Itching after sunbathing: how to soothe, effective means

The sea, the sun, the sand – all this undoubtedly has a positive effect on human health, improves both physical and mental state, increases efficiency. Under the influence of the sun, a beautiful tan appears, the skin is renewed, the pores are cleansed, the production of vitamin D increases, the skin is rejuvenated. But any phenomenon always has a downside, which often causes a lot of trouble, discomfort. One of such unpleasant consequences of a summer vacation is severe itching after sunbathing, which can spoil any, even the most carefully planned and organized vacation.

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Causes sunburn

In order for nothing to spoil such a long-awaited vacation, you need to carefully prepare for it in advance. For example, you need to carefully study what reasons can lead to itching of the skin after tanning. So, the main reason is a skin burn, under the influence of which the epithelium dies and peels off. Thus, dead particles of epithelial tissue begin to separate, forming microparticles that cause unpleasant sensations, contribute to the development of a reaction like an allergic reaction, increased sensitization and sensitivity of the body.

It is worth noting that people who experience severe itching have high levels of autoantibodies and histamine in their blood. All this indicates the development of a high level of sensitization of the body (allergic reaction), as well as autoimmune aggression. There is such a conditional concept as "sun allergy", that is, under the influence of sunlight, substances (histamine, mediators, pro-inflammatory factors) are formed, which cause the development of itching. The cause may also be a violation of some metabolic processes, improper elimination of metabolic products from the body, or their accumulation in the blood and subcutaneous structures.

Risk factors

The risk group includes people who are frequently and systematically exposed to adverse factors that can directly or indirectly cause damage to the superficial and deep layers of the skin. Thus, itching can develop in people who have hardly sunbathed before and then were suddenly exposed to sunlight. People who spend a long time in the sun should also be wary.

People who are under direct sunlight, sunbathing at dangerous hours - at midday (from 11 to 16 p.m. the sun is most dangerous) are at risk. Also at risk are people who are under the sun's rays in open areas - in fields, forest glades and edges, high in the mountains. The sun that reflects off water or the sun is dangerous. It can damage the upper layers of the skin and cause them to peel.

This includes people suffering from photodermatoses, increased skin sensitivity, and people with dry skin. People who are often exposed to various types of radiation (X-rays, microwaves, light, and electrical radiation) are also at risk. These may include laboratory technicians, radiologists, and physical therapists. The risk of developing itching increases in people who are prone to allergic and autoimmune reactions, and people with dermatological diseases.

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Pathogenesis

The pathogenesis of itching is based on damage to the superficial layers of the skin (epidermis). It dies and then peels off, which entails itching and burning. Pathogenesis can also be accompanied by a burn and subsequent necrosis of skin microparticles. In the epithelial tissue, which is part of the superficial layers of the skin, there is a violation of biochemical and biophysical processes, which entails improper metabolism, accumulation of metabolic products, and a large amount of carbon dioxide. All this is accompanied by parallel processes, such as a decrease in the amount of carbon dioxide and nutrients. Tissues and cells are depleted, the amount of intercellular substance decreases, resulting in tissue death. The process is enhanced (accelerated) under the influence of cellular mediators, which act as catalysts for biochemical reactions (histamine, catecholamine, ephedrine and other substances).

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Symptoms sunburn

Itching often accompanies not only natural tanning, obtained in the sun, but also artificial tanning, produced in a solarium. The symptoms are extraordinary - itching all over the skin, which is especially intensified at night. If the skin is moisturized, cream is applied, the itching decreases somewhat, but by the evening, as a rule, it intensifies again. Concomitant manifestations are severe peeling of the skin, dryness, irritation. Sometimes redness and even swelling of the skin in the damaged area appear. Gradually, the skin may begin to peel. Often the itching is accompanied by the loss of small particles, similar to dandruff.

Skin tingling after sunbathing

The skin may itch, prick, especially after prolonged tanning. This is a natural reaction of the skin to excessive amounts of ultraviolet radiation, to the dying off of the surface layers and their peeling. When such signs appear, you need to make sure that the sun does not hit the skin directly. You need to cover the affected areas with a cloth, use special sunscreens and balms. In addition, after-sun cream helps, which allows you to relieve irritation and normalize metabolic processes in the surface layers of the skin.

Severe, unbearable itching after sunbathing, sunburn is observed quite often, especially if a person has not sunbathed for a long time and then was exposed to direct sunlight. A similar picture is also observed if a person sunbathes incorrectly: stays in direct sunlight with uncovered areas of the body, goes out to sunbathe at a time when the sun is hottest and most dangerous - from 12 to 16 o'clock in the afternoon.

