Getting sunburned on your scalp can be extremely dangerous because the scalp is covered with sensitive nerve endings and sunburn will be very painful. In many cases, melanoma, a deadly skin cancer, develops on the scalp. Normally, skin will replace itself about every 30 days, so minor sunburned scalp can be treated by:
Taking an ant-inflammatory medication, like ibuprofen, to reduce redness and discomfort.
Applying soothing nonfragranced lotions that contain aloe vera or topical steroids, such as 1% hydrocortisone cream to help with sunburn pain and swelling.
Applying cold compresses or immersing the sunburned area in cool water.
Avoiding hair dryers, sharp bristle brushes, and styling aids containing alcohol, which can irritate the scalp while healing.
Extreme Cases of Sunburned Scalp Can Trigger Psoriasis
In extreme cases known as Koebner’s Phenomenon, any injury to the scalp or skin caused by severe sunburn, cuts, or scratches, may trigger a type of psoriasis within 10 to 14 days after the sunburn. Other types of psoriasis can occur when the skin tries to regenerate itself within 4 to 5 days. When psoriasis occurs on the scalp after sunburn, it is usually mistaken for dandruff and can be hard to treat.
There is no cure for psoriasis, but there are some effective remedies for the itchy, scaly symptoms on your scalp. Depending on your age, health, lifestyle, and severity of the sunburn and psoriasis, a dermatologist may prescribe different treatments for the scalp:
Cortisone medications in strong doses to reduce inflammation on the scalp may be prescribed. You should be careful about taking these and make sure you follow the doctor’s orders because stopping the medication could cause a flare up of the psoriasis. Side effects of strong dozes of cortisone include skin thinning, skin color changes, bruising, stretch marks, and dilated blood vessels.
There are other more complex remedies for scalp psoriasis caused by sunburned scalp. These remedies involve injections, light treatments, and other medications. For more information about the side effects of these remedies and how they are used to treat scalp psoriasis, visit the American Academy of Dermatology web site (click here).
Keeping Your Scalp Healthy After Sunburn
After your scalp goes through the shock of sunburn, it needs to recover and rebuild using natural sources of vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids. Help your scalp recover from sunburn by eating salmon, spinach, carrots, Brazil nuts, oysters, walnuts, low-fat dairy products, whole grains, and vegetables. These hair and scalp healthy foods are also great for your heart!
Your scalp is covered with nerve endings that make it super-sensitive to touch. After your sunburned scalp begins to heal, rubbing your scalp will increase the blood flow and releases tension. It also triggers your brain to release feel-good hormones like dopamine and serotonin.
The best remedy for sunburned scalp is not to get sunburned. Wear a hat any time you are in the sun for more than 10 minutes, especially if your hair is thinning.
Sources:
What Your Hair and Scalp Say About Your Health
Web MD
http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/slideshow-hair-and-scalp-conditions
American Academy of Dermatology
Koebner’s Phenomenon
http://www.aad.org/public/publications/pamphlets/common_psoriasis.html
