I had to look it up, as I too, had no idea what was happening to my chest. Yes, I was eager to catch some Florida rays, sit by the pool and ultimately get a nice tan. Yes, my face had sunscreen, no my chest did not. I had intentions of putting it on but my overzealousness to soak up the rays and sit in the pool, reflecting sun rays at their best, took hold of me. Hours later my chest was purple, too much sun. A day later the itch snuck up. It was like little needles poking at my skin over and over, an unstoppable sensation, even aloe couldn’t aid me. The pins and needle feeling lasted three days. A constant reminder always put first things first, regardless of eagerness, excitement, and anticipation.
We have this saying at work, “slow down to speed up,” if only I had applied that method to my first Florida day. Well, if nothing else, I left you with a little education, what is hell’s itch, and I will be reminded for years ahead to never leave home without a full application of SPF.
Live and learn, my loving niece.