Long lasting sunburn

About 8 days ago I sunburned while out fishing.  it was a little uncomfortable, but not severe.  I still have the sunburn on the tops of my feet and the outside of my thighs (where the majority of the sunburn was). It doesn't hurt, but it does itch.  Shouldn't it have healed by now?  I have a variety of symptoms related to, what doctors think, is fibromyalgia.  Could it be compromising the way my body heals or is this something that happens with sunburn?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
If it is itching rather than pain then it looks like sunburn rather than fibromyalgia. Apply cool compresses on the area and take bath with cool (not very cold) water. Do not scrub your skin or shave your skin and use a soft towel and gently pat your skin dry. Also use a sunburn Over-The-Counter remedy containing aloe vera and a light moisturizer or a dusting powder to relieve chafing. You can apply silver sulfadiazine (1% cream) on the skin except face and see if it helps. For the itching take some antihistaminic like Benadryl.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
If it is itching rather than pain then it looks like sunburn rather than fibromyalgia. Apply cool compresses on the area and take bath with cool (not very cold) water. Do not scrub your skin or shave your skin and use a soft towel and gently pat your skin dry. Also use a sunburn Over-The-Counter remedy containing aloe vera and a light moisturizer or a dusting powder to relieve chafing. You can apply silver sulfadiazine (1% cream) on the skin except face and see if it helps. For the itching take some antihistaminic like Benadryl.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.