How to stop sunburn itch

Sunburn is an inflammatory response to ultraviolet injury. As damaged surface skin dries and repairs itself, tightness, flaking, redness, and itching may appear. Mild itching can occur during recovery, while blisters indicate a deeper injury. Sunburn can affect any exposed area, including the scalp, ears, lips, and tops of the feet. Read more about Sunburn, Skin Redness, Peeling Skin, and Skin Blisters if those features are present.

Take a cool bath or place a cool, damp cloth on the area for short periods. Pat dry, then apply a bland, fragrance-free moisturiser or Emollient Therapy while the skin is slightly damp. Drink fluids, wear loose soft clothing, and keep the area out of direct sun until healed. Do not scratch, peel loose skin, break blisters, or apply ice directly. A clinician may discuss Topical Corticosteroids when inflammation is troublesome; do not use one on broken skin without advice.

Get medical advice for extensive blistering, severe pain, facial swelling, eye symptoms, fever, vomiting, confusion, dizziness, or signs of dehydration. Prompt review is needed if blisters become infected, with increasing warmth, pus, or spreading redness. A burn on a young child, or symptoms after prolonged exposure with feeling faint, also warrants timely assessment. Sun-Damaged Skin explains why repeated exposure can produce longer-term changes.

Ask whether the burn is superficial or deeper, which moisturiser is suitable, whether a medicine is appropriate for your symptoms, and how to protect the area while it heals.