If you've ever forgotten to apply your sunscreen before a day outdoors, you've probably ended up with a sunburn. When the sun's UVA and UVB rays hit your skin, your body increases production of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. You may get a tan, which is the body's way to head off a sunburn--but its natural defenses only go so far. Soothing the resulting sunburn while preventing further irritation to the delicate tissue is the key to stopping the itch and beginning the healing process.
Immediate Action
Get out of the sun as soon as you detect a sunburn in the making. Sunburns may take several hours to fully develop, but you can begin to soothe itchy skin as soon as you see a telltale pinkish tone. Take a shower or bath in tepid water to cool down your overheated skin, and avoid using abrasive soap or exfoliating body washes. Apply cold, damp washcloths to your skin. Or, run an ice cube over the burned area to temporarily numb the burn and relieve the itch.
Moisturize
When your skin burns, it loses moisture through evaporation, which leads to a feeling of dryness or itchiness. Replenish the skin with moisturizing lotion for sensitive skin, or use aloe vera gel especially for sunburn relief. Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
Anti-Inflammatory Medication
If you experience a persistently itchy burn, apply an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream with 0.5 to 1 percent strength to the burned area. Reapply according to the package's dosage instructions until the itch subsides. If your skin feels painfully sensitive or hot, take a non-prescription pain reliever, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, to reduce inflammation and discomfort. Always consult a doctor before giving aspirin to children over 2 years old and teenagers.
Continuing Treatment
Moderate sunburns may begin to itch several hours after you get out of the sun and remain irritated for up to 48 hours. Continue to apply moisturizers or anti-itch creams and take pain-relieving medication according to dosage instructions for the first 48 hours after the burn appears. Itching and sensitivity should subside after two to three days. If symptoms persist, stay on the relief regimen until the itching disappears.
Seek a Physician's Advice
Though uncomfortable, most sunburns don't require a physician's care. But if you experience severe pain or swelling, fatigue, fever, broken blisters or streaky red lines leading away from the sores, or have a severe sunburn over a large part of your body, consult a doctor immediately. You may have an infection that a doctor can treat with prescription pain relievers or other medications.
