How to Stop the Itching After a Sun Burn

According to MedlinePlus, "Sunburn results when the amount of exposure to the sun or other ultraviolet light source exceeds the ability of the body's protective pigment, melanin, to protect the skin." You must therefore, take proper precautions to prevent your skin from becoming burned. Light-skinned people must be especially vigilant, as damage can occur in as little as fifteen minutes of sun exposure. If you end up getting a sunburn, you will experience some pain and itching. There are some effective remedies you can use at home to stop the itching.

Things You'll Need

• Aloe vera lotion
• Calamine lotion
• Anti-itch cream

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Instructions

• 1

  Take a cool shower. According to MedicineNet.com, both cold and itchy sensations travel along the same nerve fibers, thus cold water can "jam the circuits" and deaden the itch. Stand under the shower for at least five minutes.

• 2

  Apply a lotion containing aloe vera to the itchy parts of your body. Aloe application can also reduce inflammation, so this is a very effective sunburn method.

• 3

  Apply calamine lotion to the itchy areas. Apply a thin layer and allow to dry. Do not wash off.

• 4

  Apply an anti-itch cream. Look for a cream that contains camphor, menthol, phenol, pramoxine and diphenhydramine. You can also look for a product that contains benzocaine. These ingredients help numb the nerve endings. Apply your cream as often as necessary to reduce the itch.