I got a severe sunburn and now I’m uncontrollably itchy on my back, what’s wrong?
Raine W asked:
It has happened before and I got blisters on my shoulders (most susceptible area and most in pain). It doesn’t hurt as much as it “feels like there are needles poking my upper back everywhere and it’s constantly itchy.” It comes in waves and rubbing my back makes it feel ok, temporally. It’s literally driving me mad.
(I’m pretty sure my nerves are the source of the problem)
What do you recommend for treatment/pain reliever?
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It has happened before and I got blisters on my shoulders (most susceptible area and most in pain). It doesn’t hurt as much as it “feels like there are needles poking my upper back everywhere and it’s constantly itchy.” It comes in waves and rubbing my back makes it feel ok, temporally. It’s literally driving me mad.
(I’m pretty sure my nerves are the source of the problem)
What do you recommend for treatment/pain reliever?
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July 6th, 2010 at 11:19 pm
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Its suppost to be itchy. first it hurts, then it blisters and itches, then it sheds.
July 9th, 2010 at 7:58 am
Kansieo.com
Try aloe vera. It helps with the burn and the itching.
July 11th, 2010 at 8:42 pm
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you get a bit of histamine release w sunburn/vasodilation. try aloe vera w xylocaine to keep moist/pain control. Benadryl, zyrtec, chloretrimeton will help w itching, also, aspirin or motrin for pain control, keep skin moist until heals. Solarcaine works too. Benadryl will make you sleepy, no alcohol or driving. may have slt drowsiness next day. 25-50mg ever 6-8hrs as needed. stay hydrated. wear cotton clothing. no ointments on skin, keeps heat in. it’ll settle down in a few days. get a long handled back scratcher. some Asian stores sell them for a dollar . comes in handy for this. also can put cool, wet washcloths on shoulders/back. feel better!
July 14th, 2010 at 6:49 am
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The reason that your sunburn is itching mainly is because the sunburn causes the skin to dry up and peel off.
Your nerves are NOT the source of the problem. This is completely normal in everyone who has ever had a severe sunburn. Although, it is possible that your discomfort is causing you to focus on it so your noticing it more than if you were keeping yourself busy and distracted.
The worst possible thing you can do is to itch or scratch the burn, it just makes it hurt worse and causes you to peel faster.
Aloe Vera is a good thing to try or use (as the person above suggested).
Also, I have always used on myself and my family members, TONS and I do mean TONS of lotion, covering the entire area. Since its on your back, hopefully you have someone who can rub lotion or Aloe Vera on you every hour or so, softly rub it in, don’t push too hard on your skin or scratch it.
If you keep putting lotion and/or Aloe Vera on the burn, it will keep your skin hydrated and the chances of you peeling will drastically decrease. It will also lessen the itching by leaps and bounds. The cool lotion on your skin will feel like heaven hehe.
Make sure if you use lotion, you use plain lotions, don’t use lotions that are perfumed, and if you have sensitive skin, make sure that you get hand lotions for sensitive skin.
Drink a LOT of water, I’d suggest atleast three 8-ounce glasses of water a day (or more if you can) to keep from getting dehydrated!
If the itching won’t stop and your really going “mad” you can try taking some benadryl. You can get it over the counter at any drug store. Just make sure that you do take it as recommended.
Feel better soon and next time, use sun screen!
Have a great summer!
July 17th, 2010 at 11:09 am
Kansieo.com
Applying lavender essential oil to the area will reduce pain and itching. Check out for more details.