Sunburn: Why It Itches and How to Stop It
To understand why sunburn itches, it's important to first understand what causes sunburn in the first place.
A sunburn is usually the result of ultraviolet (UV) radiation damage to the skin. This happens when the degree of exposure to the sun's UV rays exceeds the ability of the body's natural pigment, called melanin, to protect your skin.
In such a case, the UV radiation destroys the DNA of the skin cells. In response, the immune system kills the damaged cells, but because UV radiation does not penetrate as well as X-rays and other forms of radiation, the damage is in most cases limited to only the surface layers of the skin.
The outer layer of the skin has many nerve fibers, also known as “C-fibers”. These are responsible for the itching (itching) from the burn. Itching is a neurological reaction through which the body protects itself from insect bites and other minor injuries that are not significant enough to "register" as pain. It is like a kind of "alarm" of the body on the skin.
Since sunburns usually affect the surface layers of the skin, C-fibers may become highly active until the skin heals from the burn. As tempting as it is, scratching at a skin rash only succeeds in making it worse.
Η συνεχής έκθεση στον ήλιο με το να μην φοράτε sunscreen σε εξωτερικούς χώρους, ακόμα και σε συννεφιασμένες ημέρες, μπορεί επίσης να είναι αιτιολογικός παράγοντας για μια σοβαρή φαγούρα σε ηλιακό έγκαυμα.
How to reduce itching from sunburn
Sunburn treatment itch rolls down to prevent further damage, keeping the skin cool and hydrated, and soothing itching along with other symptoms such as pain and inflammation.
1. Steroid creams
Topical application of steroid products, such as 1% hydrocortisone creams, can help relieve itching. These products should not, however, be used in the vaginal or anal area.
2. Calamine/Soothing lotion
You can put such a cream in your refrigerator for thirty minutes for instant cooling and more soothing relief.
Caution: Never put petroleum jelly or any other petroleum product on sunburned skin. Body butters like cocoa and shea butter also do nothing for sunburn.
You should avoid products with lidocaine or any other such substances ending in “-caine” because they can cause allergic reactions. Apply them only with permission from your doctor. The last thing you want is to develop an allergic dermatitis on top of already damaged skin from the sun.
3. Baking soda
Baking soda is alkaline in nature and helps to restore the skin's pH, which will provide relief from itching.
If only a small area of skin is affected, you can apply a paste of 1 tablespoon of baking soda with a little water. But if a large area of skin is affected, then it is better to take a "bubble bath" with 1-2 cups of baking soda in the bathtub.
4. Turmeric
Turmeric is also beneficial for sunburn itching. Mix turmeric powder in water and make a fine paste. Then, apply the paste to the itchy area and leave it on for 10 minutes before washing it off with cold water.
5. Oatmeal
You can again make a "bubble bath" with oatmeal by doing exactly the same thing with baking soda. Alternatively, you can apply a paste of oatmeal powder and water and leave it on your skin for 15 minutes before washing it off with cool water.
Other tips for relieving sunburn itchiness:
Keep the skin cool by applying a cool compress (sponge/cloth soaked in cold water) or take a cool shower for 15 minutes 3-4 times a day.
Wear loose cotton clothing to stop further skin irritation.
Article by http://www.iatropedia.gr/
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