A 10-year-old boy required surgery after sustaining severe sunburn and blisters on a family holiday in Cape Verde. Despite diligently applying SPF 90 sun cream purchased at a resort shop, Hector Harvey developed blisters on the flight back home. His mother, Natalie, shared that they had run out of sun cream on the final day of their £3,000 TUI holiday to the West African island. Natalie’s partner Ben bought more sun cream at the resort for £17.10, thinking it would provide adequate protection.
The family, who used a ‘continuous spray sunscreen SPF 90’ from Wokall Cosmetics International, ensured Hector reapplied the sun cream regularly due to the warm weather. On the flight home, Hector began feeling unwell, ultimately vomiting on the plane. Upon arrival at Birmingham Airport on August 24, he was admitted to Queen’s Medical Centre, where doctors discovered Hector had sustained 9% burns and large blisters across his body.
Natalie described the distressing scene, stating, “He had blisters that were 8cm wide and full of water, it was horrific.” The family, including Ben, who also experienced burns to a lesser degree, questioned the effectiveness of the sunscreen. Travel company TUI confirmed they are investigating the incident. Hector underwent a five-hour surgery on August 25 to safely remove the blisters and remains bandaged up as he recovers.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Natalie expressed deep sorrow, feeling guilty and devastated by her son’s suffering. The impact of the burns has significantly restricted Hector’s mobility and left the family traumatised. The incident has overshadowed their holiday memories, with Natalie lamenting the heartbreaking experience and the lasting trauma it has caused. Hector now faces the challenge of being extra cautious in the sun, with restrictions on his daily activities.
The family’s harrowing experience serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of sun protection, even when using high SPF sunscreens. Meanwhile, TUI continues to investigate the matter to determine the cause of the sunscreen’s apparent failure in providing adequate protection.