Sunburn

Sunburn is a visible reaction of the skin's exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation or UV light sources. Ultraviolet rays can also cause invisible damage to the skin. Excessive and/or multiple sunburns cause premature aging of the skin and may lead to skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the US and exposure to the sun is a leading cause of skin cancer. 

Children often spend a good part of their day playing outdoors in the sun, especially during the summer. Children who have fair skin, moles, or freckles, or who have a family history of skin cancer, are more likely to develop skin cancer in later years.

UV rays are strongest during the summer months when the sun is directly overhead (normally between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.).

What are the symptoms of sunburn?

The following are common symptoms of sunburn:

• Redness
• Swelling of the skin
• Pain
• Blisters
• Fever
• Chills
• Dry, itching, and peeling skin days after the burn
• The symptoms of sunburn may resemble other skin conditions. Always consult your child's doctor for a diagnosis.

First aid for sunburn

• Have your child take a cool bath or use cool compresses on the sunburned area.
• Give your child acetaminophen or ibuprofen for discomfort. Be sure to follow the directions on the container.
• Apply a topical moisturizer, aloe gel or hydrocortisone ointment to sunburned skin.
• If blisters are present, do not break them open, as infection can occur.
• Keep your child out of the sun until the burn is healed.
• Give your child extra fluid for several days to avoid dehydration. 

When should I call my child's doctor?

Specific treatment for sunburn will be determined by your child's doctor and may depend on the severity of the sunburn. In general, call your child's doctor if:

• The sunburn is severe or forms blisters.
• Your child has symptoms such as fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, or fainting.

Preventing sunburn

Protection from the sun should start at birth and continue throughout your child's life.

The best way to prevent sunburn in children over 6 months of age is to follow the A, B, Cs recommended by The American Academy of Dermatology:

What are sunscreens?

Sunscreens protect the skin against sunburns and play an important role in blocking the penetration of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. However, no sunscreen blocks UV radiation 100 percent.

Terms used on sunscreen labels can be confusing. The protection provided by a sunscreen is indicated by the sun protection factor (SPF) listed on the product label.

How to use sunscreens

A sunscreen protects from sunburn and minimizes suntan by absorbing or blocking UV rays. Using sunscreens correctly is important in protecting the skin. Consider the following recommendations:

• Choose a sunscreen for children and test it on your child's wrist before using. If your child develops skin or eye irritation, choose another brand. Apply the sunscreen very carefully around the eyes.
• Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that filters out both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays.
• Apply sunscreen to all exposed areas of skin, including those easily overlooked areas, such as the rims of the ears, the lips, the back of the neck, and tops of the feet.
• Use sunscreen for all children over 6 months of age, regardless of skin or complexion type, because all skin types need protection from UV rays. Even dark-skinned children can have painful sunburns.
• Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going out into the sun to give it time to work. Use it liberally and reapply it at least every 2 hours, as well as after swimming. Remember, sunscreen is not just for the beach. Use it when your child is playing outdoors in the yard or participating in sports.
• Use a waterproof or water-resistant sunscreen.
• Use of a sunscreen with SPF of 30 or higher offers substantial protection from sunburn. Talk with your older child or teenager about using sunscreen and why it's important. Set a good example for them by using sunscreen yourself.
• Teach your teenager to avoid tanning beds and salons. Most tanning beds and salons use ultraviolet-A bulbs. Research has shown that UVA rays may contribute to premature aging of the skin and skin cancer.
• For children younger than 6 months, parents should still try to avoid sun exposure and dress the child in lightweight clothing that covers most surface areas of skin. 

Always consult your child's doctor for more information.