The annoying itching can reduce some of the pleasure of tanning and make individuals wonder How Long Does Tanning Itch Last? While soaking up the sun and getting that perfect tan might be enjoyable, many people frequently experience tanning itch, a typical side effect.
Sunburn itch and tanning itch are similar, yet they are distinct in their underlying causes and degrees of severity.
The itch from sunburn is frequently more severe and may be followed by skin redness, blistering, and peeling.
Contrarily, tanning itch is often less acute and presents as general itching without causing significant skin damage.
Tanning itch typically lasts from a few hours to a week. What, though, can folks do to lessen the discomfort? In this article, I’ll guide you through the causes of tanning itch, its duration, and useful advice for handling and soothing sensitive skin.
This extensive guide has given you important insights into the severity and treatment of tanning itch.
Everyone will likely experience tanning itch differently, so paying attention to your body and tailoring the advice and treatments to your unique needs is vital.
How Long Does Tanning Itch Last?
Most tanning bed rashes disappear after a few days. The discomfort and itching from the rash might be distracting for the short term. To check if your symptoms improve, try some at-home remedies first like avoiding getting more sun.
How To Soothe Extreme Itching After Tanning?
Moisturizers
Always apply a moisturizing tanning lotion to your skin before tanning to prevent the drying effects of UV rays. Additionally, moisturizers can relieve irritated skin caused by sunbathing.
You ought to pick a petroleum- or oil-based moisturizer, advises MayoClinic.com.
Look for products with components like grape seed oil and dimethicone. A natural remedy for itching, burns, and other skin irritations is aloe vera gel. The majority of pharmacies and supermarket stores sell aloe vera gel.
Showering, Cosmetics And Pain Relief
A cool or lukewarm shower is effective for relieving irritated skin. However, some cleanser ingredients, shampoos, and soaps may aggravate irritation.
Artificial scents can irritate the skin like those in many bath products. Additionally, refrain from spritzing cologne or perfume on your skin after tanning.
Based on the Florida Agency of Health Care Administration, Ibuprofen and other anti-inflammatory medications assist in soothing itching skin.
Try an acetaminophen-containing medication for pain. These drugs and other medicines might interact. Before using these medications, be sure they are safe for you to use.
Tanning Itch And Its Causes
A tanning itch, commonly called “pruritus,” is a painful itching that develops after exposing the skin to the sun or tanning beds.
It is a typical side effect of tanning and can affect people with different skin types and degrees of sensitivity. Usually, the body’s reaction to the skin’s healing process is itching.
Numerous factors can contribute to tanning itch. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, which can cause skin dehydration and dryness, is one of the main contributing causes.
UV radiation can dry the skin, interfere with its normal barrier function, and start an inflammatory process that makes the skin itchy.
Another frequent reason for tanning itch is sunburn, resulting from extended contact with the sun or tanning beds—itchy skin results from skin damage from sunburn, which also causes irritation and inflammation.
Other Causes Of Itching
Your skin may become more susceptible to UV light if you take certain medications, such as antibiotics. Before getting a tan, discuss the adverse effects of any medications you take with your doctor.
Usually, after two to three weeks of tanning, the itching should subside.
If not, you might be allergic to the cleaning agents used to sanitize the tanning beds.
Please inquire with a staff member at your tanning bed about the cleaners they hire. Ask staff to clean your bed with a different sanitizer if you have an allergy.
Home Remedies For Tanning Bed Itch
Home treatments can only serve to lessen the discomfort because the tanning bed itch eventually goes away on its own.
The rash’s itching can be annoying, and scratching it might be harmful. Here are some methods for treating the rash.
- Avoid the sun: Additional sun exposure can intensify the effects because your skin will absorb more UV. Wear loose-fitting clothing to cover most of your skin, and use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
- Apply aloe vera: Aloe vera cream does wonders for itching. If the rash results from allergic reactions, you can also use any antihistamine cream on the market to treat it.
- Take a warm bath: To relieve itching, add some colloidal oatmeal to a lukewarm bath.
Talk to your doctor about a stronger hydrocortisone cream or antihistamines if the home above cures doesn’t get rid of your tanning bed rash in less than five days.
How To Stop Itching From Tanning Bed?
Here are some steps you may take to prevent that annoying rash that appears after sunbathing:
- Visit renowned tanning booths that are kept in good condition.
- Before resting down, clean your tanning bed with hypoallergenic wipes.
- After leaving the tanning bed, stay out of the sun for a day or two.
- Keep your skin hydrated by consuming plenty of water and moisturizer before tanning.
- Remember to use tanning nipple covers to shield your nipples from UV radiation since they are more vulnerable.
For those who cannot spend enough time in the sun or do not have access to it, tanning beds are a terrific option.
However, you should avoid it if you or anybody in your family has had skin cancer, as the risk factors are increased.
How Does The Tanning Bed Rash Happen?
There are two reasons for an allergic reaction to a tanning bed:
- Dry skin: As you tan, the tanning lamps naturally remove moisture. If you have dry skin, your skin cells will respond to the scorching effect with itching hives, lumps, and scaly areas.
- UV overexposure: Your skin cells can withstand some UV radiation. However, if you receive too much exposure, some cells will suffer damage and respond by breaking out in a rash.
- Allergic reaction: It is rare for tanning bed allergies to manifest. They occur when you respond to tanning lotions, oils, or the substance used to clean the tanning bed.
Conclusion
The tanning itch lasts for a short period. Although tanning itch can be an unpleasant side effect of exposure to the sun or tanning beds, it is typically a short-term problem that can be treated.
Always put sun safety first by taking the essential steps to shield your skin from damaging UV radiation.
This includes sunscreen, finding cover during the hottest parts of the day, and wearing the proper clothing and accessories, like hats and sunglasses.
