If you spend too much time in the sun, you may go home with a painful sunburn. After most of the tender symptoms of your sunburn recede, you must cope with itchy skin that takes longer to subside. Fortunately, you can find relief from an itching sunburn. Take advantage of different methods that will help you heal while preventing your need to scratch.
Sunburn
A sunburn is your skin's reaction to too much ultraviolet, or UV, light exposure. Sunlight consists of UV light that causes changes in skin pigmentation when it reaches your skin. Your body produces melanin in an attempt to protect your skin from the UV rays. Melanin is a chemical that darkens, or tans, your skin. When melanin production cannot protect against UV light exposure, your skin burns, resulting in redness and pain.
Effects
Sunburns cause redness and swelling, which begin about two to four hours past overexposure. After about three days, sunburned skin begins to peel, which causes itching. Peeling and itchy skin can last as long as a week; these symptoms cause irritation and discomfort, and even disrupt sleep patterns.
Home Remedies
Home remedies may provide relief from itching. Use products that cool your skin--and give relief on contact--without causing more damage. Take a cool bath followed by an application of cornstarch or baking soda to your sunburn to reduce irritation, recommends Brigham and Women's Hospital, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School. An oatmeal bath or a gentle moisturizing lotion also can help with skin peeling.
Medications
Over-the-counter medications may provide relief from itching skin. Use hydrocortisone--applied as a topical cream--to reduce the swelling and itching associated with peeling skin. Using a lotion that contains aloe is soothing; and calamine lotion will reduce the irritation. Apply creams that contain such ingredients as menthol or camphor directly to itchy skin. Avoid topical creams if your skin is blistered and weeping. Consult with your physician if your sunburn results in a fever or severe pain.
Considerations
Certain home remedies can do more harm than good. Avoid using such oil-based products as petroleum jelly and butter on your sunburn. The oil blocks skin contact with the air and slows the healing process. Putting ice directly on a sunburn damages the skin and can prolong healing. Avoid using soaps with additives and perfumes, as these can dry and irritate your skin, causing further itching.
