Is there anything as annoying as getting a sunburn? Well, maybe itchy sunburn that you can’t leave alone beats it! That maddening, prickly feeling can make already painful sunburn even worse - making you do the worst thing you can do to your skin - scratching! When you scratch, you destroy the healing process and serve only to stoke the itch.
So, the question is - what do you do about this problem? If itching is off the table, how can you calm it and allow your sunburn to actually start healing.
A Step-by-Step Approach to Dealing with Itchy Sunburn
Naturally, the best thing is to protect yourself so that you don’t end up getting itchy sunburn (or sunburn of any kind) in the first place, but if you already have it, it’s important to know how to treat it. The best way to go about it goes something like this…
Step #1 - Cool It Down
When your skin gets overheated from too much sun, you need to cool it off, but gently. That means doing something like taking a cool bath or shower to bring down the temperature. You should avoid hot water because it will simply strip moisture from skin that’s already damaged.
If some areas are particularly badly burned, try a cool compress (a damp washcloth soaked in cold water) and apply it for 10-15 minutes at a time. What will also help is staying in the shade so that you’re 100% out of the sun while your skin is healing.
Step #2 - Moisturize & Soothe the Burn
One of the biggest mistakes people make with sunburn is not using the right kind of moisturizer frequently enough. After cooling your skin, the next step is to apply a lightweight, soothing lotion that hydrates, calms, and relieves discomfort.
Look for a lotion that contains aloe vera, menthol, and camphor (ingredients known for their cooling and soothing properties). Menthol and camphor provide a refreshing cooling effect, easing the burning sensation, while pramoxine hydrochloride works as a mild numbing agent to reduce itching and discomfort.
For best results, you should apply the moisturizer immediately after getting out of the shower to lock in hydration and support skin repair. Keeping your skin moisturized will also help prevent peeling and minimize the itching sensation as your skin heals.
Step #3 - Hydrate From the Inside Out
When you get a bad sunburn, it pulls moisture away from your body. This can leave you feeling dehydrated, meaning you have to keep your fluids up. Drinking plenty of water will help your skin heal faster and keep it from becoming even drier and itchier.
Signs you need more hydration:
- Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
- Skin that still feels tight even after applying lotion
- Dry mouth or lips
Step #4 - Be Mindful of What You Wear
The clothing you wear can either help or hurt when it comes to sunburn that itches. As such, you should do your best to wear loose, soft fabrics, rather than tight-fitting clothes that might rub. Again, if you have to go outside, cover up with light, breathable clothing to protect your skin from further sun exposure.
The Way You Deal With Itchy Sunburn Really Matters
Sunburn that itches can be annoying and uncomfortable, but the right care can speed up healing and minimize irritation. Cool your skin, keep it moisturized, avoid harsh products, and drink plenty of water - your skin will thank you for it and it will help you avoid more serious issues like heat stroke.
Most importantly, do whatever you can to resist the urge to scratch - something that the numbing effect of a cream containing pramoxine hydrochloride can absolutely help you with. No one means to get sunburn, but if and when it happens, care for it the right way, as you’ll save yourself from a lot of unnecessary discomfort.