Any immediate relief for severe itching?!
Question:
Any immediate relief for severe itching?
Ok, my fiance is itching really bad. He had gotten a sunburn 2 days ago on his back and upper arms and today he just all of a sudden started to itch. We was thinking that it would go away, but it proggressed and now, it's late and it is keeping him from going to sleep. He is in the tub right now, it seems to be the only thing that is helping right now. But he really needs to go to work tomorrow, and sleeping in the tub is not an option. We have put aloe, lotion, and other home remedies on him, but it just seems to not work. Is there anything else we can do to help it stop? Thanks.
Additional Details1 month ago
the warm bath is the only thing that is helping him right now. The cold water was makin him itch more!
Answers:
I would suggest an oral antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), to alleviate itching. Be advised that it may make him a bit drowsy as well, which may help him sleep, but it can also cause "hang-over" effects or morning drowsiness (be careful when driving to work). If he has pain associated with the sunburn, I suggest an oral analgesic, preferably a NSAID, such as ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve)--best taken w/ some food to avoid stomach upset.