If you buy something through a link on this page, we may earn a small commission. How this works. What is hell’s itch? It’s happened to many of us. You’ve had a beautiful day outside only to wind up with a less than ideal souvenir — a sunburn. For some people, an already uncomfortable condition can morph into something known to be so unpleasant that it’s been dubbed “hell’s itch.” Aptly named to convey its severity, hell’s itch refers to a painful itchiness that can emerge a few days after a sunburn. Although limited research on the condition makes it hard to know exactly how common this is, some guesses suggest 5 to 10 percent of people have dealt with this. We do know that sunburns themselves are extremely common.

What are the symptoms of hell’s itch? Hell’s itch symptoms go beyond that of a typical sunburn. It typically shows up anywhere from 24 to 72 hours after being in the sun. Many people report experiencing it on their shoulders and back, perhaps because these are areas that get a lot of sun exposure. These areas may not always receive enough SPF protection, which can lead to sunburn. It’s not a bad idea to ask someone to help out with these hard to reach spots! Experiencing itchiness or skin peeling after too much sun exposure isn’t unusual. This itch, though, is reported to go beyond that and is known to be extremely painful. Some people describe an itchiness that’s deep, throbbing, and hard to treat. Other people describe it as if fire ants are crawling and biting at the affected skin.

What causes this itch? It isn’t known why this happens or who may be predisposed to this condition. There’s nothing to indicate that people who have had hell’s itch continue to experience the condition alongside every sunburn. That said, the noted, and obvious, precursor to this itch is time spent in the sun.

Risk factors to consider Although it isn’t clear which factors contribute to hell’s itch, researchers have identified risk factors for sun-related skin damage. People with lighter skin, and those not typically exposed to the sun for long periods of time, are generally more likely to wind up with red skin after a day beside the pool. Everyone can be affected by sun exposure, though damage is more likely to show up on lighter skin. People with darker skin have more melanin. This helps block out some of the more damaging aspects of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. People who spend a lot of time in the mountains may also end up with more sunburns as the sun’s rays can be more intense at higher altitudes.

Diagnosing hell’s itch Most people with this condition do self-diagnose. Much of what’s been written about hell’s itch comes from people on the internet relaying their own experiences with this painful condition. Although it can be extremely unpleasant, hell’s itch isn’t life-threatening and can be treated at home. If your symptoms otherwise worsen or persist over an extended period of time, you should consult your doctor.

What’s the outlook? Discomfort is common in the short term. This itchy sensation is often described as running deep into the skin and being difficult to calm down. It usually pops up about 48 hours after sun exposure and lasts for about as long. That said, the sunburn will eventually clear up and the itch should go with it. Once your skin is back on track, be very careful when it comes to prolonged sun exposure. Covering up with clothing, sitting under umbrellas, and wearing a high SPF sunscreen — that you reapply every 80 minutes — can help keep this from happening again. It’s important to remember to keep an eye on any changes in your skin and to consult your doctor if you notice any pigment or texture changes. Annual skin checks may also be an important addition to your regular healthcare routine. Severe sunburns and continual exposure to the sun increase your risk for skin cancer.