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.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms it can be solar urticaria caused by release of histamine or notalgia parasthetica. It also presents as itchy, dark pigmented patch seen one the back or trunk. Sensation to light touch, temperature, vibration, and two-point discrimination may be normal or abnormal.

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.If the symptoms still persist then you should consult a dermatologist. In future also wear sunscreen while going out in the sun.

I hope it helps. Take care and regards.

[sam_with_1st_year_a_p_quals]

I'm sorry, and with due respect, this is bad advice. Applying any cream will aggravate the histamine response due to the physical stimulation.  Aloe vera or silver sulfadiazine help over the period of days, but to stop the histamine response you need an antihistamine (effective in an hour or so) or a steroid shot (effective in seconds).

[Magofchris]

I have had to deal with this a few times  over the last 30 odd years. 2-3 times for myself and with my children.
First off this is not the ordinary itch that comes with a sunburn. That is the thing that people who have never experienced it cannot understand! They think you are weak or a wimp and have to "suck it up." This itch and the pain it causes, is probably the worst thing I have ever had to deal with in my life!!
I have found 1 thing that had worked...
Forget aloe, sunburn sprays, baking soda, lotions, peppermint oil, hot showers, cold showers, none of it will give you relief and some of it will make it worse! You need ATARAX OR HYDROXYZINE!! Let me repeat, nothing else short of getting past out drunk will have any lasting effect. Cold showers can give momentary relief but as soon as you dry off it comes back with a vengeance!
I had to deal with this recently with my son. Knowing what he was going through , it tore my heart out seeing him in such agony. I took him to the ER and thank God, the doctor listened to me and immediately prescribed the atarax, with in 30 minutes the symptoms were gone and the poor guy was sleeping.
It seems to be a genetic thing, my brother and daughter suffer with it too. I have twin sons, one has symptoms, one did not, this time.
This is an internal reaction, been told something to do with the release of melatonin. Usually happens 48 hours after getting burned. No topical treatment will work. Good luck and god be with anyone who has to deal with this!!!

[kbt76]

Wow- that's too bad that nothing topical works for your family! I, too, suffer from "ICI" (Insanity Causing Itch) and sadly have it right NOW. (anyone feeling the need to preach to me, please know that I wore 110 waterproof spf suncreen and re-applied it multiple times, sat under a UV ray protective umbrella, and put on a tee shirt when I stepped out from under the umbrella. No, I'm not a vampire, but I AM just about transparent) Anyway- I have tried just about every suggestion I've come across and am lucky enough to have found 2 topical remedies that sometimes (emphasis on SOMETIMES) work for me. The peppermint oil worked pretty well for me. I was alone (augh!) when the ICI started so I globbed Aqua-for (basically petroleum jelly that blends and absorbs a bit easier) onto an old food bowl scraper (ha! take THAT ICI!) and generously dropped some peppermint oil onto the Aqua. Worked pretty good and I smell minty fresh ;) The other thing I use that works almost EVERY time is vapo-rub. (like vicks ointment) If you read the container it says it's good for bug bites, sunburns, minor cuts, minor burns, sore muscles, and I even have friends that swear by it for pregger induced hemmorhoids! Anyway----anything else  I've ever tried does, indeed, make the itching WORSE. If this happens to your family again (and I hope it doesn't! I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy, much less a child!) maybe you can try to vapo-rub just until you can get a script and have it kick in? Worth a shot! Even 10% relief is HUGE! :) Happy Summer!

[Piratekingd]

dear fellow victims, I went through this the first time and god damn it was the longest 24 hours of my life....i was sensitive to everything and every movement , even laying down brought the pain back, it was like a million knives stabbing you consistently it would go away and come back, I couldn't sleep and nothing will work, the only cure is to wait out the 24 hours because it does go away , during this evil time I went online and read up other peoples experiences and that help past the time, good luck to those of you and remember use sun screen when you go out next time!!!!!

[error827]

Luckily I only had to suffer through this once before, but I just received a sunburn the other day and the "hell itch" started this morning. I had no idea I had this problem till this morning (since it only happened once before.) When this itch came back I had instant flashbacks of how terrible it was the first time and how I spent all night in the fetal position twitching uncontrollably. I made the mistake of using aloe before researching what the problem was. It went crazy and I was headed down that path of insanity again. I immediately got online to try to find any relief from the pain. One of the first pages I came across mentioned peppermint oil. I had never heard of it but I had nothing to lose at this point so I went out looking for it (walgreens, cvs, local grocery store, and wal-mart did not carry it) but luckily I found that GNC carries it. I have to say, it was the best $6 I ever spent. I had no patience for checking if there was a specific way to apply it so I just slapped it on there generously. Once that ice cold feeling kicked in I was in heaven. The lobster redness turned to a light pink and I am about 99% itch free right now. I don't know if this works for everyone but it sure saved my day. There will always be a bottle of peppermint oil in my bathroom now.

