QuestionThis probably doesn't appear that serious, but I needed some advice.
I received a pretty bad sunburn 2 1/2 weeks ago, where I exhibited pretty bad discomfort for a 3-4 days followed by peeling. Before I had been fully healed I am sure, I was outside walking (not purposely trying to get more sun) but I obviously did and got burned a bit again in just certain areas (maybe the areas that were not healed OR had been burned the most from before.) Anyway, this was 7 days ago. 3 days after I started getting itchy 99% on the front part of my shoulders, around the armpit area on the top, and down the bicep to the elbows on BOTH ARMS and that is pretty much the area that has the most sever itching. It has progressively gotten worse to where I would scratch at my arms for hours STRAIGHT at a time. It is a severe, and urgent itch that cannot be ignored. It would wake and keep me up at night. I have been using neutrogena cream and and it helps alleviate it for a couple hours. I also have used Aloe vera gel and that seems to help (although I thought alcohol was a part of the ingredients) and I would think that would be a drying agent.
Anyway, yesterday I went 80% of the day without badly itching and I didn't use the cream because the cream was causing my arms to be tacky and sticky and I wanted to give them a break, anyway then it came back just as strong last night and this morning (I have aloed and creamed so it seems under control right now), but my concerns are:
Keep this in mind, tHere is NO rash, no real obvious dry skin or peeling that has occurred. My skin looks relatively normal if not for this severe itching. SO......
Why did it seemingly get better for the whole day and then backslide?
Is this just a terrible sunburns reaction?
What else can I do to alleviate this itching?
AND IMPORTANTLY How long does itching symptoms usually last?
Please advise this is driving me INSANE.
Thanks so much for your help.
Have a great day!
AnswerWhy did it seemingly get better for the whole day and then backslide? Most itches get worse in the afternoon and evening because the humidity increases at that time. OK?
Is this just a terrible sunburns reaction? Yes, it sounds like that is the case but it could be delayed reaction to the creams you are using. OK?
What else can I do to alleviate this itching?
Alveeno oatmeal cream.
AND IMPORTANTLY How long does itching symptoms usually last?
Usually about 3-4 days after you totally quit getting sun and start using high block sun screen. OK?
