118 This itching is so unpleasant that it is sometimes called hellish itching.
Why does the skin itch after tanning?
A tan is an increase in the level of the melanin pigment. It can provide natural protection against sunburn, causes skin darkening, and also speaks to UV damage.
Whether a person gets a sunburn or a light tan largely depends on his basic melanin level: the higher it is, the lower the risk of injuring the skin.
People with light skin and hair have the lowest melanin levels. They can get sunburned in less than 15 minutes in the sun.
Most often, you itch after tanning because of the damage and inflammation that occurs as the body's response to too much ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Another possible cause of itching is an allergy to the sun. If it is her, redness, rashes and even blisters may appear on the skin.
Who usually has itchy skin after tanning
Everyone who goes out in the sun risks getting a strong tan and getting burns. But people should be especially careful:
- with pale and white skin;
- who have freckles or many birthmarks;
- with red and blond hair;
- who take anti-inflammatory drugs, quinol and tetracycline antibiotics, diuretics and antifungal agents;
- who suffer from skin diseases;
- whose relatives faced skin cancer.
What matters is where you are. For example, those who live or vacation in sunny regions are more likely to start itching after tanning. There, the UV index – an indicator characterizing the level of ultraviolet radiation – is particularly high. It rises above 8, while only values below 2 are considered safe. Your lifestyle can also affect the symptom - if you are exposed to the sun only occasionally, but suddenly find yourself under the scorching rays, the likelihood of itching will increase.
How to get rid of itchy skin after tanning
You can usually deal with skin damage after tanning on your own. Here are some steps to help.
Hide from the sun
If you feel that you are starting to itch, you need to go indoors or in the shade as soon as possible. This way, you will reduce the amount of ultraviolet that affects you, and you will not suffer even more.
In addition, intense sunlight should be avoided until the skin is completely healed.
Cool and soothe the skin
Wet a cloth or towel with cold water and apply to the affected areas. Instead of wet compresses, you can use lotion with calamine or gels based on aloe vera. They will not accelerate the healing of injuries, but they will not cause harm, and for some they may be more convenient to use than lotions.
You can also take a cool bath or shower. This will relieve itching and possible pain.
Drink more fluids
Cold water or drinks with electrolytes will help prevent dehydration and dry sensitive skin.
Do not scratch or peel off the skin
After a strong tan, the skin may start not only to itch, but also to peel off. And there is a great temptation to peel it off. Try not to do this - it will not bring relief, but the itching may increase. And the fresh skin under the peeling will be especially vulnerable to ultraviolet radiation, prone to dryness and damage.
If blisters appear on the skin, you can't pierce and pick them either. Injuries and scratches can become an open door for bacteria and lead to infection.
Wear loose clothing
Dense fabrics that adhere to the body can irritate the damaged skin and rub it.
Use medicine to ease your condition
For pain, you can drink non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, for example, ibuprofen. Diclofenac topical gels are also suitable, but may cause side effects such as contact dermatitis.
Antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine or fexofenadine, or 1% hydrocortisone cream can help reduce itching.
What to do so that the skin does not itch after tanning
The only sure way to prevent itchiness after tanning is to not tan. But if you want to be in the sun, you need to properly protect yourself from ultraviolet radiation. The action plan is as follows:
- Always apply a cream with SPF 30+ before going outside. Even if it seems that it is gloomy outside. The product should be applied 20 minutes before going out on all areas of the body not covered by fabric, and then renewed every two hours.
- Choose appropriate clothes. A wide-brimmed hat and closed clothes with long sleeves and pant legs, without holes and preferably made of dark or bright fabric will protect against UV radiation. And you can also buy special things with SPF protection.
- Avoid intense sunlight. To do this, look for shade - try to walk under trees or along houses or take an umbrella with you. And it is better to stay indoors during the most dangerous hours for the skin - from 10 a.m. to 16 p.m.
Yes, this way your skin will not change its color. But we remind you that tanning is harmful: it damages cells and can be accompanied by inflammation.
If you still want to change your skin tone, it is better to use a special spray or cream. Compared to being in the sun or in a solarium, self-tanning is considered the least harmful choice. The main thing is not to inhale the product during application and avoid getting it on the mucous membranes.
Scientific sources:
Patient education: Sunburn (Beyond the Basics) / UpToDate, source
The science of sunburns: Why they happen and how to treat them / Mayo Clinic, source
Sunburn / NHS, source