[lingham907]

It just happened to me today for the 1st time in my life. I left the house to do some shopping, but when i got out the car, the force of hell started! An insane itch started on my back that i could not control, i start kicking myself, some screaming, taking my T-shirt of and scratching my back, but no relief at all. Whoever saw me in the parking lot legitimately assumed i am crazy.
So all this happened precisely 2 days after a decent(minor) sunburn, just about an hour in the sun in Toronto, end of May. I hardly make it back home, throw some aloe after sun burn lotion, it made a slight improvement on my hell's itch, and i had to keep applying for about 2-3 hours, then my wife got home and she start applying the lotion for me, and heavenly, after a few unsuccessful attempts to buy some peppermint oil( as recommended above) the hell's itch slowly went away. By the way, in Toronto, Bulk Burn carries the peppermint oil, as i just learned.
I had way worse sunburns before, and never went trough hell's itch, i wonder what had caused it this time?

[harley3920]

Hydroxyzine worked for me. I tried the peppermint oil, which worked for a brief time but stunk up the entire floor of the hotel. And with that I used Solarcaine spray.  Both worked for a bit, but the Hydroxyzine worked way better. I'm not one for meds, but the alternative is insane! To the person whom recommended it, THANK YOU!!!!!  I've been through pain in my life but this takes the cake. I was on a tour of the USS Missouri in Pear Harbor when it hit its worst, or what I thought was the worst. I had to leave my family to continue the tour. By the time I got to the hotel I thought I was going to die. Hell's Itch is the worst crap I've ever had to deal with.

[Jwyman127]

I too am going thru the hell itch. I am a fair-skinned redhead and have home thru this several times throughout my 38 years. It does start exactly 48 hrs after initial burn. Actually, knowing the itch is coming before it arrives is as psychologically devastating as the itch itself. I've found that if I stay on Benadryl throughout the it h it's not as bad. I also drink and try to limit showers, cold or warm. Aloe helped me a bit to, and MOST IMPORTANT, DO NOT SCRATCH, the it h will come back 20 times worse. God bless all who experience this.

[moose40]

Mine just started and the wife is on the way to walgreens for peppermint oil. I have been rocking in a chair non-stop to calm my itch

[jrich1985]

So yesterday was my second day having a sun burn and this itch started I tried all remedies mentioned with no success until I broke down went to the er everyone looked as if I was crazy and granted I probly looked like I was but I asked the doctor specifically for atarax and after saying he didn't think it would work and some convincing to try aloe over the counter remedy (which I tried already and made it worst) he gave in and gave it to me I took the pill and with in 15 min it started to reside and within 30 I was sleeping (best sleep I've got since the initial burn) now upon waking up I noticed itch was gone but being what it was I filled prescription he gave me pharmacy gave me hydroxyzine thank god I filled it I got to work (2nd shift) and it started back. About an hour ago I took the pill and hell itch has quit there is still the normal sunburn pain and itching but the unbearable pain that fills like someone shooting your sun burn with full auto air soft gun has subsided thanks for advice and for anyone going through this save yourself go see a doc

[MikeKing]

I just had the same experience. I used factor 30 sun screen, long sleeved tshirt, hat, long trews... forgot about my neck. I was at an air show, and most of the time i had to keep returnign to the hanger for shade. However i still got minor sunburn, through the sun block, around my neck. the next day, very little pain, as expected, skin sort of sore. About 2 hours ago i tried to go to bed. I dont know what caused it, possibly the bedding against my skin, but the hell itch just exploded.

Slowly at first, i just thought it was irritation. So i got up, and within seconds it was unbearable.  Fortunately your neck is a very small area of skin... even so... it got to the point of me crying aloud out of pain and frustration with it. I usually have a high pain tolerance. I can go paintballing, come back covered in bruises and be fine... This was worse. I would rather be shot by a paint ball gun... several in fact...

out of desperation i set my shower to cool, and had it running over my shoulders, this seemed to relive enough for me to think strait. Prior to this i was punching my mattress very hard going mad. Another thing that helped (for me) was applying pressure to the area. I covered my neck with my hands and pressed. This deadened the itch for a short while... then i had to release, and try it again. Cold flannel did nothing. But ice cube did. I grabbed 2 cubes, one at each side of neck...

The ice allowed me to transition from a madman, screaming and flailing, into someone who just rocked and panted. But yes, as it said above, as soon as the cool wares off, the itch returns.. but for me, not as bad.

Unfortunately i'm on my own (my partner has gone to see her family) and its half 1 in the morning. So apart from what i have in the flat, i cant get anything.

Its subsided now, after about 2 hours... it may return... I am just grateful that ti is a small area. Though if it does come back, getting Hyroxyzine maybe difficult. I am in the UK, and the only way i can think of getting it, other than flailing and yelling in the back of a Taxi, is calling an ambulance, kinda feel overkill for sunburn... but damn, may have no choice

[robbo78]

Use Piriton allergy relief tablets or any other brand antihistamines.

