Any area of your skin exposed to too much sunlight can get burnt. That’s why it’s important to wear sunscreen and protective clothing. Unfortunately, the scalp and hairline are often neglected when it comes to sun protection.
We apply sunscreen on our body and arms to guard against UV rays, but what do we do to prevent a sunburned scalp? Plus, how do we deal with the scalp sunburn blisters, flakes, and other symptoms? This article answers all these scalp sunburn questions and more.
How can your scalp get sunburned?
Just like other parts of the body, the scalp gets burned when you spend several hours in the sun, or when you’re exposed to the sun while it’s at its peak. Many people only realize their scalp is sunburnt when they try to comb their hair and it hurts too much to detangle.
How To Prevent Sunburn On Scalp
Wearing a broad-rimmed hat is your first defense against sunburn on your head. These kinds of hats are great because they cover your ears and the back of your head. A bucket hat or a legionnaire’s hat is also great. You can wear your preferred head covering as long as it offers wide coverage and doesn’t have a loose weave. That’s because a loose weave (e.g., some straw hats) can still allow UV rays to reach your scalp especially between 10 am and 4 pm, when the UV light is most intense. When buying a straw hat, pick one that has a fabric lining.
For individuals with no hair, using a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher is recommended. It’s also a plus if your sunscreen is waterproof so it can last longer. Meanwhile, sunblock on the scalp is not ideal for people with hair. That’s because it’s hard to get even coverage and the lotion will spread through your strands. However, you should remember to put sunscreen on your ears and neck. Finally, hair or no hair, you should reapply your sunscreen regularly.
Sunburn on scalp symptoms
What if you forgot your hat and suspect you might have gotten a sunburn? Symptoms of a sunburned scalp vary based on severity.
A mild sunburn on the scalp is usually marked by redness, itching, and tenderness or pain. Depending on the amount of time you spent in the sun, blisters may also develop on your scalp. You may also observe that the sunburnt area is hot to the touch. Mild sunburns can heal in 3 to 5 days. Note that your scalp may flake while it is healing, and the flakes may look like dandruff. But this is usually resolved after a week as long as you take care of your scalp.
On the other hand, if the sunburn is severe, you may experience headache, fever, fatigue, and nausea. If these symptoms worsen, consult a doctor immediately. When watching for sunburn, you’ll notice the first symptoms in a few hours but you can only see the full extent of the burn after 24 hours.
How to treat sunburn on scalp
What can you do to speed up your sunburn recovery? Here are some quick tips.
1. Cold shower
First, take a cold shower. For any type of sunburn, it’s important to cool down the affected area. If it’s not possible to get access to cold water, tepid water is the next best option. But avoid using ice directly on your sunburn because it can make matters worse. Also avoid getting a hot shower because it will make you more uncomfortable.
2. Hydration
The next step is to re-hydrate. After a long day in the sun, you’ve probably lost plenty of fluids and electrolytes from sweating. More importantly, sunburn draws liquids to the surface of the skin, so it can put you at risk for dehydration. Drink plenty of water to replace the fluids you lost and to help your skin get the nutrients it needs for faster healing.
3. OTC pain medications
Take over-the-counter (OTC) meds if the ache in the burnt area is bothering you, or if it is inflamed. Ibuprofen or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can ease the pain enough for you to sleep comfortably after getting a sunburn. However, they do not necessarily speed up the recovery process.
4. Moisturizing
Coconut oil and aloe vera gel can be rubbed onto the sunburned area to relieve discomfort and support your skin’s healing. Aloe vera is especially effective as a sunburned scalp remedy because of its hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties. However, expect that these products will make your hair look greasy. Natural healing advocates suggest using essential oils such as lavender for soothing a sunburn. But remember that you should only use coconut and other oils after the skin has cooled.
5. Scalp protection
Keep harsh chemicals away from your scalp while it’s not yet fully healed. Shampoos with sulfates should be avoided because they can cause dryness and irritation. Additionally, conditioners with dimethicone should not be used because they can trap heat within the scalp. You should also refrain from using too many hair products because they might contain irritants.
Heat styling is another thing you need to skip when you have a sunburned scalp. Comb your hair as gently as possible because you might peel or irritate the burnt area otherwise. Avoid hairstyles that pull hair tightly. Instead, it’s best to wear your hair down during this time.
Lastly, avoid the sun as much as possible. Whenever you go out, wear a wide-brimmed hat that can protect you from further skin damage.
6. Topicals and creams
Applying an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream once a day is ideal for treating swelling, itching, or irritation caused by sun exposure. However, this cream should not be used for more than seven days without advice from a doctor.
While your skin is healing, use a gentle moisturizer to keep it hydrated. However, be careful not to put occlusives (e.g., Vaseline) and other oil-based products on the sunburned area in the first few days because it traps heat on the surface of your skin.
Final Reminders
Preventing sunburn should be your priority because severe sun damage can lead to skin cancer. So, wear a big-brimmed hat and put on sunscreen when you go swimming or hiking. In case you get a scalp sunburn, cool down with a shower, drink water, and take medicine for pain and inflammation. Next, moisturize your scalp with aloe vera and protect it from harsh chemicals. And be extra choosy about what you use on your scalp, just as you’re careful with your skin.
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