Category: 5. Sunburn

A sunscreen protects from sunburn and minimizes suntan by absorbing 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…

There are two main types of sunscreen, and each protects the skin in different ways. Chemical sunscreens, the subject of the FDA study, absorb the sun’s harmful rays, acting like a sponge. On the labels of these sunscreens you’ll see such active ingredients as avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene, homosalate, octisalate and octinoxate. Physical (or mineral) 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. A…

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: Away Stay away from the sun in the middle of the day. This is…

Specific treatment for sunburn will be determined by your child’s primary care provider and may depend on the severity of the sunburn. In general, call your child’s primary care provider if: The sunburn is severe or forms blisters. Your child has symptoms of heat stress such as fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, or feeling faint.

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, hydrocortisone cream, or a topical pain reliever to sunburned skin. If blisters are present, do not break…

The following are the most common symptoms of sunburn. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include: Redness Swelling of the skin Pain Blisters Fever Chills Weakness, confusion, or faintness Dry, itching, and peeling skin days after the burn The symptoms of sunburn may resemble other skin conditions. Always consult your child’s primary care…

Sunburn is a visible reaction of the skin’s exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation or UV light sources (invisible rays that are part of sunlight) such as tanning salons. Ultraviolet rays can also cause invisible damage to the skin. Excessive and/or multiple sunburns cause premature aging of the skin and lead to skin cancer. Skin cancer is…