You must have a sinking feeling when you realize that you forgot to cover the spot with SPF while facing the sun.
Well, it happens. We can feel you.
As a result, you are likely to experience red splotch and pain from the burns.
While you can apply sunscreen all over your body, some of the most forgotten areas are the scalp and hairline—generally discovered when you try to brush your hair only to experience pain while detangling the hair.
Your scalp is also prone to sunburn just like any other part of the body. Simply put, any exposed skin can burn, whether it is your scalp or your back.
In this blog, we will learn how to treat a sunburned scalp as well as how to avoid getting it.
What is Scalp Sunburn?
As the name suggests, scalp sunburn is a type of skin damage caused by excessive UV exposure happening to your scalp. It is identical to another type of sunburn as the first layer of the scalp is made of skin. Although scalp skin is slightly thicker than the skin on other parts of the body, it is vulnerable to sunburn.
Scalp sunburn generally takes place along the hairline, hair parts, in spots of hair thinning or baldness, or all over the scalp. Hair valentino 76461 unisex fashionable casual shoes may offer some protection to your hair, meaning that people with less hair, baldness, or thinning hair are more prone to scalp sunburn. In the following steps of the blog, we will learn how to treat a sunburned scalp.
Understanding How to Treat a Sunburned Scalp
Wondering how to treat a sunburned scalp? Here we have come up with some simple home remedies to ease your pain and discomfort. Make sure to seek medical help if the condition aggravates.
Shower in Cool Water:
Showering in cool water can indeed help reduce the discomfort caused by sunburns. The cool water helps to reduce inflammation and heat on the skin’s surface.
It can provide temporary relief by soothing the burn and decreasing the sensation of pain or discomfort. Additionally, it helps prevent the burn from worsening by not aggravating the already damaged skin.
Take OTC Medicines:
Over-the-counter medications like NSAIDs (ibuprofen) or Tylenol (acetaminophen) can effectively minimize pain and inflammation from sunburns. While they don’t necessarily heal the burn, they provide relief.
Apply Aloe Vera Gel:
Aloe vera gel is packed with healing properties, making it an effective remedy for minor cuts and burns. Plus, it is moisturizing and can help minimize inflammation caused by sunburn. Best thing? You can use it several times per day after burn, unlike some other treatments.
Apply Cold Compress:
Creating a cold compress for a sunburned scalp is a simple and effective way to alleviate discomfort. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Dip the clean cloth or towel in cold water. Make sure it’s not too icy, as extremely cold temperatures can be harsh on sunburned skin.
- Wring Out Excess Water
- After soaking the cloth, gently wring out any excess water to prevent dripping.
- Apply to Sunburned Scalp:
- Place the damp, cool cloth on the sunburned area of your scalp. You can either hold it in place or lightly press it against the affected area.
- Hold the cold compress in place for about 15-20 minutes, or until you feel relief. If the cloth starts to lose its coolness, re-soak it in cold water and reapply.
Or you can use an ice pack. Make sure to wrap it in the cloth before applying to the sunburned scalp.
This helps avoid direct contact between ice and skin, preventing frostbite.
If the cold becomes too intense or uncomfortable, take short breaks between applications. Listen to your body and adjust as needed.
After using the cold compress, consider applying aloe vera or a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to help soothe the skin.
And What Should You Avoid Applying to Your Sunburned Scalp?
Petroleum jelly can be useful to help with dry skin, it should be avoided for sunburned skin. This is because applying these greasy ointments can create a moisture barrier and slow down the healing process. Even worse, it may promote bacterial proliferation on the wound surface and may cause infection.
Likewise, don’t use benzocaine or lidocaine creams, ointment, and sprays as they can irritate sunburned scalp even though they provide temporary pain relief.
When to See Your Doctor for Sunburned Scalp?
Make sure to see your doctor if you experience severe sunburn symptoms such as intense pain, high fever, headaches, or confusion. You should also do it when you suspect an infection in your sunburned scalp, indicated by escalating pain, swelling, or pus draining from an open blister.?
Red streaks extending from a blister are also potential signs of infection. Monitoring and addressing these symptoms promptly can prevent complications and ensure proper treatment. Your healthcare provider can offer guidance on managing severe sunburns and help determine the appropriate course of action for your specific situation.
How to Prevent Scalp Sunburn?
- Make sure to cover your head while stepping out in the sun. You can choose a wide-brimmed hat that can protect your face and ears.
- Always wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
- Limit your time in the strongest hours of daylight, which may be between 10 AM and 4 PM. Make sure to take regular breaks and seek shade.
(You can also try Sunburn Drink! Formulated with antioxidants and skin-friendly vitamins, it helps reduce oxidative stress, improving moisture and hydration, supporting cell regeneration, and improving natural cell function. It is one of your best sunburn relief remedies at home!
A great drink to take before and after spending your time in the sun!)
The Bottom Line:
Your scalp is prone to sunburn just like your regular skin. You can treat your mild scalp sunburns with simple home remedies like cool showers, aloe vera, and pain relievers. See your doctor if you experience aggravated symptoms or if there is a risk of infection. To minimize the risk of the scalp being sunburned, make sure to wear a wide wide-brimmed hat, apply sunburn, and limit your sun exposure.
Hope you understand how to treat a sunburned scalp.