When sunbathing at sea, staying in highlands and plateaus, high in the mountains, the skin is also exposed to the most intense sun rays. To protect yourself from burning, which is often accompanied by severe, unbearable itching, you need to follow the rules of safe tanning. To avoid sunburn, you need to use special sunscreens. They are selected individually, depending on the skin type. It is especially important to protect the skin of blondes and people who have light, dry or sensitive skin.

Rash and itching after sunbathing

An unfavorable consequence of a beautiful tan is a severe rash, accompanied by intense itching. This is due to the death of epithelial particles and their sloughing. The process can be accompanied by an increased level of histamine in the blood, which also entails the development of itching. To avoid this, timely and complete protection from the adverse effects of tanning is required. For example, it is necessary to protect the skin from direct sunlight, regularly use sunscreens.

If itching and rashes do appear, you should immediately use remedies to reduce itching, otherwise the process will progress. The danger is that the areas prone to itching can be scratched, an infection will join them, and then complications will develop that are quite difficult to treat.

Itching and redness after sunbathing

If a person gets sunburned, the skin almost always becomes red and itching appears. This is due to the specific processes that occur in the human body, both at the tissue and cellular level. These symptoms are especially intense with concomitant allergic reactions, increased autoimmune aggression. If the redness covers fairly large areas and progresses all the time, you can take an antiallergic drug, which will reduce the sensitization of the body.

It is necessary to apply special local products that will normalize metabolic processes in the skin, neutralize the effects of poison and toxic substances that are formed as by-products of metabolism in the body. In addition, you need to prepare for the holiday season in advance: consult a dermatovenerologist who will tell you how to organize skin care during the holiday, how best to sunbathe in order to protect the skin as much as possible. Perhaps you will need special products that will prepare the skin for further exposure to sunlight. In addition,

The burn site can itch quite a lot. There are two reasons for this: either the damaged skin cells peel and die off, and are subsequently replaced by new, young cells and tissues. Or the damaged skin areas undergo intensive restoration, which is also accompanied by itching. In any case, special therapy is required, which will be aimed at reducing itching, removing the main pathological processes. For this, you can try various external remedies: ointments, anti-inflammatory and antipruritic agents. Both traditional medications and folk remedies help well.

Complications and consequences

In addition to such an unpleasant consequence as a ruined vacation, accompanied by an annoying itch, the need to use various ointments, medications, there are also serious complications for the health and physical condition of a person. For example, itching can constantly progress, covering new areas. This leads to the development of further irritation, inflammatory reaction, allergies. It is worth noting that itching is often accompanied by the development of neuroses and psychoses. This is especially true for those people who have a tendency to increased sensitivity and irritability, a high level of anxiety. Itching also often entails insomnia, which leads to exhaustion of the nervous system, neuropsychic overstrain.

Another dangerous situation is when a person scratches the places that are prone to itching. He can tear them, and an infection gets into the wound surface, which can subsequently lead to an inflammatory and purulent-infectious process. The greatest danger is the progression of the infection and the development of a purulent-septic process, which can subsequently lead to the development of bacteremia and sepsis.

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Diagnostics sunburn

The basis of diagnosis is, first of all, the determination of the causes that underlie the development of itching and its various manifestations. To do this, you need to visit a doctor. A dermatovenerologist mainly specializes in skin diseases, but if he is not available, a cosmetologist can also help. To make an accurate diagnosis, both the data of an objective examination of the patient and the results of some laboratory and instrumental studies may be required. Since itching can be a sign of various diseases, it is necessary to exclude all diseases that have similar symptoms. For this, differential diagnostics are carried out.

Various tests can be used. First of all, these are clinical tests, which are standardly used to diagnose almost any disease and symptoms. Thus, blood, urine, and feces tests can show a general picture of what is happening in the body and at least approximately allow determining the course of further diagnostics. Thus, if the test indicates signs of an inflammatory process, further diagnostics in this direction are required. There are such signs as an infectious process, an increased level of histamine in the blood, which may indicate the development of an allergic reaction. Then additional tests are prescribed. For example, with increased allergization and sensitization of the body, additional studies are prescribed, such as allergy tests, histamine analysis. An additional analysis for the content of immunoglobulin E may be required, which will show the level of allergization of the body.

