Blondie,
My daughter works for a chain of tanning salons. I asked her opinion. Itching is very common from over result of burning in a bed. There are two different types of bulbs UVA, and UVB bulbs. The first is what they advise as a starter regardless your complexion if you havent been in the sun or tanning bed for awhile, and a very short interval, they allow 5 min max. The stronger bulb is the UVB, this should only be used after someone as a very good base tan, and again, starts at short interval. Dehydration is also component in itching, the dry skin. Moisturers are crucial to keep the skin hydrated. Also mentions that they have a drug list a mile long that they will not permit anyone in the beds if they are on certain medications, as that will cause burning regardless of the time. Just be cautious in suntanning, or artifical tans. The scratching of the dry area could cause the rash look, by irritating it more. You would have a blotched look.
I agree with Danielle to contact your pharmacy about benadryl to relive this, and if you plan on tanning further, inquire as to which bulbs are being used, and start slow. Ie, dont get into a UVB bed first, they might be telling you oh our beds have new bulbs, etc. but are they the right bulbs for you, and reputable salons avoid clients burning as much as possible.
Trish
