The Sunny Side of Care: Treating Children's Sunburns

Summer is commonly known as “sunburn season,” but it’s essential to recognize that sunburns can happen year-round – even on cloudy days, which can often be the most deceptive. Sun protection should be part of every season, as ultraviolet (UV) rays remain strong enough to cause damage, even in winter.

Sunburns are not only a painful inconvenience for kids – they can lead to health complications like heat-related illnesses, or skin cancer later in life. Amid the excitement of outdoor play, it’s easy to forget to reapply sunscreen. However, it is crucial for parents to stay vigilant, recognizing sunburn symptoms, treating them appropriately, and knowing when to seek medical attention.

When to Use Sunscreen 

Sunburn can sneak up on a child even during the fall, winter and cloudy days. They occur when the skin is exposed to UV radiation from the sun for a longer period of time than the skin’s melanin can protect it. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, children over six months old should use broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 to 50 for optimal protection.

When buying sunscreen for children, it is important to recognize what sunscreen is best for your child and their skin. Check the label for sunscreen that has:

• SPF of 30 to 50
• Protects against UVA and UVB rays 
• Water resistant for at least 40 to 80 minutes

Children’s skin is thinner and more delicate than adults. Over time, sun damage can accumulate when not protected. Using sunscreen with these key elements at an early age minimizes the risk of future skin problems, like skin cancer, as they age to adulthood. 

Different Types of Sunscreens

There are two categories of sunscreen that help minimize the risk of sunburns. 

• Mineral Sunscreen: This type of sunscreen contains zinc or titanium and is designed to stay on top of the skin and act as a barrier to the sun’s rays. Mineral sunscreen starts to work as soon as it is applied but can come off easily from water or sweat.
• Chemical Sunscreen: This type of sunscreen protects the skin by absorbing the sun’s rays, converts the rays into heat, then release the heat from the skin. It is absorbed into the top layer of the skin rather than sitting on it. It doesn’t wash off as easily but takes 15 to 30 minutes before it becomes effective. 

Mineral sunscreens are recommended because they offer the most protection by creating a barrier between your skin and the sun, reducing the risk of sunburns. They are also recommended for acne-prone or sensitive skin because the ingredients are gentler on the skin, rather than chemical sunscreen. 

Can Sunscreen Be Used on Babies?

Sunscreen is typically not recommended for children under six months old. Instead, parents can protect infants by:

• Seeking Shade: Use stroller covers and avoid direct sunlight during peak hours (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.).
• Dressing Infants in UV-protective Clothing: Look for labels with a high UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor).
• Minimal Sunscreen Use: For unavoidable exposure, apply a small amount of mineral-based sunscreen on exposed areas like the face or back of the hands. Always consult with a pediatrician for guidance.

Recognizing and Treating Mild Sunburns

A mild sunburn typically manifests as red, warm skin for those with paler skin tones and darker patches for individuals with darker skin. Common symptoms include itching, a hot sensation, soreness, and slight pain when touched. If a child exhibits these symptoms, get them out of the sun immediately. Seeking shade or going indoors can prevent the sunburn from worsening. 

Parents can take several steps to treat a mild sunburn at home: 

• Cool the Affected Area: A cool (not cold) shower can help alleviate pain, heat and soreness. 
• Apply Moisturizer: After cooling the skin, apply a moisturizing cream or aloe vera to soothe the burn.
• Stay Hydrated: Sunburns cause dehydration by drawing fluid away from the body. Encourage children to drink an extra two cups of water daily for the next two to three days to aid in recovery. 
• Reapply Sunscreen: Severe sunburns can happen when a sunscreen is not reapplied consistently. Apply generous amounts of sunscreen every two hours to prevent sunburns. It is important to recognize that reapplying sunscreen does not reset the total amount of time you can spend outdoors for that day, nor allows you to stay in the sun for an unlimited length of time.
• Use Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen can help manage pain and swelling. Consult with the child’s primary care physician for an appropriate dosage. 

When to Seek Medical Attention for Sunburn

While mild sunburns are generally manageable at home, severe sunburns require immediate medical attention. Symptoms of severe sunburns include:

• Extensive redness
• Darker patches for darker skin tones
• Blisters 
• Facial swelling
• Nausea
• Fever and chills
• Dizziness or confusion

If any of these symptoms occur, notify your child’s primary care doctor and seek medical help. Severe sunburns can lead to serious complications, like heat-related illnesses, if not treated promptly. 

Preventing Future Sunburns

To protect children from the harmful effects of sunburns, parents and guardians should adopt preventative measures. 

Parents can prevent sunburns on their children by:

• Using Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen: Apply one teaspoon of broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to the face and neck, and nine teaspoons on the whole body. Reapply every two hours, or more frequently if swimming or sweating.
• Wearing Protective Clothing: Dress children in lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and wide brimmed hats. Clothes with UV protection is particularly effective.
• Seeking Shade: Especially between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when UV rays are strongest. 
• Monitoring UV Index: Check the daily UV index to gauge the strength of UV rays and plan outdoor activities accordingly. 

Educating Children on Sun Protection

Empowering children to understand the value of sunscreen and sun safety fosters lifelong habits. Engaging in age-appropriate conversations about why sunscreen matters can help them appreciate the importance of protecting their skin. Make it a part of their morning routine to put on sunscreen daily even if they aren’t sure they will be spending a ton of time outside and teach them to reapply if they are scheduled to spend time in the sun or water. 

Stay Safe and Enjoy the Outside 

By recognizing the signs of sunburn and following preventive measures, parents can help their children enjoy the seasons while minimizing the risks associated with extreme sun exposure.

At Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital, our certified dermatologists and pediatric specialists are committed to comprehensive care and advanced treatment to ensure children can continue to enjoy the great outdoors safely and healthily. From effective prevention tips to expert care for more serious reactions, we are dedicated to keeping kids safe, happy, and sunburn free.