Sun burn...?!
Question: So, I work outside. And I pulled three 14 hour shifts in a row, and didn't wear long shirts. (I like the sun) now my entire body is red, and has bumps (I think it just happens when someone pale gets a tan -too quick-) I bought some lotion to start wearing tomorrow before it gets any worse (I hate lotion... Sooo much) But it itches. I remember back in high-school I got this during soccer practice, and when I scratched it, it kept spreading.
I've always taught myself to not scratch itches, because it'll spread... But will this spread? Cause it -reeeaaaallllyyy- itches. (Also, does sun screen lotion [ 'Banana Boat -8- Waterproof ] keep you from getting a tan?)
Answers: So, I work outside. And I pulled three 14 hour shifts in a row, and didn't wear long shirts. (I like the sun) now my entire body is red, and has bumps (I think it just happens when someone pale gets a tan -too quick-) I bought some lotion to start wearing tomorrow before it gets any worse (I hate lotion... Sooo much) But it itches. I remember back in high-school I got this during soccer practice, and when I scratched it, it kept spreading.
I've always taught myself to not scratch itches, because it'll spread... But will this spread? Cause it -reeeaaaallllyyy- itches. (Also, does sun screen lotion [ 'Banana Boat -8- Waterproof ] keep you from getting a tan?)
Hi. It itches because the skin is dry, maybe dying. You are right that scratching is a bad idea, which will only inflame and irritate your skin more. What you should do is put lotion on (I know you hate this) to help keep moisture to the area. An alternative suggestion is to soak in milk - maybe soak a washcloth in it and apply the washcloth to your skin. Aloe is a great suggestion as well, because of its anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties.
are the bumps like blisters or are they small & red?
If you're working in the sun for 14 hours...you shouldn't be concerned about whether your sunscreen is going to allow you to tan...you're going to tan anyway. Get yourself a high SPF.....at least 30, the higher the better. Meanwhile, if your sunburn itches...instead of scratching it, pinch it. It'll relieve the itch, and it won't damage your skin.
warm bath with white vinegar. But careful of sun poisoning.
You're right, it is bad to scratch sunburn. It seems like you're doing the right thing so far, so just keep using the lotion. I don't think sunburn can spread, if it does it might be a rash.
And I think it was SPF 45 that completely blocks out the sun so if you use less (SPF 15, SPF 30) you'll probably get some kind of tan. Especially if you're working for 14 hours.
And if it starts to burn REALLY badly, and Aloe just burns more, get a wet and cold washcloth and lay it on the sunburn to sleep. Last year I got horrible sunburn on my back. It blistered and itched. But when I slept I put the washcloth on and it wouldn't hurt for the night. Be sure to put something on it even if you hate it. The lotion will keep moisture in your skin, which you want, obviously. If you peel the tan probably won't stay. But make sure the next time you work outside for that long you put on at least SPF 30.
well, my friend, you have a 2nd degree sun burn. congratulations! you can have oatmeal baths. not oatmeal like the kind you eat but you buy this stuff in the lotion section. it soothes the skin. also, i have this amazing stuff called ocean potion. it's a blue jell which is convenient for you since you don't like lotions. keep it in the refrigerator to help soothe the burn. lastly, do NOT scratch it. that only makes it worse. pat it instead.