If bacterial or viral infections that accompany itching are suspected, bacteriological and virological studies may be required. When conducting virological diagnostics, such a basic method of confirming the diagnosis as detecting the virus in the blood is used. Serological and virological research methods are mainly used for this purpose. Standard clinical methods are uninformative in this case. Blood, a smear or scraping from the site of injury are used as research material. The blood may contain both active viruses and their persistent, inactive forms. Additional methods may include microscopic examination and scraping. Microscopy will help to identify the virus itself or its waste products in the smear.

If there is a suspicion of a concomitant bacterial infection, which acts as a complication of itching, irritation and inflammation, develops against the background of infection penetration into the body, bacteriological culture and other bacteriological studies are used. Thus, a sample (smear) is taken from the place that is accompanied by a bacterial infection. After this, sowing is done on a nutrient medium with subsequent isolation of a pure culture of microorganisms. After this, further identification of the obtained culture is carried out. If necessary, its quantitative indicators (concentration) are also determined. You can immediately conduct an antibiotic sensitivity test, which will help to select the optimal dosage and the most effective antibiotic for further treatment.

If necessary, other methods are also used, such as an analysis of the amount of autoantibodies, an immunogram, or a complete biochemical blood test, which will help determine what caused the itching and irritation.

During instrumental diagnostics, additional studies are conducted to clarify the existing clinical picture. It allows not only to clarify the data, but also to expand the understanding of the features of the course of the pathological process in the body. The essence of diagnostics is that with the help of special equipment and instruments, measurements are taken and the changes that occur in the body are recorded, physiological and functional features of life processes are noted

Various diagnostic methods are used, for example, X-ray examination, which allows to assess the condition of tissues, bones, muscular system, to identify possible compactions, foci of inflammation, infection, necrosis zones. Magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography are also used, which additionally allows to assess the condition of tissues. Ultrasound examination methods, microscopy can be very informative.

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Differential diagnosis

During diagnostics, it is important to differentiate the signs of several pathologies with similar symptoms that have the same appearance and itch in a similar way. Thus, it is necessary to differentiate the signs of itching caused by sunburn from the signs of an infectious skin lesion, fungal infection, typical allergy, intoxication, or mechanical damage. It is also important to determine what exactly is the cause that provoked the development of itching, since treatment directly depends on this.

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Treatment sunburn

Treatment is primarily symptomatic at first, then etiological. That is, first of all, it is necessary to provide assistance, relieve itching as one of the leading symptoms. This will prevent complications and stabilize the situation. Then you can proceed to diagnostics, during which it is necessary to identify the cause of the pathology. And only after this, you can move on to etiological therapy, which will be aimed at eliminating the cause. As a rule, having eliminated the cause of the pathology, the symptoms disappear, and recovery occurs quite quickly.

The main means of therapy is, first of all, traditional drug therapy. Various medications are prescribed, including antiallergic, anti-inflammatory drugs. Local medications are also prescribed, such as ointments, gels and creams with antipruritic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic action.

In difficult cases, if the itching area was scratched, an infection got into it, suppuration appeared, there is a risk of infection, it is necessary to use antibiotics. If necessary, immunostimulants, antiviral agents are prescribed (if there are indications for this). Folk and homeopathic remedies, herbal preparations, various sunscreens, after-sun products are also used.

What to do and how to get rid of itching?

In order to eliminate itching, you must first use special anti-itching products. These include various ointments, creams, and gels that are designed to eliminate itching. Anti-allergic products are also used, which help reduce the level of histamine in the blood. Accordingly, the level of irritation, redness, and itching will also decrease. After the itching has decreased a little, you need to remove the redness, eliminate the inflammation (if any). Special moisturizing creams, ointments, and masks are also used. Special after-sun products have a positive effect, soothing irritated skin, relieving inflammation and irritation. Then, after the main irritation has been removed, you need to see a dermatovenerologist. He will undergo the necessary examination and tell you what to do next.

If you do not know how to get rid of itching that has been going on for several days, you need to see a doctor, as this will require diagnostics and determination of the exact causes that caused this itching. Only by eliminating the causes of the pathology can you get rid of the itching and its consequences. Various local and systemic agents aimed at treating itching will help with this.

How to relieve itching after sunbathing?

Basically, topical agents are used to relieve itching, which help soothe the skin after sunbathing. What exactly to use depends on the doctor's instructions. It is based on the results of diagnostics. So, as a rule, topical ointments that contain antipruritic and anti-inflammatory components are the most effective. Ointments that contain chondroitin, camphor, glycerin, nettle extracts, sea buckthorn oil, and fatty components have proven themselves well. It is not recommended to use substances that contain alcohol, since it dries the skin even more and leads to increased itching.

