The arrival of good weather brings with it the perfect opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities and spend time with the family.
However, those warm summer days also increase the risk of sunburn, especially among the most vulnerable: children.
That is why it is essential to remember the importance of sun protection for babies and toddlers.
Children’s skin is particularly sensitive to sunburn, which can cause both short and long-term problems.
Learn more about the potential dangers of sunburn, and how to prevent and treat sunburn in children in the warm summer months.
Why is Children’s Skin More Vulnerable to Sunburn?
Children’s skin is quite different from that of adults in ways that tend to make them more susceptible to sunburn.
Here are a few of the reasons children are more easily sunburnt than adults:
- Thinner Skin: A child’s epidermis is thinner, which allows solar radiation to penetrate more easily.
- Lower Melanin Levels: Melanin is the pigment that protects the skin from sun damage. Children have less melanin, which increases the risk of sunburn.
- Developing Immune System: Children’s skin is still maturing, which means that its ability to repair itself is more limited than in adults.
The Risks of Sunburn in Childhood
Sunburn isn’t a mere cosmetic problem. It can have both short and long terms consequences beyond redness and minor irritation.
Short-term risks include:
- Tenderness and Swelling: The skin may tender, swollen, and sore to the touch.
- Blisters: In severe cases, skin may blister and peel, increasing healing time.
- Fever and Malaise: Some children may experience fever and lethargy.
In the long term, sunburn may increase the risk of the following conditions:
- Skin Cancer: Repeated sun exposure in childhood is associated with an increased risk of melanoma and other skin cancers in adulthood.
- Premature Skin Aging: Deep wrinkles, rough skin, age spots, and red veins can all be a result of excessive sun exposure.
Key Prevention Strategies
There’s no question that preventing sunburn is a crucial aspect of ensuring your child’s health.
Here are some key sunburn prevention strategies to remember:
- Sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 to your children before exposing them to the sun. Be sure to apply generously to all exposed areas, and repeat every two hours, as well as after swimming. The first application should be done at least 30 minutes before sun exposure.
- Protective Clothing: When possible, dress your children in long-sleeved clothing with a wide-brimmed hat. You may also want to consider UV-protective clothing that offers additional defense against the sun’s rays.
- Avoid Peak Sun Hours: Try to keep your children out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s radiation is most intense.
- Keep Kids Hydrated: Make sure your child drinks enough water throughout the day, especially on hot days. Hydration helps prevent sunstroke and also helps to keep skin healthy.
Recognizing Early Signs of Sunburn in Children
The best way to protect your children is not to expose them to the sun without proper protection.
However, sometimes sunburns happen despite a parent’s best efforts. If you’re worried your child is developing a sunburn, look for these signs:
- Reddened Skin: The affected skin may become red or inflamed.
- Feeling of Warmth: Burned skin usually feels warm to the touch.
- Pain or Itching: Children may complain their skin hurts or feels itchy.
Steps to Take When You Notice Sunburn
If you observe any of the symptoms of a sunburn, here are some steps you can take immediately to help soothe your child’s sunburnt skin:
- Cool the Skin: take the child to a cool, shady place. Apply a cold compress to the affected skin to relieve pain.
- Hydrate: Ensure your child drinks enough water. This will help replenish liquid that has been lost due to sun exposure.
- Avoid Further Exposure: Keep your child out of the sun until the skin has completely healed.
Home Remedies for Sunburn Relief
In most cases, sunburn can be treated at home with some simple, natural remedies to help promote healing.
Try these three methods to treat sunburn in children that will alleviate discomfort and sooth the skin:
- Aloe Vera: The gel produced by the Aloe Vera plant is an excellent natural sunburn remedy that moisturizes and soothes irritated skin. Apply it directly to the affected area several times a day.
- Oatmeal Baths: Oatmeal powder baths, or colloidal oatmeal, can help relieve itching and irritation. Just add the powder to cool bath water and let your child soak for 15-20 minutes.
- Continuous Moisturizing: Unscented moisturizing lotions or creams that contain soothing ingredients such as calamine or coconut oil can help keep sunburnt skin moisturized and promote healing.
While an occasional sunburn can sometimes be inevitable, it’s important to be as vigilant as possible to protect your little one’s delicate skin from harmful UV rays.
Sunscreen with a high SPF and appropriate clothing are an essential part of preventing sunburn, so make it a habit to be vigilant about their use.
If your child does get a sunburn that’s especially severe, or you have any concerns about how to treat sunburn in children, it’s always a smart idea to visit your family doctor for advice.
With a little effort and care, you’ll be able to enjoy the sun with peace of mind, knowing that you’ve done everything you need to protect your child’s delicate skin.