Sunburns do itch, a common, uncomfortable symptom of the skin’s response to overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This article explores why this itching occurs and offers practical advice for relief, alongside guidance on when medical attention may be necessary. Understanding this helps manage discomfort and promote skin recovery.
Why Sunburns Itch
Itching after a sunburn results from the body’s inflammatory response to damaged skin cells. When UV rays penetrate the skin, they harm cells, including their DNA, triggering a protective mechanism. This damage leads to the release of various chemical mediators, such as histamine, involved in inflammation.
These chemical mediators cause blood vessels to dilate, increasing blood flow to the affected area. The inflammation can also irritate nerve endings in the skin, causing an itchy feeling. Additionally, as the skin begins to heal, dead cells shed, and new cells form, which can further stimulate nerve fibers and contribute to itching. Sunburns can also cause the skin to lose moisture, leading to dryness, which exacerbates the itching sensation.
Remedies for Sunburn Itch
Relieving sunburn itch involves cooling, moisturizing, and anti-inflammatory approaches. Applying cool compresses to the affected skin can provide immediate relief from burning and itching. A clean, wet towel or washcloth can be used and repeated as needed.
A lukewarm bath with colloidal oatmeal is soothing, as it forms a protective barrier, retains moisture, and reduces inflammation. After bathing, gently pat the skin dry, leaving skin slightly damp before moisturizing. Lotions or gels containing aloe vera are often recommended due to their moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties, but it is important to choose products without added irritants like alcohol, fragrances, or numbing agents.
Over-the-counter anti-itch creams, such as 1% hydrocortisone cream, reduce inflammation and soothe skin. Oral antihistamines, like diphenhydramine, can alleviate itching and promote sleep. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen reduce pain and inflammation. Staying well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water helps maintain skin moisture and overall health during the healing process.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While most sunburns resolve with home care, certain symptoms warrant medical attention. Seek help for severe blistering over a large body area, as this indicates a serious burn. Signs of infection, such as red streaks, increasing pain, or pus draining from the affected area, also necessitate a doctor’s visit.
Accompanying symptoms like fever, chills, nausea, or confusion could indicate sun poisoning, a severe form of sunburn that requires medical intervention. An intense, deep, and unrelenting itch known as “hell’s itch,” or pruritus ani, can occur one to three days after a severe sunburn, often on the upper back and shoulders. While typically not life-threatening, this excruciating itch can be severe enough to disrupt sleep and may benefit from medical advice if home remedies are insufficient.