A 48-year-old woman in Chengdu, China, shocked doctors after she fractured a bone simply by turning in bed—without any fall or trauma. Medical experts traced the cause to severe Vitamin D deficiency, a result of her lifelong avoidance of sunlight and excessive use of sunscreen.
The woman, who reportedly wore full-sleeve clothing and never stepped outside without thick sunscreen, had developed extreme osteoporosis. Her case has triggered widespread discussion on Chinese social media, especially concerning beauty standards that glorify pale skin.
“She had no significant falls or trauma,” said Dr Long Shuang, one of her attending physicians. “Her bones were so brittle that the mere act of rolling over caused them to break.”
Doctors Warn Against Excessive UV Protection
The woman’s aversion to sun exposure since childhood blocked her body’s ability to produce Vitamin D—a nutrient vital for calcium absorption and bone strength.
“Sunlight plays a crucial role in Vitamin D production,” explained Dr Jiang Xiaobing. “Without it, the body’s ability to maintain bone density is compromised.”
Medical studies note that bone mass starts to decline after age 30, with the average person losing 0.5% to 1% annually. Lack of Vitamin D accelerates this process, often leading to fragile bones and osteoporosis.
Cultural Pressure, Health Risks Collide
In China, pale skin is often equated with beauty, prompting many people especially women to avoid the sun at all costs. This includes wearing gloves, hats, long clothing, and consistently applying sunscreen, which blocks the UV rays needed for Vitamin D synthesis.
While doctors acknowledge the importance of protecting skin from UV damage and cancer, they caution against overdoing it. “Moderation is key,” Dr Shuang said. “Protect your skin, but also remember that your body needs sunlight to function properly.”
