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Introduction
Your scalp is just as vulnerable to sunburn as the rest of your skin. The ultraviolet (UV) light in sunlight can damage the skin cells on your scalp, causing them to become red, inflamed, and painful. Just like with a sunburn on any other part of your body (for example sunburned lips), you can relieve the pain and discomfort of a sunburned scalp with cool compresses, over-the-counter pain relievers, and aloe vera.
Sunburned scalp symptoms
A sunburned scalp is like a sunburn anywhere else on your body. The symptoms include:
- Redness: The skin on your scalp may become red and inflamed.
- Warm or hot to the touch: The skin on your scalp may feel warm or hot to the touch.
- Tenderness or pain: The skin on your scalp may be tender or painful to the touch.
- Itching: The skin on your scalp may itch.
- Small, fluid-filled blisters: You may develop small, fluid-filled blisters on your scalp.
If the sunburn is severe you may also experience:
- Headache: You may experience a headache.
- Fever: You may develop a fever.
- Nausea: You may feel nauseous.
- Fatigue: You may feel fatigued.
The first symptoms of a sunburned scalp may not appear for a few hours, and it may take up to 24 hours to know the full extent of the sunburn.
Sunburned scalp treatment
You can treat a sunburned scalp at home. To do this, follow these simple steps for about a week, or until your sunburn has healed:
- Take a cold shower. Hot water will only make the pain worse.
- Check the labels on your shampoo and conditioner. Avoid products that contain sulfates or dimethicone, as these can dry out your scalp, block pores, trap heat and make the sunburn worse.
- Don’t use too many hair products. Many hair products contain chemicals that can irritate a sunburned scalp.
- Dry your hair naturally. Avoid using heat styling tools, such as blow dryers and flat irons, as these can further dry out your scalp.
- Apply a cold compress to the affected area. This will help to reduce inflammation and pain.
- Moisturize your scalp. You can use a moisturizer that contains aloe vera or coconut oil.
- Consider taking an over-the-counter pain reliever. Aspirin (Bayer, Excedrin), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), acetaminophen (Tylenol), or naproxen (Aleve), can help to reduce pain and inflammation. You can also use a a 0.5-1% hydrocortisone cream which according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is also available over the counter.
- Wear a hat. This will help to protect your scalp from the sun while it heals.
When to see a doctor for sunburned scalp
You should seek medical attention if your sunburned scalp is causing any of the following symptoms:
- Extreme pain: A sunburn that is very painful may be a sign of a severe sunburn or an infection.
- High fever: A high fever can be a sign of a serious infection.
- Headache: A headache can be a sign of dehydration or an infection.
- Confusion: Confusion can be a sign of a serious infection or heatstroke.
- Nausea: Nausea can be a sign of dehydration or an infection.
- Increasing pain in the sunburned area: Increasing pain in the sunburned area can be a sign of an infection.
- Swelling in the sunburned area: Swelling in the sunburned area can be a sign of an infection.
- Pus draining from an open blister: Pus draining from an open blister is a sign of an infection.
- Red streaks extending from an open blister: Red streaks extending from an open blister is a sign of a serious infection that can spread to other parts of the body.
It is important to see a doctor if you experience any of these symptoms. A doctor can diagnose the cause of your symptoms and prescribe treatment.
Sunburned scalp hair loss
Sunburn on the scalp typically does not cause hair loss.
However, you may lose some hairs while the skin is peeling. This is because the sunburned skin is damaged and can no longer hold onto the hair as tightly. The hair will eventually regrow once the skin has healed.
If you have thinning hair, you are more likely to experience scalp sunburn. This is because your hair provides less protection from the sun’s UV rays. As your hair continues to thin, you will need to increase the level of protection you provide for your scalp.
Scalp sun protection
The best way to protect your scalp from the sun is to cover it. A hat or scarf can provide excellent protection, but it’s important to choose a hat with a tight weave that will block out UV rays. Straw hats and mesh-backed truckers’ hats, for example, may not be as effective at blocking UV light.
If you don’t want to wear a hat, you can apply sunscreen or sunblock to your scalp. However, it can be difficult to get even coverage with sunscreen, and it may also coat your hair.
The best time of day to protect your scalp from the sun is between 10 AM and 4 PM. This is when UV rays are the most intense.
Conclusion
Your scalp is susceptible to sunburn just like any skin on your body. You can protect your scalp from the sun by avoiding the sun, applying sunscreen, and covering it with a hat or scarf. A hat with a tight weave will provide the best protection.
Apply sunscreen to your scalp 30 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours, or more often if you are swimming or sweating. If you have thinning hair, you may need to apply sunscreen more often.
If you get a sunburn on your scalp, take a cool shower and apply a cold compress to the affected area. Avoid scratching the sunburn and see a doctor if it is severe.
