Sunburn is a condition that most people are faced with at some point in their lives. Staying in the sun too long is easy to do when enjoying the heat of the summer. Sunburn occurs when the total sun exposure you receive is greater than your body's ability to protect your skin. The result can be red, tender, painful skin, which will sometimes blister. Your skin will usually itch and then peel in the days following the initial burn. While itching is not even close to the most severe symptom of sunburn, it can disrupt your life. Following some basic steps will help reduce sunburn itching.
Step 1
Wear an adequate amount of sunscreen or protect your skin with clothing and shade. Sunburn equals skin damage, and avoiding the burn in the first place is always the wisest choice.
Step 2
Apply calamine lotion on areas where the itching is the worst. It will help to soothe and reduce your sunburned skin, says Columbia University Medical Center.
Step 3
Refrain from scratching or rubbing the skin. Scratching usually only makes the itching worse and can damage already damaged skin even more.
Step 4
Wear light, cool clothes as much as possible, especially to bed. Avoid putting rough fabrics and textures on top of itchy skins, advises MedLine Plus.
Step 5
Take a bath in oatmeal and water to help soothe tender skin, says the McKinley Health Center. Empty one cup of instant oatmeal into a bathtub full of water for best results.
Step 6
Place a cold compress over the itchy area to soothe the skin and stop the itch. Apply a cloth or towel between your skin and the compress if it is frozen, to avoid causing pain.
Things You'll Need
- Sunscreen
- Calamine lotion
- Oatmeal
- Cold compress
