You thought the sunburn was bad… and then the itching started. Not just any itch—an intense, maddening, can’t-sit-still, claw-your-skin-off kind of itch. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. It’s called Hells Itch, and yes, it’s as awful as it sounds.
Let’s break down what it is, why it happens, and how to calm it.
What Is Hells Itch?
Hells Itch is an extreme itching sensation that usually begins 24–72 hours after getting a moderate to severe sunburn. It’s not a typical itch. People describe it as deep, burning, stabbing, pins & needles, even like being tortured by fire ants or electric shocks. Sometimes it’s accompanied by tingling or shooting pain. It often hits the back and shoulders—where burns are common and skin is especially sensitive. Only about 10 of people who get sunburns have the misfortune to experience Hells Itch.
Why Does It Happen?
Hell’s Itch is believed to be caused by:
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Nerve Damage from UV Exposure: Sunburn irritates the nerve endings in your skin. As your skin begins to heal, the nerves "reboot," sending misfired signals that your brain interprets as intense itching.
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Inflammation and Skin Barrier Breakdown: The skin’s protective barrier is weakened by UV damage, allowing moisture loss and increased sensitivity.
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Microbiome Disruption: A healthy skin microbiome helps regulate inflammation. When that ecosystem is out of balance, your skin’s healing response may become overactive—and more uncomfortable.
What NOT to Do
Avoid heavily fragranced or alcohol-based products. They’ll burn like crazy and irritate skin even more. Most Aloe gels have alcohol - check the label.
Avoid products with chemicals. Your skin’s microbiome has been disrupted and chemicals, including most preservatives, will only disrupt it more.
Skip the typical cooling methods. Cool air, cold showers don’t make it feel better because the pain from hells itch is internal, not topical. Your skin needs treatment below the surface.
What Helps Calm Hell’s Itch
1. A Prebiotic After-Sun Spray (like Sol Aid)
Sol Aid’s apple cider vinegar base helps rebalance your skin’s microbiome, while essential oils like chamomile, calendula, and lavender calm inflammation and hydrate damaged skin. Peppermint oil provides a cooling sensation below the surface. Sol Aid is a gentle mist—no rubbing required.
2. Gentle Moisturizers
Apply fragrance-free, chemical-free lotion regularly to reduce dryness and help skin repair itself.
3. ACV Baths
ACV (apple cider vinegar) helps balance pH and reduce irritation. Sol Aid uses both ideas: the calming power of ACV + soothing oils, without the mess.
2. Hot Shower
Not a recommended solution, but some people have found hot showers help to dull the excruciating stabbing sensations from hells itch.
5. Antihistamines (if approved by your doctor)
Oral antihistamines can reduce the itch sensation for some people. Always check with a healthcare provider first.
Preventing Hells Itch Next Time
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Avoid prolonged sun exposure, especially between 10am–4pm.
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Use broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen.
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Cover up with clothing and hats.
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If you get sunburned, act fast—apply Sol Aid immediately to calm inflammation and support your skin’s microbiome before the itch sets in.
Final Thoughts
Hells Itch feels like your skin is fighting back—but it’s really a sign that your body is trying to heal. With the right care, you can calm the fire, restore your skin, and get back to enjoying the sun without the suffering.
For more info, or to talk with us about Hell’s Itch, follow us @SunburnStinks on most major socials and send us a DM or comment on our posts. We’d love to help and find our more about how you dealt with Hells Itch.
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