Brit left with serious burns after sunbathing with jewellery
Ben Parsons was on holiday with his family in the South of France when he fell asleep on a beach for six hours after applying just one layer of factor 30 suncream.
The 27-year-old says he woke up several times throughout the mammoth nap but didn't realise how strong the sun was because the wind was keeping him cool.
The worst of the burns were from where the gold necklace he was wearing had 'reflected the sun like a laser beam'. (Image: Kennedy News & Media) The worst of the burns were from where the gold necklace he was wearing had 'reflected the sun like a laser beam' - causing pus-filled blisters to erupt from his chin down to the base of his neck.
Ben was left bedbound for five days due to the severity of the burns, which were so painful that he says it felt like his skin was ripping or stretching every time he moved.
He says the ordeal 'ruined' his holiday as he was unable to go outside and enjoy the sunshine.
The sales executive is now warning sunseekers to regularly apply SPF and take their jewellery off when sunbathing.
Ben said: "I was lying down and the necklace was on my chest, pointing up at my neck.
A post shared by Melanoma Fund (@melanomafund)
Recommended Reading
How long does sunscreen last? How to be safe in the sun
Is it safe to use expired sunscreen? Expert issues advice
Do you need sunscreen in the shade? Experts reveal answer
Now, Ben is encouraging other people to apply SPF and take their jewellery off when sunbathing to avoid the same fate.
Ben said: "I would definitely say always be extra careful when wearing jewellery because whether it's real gold or not, it can potentially reflect off onto you.
"I definitely recommend taking all jewellery off so this sort of thing doesn't happen.
"Also, apply suncream regularly so you don't end up ruining your holiday and all of the money you spent to get there."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
5 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Sick crimes of morgue rapist David Fuller ‘could be REPEATED unless bodies are better cared for'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE sickening crimes of morgue rapist David Fuller could be repeated unless bodies are better cared for, an inquiry has warned. Fuller, 68, was jailed for life in 2021 for sexually assaulting 101 female corpses while working as a maintenance engineer at NHS hospitals. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Necrophiliac killer David Fuller abused at least 100 deceased women and girls Credit: PA The inquiry has already ruled better management and security could have prevented his crimes at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust in Kent. Now it has concluded regulation of the care of people after death is 'partial, ineffective and, in significant areas, completely absent'. Chairman Sir Jonathan Michael said: 'I have come to the conclusion that the current arrangements for the regulation and oversight of the care of people after death are partial, ineffective and, in significant areas, completely absent. 'I have concluded that it is entirely possible that such offences could be repeated, particularly in those sectors that lack any form of statutory regulation.' More than half a million British people die every year, with 568,613 in England and Wales in 2024. Sir Jonathan added he was concerned there are no industry standards for caring for dead people, and that anyone could become a funeral director without any qualifications. He said there is a 'cultural reluctance' to accept bodies can be abused. He went on: 'I am not confident arrangements currently in place satisfactorily protect the deceased from the risk of abuse.' 'I urge all those involved in the care of people after death to question whether they uphold the same standards as they would if that person were alive. 'The deceased are as vulnerable as the living and they are worthy of the same protection. 'The harm inflicted on David Fuller's victims and the hurt and trauma experienced by their families must never be repeated.'