Remedies for itching after sun exposure

For itching, it is recommended to use special ointments and lotions, which are applied immediately after tanning. These products are usually aimed at eliminating dryness and irritation of the skin, its renewal. Both pharmaceutical and folk remedies can be used, which can be prepared at home. Of the systemic drugs, only antiallergic agents are mainly used. But they are resorted to only if local ones have not had an effect. When using, you need to take precautions - first check for an allergic reaction.

To do this, it is recommended to apply a small amount of the product to the back of the hand. You need to wait for some time (until the ointment is absorbed), after which they look at the reaction. So, if there is no redness or irritation, you can use the ointment for treatment. Side effects of such products are rare. They mainly occur with an overdose or individual intolerance, hypersensitivity. Thus, urticaria, redness, and spread of the focus of the pathological process may develop. Sometimes the itching intensifies.

As an antiallergic agent, it is recommended to take suprastin - one tablet 1-3 times a day (the daily dosage is on average 25 - 75 mg of the active substance per day). It should be taken into account that the drug causes drowsiness. Its maximum concentration in the blood is detected 1-2 hours after taking it, it is at this time that concentration of attention is reduced to the maximum, the person becomes lethargic, apathetic.

If suprastin is ineffective, you can try loratadine, which is an effective replacement. So, it is taken one tablet per day. It works for 24 hours, that is, it is a prolonged-action drug that does not need to be taken often. As a rule, it completely relieves symptoms in 3 days. If necessary, the course of treatment can be extended to 7 days.

An enterosorbent can help with itching, which collects all harmful substances, metabolic by-products, and toxins. Sorbents also help bind, neutralize, and then remove them from the body. It is worth noting that sorbents are effective for elevated levels of autoantibodies and rheumatoid diseases. Use a tablespoon, pre-dissolving in a glass of warm boiled water. Drink twice a day.

It is also recommended to take acetylsalicylic acid, which helps to quickly relieve itching and reduce pain, as well as normalize the main cellular indicators, biochemical parameters, both at the cellular and tissue levels. Take one tablet 1-2 times a day, depending on the severity of the pain syndrome. Usually, it is not recommended to take this drug for a long time (no longer than 1-2 days until appropriate treatment is prescribed). The drug is not prescribed to people who have a tendency to bleeding, reduced blood clotting, since it thins the blood.

Creams and ointments for itching after sunburn

The ointment Traumalgon, which is applied to the skin in a thin layer, has proven itself well. It is recommended to apply directly to those areas that are most susceptible to itching, irritation and inflammation. It is used both for rubbing and for massaging the affected areas. The composition includes plant components, so there are practically no side effects. The exception is cases of individual intolerance, hypersensitivity to individual components of the ointment. The main effect is achieved due to the extract of badyagi, nettle, propolis, pepper oil, eucalyptus, arnica and camphor. It has an analgesic, antipruritic, warming and regenerating effect on the body.

Ointment hops-antisept warms the body, has an analgesic and disinfecting effect, relieves itching and inflammation, promotes skin renewal. Apply a thin layer to the skin. It is better to apply at least 3-4 times a day until the symptoms disappear completely.

Levomycetin ointment is used to relieve itching and inflammation, and also acts as an effective means of preventing infection, purulent and septic processes. It is applied to the affected area. It is recommended to undergo a course of treatment - at least 7-10 days. It is recommended to apply at least 3 times a day, but not more than 7 times (depending on the severity of symptoms).

Curiosin is applied in a thin layer to the affected areas 2-3 times a day. The course of treatment is at least 30 days. This is a remedy that is traditionally considered the main remedy for acne treatment. But many specialists also use it to treat itching that occurs after sunbathing. Curiosin is available in the form of a cream, ointment and gel. Which remedy to choose for treating itching is not important, it depends on the patient's preferences. There is no fundamental difference between these forms in treating itching. This may be important in treating acne. The use of Curiosin to treat the effects of sunbathing is due to the fact that it promotes rapid skin restoration and renewal of the surface layers of the skin, which is important for relieving itching.

Folk remedies

• Recipe No. 1.

To prepare, take a tablespoon of walnut leaves, aspen bark, bog blueberry leaves and shoots, and bearberry leaves. Mix all of this, pour in about 500 ml of cognac or cognac spirit, then add half a teaspoon of aloe juice. Leave it all for at least 1-2 days, drink 50 ml per day. The course of treatment is at least 28 days (full biochemical cycle).

• Recipe No. 2.

