If your child’s skin is suddenly lobster red, you’re not alone—and you’re not a bad parent. Sunburn happens. Fast. And when it does, it leaves parents scrambling to Google things like “how do you treat sunburn in children?” or “how to treat sunburn on a baby’s face?”
This guide will walk you through how to assess, treat, and prevent sunburns in children, with expert-backed advice and real-world guidance from Poppins pediatric nurse practitioner Aly Insull, CPNP-PC.
First: Is It Really Sunburn?
Sunburn typically shows up 3 to 5 hours after sun exposure and gets worse before it gets better. The redness and pain usually peak around 24 to 36 hours after the burn, then gradually improve over the next 3 to 5 days—though the itch can stick around longer.
“Parents often don’t notice the full extent of the burn until bedtime or the next morning,” says Aly. “The redness creeps in slowly, but the discomfort can come on quickly.”
Knowing what to look for early can help you catch it and treat it before the discomfort hits. Here’s how to spot the signs of a sunburn that’s more than just a little pink.
Sunburn Symptoms to Watch For:
Let’s break down what mild to moderate sunburn typically looks like. These are the most common signs that your child’s skin got a little too much sun—and now it’s letting everyone know.
- Red, warm skin
- Pain or tenderness
- Swelling
- Itching (especially after the pain starts to subside)
- Blisters (small or large)
- Peeling after a few days
Some kids may also experience:
- Fever or chills
- Nausea or headache
- Fatigue or crankiness (more than usual)
If your child has symptoms beyond skin deep—like a fever, fatigue, or nausea—that’s your cue to check in with a provider. Sunburns can sometimes be more than just skin irritation, especially in younger kids or after prolonged exposure. Trust your gut and don’t wait it out if something feels off.
When to Worry About Sunburn in Kids
Most mild sunburns can be treated at home. But here’s when it’s time to call your pediatric provider—or head to urgent care:
- Your child has a fever over 100.4°F
- There are large or severe blisters, especially on the face or genitals
- More than 10% of the body is affected
- Pain is extreme or not controlled by over-the-counter meds
- Your child is showing signs of dehydration (dry mouth, low urine output, dizziness, confusion, listlessness)
- You see signs of infection (pus, increased redness, streaking)
Baby Sunburn: Why It Deserves Extra Caution
Babies under 6 months have especially delicate skin, immature sweat glands, and limited ability to regulate body temperature. That means even a small sunburn can lead to dehydration or overheating more quickly than it would in older children.
“It’s important to keep a close eye on any redness in babies, especially on the cheeks or scalp,” says Aly. “While it’s not always an emergency, infants should be evaluated promptly to make sure they’re staying hydrated and recovering well.”
If your baby develops sunburn, reach out to your pediatric provider for guidance. Early care can prevent complications and ease discomfort faster.
How to Treat a Child’s Sunburn
Once the sunburn shows up, the goal shifts from prevention to damage control—and fast. The good news? Most mild to moderate sunburns in kids can be safely treated at home with a few smart steps and a little consistency.
Let’s dive into the essentials—starting with managing the pain so everyone can sleep tonight.
1. Manage the Pain
If you can, start ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) within 6 hours of noticing the burn. It reduces both swelling and pain—especially if given consistently for 48 hours.
Important note for parents: Ibuprofen isn’t approved for babies under 6 months. Use acetaminophen (Tylenol) instead for younger infants, or alternate the two medications for older kids with significant discomfort.
2. Cool the Skin
Apply a cool, damp cloth to affected areas multiple times a day, or give your child a lukewarm bath (10 minutes max). Skip the soap, and don’t let them get chilled.
This doesn’t need to be a Pinterest bath moment. No lavender sprigs. Just water, patience, and possibly a tablet if you need to keep a wiggly toddler in the tub for a full 10 minutes.
3. Moisturize Like You Mean It
The best first-line treatment for most sunburns? Moisture. Plain and simple.
- Try this: Alcohol-free aloe vera or fragrance-free moisturizers like CeraVe, Cetaphil, or Vanicream.
- Sensitive to aloe? Stick with bland moisturizers and skip the botanicals.
