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?
2007-07-05 06:41:39 · 23 answers · asked by wonderlandbaybe 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Skin Conditions
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.
2007-07-05 06:49:38 · answer #1 · answered by Eileen K 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
cold water is the best first aid when you burn yourself - 20 minutes under the tap is ideal. NEVER ice or vinegar or milk or butter or mustard or toothpaste or sunscreen or semen or vaseline or tomatoes or vanilla extract or yogurt or sour cream or egg white or lavender oil or cocoa butter or salt or tea or potato or shaving cream or olive oil- not until the skin is fully healed! ignore anyone who advises any of these!
i would advise that you cover the burnt area with sterile paraffin wax or aqueous cream bp. (check the links below and see if you can find a local equivalent)
cover the burnt area in paraffin wax after cleaning and removing any burst blisters - these are just sites of infection and will take longer to heal. wash and reapply every 4-6 hours - cover with cling wrap if you wish to cover with clothes - this will stop your clothes getting covered with paraffin and maintains the burn.
cling wrap alone is ok if you can't get hold of any paraffin. it also acts as a protective artificial skin - helping retain moisture and protect from further damage and pain. cling wrap is cheap and clean off the roll. in Australia ambulances often use this when someone has been burnt. - please note that cling wrap isn't always practical, like on your face.
paraffin creates a seal stopping water leaving the body and reduces pain as it protects sensitised nerves. the paraffin imitates the natural oils secreted by the skin. skin cells are better able to multiply and regenerate with this treatment. pain is also helped. make sure you buy plenty of this paraffin - as the burn heals switch to aqueous cream bp.(aqueous cream has a bunch of paraffin in it plus some moisturisers - look out for stuff that also contains sorbolene or glycerine as these help also). following this regime definitely will help your sunburn heal faster and peel less. aloe is good coz it remoisturises but that moisture can be quickly lost as the skin can't contain fluids- this is a function of healthy skin.
so put aloe on, and then the paraffin on over the top as long as there is no broken skin this works great. if there is broken skin leave out the aloe - just paraffin.
burns can cause heartburn/reflux/gastric ulcers (in more severe cases) - i have never heard the term 'sun poisioning' before but this maybe what some ppl are referring to. its quite unpleasent espeically when combined with pain, thirst and more pain.
long term treatment to prevent scarring or loss of function due to contractures(as skin heals it can tighten reducing how much you can move - a skin graft is necessary to repair this). daily moisturiser, daily stretches - talk to a physio, pressure bandages like tubigrip, massaging the scar. this all reduce/flatten the scar and minimise the need for further treatment/surgery. talk to a physio.
please note that this is an explanation based on the many questions that have been asked on yahoo answers. all treatments are used in hospital settings and when done correctly (by a health professional) hugely improve the outcomes of burns patients. it is not an opinion but medical advice
http://www.doorone.com.au/xGS-Aqueous_Cream~NS-1~linkin_id-8009837
http://www.pharmacyonline.com.au/david-craig-paraffin-400g-p-1831.html
hope this helps - let me know how you go and what similar brands/alternatives are available in your area
email if you still have questions - send photos feedingthedogcustard@hotmail.com
finally if you are really worried go to a hospital that has a burns unit or plastic surgeons. anything more serious than sunburn should be seen by a burns trained doctor or nurse.
2007-07-05 15:02:53 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
This Site Might Help You.
RE:
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...
2015-08-26 06:43:08 · answer #3 · answered by Setsuko 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This has worked for me - If you soak a towel in vinegar and pat where your sunburn/itch is, it not only takes the itching away, but makes a sunburn not peal. This is only for a sun related itch though. Also if you apply ice directly to the burned area (don't use a towel or cloth, just ice in a bag), it will take out the red and help the itching. Good luck!
2007-07-05 06:46:55 · answer #4 · answered by flitterbink 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
A few more days. The skin burns and dies to protect you. When skin dies, it flakes off (sometime it's not even visible). It's natural and should go away soon. The reason why the lotions don't help is because they don't bring your skin back to life, so you will just have to wait it out. You could possibly use a scrubber next time you take a shower and help peel off the dead skin (that may help).
2007-07-05 06:47:25 · answer #5 · answered by Ilya S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
itchings normal put some aloe lotion on it...i think thats how u spell it. it will go away in like 3-4 days but aloe helps
2007-07-05 06:43:57 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Two very good treatments
1 - Aloe Vera lotion
2 - Calamine lotion
I put aloe vera lotion at number one for a reason. Try it.
2007-07-05 06:45:27 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
welcome to the world of sunburns. apply alo vera cream thats what its made for its physical properties treat sun burns however its not an end all cure. your burn should stop itch in a couple of days from now however this cream will help
2007-07-05 06:45:16 · answer #8 · answered by the_neckar_river 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Apply lotion with aloe... supposedly banana peels help too. The itching will last for a few days...
2007-07-05 06:46:29 · answer #9 · answered by dimm0k 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Aloe... Also Banana Boat makes an after sun body lotion that helps a lot. If you keep putting it on it will help with the peeling and itchiness
2016-03-14 07:41:21 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