What causes this particular type of sunburn itch?

[Bizzarolibe]

So...I just graduated with a degree in environmental biology. I have a working knowledge of basic (I mean, VERy basic) animal (and human) physiology, but most of my courses were more "big picture" kinda things. Oh, and lots of stats.

Anyway, so 2 days ago I got this sunburn on my back. It's not horrible, but it is a healthy pink. Pretty painful. Now, I have this...condition. When I get a decent sunburn, I itch, but it's not the "normal" sunburn itch. It happens exactly 2 days after the initial sunburn. It is what I have come to know as "hell itch". I've found descriptions on numerous forums that describe this itch to a "T". It drives you insane. You become a madman/madwoman for about a day. You cannot scratch it. Any type of lotion/cream/ANYTHING causes it to itch more, ESPECIALLY the creams designed specifically for sunburn.

Now here's the deal: I'm not a sissy. I'm very outdoorsy. I can take some pain. But I can't take the "hell itch". I need to know: what causes it? I know that your body is getting rid of the dead skin cells and new skin is...blah blah blah, yeah I get that but that doesn't give me any specifics. What is the biological mechanism that drives this itching? My thinking is, if I know what causes it (specifically), I'll better know how to treat it.

For example, if it's a histamine response to the dead skin cells/debris that are still present in the skin, I would think a strong anti-histamine (prescription strength hydroxyzine perhaps? I mention this specifically because I have a small stash of it from an old prescription) would help. I also know dry skin is a leading cause of itching, but as I mentioned before lotions/skin moisturizers seem to make it unbearably worse. Anyway, any help would be greatly appreciated. And remember: this is NOT the normal sunburn itch.

[Petrock24]

I think I just ended my bout of Hell's Itch and holy crows did I think I was dying. I know it itches because it's healing but it came in waves starting from the least burned areas to the worst, starting with my chest which was relieved with some Lotion and gentle rubbing, then my back which forced me so soak in some lukewarm water, two hours after my back came my arms which forced me back into the tub and while waiting for the tub to fill I was forced to bite down and scream into a towel it drove me so far mad and the second I sunk down into the water the pain immediately went away. Now I'm sitting here wondering when my blistered shoulders are going to get hit and fearing it all the same.
I've had worse sunburns than this before (never this vast across my body), but even so I've never felt such a terrible immense itching before.

[Melon0707]

My son was going crazy from sunburn itch. Finally took him to the ER. Doctor said to take an anti-histamine (like Benadryl) for itch and an anti-inflammatory (like Aleve) to reduce the swelling. And, if still in pain can take a Tylenol. Polysporin only for skin was recommended - to ensure no infection. The recommendation for the hydroxyzine got us on the right track. Thx! Hydroxyzine is basically Benadryl, but you can only take it once every 8 hours. So, because you can take Benadryl every 4-6 hours, the itch can actually be a bit more comfortable.
Thx again! Hope this helps someone else!!!

[bob5435]

Had it yesterday. Lasted  from 9 AM to 1 AM (about 16 hours). The pain gradually decreased as time passed, with occasional unbearable spikes every 2-3 hours. Only hot showers saved me from those.
Cure (at least I think that's what stopped it.. might have just been time): anti-histamine pills and 20-minute warm/hot showers. You can get the pills over the counter at your local pharmacy. I think the anti-histamine pills were what really did the trick. It's pretty logical. If your body is emitting lots of histamines--whatever those are--assuming your sunburn is some allergy, then you need something to get rid of those histamines... Peppermint oil didn't seem to work for me. Nor did any creams (they only made it worse). I think you need to open up your pores. That's why hot water helps and creams make you itch more.
Oh and I drank quite a bit of water. Try it; can't hurt.

Also, don't stress. I was actually semi-laughing at how much I was  tossing and turning in bed, knowing this would pass soon.

Good luck!

[bob5435]

Had it yesterday. Lasted  from 9 AM to 1 AM (about 16 hours). The pain gradually decreased as time passed, with occasional unbearable spikes every 2-3 hours. Only hot showers saved me from those.
Cure (at least I think that's what stopped it.. might have just been time): anti-histamine pills and 20-minute warm/hot showers. You can get the pills over the counter at your local pharmacy. I think the anti-histamine pills were what really did the trick. It's pretty logical. If your body is emitting lots of histamines--whatever those are--assuming your sunburn is some allergy, then you need something to get rid of those histamines... Peppermint oil didn't seem to work for me. Nor did any creams (they only made it worse). I think you need to open up your pores. That's why hot water helps and creams make you itch more.
Oh and I drank quite a bit of water. Try it; can't hurt.

Also, don't stress. I was actually semi-laughing at how much I was  tossing and turning in bed, knowing this would pass soon.

Good luck!

[sfuller7]

So glad to hear that there are others who get this "hell itch" or ICI...I had it starting last night and it drove me so nuts I started jumping up and down on my bed, running around my house, chewing on whatever I could get in my mouth, and I even ripped my shirt up. Thankfully my angelic wife saw these forums and read about peppermint oil. It has still been uncomfortable, but it has helped SO MUCH! Today was my first day of medical school and I would not have been able to get through it without the stuff. I am grateful for the experience because hopefully it will make me a more empathetic physician. God bless all of you.

[galahs]

I have now had "Hell Itch" 3 times in my life.
I'm a bloke with a high pain tolerance, but the terrible sensation of Hell Itch drives me mad.

I first experienced it in my mid 20's after being outside without a shirt for 15 minutes in Noosa (Tropical Summer Day, in Queensland).
The sun scorched the skin on my back realy bad. I applied Aloe Vera straight away and ice packs trying to prevent the damage, but 48 hours later I had my first experience of Hells Itch!

Oh Boy!!! It was so itchy, you can't sit still, you end up jumping around, flailing your arms about, swearing, dancing... ahhhhhhh!!!!
The first thing that provided relief was jumping in the shower. But as soon as I go out the itch returned.
I then got a friend to constantly circle ice cubes on my back as this also worked to prevent All Hell from returning.

The second time was because the sunscreen I applied must have worn off on my back. Again, 48 hours later it appeared, straight to the shower, then applied an ice cold tinny (Beer Can) to my back to try and numb the itch.

The third time was again 48hrs after the sun burn my shoulders. Again I was itchy as a mad man. Again in the shower. This time, with one hand reaching out through the shower curtain I looked trying to find out more about this excruciating itch caused by sunburn on my smartphone.
Yep, "Hells Itch"
Perfect description of this little blighter!

Apply Aloe Vera, apply peppermint oil, apply vinegar. None of these would provide redemption for me.

It wasn't until I read that the itch was due to my body releasing histamines, that I reached for the medicine cabinet, grabbed an allergy anti-histamine FEXOFENADINE, swallowed it, then sprinted back into the shower, arms waving all over the place as the itch again set in.

But By-Jingo!!!!

30 minutes later and "You little Beauty" the Hell Itch was almost all gone and I could finally go to bed and sleep.

Thanks to the member who posted the itch is due to Histamines. I owe ya a beer.