If you spent too much time in a tanning bed or were exposed to the sun over a long period, it’s most likely that you could get a sunburn. When you get a burn, that area seems fine for a day or two but what follows is this nightmarish itch that won’t go away. The feeling is akin to ants repeatedly biting at your skin. When you try to scratch the burn, all you feel is stinging pain and no relief. Eventually, the pain subsides for a while but resurfaces again, starting the torture all over.
The target areas for sunburns are the shoulder and back that receive the sun rays unprotected at times, people may have sunburns without ever getting hell’s itch, but most times, when a severe sunburn is involved, a deep itch is sure to follow.
How long does hell’s itch last?
The answer you’ve been itching for(see what I did there?) So the itch comes anywhere around twenty-four to seventy-two hours after exposure to the sun rays, and it takes just that amount of time to go away as the sunburn fully heals.
Though it may seem like forever waiting for the symptoms to subside, a few remedies to the hell’s itch and things not to do when you have it is listed above that can help you bear it.
But thankfully, hell’s itch only affects a few people
What causes hell’s itch?
Well obviously, overexposure to sun rays is the number one culprit. But researchers have not really been able to pinpoint why the itch happens to the body; speculations suggest that it is caused by damage to the skin nerves at the area of the burn, sending an overreaction of an itching stimulus while the body heals from the sunburn.
Who can get hell’s itch?
Anyone with a sunburn is liable to get hell’s itch, but the itch is shown to affect people with lesser melanin content in their skin far more than people rich in melanin.
Also, the intensity of the sun’s rays dwindles as they travel to the ground, you’ll find that the rays are much more powerful at a higher plain than the ground, which is why people who regularly visit high altitudes often sport sunburns and are more susceptible to hell’s itch.
How to prevent hell’s itch?
That’s simple. Wear sunscreen anytime you’re going to be exposed to sunlight for long periods of time; ensure that the sunscreen you’re using accommodates a broad spectrum of thirty, so it can protect you from “UVA and UVB rays.”
Try to wear more clothing when stepping out into intense sunlight; it’s advisable to wear colors that reflect sunlight, more like white and red.
How do I treat hell’s itch?
Firstly ensure the area of the burn isn’t exposed to sunlight anymore as that might just aggravate the itch more.
Use painkillers like aspirin and ibuprofen to help to help reduce the pain and inflammation.
Apply creams that help with itching; they should have a one percent hydrocortisone content.
Apply something cold or a cool compress to the area to help with the inflammation, pain and itching.
Also, Vera helps to heal wounds. Applying it to the area would help a lot.
Constant hydration is vital as it helps prevent skin dryness that would further complicate the sunburn.
Most importantly, do not scratch. As tempting as it is to scratch the area, it does no good. There is no relief, but only pain and scratching could leave your skin torn and invite infections.
Is hell’s itch contagious?
The itch is obviously, not contagious, so it’s fine if you get someone to apply some cream to your burn for you.
Do I have to go to the doctor if I get hell’s itch?
Not really; the hell’s itch can really be managed with home remedies. It’s not a life-threatening disease that requires medical attention. But if you feel unsure that you can handle it, it’s fine to go to your doctor to give you some medications to help with the itch.
What if my itch doesn’t go after three days?
If the symptoms of the hell’s itch refuse to leave three or four days after they appear, it’s time to seek medical assistance as the burn may have worsened rather than gotten better.
