How To Quickly Relieve Sunburned Scalp Pain

People usually think sunburn happens to skin out in the open, like their hands, faces, backs, and shoulders. However, we tend to ignore our scalp because it is not often considered skin. The skin on our scalps is unique, yet it may still get sunburned like any other part of our bodies. Unfortunately, more people get sunburned on the scalp than we would like to admit. The scalp is especially vulnerable to sunburn, and anybody who spends time outside should take precautions. Sunburn on the scalp is uncomfortable and painful, but it is easy to treat. Let's learn more about this issue in detail.

What Causes Sunburn On The Scalp?

Burns from the sun are caused by ultraviolet (UV) light. As a result of prolonged exposure to direct sunlight's high energy, the skin eventually burns. Most of us are accustomed to this sort of thing happening regularly. Sunburn on the scalp looks and feels the same as sunburn anywhere else on the body. The risk of sunburn rises proportionally with the amount of time spent outside.

When the scalp is sunburned, the same symptoms as those of sunburn everywhere else emerge. An area of sunburn on the scalp can be identified as follows:

• Itching and sensitivity in the scalp
• Mild fluid-filled blisters 
• Redness
• Tingling, itchy feeling
• Under specific conditions, pain is unavoidable

A burned scalp is easy to identify. Overall discomfort may last up to 24 hours.

Sunburn causes pain and irritation that often peak during the first several hours. Sunburn is different from other scalp problems because it can only happen when you are outside.

How Does One Treat Sunburned Scalp?

Mild sunburn may respond to a few simple at-home treatments. However, you should stay out of the sun as much as possible until your symptoms improve. Put on a cap or hat to shield your face from the sun if you have to go outside.

If your scalp has been burned, you may want to try these remedies:

• Boost Your Water Consumption

Rehydrating the body is the first step in rehydrating a burned scalp and hairline as the skin heals from the inside out. You must drink more water and take in more electrolytes daily if you've suffered from a burn since they dehydrate the entire body. Experts suggest sunburn sufferers drink more water.

• Take Cold Showers

Sunburns are best treated with cold water. Take a cold shower as soon as possible once you notice your scalp is painful. If a cold shower is out of the question, dump some cold or room-temperature water over your head. Perform this step first, then move on to the subsequent steps.

• Use Cold Compresses

Repeated cold compress applications throughout the day help ease the pain of a burn. Applying ice directly to the skin could do more harm than good, but cold compresses made with ice water can help. Soy milk can also be used as cold compresses or sprayed topically.

• Choose A Sulfate - Free Shampoo

Sulfates, a type of mild detergent, are found in shampoo. However, sulfate can significantly increase pain and irritation if applied to an irritated scalp.

Instead, try using a mild shampoo. If your scalp has been burned, you should not use shampoo containing sulfates or parabens.

 

• Use Relaxing Hair Products

Aloe vera gel and coconut oil are two ingredients that have been shown to alleviate itching and inflammation on the scalp. 

An additional effective treatment for sunburn is raw aloe vera gel. Aloe vera's anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties help improve your scalp's recovery.

Rose water also helps soothe sunburn. For instant relief, spray some rose water on your scalp.

 

• Use Only Mild Cleansers

Use only mild cleansers and skin care products on your skin while it is healing. You should avoid acne treatments involving applying a cream or wash to your skin, including retinoids, acids, and benzoyl peroxide. Also, avoid medicated or strongly fragranced shampoos and leave-in hair treatments for sensitive scalps.

• Avoid Direct Sunlight

Protective shade is essential while suffering from sunburn. As your skin and scalp heal from sunburn, wear a wide-brimmed hat or a UPF of 50 or higher. Sunlight can worsen burn symptoms and delay recovery, so avoid it.

• Avoid Heat - Styled Hair

When your scalp is healing, you shouldn't use hot rollers, curling irons, straighteners, or blow dryers. Also, don't take hot showers when you're still recovering from a sunburn; the water temperature might further irritate your skin. Finally, if your skin is badly burned, avoid doing anything complicated with your hair until the burn has completely healed.

 

How to Protect Your Head from Sunburn

Nothing is more annoying than a sudden sunburn on the scalp; prevention is always better than cure.

Prevention of sunburn is not rocket science. There are just two things you have to watch out for. First, you should put on sun protection, such as a lotion, gel, or cream with an SPF. Also, you should wear a cap or hat.

Lotions with a sun protection factor (SPF) are usually the best for the scalp because creams do not penetrate our hair or scalp evenly. However, if the gel is too sticky or leaves a white residue, it loses its usefulness. To avoid the hassle, just put a scarf over your head. If you wear a scarf around your head, you may forego a hat or cap in many situations.

Extreme Sunburns: What To Do 

Extreme sunburns are rare but can cause discomfort and pain before they heal. Possible symptoms include:

• Fever
• Nausea
• Having a severe headache

If you display any of these symptoms, get medical attention immediately. The more you wait, the more likely your symptoms will get worse.

The Takeaway

YourHappy Collagen (Advanced)

Keep in mind that the most effective treatment for burns is prevention. However, you may protect the parts of your scalp that are difficult to reach with regular sunscreen by taking YourHappy Collagen (Advanced) supplements (for beautiful, hydrated & youthful skin as well as grow healthy hair & nails to strengthen joints, muscles & bones) and wearing sun-protective headgear.

FAQ

Will my hair be ruined if I get sunburned?

Sunburns only affect the skin's outermost layer. So the scalp's outer layer takes most of the pain and suffering. But hair growth isn't something that only happens on the surface.

Sunburn has little effect on hair development and loss since it does not directly harm hair follicles. Therefore, a burnt scalp is not caused alarm regarding potential hair loss. In addition, you shouldn't worry if sunburn causes temporary hair loss. Your hair will grow normally after your scalp has recovered.

How long does it take a sunburned scalp to heal?

In most cases, this temporary condition will go away in a week if you take good care of your scalp.

Does sunburn cause headaches?

Wounds that may or may not heal are often minor and filled with fluid. If the sunburn is severe, you may experience a headache, fever, nausea, and exhaustion.