Download ArticleDownload ArticleThis article was co-authored by Mohiba Tareen, MD and by How.com.vn staff writer, Jessica Gibson. Mohiba Tareen is a board certified Dermatologist and the founder of Tareen Dermatology located in Roseville, Maplewood and Faribault, Minnesota. Dr. Tareen completed medical school at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where she was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. While a dermatology resident at Columbia University in New York City, she won the Conrad Stritzler award of the New York Dermatologic Society and was published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Dr. Tareen then completed a procedural fellowship which focused on dermatologic surgery, laser, and cosmetic dermatology.
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It's easy to forget, but your scalp can get sunburned just like the rest of your skin! If it's too late and you've already got a red, tender scalp, the good news is there are things you can do to soothe your skin and quickly feel better. Read through our great suggestions for moisturizing and protecting your scalp as it heals.
Steps
Expert Q&A
- QuestionWhat can I do to make my sunburn heal faster?
Mohiba Tareen, MDMohiba Tareen is a board certified Dermatologist and the founder of Tareen Dermatology located in Roseville, Maplewood and Faribault, Minnesota. Dr. Tareen completed medical school at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where she was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. While a dermatology resident at Columbia University in New York City, she won the Conrad Stritzler award of the New York Dermatologic Society and was published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Dr. Tareen then completed a procedural fellowship which focused on dermatologic surgery, laser, and cosmetic dermatology.
FAAD Board Certified DermatologistLook for over-the-counter vitamin D and try to take it within an hour of getting your sunburn to speed up your recovery. - QuestionWho do I do if it starts bleeding?
Chris M. Matsko, MDDr. Chris M. Matsko is a retired physician based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With over 25 years of medical research experience, Dr. Matsko was awarded the Pittsburgh Cornell University Leadership Award for Excellence. He holds a BS in Nutritional Science from Cornell University and an MD from the Temple University School of Medicine in 2007. Dr. Matsko earned a Research Writing Certification from the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) in 2016 and a Medical Writing & Editing Certification from the University of Chicago in 2017.
Family Medicine PhysicianMake sure that you are moisturizing the sunburn. It will get dry, cracked, and bleed if not moisturized.
Tips
- Be gentle when you brush your hair and avoid directly touching your scalp. If you've got long hair, don't pull it back tight or your scalp may hurt.Thanks
- Check your local pharmacy for a sunscreen that you can spray onto your scalp. This can be easier to use if you have a lot of hair.Thanks
- If you're taking medication, find out if they cause sensitivity to sunlight. You may need to keep out of the sun as long as you're on the medication.Thanks
Warnings
- As tempting as it is, don't put ice cubes directly onto your scalp—you could damage your sensitive skin.[13]Thanks
- If you get a scalp sunburn and also feel confused, can't drink, or have a temperature of 104 °F (40 °C), you may have heat exhaustion. Get emergency medical attention since you're probably also dehydrated.[14]Thanks
References
- ↑ Mohiba Tareen, MD. FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist. Expert Interview. 26 March 2020.
- ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/ice-packs-vs-warm-compresses-for-pain
- ↑ https://www.skincancer.org/risk-factors/sunburn/
- ↑ http://www.skincancer.org/prevention/sunburn/five-ways-to-treat-a-sunburn
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003227.htm
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/injured-skin/burns/treat-sunburn
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/dermatology-a-to-z/for-kids/about-skin/skin-cancer/treating-sunburn
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-the-color-of-your-urine-says-about-you-infographic/
- ↑ Mohiba Tareen, MD. FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist. Expert Interview. 26 March 2020.
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/injured-skin/burns/treat-sunburn
- ↑ https://stylecaster.com/sunburned-scalp/
- ↑ https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003227.htm
- ↑ https://www.skincancer.org/risk-factors/sunburn/
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-heat-exhaustion/basics/art-20056651
About This Article
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.
The best way to deal with a scalp sunburn is to apply a cold compress to soothe discomfort and a moisturizer to speed up healing. You should also drink plenty of water to keep your skin even more hydrated. While you’re healing, don’t pick at the burn, avoid additional sun exposure, and avoid heat-styling your hair to prevent further irritation. Scroll down for advice from our Medical reviewer on how to know when you should see a doctor.
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