In addition to redness, cracking, and pain, sun burns can cause itching. A sunburn damages the surface layer of the skin, the epidermis, which has many nerve endings that are responsible for itching. Damage from the sun inflames the nerves, so the discomfort will persist until the burn has passed. In the meantime, you can use home remedies, as well as over-the-counter or prescription medicines, to relieve itching and help heal the skin.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Home Remedies
Step 1. If you have severe burns, see your doctor
Home remedies can be helpful, but they are usually aimed at treating minor sunburns. If you have blisters, dizziness, fever, or a possible infection (pus, red spots, increased soreness), you should go to your doctor before trying a do-it-yourself treatment.
- In case of weakness, inability to stand, confusion or fainting, an ambulance should be called.
- If the skin has a wax-like texture and white, a very dark brown or raised and with a texture that resembles leather, it is a third-degree burn. Although it is very rare, it is sometimes possible to suffer from such a severe sunburn. In these cases, go to the emergency room immediately.
Step 2. Sprinkle apple cider vinegar on the burn
Vinegar is a mild acid that can be used as an antiseptic. It balances the pH of the skin, which in turn promotes faster healing and can relieve itching. The vinegar has a strong odor, but it should dissipate after a few minutes.
- Fill a clean spray bottle with apple cider vinegar. Test the product by spraying it on a small area of sunburned skin - wait to see if you feel pain or another type of reaction occurs.
- Spray the vinegar on the burned skin and let it dry on its own. Do not massage it on the skin.
- If your skin starts to itch again, reapply it.
- If you don't have a spray bottle, put a few drops of vinegar on a cotton ball or towel and dab it on the burn.
- According to some, classic white vinegar has the same effect as apple cider vinegar, so you can try using it if you don't have just that.
Step 3. Take a lukewarm oatmeal bath
Oats moisturize dry skin and normalize the pH, which is often high when the skin is dry and itchy. You can use colloidal oats, which are ground and float in water, thereby increasing skin exposure. Otherwise, you can put 100g of uncooked oats in a clean pair of pantyhose and tie or knot them.
- Prepare a lukewarm bath (water that is too hot may dry out the skin and make itching worse).
- Pour the colloidal oats as the water runs, so that it dissolves completely. If you are using a sock, put it in the tub at this time.
- Soak for about 10 minutes. If you feel sticky afterwards, rinse with warm water. You can take an oatmeal bath up to 3 times a day.
- Make sure you pat your skin dry with a towel - don't rub it or you risk worsening the skin irritation.
Step 4. Treat the area with diluted peppermint essential oil
Available in herbal medicine, this product has a refreshing and soothing effect on the skin. Don't use peppermint extract - it's not the same thing.
- Dilute peppermint essential oil with a carrier oil (it must be vegetable, such as jojoba or coconut). For an adult, dilute 10-12 drops per 30ml of oil. In the case of children, pregnant women or sensitive skin, use 5-6 drops.
- Test the oil on a small area of the burn to make sure you are not causing an allergic reaction.
- Massage the oil on the burn. The skin should feel a cold / hot sensation, so the itching will temporarily subside.
Step 5. Apply witch hazel to the sunburn
This substance contains tannins, which help reduce swelling, pain and itching. If you don't want to use a hydrocortisone cream, this is a good alternative.
- Rub a small amount of witch hazel cream on the burn (after trying it on an area of the skin to rule out a possible allergic reaction).
- Apply witch hazel with a cotton ball.
- Use it up to 6 times a day to relieve pain and itching.
Method 2 of 3: Treating The Itch With Drugs
Step 1. Use a 0.5-1% concentration hydrocortisone cream to relieve pain and itching
It is an over-the-counter steroid cream that is often very effective for reducing inflammation, redness and itching. It prevents cells from releasing inflammatory substances, calming the skin.
- Apply the hydrocortisone cream to the burn 4 times a day, massaging it into the skin.
- Use hydrocortisone sparingly on your face and don't apply it for more than 4-5 days.
Step 2. Take over-the-counter antihistamines to combat the itchy burn
Sometimes it occurs because histamine-releasing immune cells tell the brain that something is wrong. Antihistamines can suppress this reaction, thereby temporarily relieving itching and swelling.
- During the day, take an antihistamine that doesn't cause drowsiness (such as loratadine). To know the dosage, read the instructions on the leaflet.
- In the evening you can take diphenhydramine, which can cause some sleepiness. After taking it, do not try to drive, operate machinery or do other potentially dangerous actions for yourself or others - just go to sleep!
- In case of severe itching, ask your doctor if he can prescribe hydroxizine for you. It is a drug that requires a prescription. It sedates the central nervous system and also has an antihistamine function.
Step 3. Use a topical anesthetic to numb the skin
Available as a spray, cream or ointment, this medicine blocks nerve signals in the body, so you won't feel that bad itchy feeling.
- To use a spray, shake the bottle well and hold it 10-15cm away from your skin. Spray it on the burn and massage gently. Be very careful not to get it in the eye.
- As for creams, gels or ointments, apply the product on dry skin and massage it gently until it is evenly distributed. Look for one that also contains aloe vera, which can help soothe the skin.
Method 3 of 3: Treating an Unbearable Itch
Step 1. If you have a severe burn that doesn't respond to previous treatments, take a warm shower
Extreme itching usually occurs around 48 hours after a sunburn, so a very hot shower can be quite effective. This type of discomfort does not respond to other treatments. It is so persistent and unbearable that it can prevent sleep, cause depression, aggression and suicidal thoughts.
- If no other treatments work, including those recommended by your doctor, you can decide to try this method. Are you under 18? Talk to your parents first.
- Take a shower with the water adjusted to be as hot as possible, but remember that you should be able to handle this temperature. Don't use soaps or exfoliate your skin - hot water will dry it out, so these products can make dryness worse.
- Keep taking these extremely hot showers until the itchiness has subsided (usually takes about 2 days).
- Hot showers work because the brain can only process one sensation at a time. The heat of the water activates the nerve endings responsible for the pain, thereby suppressing or ceasing the itching.
Step 2. Ask your doctor if he can prescribe you a high potency steroid cream
If the itching is so unbearable that it prevents you from focusing on anything else (you can't work or sleep) and you think you are on the verge of going crazy, your doctor can help you with more aggressive treatment. A high-potency steroid cream can reduce inflammation and soothe itching.
These medicines are available by prescription only. They can weaken the immune system and cause other serious side effects. They should only be used in the most extreme cases
Advice
- Before you go outside, apply sunscreen.
- If possible, wear comfortable clothes that do not tighten and do not cover the burned areas. The sunburn should be exposed to the air, not covered.
Warnings
- Make sure you are not allergic to any of the ingredients in the products you use.
- Severe sunburn and excessive exposure can cause skin cancer, so try to avoid exposing yourself during peak hours, stay in the shade between noon and 3-4pm. Prevention is better than using sunscreen.
- Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to prevent further skin damage.