- Avoid the following: Ointments—they’re too thick and can block sweat glands. And skip anything with lidocaine or benzocaine, which can irritate children’s skin and (rarely) cause dangerous reactions.
“If there’s a lot of swelling or pain, you can add 1% hydrocortisone cream,” says Aly. “Apply it three times a day for two days—but don’t use it on broken skin or large areas.”
4. Keep Hydration Flowing
Sunburn can mess with your child’s fluid balance. Offer small sips of water often—especially in the first 24 hours after the burn. Signs your child might be dehydrated include:
- Dry lips or mouth
- Peeing less often than usual
- Fatigue or unusual sleepiness
Blister Care 101
Ah, the dreaded blisters—tiny bubble-wrapped reminders that the sun got the upper hand. They can look alarming, especially on little bodies, but most aren’t dangerous if you handle them gently and resist the urge to pop.
Blisters form to protect damaged skin while it heals, acting like the body’s natural bandage. For the most part, you want to leave blisters along, but here’s what to do if they burst on their own or start to look a little iffy.
- Gently trim loose skin with clean scissors
- Apply antibiotic ointment (like Polysporin) twice a day for 3 days
- Cover with a clean, dry bandage if needed
Escalate to urgent care if:
- Blisters are on the face or genitals
- They cover more than 10% of the body
- There are signs of infection
How Long Does Sunburn Last on Kids?
Once the initial sting fades, the next big question is: how long is this going to last? The answer depends on the severity of the burn, your child’s skin type, and how quickly treatment started.
Most mild to moderate sunburns in kids resolve within a week, though the healing process can feel slow—especially when your child is itchy, cranky, and asking again if they can go back in the pool.
Here’s a general healing timeline to help you know what to expect:
- Day 1–2: Redness, swelling, and peak pain
- Day 3–5: Pain improves; itching increases
- Day 5–7: Skin may start to peel; continue moisturizing
- Day 7+: Most symptoms resolve; skin may stay sensitive
Persistent or worsening symptoms after 48 hours? Time to check in with your pediatric provider. Poppins pediatric experts are available 24/7 for all your sunburn questions.
How to Heal Face Sunburn Fast
When sunburn hits the face, it can feel especially alarming—both because it’s more visible and because facial skin is more delicate than other areas of the body. Kids’ faces have thinner skin, more oil glands, and are often more exposed to the sun (thanks, splash pads and stroller naps).
That means facial sunburns can be extra uncomfortable—and require a gentler touch. Here are some tips to support quick healing while protecting that sensitive skin.
- Stick with gentle, alcohol-free moisturizers or aloe
- Avoid steroid creams near the eyes
- Use cool compresses frequently
- Don’t scrub or exfoliate peeling skin
How Do I Tell If My Child Has Sun Poisoning?
Despite the dramatic name, “sun poisoning” isn’t actual poisoning—it’s a severe inflammatory reaction to too much ultraviolet (UV) exposure. But it can absolutely feel like poisoning, especially when your child starts to show symptoms that go beyond red skin.
Sun poisoning is essentially a very intense sunburn, with symptoms that affect the whole body—not just the skin. It’s more common after prolonged sun exposure, especially without proper protection, and can happen even on cloudy days. Young children are particularly vulnerable because their bodies aren’t as good at regulating temperature or staying hydrated.
Signs of sun poisoning in children include:
- Fever and chills
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Blistering rash
These symptoms usually indicate your child needs medical care—and IV fluids may be necessary in some cases.
When to Take a Child to the Hospital for Sunburn
Most sunburns, even the uncomfortable ones, can be safely managed at home with rest, hydration, and some strategic use of aloe and pain relievers. But sometimes, a sunburn crosses the line from “unpleasant” to “urgent”—especially in young children, who are more vulnerable to complications like dehydration, infection, or overheating.
It’s not always easy to know where that line is, especially when your child is in pain and you’re already feeling anxious. The good news? There are clear signs that tell you when it’s time to stop treating at home and head to urgent care or the ER for professional evaluation.
Here’s when a sunburn in kids deserves immediate medical attention.
