Here's Help: Mild Sunburn In Children

Time in the sun has made your child's skin red and painful.

No matter how careful you are, sunburns can happen to anyone with any color skin.

But people with fair skin are especially at risk.

A mild sunburn may have a couple of small blisters.

But when it has a number of large, deep blisters, that sunburn needs to be seen by a doctor.

But if it's a mild sunburn, here's what you can do at home.

Ease your child's pain with a cool cloth on the area.

Or have your child take cool showers or baths.

If your child is older than 2 years, you can use a lotion with aloe vera in it.

Lotion can help the itching when the skin peels.

You can't do much to stop skin from peeling.

That's just how sunburns heal.

Sometimes a sunburn can cause a mild fever and a headache.

If that happens, have your child lie down in a cool, quiet room.

The headache may be caused by dehydration, so have them drink plenty of fluids, like water or milk.

Don't give your child fruit juice or soda pop.

There's just too much sugar and not enough of the minerals that their body needs.

Here are a few things to watch for, just in case.

Call your doctor if it looks like your child is dehydrated.

For example, they may have sunken eyes with few tears, a dry mouth with little or no spit, or no urine for 6 hours.

Watch for signs of infection, such as increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness near the sunburned area; red streaks leading from the area; pus draining from the area; or a fever.

To avoid getting a sunburn, here are some things you can do.

Keep babies younger than 6 months out of the sun.

Use and reapply sunscreen no matter the skin color.

Have your child wear a hat and sunglasses.

And avoid being outside during the hottest, sunniest times of the day.

A mild sunburn is easily taken care of at home, but you know your child best.

If you have any questions or concerns, you can always call your doctor.