Ever Get a Sunburn in Winter?

Happened to me today! Forgot to put on sunblock while running the plow on a blue sky day.....

Last time I did this was about 2008. Skied all day on a terribly cold day but bright blue skies. I got a really bad burn that time, hopefully what little bit I was out today won't be so bad.

Who's been just as dumb?

 

Nope. But it is something that many people don't think about on a sunny winter day with snow on the ground. Snow blindness also.

 

Yup, even got sunburned on the inside of nostrils and underneath my chin while backpacking in the snow once. That was uncomfortable. Hah.

 

The worst part is, it comes from all directions from the snow reflection.

The best part is, you're usually bundled up and protected, mostly.

High altitude sun is the worst for sun burns.

 

Did an internet search and found out Cortizone 10 is recommended. Had some on hand and tried it. One and done! Itching stopped immediately and has not returned since about 1 AM this morning.

Will definitely have sunblock on next time.

Inside your nostrils? HOLY COW!

 

Like @Mr Badwrench mentioned, the sun reflects up off of the snow and burns your nostrils and underneath your chin as you walk across it. We did a lot of winter camping and backpacking when I was a kid, including digging snow caves and building igloos later in the season with snow saws we built from scrap aluminum.

You get used to being sunburned on certain parts of your body, so it’s an odd feeling to have it in your nose and u see you chin, as well as under your forearms.

 

Up the nose is something I never thought of but yes, could happen, obviously!

My time outside yesterday was pretty limited, at least when the sun was shining. Thank the Lord Jesus for that!

That time skiing....omgosh.....face and neck were just roasted! I didn't know about Cortizone 10 back then and basically suffered through it. No pain or itching today, face and neck a bit more reddish is all.

No fresh snow (just cold!) so not outside during the day today. Will put on sunblock any other plow days coming.

 

Yup, a couple different times when snowboarding and it got warm enough to drop the jacket. hell of a wind burn and sun burn.