Dr Olson Huff and his team of experts provide you with up to date information about your child’s health. In our health section you can find tips on common childhood ailments such as diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Find out how to prepare your child for visits to the doctor or dentist and hints on how to care for your sick child or baby.
Sunburn
Don’t let the sun spoil your vacation or weekend get-a-way. The skin of small children burns easily.
Remember, everyone can get sunburn and it is no fun! Children will burn more easily than adults, so keep them covered or out of the bright rays of the summer sun. Repeated exposure to the sun may lead to skin cancers and that is just one more reason to be careful of just how much fun in the sun is needed!
Follow these rules for a safer sun-filled day
- Go to the beach in the cooler parts of the day – before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m.
- Apply sunscreen or sun block liberally.
- Use one with a sun protective factor (SPF) above 15.
- Use hats and long sleeve shirts and pants if out in the very hot part of the day.
- Remember that sunrays “bounce” so just being under the beach umbrella is not a guarantee of protection.
Symptoms
- Bright red skin
- Painful areas where skin is red and has not been protected from the sun
- Blisters
- In more severe cases, fever
Treatment
- Apply cool compresses to the burned areas.
- Do not puncture blisters if they are present. This can lead to infection of the skin.
- Use acetaminophen or ibuprophen for relief of significant discomfort.
- Soothing lotions may be used. Topical anesthetics should be used only on medical advice.
Call the Doctor if
- Blistering occurs.
- Fever is noted.
- Skin becomes infected or “weeps.”
Remember, everyone can get sunburn and it is no fun! Children will burn more easily than adults, so keep them covered or out of the bright rays of the summer sun. Repeated exposure to the sun may lead to skin cancers and that is just one more reason to be careful of just how much fun in the sun is needed!
Related Tips
- Sun safety
- Spending time outdoors is wonderful for young children and babies.
- more
- Outdoor play learning opportunities (ages 2-4)
- The great outdoors are full of learning opportunities. Take advantage of your backyard and beyond to have fun and learn.
- more
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