- High fever (over 102°F)
- Large areas of blistering skin
- Severe pain not relieved by medication
- Dehydration symptoms (no tears, dry diapers, fatigue)
- Confusion or extreme fatigue
- Blisters on sensitive areas (face, groin, hands/feet)
Still unsure? Text the Poppins care team. Our pediatric experts are available 24/7 to assess symptoms, guide you through next steps, and help you decide whether your child needs in-person care. When in doubt, we’re here to back you up.
Trust your gut—if your child seems “off” or you’re worried, get help.
Sunburn Prevention: What Actually Works
After dealing with a cranky, red-faced kid and a week of peeling skin, most parents find themselves thinking the same thing: Never again. The good news? Preventing sunburn isn’t about perfection—it’s about smart habits that actually work in real life (read: with wiggly toddlers, forgotten towels, and snack breaks that last 45 minutes).
Let’s break down what’s worth your time, what to skip, and how to build a sun-safe routine that sticks.
Sunscreen Tips
- SPF 30 or higher, broad spectrum (UVA + UVB)
- Apply 30 minutes before sun exposure
- Reapply every 2–3 hours or after swimming/sweating
- Use enough: about a shot glass full per application for a young child
Bonus Tips
- Use lip balm with SPF
- Choose zinc oxide for repeated exposure areas (nose, cheeks)
- Don’t forget sunglasses—yes, even for toddlers
Best Times to Be Outside
Avoid peak UV hours: 10:00 AM–3:00 PM. Cloudy days still count—UV rays penetrate through clouds.
Sun Safety by Age: Because One Size Doesn’t Fit All
Sun protection needs to flex with your kid’s age, stage, and ever-evolving personality. Whether you’ve got a stroller napper or a soccer-playing tween, this quick chart breaks down what sun safety looks like at every level of parenting.
Deep Dive: Infant-Specific Advice
When it comes to babies and sun exposure, the rules are stricter—and for good reason. Infants have thinner skin, less melanin, and immature sweat glands, which means they overheat faster and burn more easily than older kids. Even a short time in direct sunlight can cause significant damage.
“Sun protection for babies isn’t optional,” says Aly. “Their skin is delicate, and even short exposure can lead to burns and overheating.”
Here’s how to safely shield your baby from the sun, whether you’re out for a walk or spending the day near water.
Babies under 6 months:
- Keep out of direct sun
- Use shade, stroller canopies, or UPF-rated clothing
- If necessary, a tiny amount of sunscreen on exposed areas (hands, face)
Babies 6 months–3 years:
- Sun-avoidance and protective clothing first
- Lightweight, breathable, long-sleeved clothes and wide-brim hats
- No blankets over strollers—they trap heat
When in doubt, shade is your safest bet. And if you’re ever unsure what’s safe for your baby’s skin or age, don’t guess—text the Poppins team for guidance.
What To Expect From Poppins Sunburn Care
When your child’s skin is red and blistered, you want answers—fast and from someone who knows what they’re doing. That’s exactly what Poppins delivers. Our pediatric experts provide high-quality, personalized care through convenient text-based visits that meet families where they are (yes, even poolside).
So if you reach out to Poppins for sunburn care, here’s what you can expect:
- A pediatric provider (like Aly!) will text with you to assess the burn and build a care plan.
- You'll receive a written summary and sunburn care guide.
- We’ll check in via text in 24 hours to see how your child is healing.
- If things aren’t improving—or new symptoms pop up—we’ll reassess and refer as needed.
Because no one should have to guess their way through a medical problem when their kid’s in pain.
Final Thoughts
Sunburns are painful, preventable, and (thankfully) treatable. Whether it’s your toddler’s cheeks or your baby’s nose, knowing what to look for and how to act makes all the difference.
Let’s be real—this doesn’t need to turn into a lifelong vendetta against the sun. But it is a chance to level up your family’s sun safety habits and turn a rough situation into a teachable moment.
And if you’re ever unsure? We’re here. Because Googling “how to treat sunburn on baby face” after a long day shouldn’t be your only option.
Need help managing a sunburn or want expert guidance fast? Poppins offers 24/7 virtual pediatric care with real providers (like Aly!). No bots. No guessing. Just answers that make sense.
