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What can be done about sunburn on the scalp?

Sunburn, which is a type of burn, leads to unfortunate consequences for the skin: redness, itching, and pain. The scalp is one of the areas most exposed to the sun. The risk of sunburn in this area is significant. Discover the solutions to prevent sunburn on the scalp.

Summary
Published April 20, 2022, updated on October 4, 2024, by Sandrine, Scientific Editor — 5 min read
Scalp
Sunburn

Sunburn: What is it?

UVB rays, which penetrate the dermis minimally, are responsible for tanning and sunburn, also known as actinic erythema. At the skin level, a sunburn manifests as a burn causing redness, pain with itching (pruritus) and the possible appearance of blisters (phlyctene). This reaction appears8 to 24 hours after exposure to the sun.

It is important to note that sunburn can occur without direct exposure to the sun. Indeed, UVB rays are present regardless of the weather and they are reflected by water, sand, and snow.

Sunburn increases the risk of premature skin ageing and the development of skin cancers, particularly melanomas, due to UVA and UVB rays which are genotoxic (the ability of radiation to compromise the physical or functional integrity of the genome).

With the nose, forehead, cheeks, and shoulders, the scalp is an area highly exposed to the sun. Therefore, the risk of sunburn is very significant in this area.

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The risk factors of sunburn on the scalp.

  • Age : Children burn 4 times faster than adults because their skin is thinner. Therefore, infants under 12 months should not be exposed to UV rays.

  • Light phototypes : Indeed, the lighter your phototype, the higher the risk of sunburn. Phototypes I to III are the most vulnerable.

  • Individuals with thinning hair or those experiencing total or partial baldness: They are at a higher risk due to reduced protection provided by the hair.

  • The use of photosensitising molecules : Whether in medications (such as isotretinoin for example) or in dermocosmetics (like hair care products containing AHA or BHA), the sensitivity of your skin to UV rays will be increased with a heightened risk of sunburn.

  • The lack of sun protection : Sun protection for the hair and scalp is often overlooked. However, it is necessary to protect your scalp from sunburn.

  • The lack of protective clothing : Wearing a cap or a hat will protect your scalp from the harmful effects of UV rays.

The correct actions to take after a sunburn on the scalp.

  • Firstly, it is necessary to cool the burn in order to alleviate the pain and prevent it from spreading further. Apply damp compresses for 15 to 30 minutes.

  • Then apply aloe vera gel to soothe redness and pain.

  • Avoid any further prolonged and repeated exposure to the sun's rays during your healing period.

  • Wear a cap or a hat to protect the burn from further damage by UV rays.

  • Rehydrate your body. Indeed, drinking water proves to be crucial in the event of sunburn. Hydration contributes to faster healing. Therefore, it is essential to drink more than usual (at least 2 litres).

  • Let the regeneration take its course. After a sunburn, the skin will naturally regenerate. Therefore, avoid scratching the peeling skin to remove it.

Preventive measures to avoid sunburn on the scalp.

  • Avoid exposure to the sun between 10 am and 4 pm, a period when UV rays are at their most intense.

  • Apply a sun oil to your entire hair 30 minutes before exposure and reapply every 2 hours.

  • Wear a cap or a hat throughout the entire duration of exposure.

Please note : These preventative measures should be adopted by everyone.

Sources:

  • BERTHELEMY S. Advice to a patient complaining of sunburn. Pharmaceutical News (2013).

  • YUENG H. & al. Frequency of Sunburn and Risk and Protective Factors: A Cross-Sectional Survey. Dermatology Online Journal (2021).

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