The Herald Scotland
8 hours ago
- The Herald Scotland
Warning issued to homeowners as caterpillar destroys gardens
Ecology specialists at Arbtech have raised the alarm over the caterpillars as they are a species that's wreaking havoc on box hedging and topiary plants across the UK. The caterpillars, which are the larvae of the box tree moth, feed on box leaves and bark, often leaving once-pristine shrubs brown, bare, and beyond saving in a matter of days. This species of caterpillar can easily destroy plants (Image: Getty) Are box tree moth caterpillars dangerous for humans or pets? These caterpillars don't pose a direct threat to humans or pets, but they are said to be a nightmare for avid gardeners, especially those with ornamental hedges or neatly clipped box borders. First spotted in the UK in 2007, box tree moths have spread rapidly, with sightings now common in gardens across southern and central England. Numbers typically spike between April and October, with multiple generations hatching during the warmer months, leading to new waves of hungry caterpillars. Activity is particularly high in July and August, and if left untreated, infestations can be devastating, with heavily infested plants often needing to be removed and replaced altogether. Plants that could damage the value of your home 'Many people don't realise there's a problem until it's too late' An ecologist from Arbtech said: 'Box tree moth caterpillars might look harmless, but they're an invasive species that can strip a healthy plant in no time - and because they often feed from the inside out, many people don't realise there's a problem until it's too late. 'Box hedging is hugely popular in British gardens, so this species is having a serious impact not just aesthetically, but financially too. 'We're urging homeowners to check their plants regularly over the summer months. Look for tell-tale signs like webbing, leaf loss, or green-and-black striped caterpillars.' Describing the caterpillars, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) said: 'It is native to East Asia and became established in Europe in 2007. 'Although the first adult moth arrived in Britain in 2007, followed by several moths to light traps in 2008, caterpillars were not found in private gardens until 2011 in the home counties.' How to prevent box tree moth caterpillar damaging your garden The team at Arbtech have shared some tips to help you prevent the box tree moth caterpillar from damaging your garden. Look for chewed leaves, sudden browning or thinning patches in your plants as they could be caused by these caterpillars (Image: Getty) Check box plants weekly for signs of leaf loss or webbing Regular checks are the best way to catch an infestation early. Box tree caterpillars often start feeding from inside the plant, so damage might not be obvious straight away. Look for chewed leaves, sudden browning or thinning patches. Webbing in the centre of the plant, often mistaken for spider silk, is a common sign. You may also spot black pellets (droppings) around the base or within the foliage. Look out for green caterpillars with black heads and white stripes Box tree caterpillars are bright green with black heads and thick black and white stripes running down their bodies. Most are around 2-4cm long. You'll often find them hidden deep inside the plant, especially on the underside of leaves or in sheltered spots. As numbers grow, they may spread outwards and become more visible. How to get rid of these common garden pests If you spot one, it's likely there are more nearby. Catching them early is key to avoiding serious damage to your box plants. Remove caterpillars by hand where possible For small infestations, you can remove caterpillars by hand - just make sure to wear gloves. The earlier you treat the problem, the more likely you are to save the plant. Timing is crucial - aim to treat when the caterpillars are actively feeding, typically in late spring and again in late summer. Dispose of affected clippings carefully to avoid spreading the moth If you prune or remove an infested plant, dispose of the clippings responsibly. Don't compost them at home, as eggs or larvae could survive and spread. Instead, bag up the waste and take it to a local recycling centre that handles green waste or follow your council's guidance. It's also a good idea to clean your tools afterwards to prevent spreading the caterpillars or their eggs to healthy plants. Careful disposal plays a big role in limiting the spread of the box tree moth - especially in areas where it's already established, the specialists at Arbtech explain. Avoid unnecessary pruning in peak months Pruning stimulates new, soft growth, which is exactly what box tree caterpillars love to eat. Recommended reading: To avoid attracting them, try not to prune during peak activity months (usually April to September). If trimming is needed, do it in late autumn or winter when caterpillars are inactive. Over-pruning in summer not only weakens the plant but also makes it more attractive to egg-laying moths. Keeping your box plants in good shape without excessive cutting will help reduce their vulnerability to infestations and keep your garden looking healthier for longer.
Reuters
12 hours ago
- Reuters
FDA staff flags eye safety risks for GSK's blood cancer drug
July 15 (Reuters) - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's staff reviewers on Tuesday raised safety concerns that GSK's (GSK.L), opens new tab blood cancer drug Blenrep, when used in combination with other treatments, may cause eye damage in patients. In briefing documents released on the health regulator's website, staff reviewers said the benefit-risk profile of Blenrep remains unclear, citing concerns about safety, tolerability and appropriate dosages. The British drugmaker is seeking approval for Blenrep in combination with bortezomib plus dexamethasone and pomalidomide plus dexamethasone for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least previous therapy. Both bortezomib and pomalidomide are established cancer therapies, while dexamethasone is a widely used generic steroid drug. The assessment comes ahead of an independent expert panel meeting on Thursday. The FDA is set to decide on the drug next week. The agency raised concerns of ocular toxicity such as blurred vision, photophobia, and dry eye in patients receiving the combination treatment. Blenrep's initial approval already carried a warning about ocular side effects. The ocular toxicity observed "is a unique toxicity not seen with any currently available treatments for multiple myeloma," staff reviewers said. The agency noted that the dose adjustment protocols and ophthalmic monitoring schedules implemented in the trials may be difficult to reproduce in routine clinical practice, raising concerns about the drug's use outside tightly controlled study settings. The panel will discuss whether appropriate dosages have been identified for proposed patients and vote on whether the drug's overall benefit-risk profile in combination with other treatments is favorable. Blenrep belongs to a class of targeted cancer therapies called antibody drug conjugates that work like "guided missiles," killing tumor cells while leaving healthy ones unharmed.
