Sharp painful stings that come and go weeks after sunburn. What are these stings & could they be related to the sunburn?(photo)

Question

Early January I had a sunburn at the back of my neck. Weeks after treating it with some after sun lotion, I began to experience these sharp painful stings in the back of my neck where I burned. It comes and goes and my neck is still sore today from that burn. What are these stings and could they be related to the sunburn?

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

The sharp, painful stings you are experiencing weeks after a sunburn could indeed be related to the initial sunburn. This type of sensation is often associated with nerve irritation or damage caused by the sunburn. When the skin is significantly burned, it can affect not only the surface layers but also the deeper layers, where nerve endings reside. Here are a few potential explanations for the symptoms:

Nerve Irritation or Damage: Sunburn can cause inflammation that affects nerve endings, leading to sharp, sting-like pain even after the visible signs of the burn have healed.

Post-Inflammatory Hyperalgesia: This condition refers to increased sensitivity to pain after the skin has been inflamed, such as from a sunburn. It can cause ongoing discomfort as the skin heals.

Delayed Healing or Secondary Infection: If the sunburn was severe, healing might take longer, and sometimes secondary infections can develop, leading to prolonged soreness and discomfort.

Sunburn Itch (Hell’s Itch): Although more commonly associated with itching, some people experience severe discomfort and stinging sensations as the skin heals from a sunburn.

To manage your symptoms:

Moisturize: Continue using a good moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated.
Cool Compresses: Apply cool compresses to the affected area to soothe the skin.
Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce discomfort.
Avoid Sun Exposure: Protect the area from further sun exposure by covering it or using sunscreen.
If the pain persists or if you notice any signs of infection (such as increased redness, swelling, or pus), consider consulting a healthcare professional for further evaluation.

Sharp painful stings that come and go weeks after sunburn. What are these stings & could they be related to the sunburn?(photo)

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Sharp painful stings that come and go weeks after sunburn. What are these stings & could they be related to the sunburn?(photo)

Answers (1)

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Everything you need to know about Laser Resurfacing

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