I have spent today… itching.
You see, Friday I did a stupid. I took advantage of the sunny day to go down by the pool and soak up some rays, listen to a few podcasts, enjoy the pool, and people watch. I ended up soaking up a few too many rays, and my whole upper chest and legs look like a lobster (trust me, you don’t want pictures). I was OK yesterday, but today has brought on extremely intense itching as the skin is starting to heal.
So far, I have tried (topically) aloe vera gel and lotions and baths in epsom salts and lavender… neither have provided long term relief. Ibuprofin has helped a little, and I have just resorted to a Benedryl and a T3 (the pain was that bad)… and it is now down to somewhat bearable. Following some advice I found in a discussion thread, Karen is out picking up some peppermint oil to see if that will help. I’m guessing it is going to be a long night; hopefully it will calm down tomorrow for a more enjoyable last day in Las Vegas.
(Luckily, this didn’t impact today too much, as it was a down day for Karen to take her arthritis meds, and Erin to study for finals).
OK, if you insist on a picture:
If anything, this has taught me a lesson: as much as I think I don’t need it, I must put on sunblock!
Try Sarna lotion. I’m perpetually itchy from extremely dry skin, and this is what the hospital uses. It is available OTC but you’ll have to ask.
Thanks. Hopefully the peppermint oil will help — it is similar to the active ingredients in Sarna (Menthol and Camphor).