Sunburn is a common problem, affecting approximately 42 percent of
people each year.[1] While common, it carries an increased risk of
skin cancer when you have had a sunburn more than five times in your
life. Your skin burns when exposed to UVA and UVB light from the sun
when it isn't protected by clothing or sunscreen. While you do need
approximately twenty minutes of exposure to the sun daily to
manufacture vitamin D for your health, more than that can increase
your risk of sunburn. Your scalp is often the one area of the skin you
forget when applying protection before enjoying your time at the beach
or in the sun. A simple cap or sun hat is usually all that's required
to prevent a sunburn on your scalp.
Method
1
Treating Your Sunburn at Home
1
Use tepid or cool water on your scalp. While lukewarm or tepid showers
can be unpleasant, hot water on your damaged scalp will be even more
unpleasant. Turn the water to a cooler temperature while washing your
hair, which will be much more comfortable than hot water on your
sunburnt skin.
You can also apply a washcloth with cold water to your head while in
the shower to help relieve the discomfort.
2
Avoid shampoos with sulfates. Your sunburned scalp needs plenty of
moisture to help heal. Sulfates are salts found in many shampoos,
which will dry out your scalp, doing even more damage. Read the
ingredient label on your shampoo and avoid sulfates while your sunburn
heals.[2]
Additionally, you should try to use shampoos and conditioners that
contain 18-MEA, which will help provide moisture to your damaged
scalp.[3]
Avoid conditioners that contain dimethicone as well, which is a form
of silicone that can block pores and trap heat on your scalp, causing
further damage and discomfort.
3
Skip the blowdryer and straightener. Styling devices that use heat
such as blowdryers and straightening irons will also cause unnecessary
discomfort while your scalp is burnt.[4] The heat radiating off the
devices will also further dry and damage your scalp, so you should
avoid them for roughly a week until your sunburn has healed.[5]
Most styling products contain chemicals that may irritate your
sunburnt scalp as well. Try to minimize the hair products you use
during this period.
4
Apply cold compresses. This may be more difficult for those with long,
thick hair, but applying a cold compress to your scalp can also help
cool your skin and soothe the discomfort.[6]
Using cold skim milk to soak the compress is a popular home remedy
that some physicians also support. Proteins in the milk can help ease
discomfort in addition to the cold soothing the pain. Though, you'll
probably want to rinse your hair quickly afterward.
5
Moisturize the skin around the burn. Moisturizers will help to cool
and soothe your painful scalp as well. Topical moisturizers with aloe
gel or hydrocortisone can help relieve any pain.[7] Coconut oil is
another safe moisturizer to help relieve sunburn pain. Choose products
fortified with vitamins E and C, which will help limit the damage done
to your scalp by the sunburn.[8]
You may have an easier time with coconut oil penetrating your hair to
reach your scalp, but as an oil, it will give your hair a greasy look
while you use it.
Skip after-sun products that contain lidocaine or benzocaine. They are
common allergens, and you can find the same relief from these other
moisturizers.[9]
6
Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water is another way to help
moisturize your skin. Ensure you stay hydrated over the course of your
sunburn by drinking at least eight glasses of water each day.[10]
The color of your urine is the easiest way to determine if you're
properly hydrated. It should be clear or very light yellow.[11]
7
Take an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever. An OTC painkiller such
as ibuprofen or acetaminophen will also relieve pain from your
sunburn.[12] Take as directed and never exceed the recommended daily
dosage.
If your child is the one with the sunburn, do not give your child a
product containing aspirin due to the risk of a potentially
life-threatening condition called Reye's syndrome.[13]
8
Avoid additional sun exposure. You should keep your sunburnt scalp out
of the sun as it heals.[14] You may choose to wear a hat during this
period, but pick something loose that doesn't trap heat on your scalp
or put pressure against your sunburn.
9
Leave blisters alone. If your sunburn is severe enough to form
blisters on your scalp, do not pick or poke at them. Rupturing a
blister from a sunburn is more likely to cause infection of the skin
and eventual scarring.[15] Keep your scalp dry and allow the blisters
to heal without applying the moisturizing products directly to
them.[16]
https://www.wikihow.com/Deal-with-a-Scalp-Sunburn
