Sunburn keeps itching?!
Question:
Sunburn keeps itching?
I went to a waterpark two days ago and i was dumb enough not to apply a secure amount of sunblock..so obviously i got burnt, but it wasn't that bad, in fact it was pretty much only my shoulders. However, yesterday i could not stop itching! Mainly on my upper back and stomach, sometimes my chest too (strange because i didn't burn in any of those areas..). It felt horrible and i didn't know what to do. I suspected my skin was just overly dry and so i applied some moisturizing lotion. It didn't help at all, and i don't know what to do. To numb the itching i use ice ( in a pack, not directly) i don't know if thats harmful or not, but it temporarily relieves the itching. Also, i bought some Aveeno itch relieving powder to bathe with, and thats barely helped, if at all...what should i do? And how long will i itch like this?
Answers:
Itching is normal after a sunburn; it has to do with the body healing itself. An oatmeal bath may be soothing for the itch, but if it's really bugging you, try Calamine lotion or an antihistamine such as Benadryl.
Take comfort in the fact that the itching will not last longer than a few days. Are you blistered? If so, don't scratch! If you have any other symptoms such as a fever, nausea, and headache I would consult a doctor.