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Article by Master, Doctor Mai Vien Phuong - Gastrointestinal endoscopist - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.
Itching from sunburn may appear several days after sunburn. It is not unusual to experience itching after excessive sun exposure. However, this itch is reported to be painful. Some people describe itchiness as deep, throbbing, and difficult to treat. Others describe it as as if the fire ant was crawling and biting the affected skin.
1. What are the symptoms of sunburn itching?
The symptoms of sunburn itch are not the same as a typical sunburn. It usually appears 24-72 hours after you've been in the sun. Many people report experiencing this on their shoulders and back, perhaps because these are areas that are exposed to the sun a lot and don't receive enough SPF protection, thus resulting in sunburn.
It is not unusual to have itchy or flaky skin after too much sun exposure. However, this itch is reported to be painful. Some people describe itchiness as deep, throbbing, and difficult to treat. Others describe it as as if the fire ant was crawling and biting the affected skin.
2. Diagnosing sunburn itch Most people with this condition self-diagnose. Much of what is written about sunburn itch comes from people on the internet passing on their own experiences with this painful condition. Although it can be extremely uncomfortable, sunburn itching is not life-threatening and can be treated at home.
If your symptoms worsen or persist for a long time, you should consult your doctor.
Ngứa do cháy nắng có thể xuất hiện vài ngày sau khi bị cháy nắng.
3. How to treat sunburn itch Peppermint oil has been widely reported to help. Oatmeal baths may also be worth a try, as they are often recommended to relieve itching caused by chickenpox. Applying a baking soda mixture to the affected areas can also help some people with pain, but others report that it doesn't help them.
Scratching can make the pain worse, so try to keep that under control. You can apply aloe vera gel or ointment to the sunburned area for quick relief, but this may not work for everyone.
Over-the-counter topical ointments may also provide topical pain relief. Be sure to look for options that contain 1% hydrocortisone cream or 10% benzocaine cream. Avoid using any lotion or cream that contains salicylic acid.
In more severe cases, your doctor may prescribe a prescription anti-itch medication.
4. What is the outlook? This itch is often described as running deep into the skin and difficult to relieve. It usually increases about 48 hours after sun exposure and lasts longer.
That said, the sunburn and itch will eventually go away. Once your skin returns to normal, take extra care with prolonged sun exposure. Covering up with clothing, sitting in the shade, and applying a high SPF sunscreen and reapplying every 80 minutes can help prevent sunburn itching.
It's important to remember to always monitor any changes in your skin and consult your doctor if you notice any pigmentation or texture changes. An annual skin check is also a regular health care routine. Severe sunburn and constant sun exposure increase the risk of skin cancer.
In short, the best measure to prevent sunburn itching is to be cautious in the sun, especially for long periods of time. In all cases, use a broad-spectrum SPF sunscreen designed to protect against UVA and UVB rays.
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References:Are some people more likely to get skin damage from the sun? (2017). cancer.org/cancer/skin-cancer/prevention-and-early-detection/sun-damage.html Bauer M, et al. (2015). A double-blind, randomized clinical study to determine the effectiveness of benzocaine 10% on histamine-induced pruritus and UVB-light induced mild sunburn pain. DOI: 10.3109/09546634.2014.992384 Hopper T. (2014). Whitest man's burden: For an unlucky few, sunburn means a reprehensible itch torture. news.nationalpost.com/news/whitest-mans-burden-for-an-unlucky-few-sunburn-means-a-debilitating-itch-torture
