimming or sweating, or to cover all exposed areas, such as the ears, neck, and feet. This gradual damage can lead to cumulative sunburns, which may not be as severe as the first one but can still cause long-term harm to the skin. I have many memories of such sunburns, where I would feel a slight discomfort or itchiness after a day out, but would ignore it or apply a less-than-adequate amount of sunscreen. Later on, I would notice that my skin was peeling, dry, and prone to freckles and age spots. I wish I had taken better care of my skin back then, but the past can't be undone.

The Worst Burn

Lastly, there are the worst sunburns, the ones that leave a lasting mark on our bodies and minds. These burns may happen due to a combination of factors, such as high UV index, sensitive skin, medication that increases photo-sensitivity, or prolonged exposure without shade or breaks. They can range from second-degree burns, where the skin blisters and peels off, to third-degree burns, where the skin is charred and may need medical attention. I have had a few of these burns in my life, but the worst one was during a hiking trip in a desert. I underestimated the intensity of the sun in that region and didn't drink enough water or rest in the shade. By midday, I felt dizzy, nauseous, and my skin was turning red and hot. I tried to cool down with wet towels and ice, but the damage was done. For the next few days, I could barely move, as my skin was so swollen and tender. Even after it healed, I had dark patches and scars on my arms and legs, and I felt ashamed to show them in public. It took me a while to regain my confidence and to realize that sunburns are not a sign of weakness, but of ignorance.

These are just a few examples of the many ways in which sunburn can affect us, physically and emotionally. The best way to avoid sunburn is to prevent it, by wearing protective clothing, seeking shade, and applying sunscreen with at least SPF 30, every two hours. If you do get sunburned, don't panic, but do treat it seriously. Drink plenty of fluids, avoid further exposure to the sun, and apply cool and moisturizing lotions or gels, such as aloe vera. If your sunburn is severe or accompanied by fever, chills, nausea or vomiting, seek medical attention. Don't let sunburn ruin your summer memories, but don't forget its potential dangers, either.