It’s easy to underestimate the impact of the sun on your skin… Sometimes you end up with a sunburn when least expecting it. The intense itch of a healing sunburn can be unbearable. Fortunately, there are a few ways to relieve itchy sunburn and stop sunburn itch quickly with natural remedies!Â
What to do to relieve itchy sunburn?
Apply cool compresses
For immediate relief, apply cool compresses on the area as soon as possible for about 15 minutes. This will help to put the sunburn itch to a stop.
If you have green tea at home, you can use green tea compress. Brew up a pot of green tea and let it cool. Soak a clean cloth in the tea, and use it as a compress for sunburned areas.
Green tea contains ingredients that help protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation damage and reduce inflammation.Â
Keep the skin well moisturized
Dry and irritated skin tends to itch quite a bit. It’s best to use products that are fragrance-free since artificial scents can irritate sensitive skin.Â
Take an oatmeal or apple cider bath to soothe your skin.Â
For an oatmeal bath: blend 2 cups of quick oats in a blender and add the powder to cool bath water.
After your bath, use a soft towel and gently pat your skin dry.
Apple cider vinegar is also a good home remedy to relieve itchy sunburns. 2 cups of vinegar may be added to your bath if you don’t have oatmeal at home.
How to stop sunburn itch with herbal remedies?
There are a few herbs that are well known to assist with sunburn relief, the most notable of which is Aloe Vera.Â
apply Aloe Vera on sunburns
Research has shown aloe vera helps the skin in healing from sunburns. In addition, aloe vera oil aids moisturize the skin and decrease the peeling usually associated with sun damage.Â
Aloe Vera gel
may be applied as often as needed. It is mild, soothing and quickens the healing time. For best results, keep your Aloe Vera gel in the refrigerator.
So far there haven’t been problems reported with the use of aloe gel on minor sunburns – other than occasional allergic reactions. However more research on the safety of aloe needs to be done. Although aloe vera can be used to treat minor sunburns, Aloe gel should not be used for more severe burns.Â
Peppermint essential oil to stop itchy sunburn
Peppermint is very cooling to the skin and also helps to stop the itching. A few drops of peppermint oil may be added into your bath.Â
Peppermint essential oil is very strong and too much will burn your skin. Essential oils should not be taken internally and extreme caution should be used with oils, especially during pregnancy. Please consult a qualified aromatherapy practitioner before using essential oils.Â
Skincare Recipe to relieve sunburn itching
- 3 oz Aloe Vera gel
- 2 drops Peppermint essential oil
Mix well and keep in refrigerator to increase the cooling effect. Apply on the sunburned area.
Sunburn remedy with yogurt and aloe vera
Itchy sunburn: is it an abnormal sunburn reaction?
Sunburns increase the risk of certain complications and related skin diseases. If in doubt, always get your skin checked out by a dermatologist. There are a few skin diseases that are caused by intense exposure to UV radiation – such as:Â
Solar urticariaÂ
It’s a rare condition in which exposure to ultraviolet or UV radiation, or sometimes even visible light, induces a case of urticaria or hives. A rash usually appears as within minutes of the initial exposure to UV radiation, with itching and pain.
Actinic keratosisÂ
This disease forms when the skin is badly damaged by ultraviolet rays from the sun or indoor tanning. It’s quite common and may turn into a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma, if left untreated. Most people who get actinic keratosis do not have any symptoms and only notice changes to their skin. But symptoms can occur, such as itching and burning.
If the symptoms persist you should consult a dermatologist. It’s best to have any new skin changes evaluated by a doctor. Keep in mind that changes in skin sensation (such as itching or pain) especially in pigmented spots can be a sign of cancer. Early detection is key…
Some reminders to prevent sunburns…
- Protect your skin whenever you’re outdoors – even on cloudy days, by wearing sun-protective clothing. A large brimmed hat is also helpful!
- Use sunblock whenever you know you will be exposed to sunlight for long periods of time, especially if it’s during the peak midday hours of 11am to 4pm.
- Also read these sun safety tips!
How do you know when a sunburn is actually dangerous? In this episode of DermTV, Dr. Schultz discusses how to know when your sunburn is dangerous, as well as why sunburns are dangerous.
Do you have a tip to give to deal with sunburn itch? Leave a comment to share your experience with others!
- Sources
- Disclaimer
Article by
J. Beck
Sources for this article include:
- Sunburn, health911.com
- Solar urticaria, Wikipedia
- Actinic keratosis: Signs and symptoms, American Academy of Dermatology
DISCLAIMER
The information provided on Optiderma.com is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of an appropriately qualified practitioner.
If you are allergic to the foods, herbs, essential oils, any remedies listed here, you must of course avoid them. For example, consuming food that you’re sensitive to will only cause more (not reduce!) inflammation.
Please consult a practitioner (such as Naturopath, Homeopath, Doctor of Chinese Medicine, Dermatologist, ...) to follow the most appropriate treatment to heal your skin. All legal mentions »
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