Take equal parts of linden flowers, marsh cudweed, three-part Bidens, and evading peony root. Take about 2-3 tablespoons of each component, add about 20 grams of honey, pour in 500 ml of vodka or pure alcohol, leave for at least 5 days, drink in small quantities twice a day for 28 days.

• Recipe No. 3.

Vodka or pure alcohol is used as a base. Then about a tablespoon of the following components is added: the root of the medicinal burnet, the fruits and juice of the common rowan, the grass of the common bird cherry. Mix, then set aside and allow to brew for 2-3 days. Then you need to strain the infusion. Take 50 grams of cottage cheese and 3-4 tablespoons of the resulting infusion. All this is mixed until a homogeneous concentration is formed. This entire gruel must be eaten within 24 hours.

As the results show, folk treatment has the maximum effect when used as part of complex therapy, which also includes systemic drugs, vitamins, and, if necessary, physiotherapy.

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Herbal treatment

Horse sorrel is used from plants. It has antipruritic, antiallergic and anti-inflammatory effects, and also saturates the body with vitamins, in particular, vitamin C. It promotes rapid restoration and renewal of the skin.

A decoction of oak bark is used for internal use (a tablespoon 2-3 times a day). It is also recommended to use as compresses, lotions. Apply in several layers, then tie for 2-3 hours. Healing usually occurs after 5-10 days.

The leaves of the plantain are used internally, as well as in the form of poultices. Take a third of a glass three times a day, which allows you to quickly and effectively relieve itching. Poultices are done daily at the same time. To do this, gauze is soaked in a warm decoction, applied to the itching site. It is also recommended to cover the top with cellophane to create a "greenhouse effect". The course of treatment is 7-10 days.

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Homeopathy

Despite the fact that at first glance, homeopathy is a relatively safe method of treatment, it must be taken with basic precautions. This will help to avoid numerous side effects. The main precaution is that you must always consult a doctor. It should be taken into account that side effects can be quite serious. This is especially true for complications in the kidneys, liver, and possible intoxication.

• Recipe No. 1.

To prepare, take a tablespoon of snakeweed, ash bark decoction, pomegranate root and bark, and honeysuckle flowers. Mix all of this with starch previously diluted to a mushy state, let it sit for 1-2 hours, then apply a thin layer to the skin (as a mask). Keep for 20-30 minutes, rinse with warm water. After this, you can apply a moisturizer.

• Recipe No. 2.

Take a tablespoon of propolis and honey, mix with 2-3 tablespoons of jam or puree from blueberries and blackberries, pour in about 500 ml of red wine (for example, Cahors), then add half a teaspoon of ground ginger. All this is infused for at least 3-4 days, drink 50 ml per day. The course of treatment is at least 28 days (a full biochemical cycle).

• Recipe No. 3.

Take equal parts lemon, garlic and propolis, previously minced. Take about 2-3 tablespoons of each component, add about half a glass of pre-boiled oatmeal, leave for at least 2 hours, apply in small quantities to the skin in the itchy area, twice a day, for 28 days. It is recommended to hold for at least 20 minutes. You can cover with cellophane on top, apply dry heat to enhance the effect. Then rinse with warm water or herbal decoction. You can apply a moisturizer on top.

• Recipe No. 4.

Vodka or pure alcohol is used as a base. Then about a tablespoon of the following components is added: Macleaya microcarpa, zamaniha, motherwort herb, heather herb, immortelle, valerian rhizome. Mix and leave for at least a day. Drink 2-3 tablespoons twice a day for at least a month.

• Recipe No. 5.

Add a tablespoon of lily of the valley flowers and leuzea carthamoides to cognac or cognac spirit (500 ml). Then add 2-3 drops of thuja essential oil. Drink a tablespoon twice a day.

Prevention

Prevention is based on following the basic rules of tanning. You need to use special products for safe tanning, use after-tanning products. You also need to sunbathe at safe times - from early morning until 11 am, then only from 4 pm. You need to cover your head and shoulders if you need to be in the sun between 11 am and 4 pm. You need to start tanning gradually. On the first day - no more than an hour in the sun, gradually, as the tan forms, you can increase the duration of your stay in the sun. You cannot be under direct sunlight - they should be indirect, diffused.

What to do after tanning?

Knowing what to do and how to properly care for your skin can help you avoid many problems and troubles. Immediately after tanning, it is recommended to take a shower with moisturizers. Then apply an after-sun product to clean skin. Then, if there are no signs of a burn, you can do nothing.

Forecast

If you take proper care of your skin, follow all the rules of tanning, use special products, the prognosis can be favorable. Even if itching after tanning appears, you can quickly get rid of it by using various ointments and medications.