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| Home > Mercy Medical Group > MMG Health Information > Children and Adolescences > Children's First Aid |
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Sunburn |
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DESCRIPTION
Sunburn is due to overexposure of the skin to ultraviolet rays of the sun or
a sun lamp. The symptoms of sunburn do not begin until two to four hours after
the sun’s damage has been done. The peak reaction of pain, redness and swelling
is usually not seen for 24 hours. Prolonged sun exposure can cause blistering,
a second-degree burn. Sunburn never causes a third-degree burn or scarring.
PAIN RELIEF
Adults may use aspirin
or ibuprofen products early and continue taking them regularly for up to two
days to reduce the pain and discomfort
For children, avoid aspirin
and contact your child’s physician for instructions
Apply nonprescription
hydrocortisone cream three times each day to reduce swelling and pain
Apply aloe or moisturizing
cream to reduce peeling
Use cool baths or wet compresses
several times a day
Drink extra water to replace the
fluid lost because of swelling and sunburned skin
Avoid petrolatum or other ointments,
because they keep heat and sweat from escaping
Do not apply butter to the sunburn
Do not use first aid creams
or sprays for burns, they may cause an allergic rash.
PREVENTION
Apply sunscreen anytime you or
your child is going to be outside more than 30 minutes
Wear protective clothing, such
as loose fitting clothes with long sleeves
Try to keep sun exposure to small
amounts
Keep infants out of the sun. Their
skin is thinner and more sensitive to the sun
Sunscreens, longer clothing and
a hat with a brim are essential for children
Note that some medications may
increase sensitivity to the sun: antibiotics and oral contraceptives
Avoid tanning beds, because they
are just as dangerous as the sun
Do not let overcast days give you
a false sense of security
Avoid continuous sun exposure
from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
SUNSCREENS
Everyone should use an SPF of 15
or higher
Use a sunscreen that does not contain
PABA
Reapply sunscreen after swimming,
after towel drying or after 30 minutes in water
Give special attention to high
exposure areas: nose, ears, cheeks and shoulders
Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before
exposure to the sun
Do not confuse sunscreens that
block the sun’s burning rays with suntan lotions or oils that mainly lubricate
the skin.
CONSIDER NOTIFYING YOUR PHYSICIAN IF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING
OCCUR:
The sunburn becomes infected
Your or your child begins
feeling very sick
Your or your child develops a fever over 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit.
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