Why does sunburn itch

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Can Coconut Oil Treat Sunburn? Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. Apple Cider Vinegar for Sunburn Care? While the degree of itching varies from person to person, says Dr.

But the worst thing you can do is give into temptation. While scratching an itchy sunburn feels good in the moment, it only increases inflammation and damages the skin even further, which worsens the itch, says Dr. Your itchy sunburn should subside as soon as the skin heals, and there are a few things you can do to speed up the process.

Dr Chipps recommends slathering your skin in bland, fragrance-free moisturizers that contain hydrating and calming ingredients, like ceramides, oat extract, aloe vera , and vitamin E as long as you have no known allergies or sensitivities to them. Avoid pretoleum- or oil-based products, as they can trap heat into the skin. Simply apply your body lotion, like CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion , to damp skin after soaking in a cool bath for 10 to 20 minutes to lock moisture into the skin.

Applying an over-the-counter topical steroid, like 1 percent hydrocortisone cream , can help reduce inflammation, soothing an itchy sunburn in the process, says Dr. Because itchiness can increase as your skin heals, topical treatments may not always be enough to find relief. And why you, anyway? Dermatologists have some thoughts about—and fixes for! Surprisingly, yes. Itching and scratching your poor, inflamed skin because, how can you not?

Just a heads up: In some cases, your skin might itch because of a sun-related rash called polymorphous light eruption PMLE. Aloe vera is a potent moisturizer and anti-inflammatory treatment. The gel also contains magnesium lactate , which prevents the production of histamines that can lead to itchy skin.

In addition, aloe has been shown to help treat sunburn by soothing hot skin, stimulating collagen production, and giving your body the vitamins it needs to heal. The best way to apply aloe is to squeeze the gel straight from the plant and rub it on your sunburn. If moisturizers aren't providing enough relief for your sunburn symptoms, you may want to try using an over-the-counter steroid cream with 1 percent cortisone.

Cortisone cream improves inflammation symptoms like itching, redness, and swelling by blocking the chemicals that trigger your immune system's inflammatory response.

Experts advise that you should not use cortisone cream for more than a week without talking to a doctor, and pregnant women and children under 10 should avoid it altogether. Another way to reduce inflammatory sunburn symptoms like pain and itching is to take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDS. NSAID medications like ibuprofen Advil , naproxen Aleve , and aspirin relieve pain and have been shown to reduce the inflammation that causes itching in sunburned skin.

Another way to calm your symptoms is to take antihistamines, which reduce itching by blocking the release of chemicals that increase your immune system's inflammatory response. Lastly, while you are healing from painful, itchy sunburn, one of the most important steps you can take is to stay out of the sun and avoid further damage, Goldberg says.

Particularly during peak sun hours of 10 a. If you do go outside, wear clothes that cover your skin and are tightly woven , so that nothing shines through when you hold them up to a light. Unbleached cotton is a good option, as well as shiny fabrics that reflect light like polyester or satin.

Itchy sunburns can often be treated at home, but if severe itching disrupts your sleep or daily activities for more than two days , call your doctor since you may have a more serious condition of sun poisoning.