How to Relieve Sunburn Itch (for fair skin)

In addition to pain, redness, and peeling, sunburn can also cause itching. Sunburn damages the outermost layer of the skin, which contains many nerve fibers responsible for the sensation of itch. Sunburn damage can cause these nerve fibers to become irritated, leading to itching until the burn heals. During this time, you can use home remedies or prescribed, over-the-counter medications to ease the itch and promote healing.

Seek medical advice for severe sunburn cases. Home remedies can be helpful but are typically suited for mild sunburn. If you notice blisters, dizziness, fever, or infection (pus, red streaks, severe pain), you should consult a doctor before self-treating sunburn.

• Call emergency services if you or the person with sunburn experiences weakness, inability to stand, confusion, or loss of consciousness.
• Shiny, dark brown, or raised skin is a sign of third-degree burns. Although rare, this could be caused by severe sunburn and requires immediate medical attention.

Spray apple cider vinegar on the sunburned area. Vinegar has mild acidic properties and is sometimes used as a disinfectant. It helps balance the skin's pH, promoting healing and reducing itching. The strong smell of vinegar will dissipate after a few minutes.

• Pour vinegar into a clean spray bottle. Test it on a small sunburned area to check for any pain or skin reactions.
• Spray the apple cider vinegar onto the sunburn and let it dry. Do not rub it into the skin.
• Reapply daily whenever the skin itches.
• If you don’t have a spray bottle, soak a cotton ball or clean cloth in vinegar and apply it to the sunburn.
• Some people believe white vinegar works similarly to apple cider vinegar, so you can use white vinegar if apple cider vinegar is unavailable.

Oatmeal bath. Oatmeal moisturizes dry skin and helps normalize the skin's pH, which tends to be higher when the skin is dry and itchy. You can use oat flour that dissolves in water for more skin contact, or place 3/4 cup of uncooked oatmeal into a sock, tie it, and use it in the bath.

• Fill the bathtub with warm water (hot water can dry out the skin and worsen itching).
• Add the oatmeal under running water so it dissolves completely. If using a sock, place the sock in the bath.
• Soak for 10 minutes. If the skin feels sticky afterward, rinse off with warm water. You can take an oatmeal bath up to three times a day.
• Pat your skin dry with a clean towel, avoiding rubbing. Scrubbing too hard can irritate the skin.

Use diluted peppermint essential oil to treat sunburn. Peppermint essential oil, available in most health food stores, has soothing and cooling properties. Do not use peppermint extract as it is not the same as essential oil.

• Dilute the peppermint essential oil with a carrier oil (such as jojoba or coconut oil). Add 10-12 drops of essential oil to 30 ml of carrier oil for adults. For children, pregnant women, or those with sensitive skin, use only 5-6 drops of essential oil.
• Test the diluted oil on a small area of sunburned skin to check for allergic reactions.
• Apply the oil to the sunburn. If the skin feels cold or hot, the itching will be temporarily relieved.

Apply witch hazel to the sunburn. Witch hazel contains tannins that help reduce swelling, pain, and itching. It's an excellent alternative for those who want to avoid using hydrocortisone cream.

• Apply a small amount of witch hazel to the sunburned area (test it on a small patch of skin first to check for any allergic reaction).
• Use a cotton ball to apply the witch hazel to the skin.
• Use witch hazel up to six times a day to relieve pain and itching.

Apply hydrocortisone 0.5-1% to relieve pain and itching. Hydrocortisone is an over-the-counter steroid cream that effectively reduces inflammation, redness, and itching. The cream helps to stop cells from releasing inflammatory substances, thus soothing the skin.

• Apply hydrocortisone to sunburned areas four times daily.
• Avoid applying hydrocortisone on the face and do not use it for more than 4-5 days.

Use antihistamines to reduce itching. Sometimes, the itching caused by sunburn is due to the immune system cells releasing histamine, signaling the brain that something is wrong. Antihistamines can block this reaction and temporarily help reduce itching and swelling.

• Take non-drowsy antihistamines (such as Loratadine) during the day. Follow the dosage and usage instructions on the medication box.
• At night, you may take Diphenhydramine, a sedative antihistamine. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or doing anything that could harm yourself or others while using it. It’s best to sleep.
• If itching is severe, consult a doctor about using hydroxyzine. This prescription drug calms the central nervous system and acts as an antihistamine.

Use topical anesthetics to numb the skin. Available in spray, cream, and ointment forms, topical anesthetics block nerve signals, preventing you from feeling the itching.

• When using an aerosol spray, shake the can well and keep it 10-15 cm away from your skin. Spray on the sunburned area and gently rub it in. Be careful not to spray near your eyes.
• For creams, gels, or ointments, gently apply an even layer to dry skin. Look for products containing aloe vera to soothe the skin.

Take a hot shower for severe itching that doesn’t respond to treatment. If you experience intense itching within 48 hours after sunburn, a hot shower might be the best solution. Persistent and severe itching that does not respond to other treatments may lead to insomnia, depression, frustration, and suicidal thoughts.

• If other treatments, including those recommended by your doctor, are ineffective, you may try this method. If under 18 years old, speak to your parents first.
• Shower in hot water at a temperature that you can tolerate. Do not use soap or rub your skin as hot water dries it out and soap will worsen the condition.
• Take hot showers until the itching subsides (usually in about 2 days).
• Hot showers are often effective because the brain can only process one sensation at a time. The hot water stimulates nerve signals in the brain, inhibiting or blocking the itching sensation.

Consult your doctor about using potent steroid creams. If the itching becomes unbearable, preventing you from concentrating, working, sleeping, or driving you crazy, a doctor can help you manage these symptoms. Potent steroid creams may reduce inflammation and alleviate the itching.

• These medications are only available with a prescription and can weaken the immune system or cause serious side effects. They should only be used for severe cases.

• Apply sunscreen before going outside.
• Wear loose-fitting clothes that don’t cover the sunburned areas (if possible). The sunburned skin needs to be exposed to air and allowed to breathe.

• Ensure you are not allergic to any ingredients in the medication.
• Severe sunburn and excessive sun exposure can lead to skin cancer. Therefore, avoid strong sunlight by staying in the shade between 3-4 PM. Prevention is better than cure.
• Use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to prevent further skin damage.