What should parents know about sunburns in children?

Develop good “sun habits” for your baby and your whole family and enjoy sunny days without causing harm to your skin.

Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun cause sun tans, sunburn, and skin cancer. Your skin “remembers” each sunburn and each suntan. Cancer can occur when when your skin has just had too much UV radiation! One million cases of skin cancer develop each year. Malignant melanoma is one of these and is the most common cancer in women 25 to 30 years old. Sun exposure in early childhood and adolescence contributes to skin cancer.

How can baby sunburns be prevented?

The sun's rays are the worst for sunburns between 10 am and 4 pm. Avoid much exposure during these hours. Sun rays also ‘reflect’ off of sand, concrete, and water. Be particularly careful in these areas. Remember, burning sun rays go right through clouds. Use sun protection even on cloudy days!

IN CASE OF A SUNBURN

Call your pediatrician for any burn in infants less than one year old. For children over 1, call your pediatrician if there is blistering, pain, or fever. For all people with burns give plenty of extra fluids and cool soaks for pain. DO NOT apply medicated lotions unless directed by your pediatrician.

PROTECTING YOUR BABY'S SKIN

Baby's skin is thin and delicate and it burns easily! Even infants with naturally darker skin need protection. Also, too much sun can cause fever and dehydration. Follow these rules for protection:

1. Babies under 6 months should be kept out of direct sun-always! Use an umbrella or shade tree for protection.
2. Keep your baby covered with a light T-shirt, hat, and long pants when in direct sunlight. (Don’t forget the hat! That thin hair doesn’t stop much!)
3. Use light clothes with a tight weave to stop the light. Cotton is good for this.
4. Shield your child’s face with the bill of his cap. Child size sunglasses are a good idea, too!
5. Use a waterproof, “broad spectrum” sunscreen that blocks both ‘A’ and ‘B’ types of UV light.
6. Use sunscreen with a protection factor of at least 15.
7. Apply sunscreen every 2 hours if still in the sun. Rub it in well and cover all exposed areas of the skin, especially the face, nose, ears, feet, hands, and even the back of the knees!

SET A GOOD EXAMPLE by using smart sun protection yourself!!

What can prevent bug bites?

Children under 2 years of age should not use any bug product that contains DEET. This excludes use of such products as OFF spray. Avon Skin So Soft lotion is safe and fairly effective. There are also some infant-approved PABA-free lotions. Please check with your pharmacy before buying any of these products for your baby.

Symptoms and Sickness Guide

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