If you spend a lot of time outdoors, use a sunscreen that will protect your skin from the ultraviolet rays of the sun. However, if you happen to venture out without protection, chances are you may return with a sunburn. This painfully red inflammation of the skin can also cause blisters, chills and even fever. Your skin may also become dry and itchy, according to the University of Rochester Medical Center. Stop the itch with over-the-counter topical creams and medications.
Step 1
Run a lukewarm bath and add 1 cup of oatmeal to the running water. Soak in the bath for 20 minutes. According to SPOTS, the oatmeal will soothe the dry, itchy skin associated with sunburn.
Step 2
Saturate a cotton ball with calamine lotion. Calamine will help lessen itching, according to Columbia University Medical Center. Dab the cotton ball on the areas of your skin affected by itchy sunburn. Reapply the calamine lotion when itching returns.
Step 3
Apply aloe vera gel to your sunburn if you do not have any calamine lotion handy. Dab the aloe vera gel onto sunburn to relieve itching. Aloe vera gel also has a cooling effect, which can soothe your skin.
Step 4
Apply 1 percent hydrocortisone cream to your skin. Hydrocortisone helps rehydrate the skin after sunburn, explains the Rush University Medical Center. Squeeze a dime-size amount of hydrocortisone cream onto your fingers and rub it gently into your skin until fully absorbed. Repeat three times a day for no more than two days.
Step 5
Take an antihistamine to reduce skin inflammation and control itching. Follow the label instructions and do not take more medication than directed. Consult your physician if you have any questions related to antihistamines.