[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.

[smirre]

Hi everybody I'm 16 and today I got my first taste of hell itch and believe me its hell on its own. Seeing I have no cash to buy mint oil or can't go to the docs I figured I can cancel out the itching with a burn so I took a large towel soaked it in boiling water and pressed it to the burner area it works great and I almost went mad but its gone now just repeat the hot towel 5-10 times believe me the pain hurts like hell when you press down that towel but its worth it so good luck to the future people who struggles with the itch from hell

[pathfinder8008]

I found the article below very interesting concerning itching. I have had many sunburns over my lifetime; 58 years.  Never had the itch from hell syndrome yet until day before yesterday.  I spent twenty years as a paratrooper and have broken many bones and am familiar with pain as if an old friend.  But when the itching started I was crying like a little girl. Jumping up and down and tore off my clothes and jumped into the shower.  I got relief from antihistamines and pure peppermint oil. Antihistamines alone did not fully stop the itch but the peppermint oil was like magic.  So the article below is not the full answer for me as the mechanics of histamines where always present in my body but why wait until this week.  I have had sun poisoning and sunburn many times but this was entirely different.  I have a theory and will research and repost but wanted to hit the submit button and will get back to you all.

http://www.menshealth.com/spotlight/skin/stop_itching.php

BURNS AND SCABS

As burns and other skin injuries heal, "remodeling" occurs: Dead tissue breaks down and makes space for healthy tissue, and nerves and blood vessels grow along with this new tissue, says Alan Fleischer, M.D., chairman of dermatology at the Wake Forest University school of medicine. Once the hard scar tissue forms, nerves are trapped and may be tickled when the tissue stretches or bends, he says. Moreover, the fibroblast cells that make up scar tissue can release chemicals that trigger itch nerves.

Treat it: This itching is a sign of healing, so feel encouraged. But if the power of positive thinking doesn't do the job, try Sarna Anti-Itch, an over-the-counter lotion that contains camphor and menthol to help numb the surface of the irritated area. Or you can try Lanacane, which contains another anesthetic, benzocaine—but use it sparingly.

[craig6407]

Ok ladys and gents with the itch thing going on im currently suffering from this and itchyness israli driving mens insane im scottish so i can get burnt with a ******* cresent moon from 12ish last night ive been jogging on the spot and speeking to myself wanting to even delibaritly trying to cry but like i said im scottish and weekend are all born without tear ducts im in uber shite state android contemplating the whole getting drunk thing cause its just impossible to sit still ashcroft this forum has many sufferers that hsve the same sort of mutant ability to wantef to scratch there self to death please help me with any suggestions to ease this

[craig6407]

Sorry this was done on my phone and its ment to say the itchyness is realy driving me insane

[SeventhDavid]

Mother of F^&@ing God, i just got the hell itch. Worse, i was at work, outside, sweating. Feel lucky all you people were able to go home or were already there. I worked through it for maybe 20 mins..then i sprinted to my boss, told him what was going on and thank god he was forgiving and let me go. I then sprinted to a aquifer fountain, drenched my shirt in cold spring water (the burn was on my back, not a bad burn, but it was spread over my whole back), threw that **** on me and then had the most brutal walk (about a mile) to my car(i work up a mountain). I then raced home, kicked the door open, and yelled for my girlfriend. She thought i was snake bit by the way i was panicking. No, it was worse, id take on a rattlesnake before the damn uv rays from now on. I then got naked right inside my doorway and dove into the shower...that helped for ten minutes...then it was back. She applied a cold wet shirt diluted with vinegar on my back. I got carpet burn on my fist from punching our floor...i then got up and started circling looking for my solarcaine which is always my last ditch effort...that didnt work either. THANK F@#KING GOD FOR benadryl anti histamine lotion. You guys that had this stuff last for hours, Jesus Christ of latter fking day saints i feel for you guys. Im a pain tolerant guy, skateboarding, construction work (masonry, carpentry), being a ******* teen...you know, but the only thing ive ever had worse than this was a kidney stone i passed al-natural. Im gonna marry this benadryl bottle now, cheers and good luck everyone else.

[Kjkg]

Just got this last night afterwards coming home at 3am, two days before my one of my finals. Just wanted to go to sleep when I started noticing the itch I've gotten earlier that day got worse. I literally started going nuts, I just wanted to sleep. I slapped aloe Vera and all kinds of hydrating lotions on there, took 5 aspirins and covered it in plenty Voltaren - nothing worked.
I ran around the house, bit down on a rolled up towel to mitigate the pain a little but to no avail.
I was literally going crazy, I started thinking maybe cutting my skin open with a knife might bring some relief.
In the end, at about 7am I just lay down with a bunch of cooling packs on the affected areas - finally feel asleep.