Understanding Sunburn
What is it? Sunburn is a skin reaction to too much ultraviolet (UV) exposure—often from the sun, but also from tanning beds or reflected light off water, snow, or sand. It usually appears 3–5 hours after exposure, peaks at 24–36 hours, and then gradually heals over 3–7 days.
Common Types
- Mild Sunburn: redness, mild swelling, discomfort; usually no blisters
- Moderate to Severe Sunburn: painful redness, swelling, blistering, and possible systemic symptoms like fever or fatigue
When to Manage at Home
✅ You can manage your child's sunburn at home when:
- Redness and pain are mild to moderate
- No large or facial/genital blisters are present
- Child is drinking well and acting normally
- No fever over 100.4°F
- No signs of infection or dehydration
How to Treat at Home
🏠 Home remedies for Sunburn:
- Cool the skin: apply cool, damp cloths or give 10-minute lukewarm baths
- Avoid soap on red, irritated skin
- Moisturize like you mean it: use alcohol-free aloe vera or fragrance-free moisturizer
- Avoid ointments, lidocaine, and benzocaine
- Hydration: encourage frequent small sips of water, especially during first 24 hours
- Blister Care: Avoid popping blisters, if blisters open, trim loose skin, apply antibiotic ointment, and cover with a clean bandage
- Prevention:
- Use sunscreen, SPF 30+ with UVA/UVB protection, 30 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply every 2–3 hours or after swimming/sweating.
- For infants under 6 months, shade is essential to prevent sunburn. A small amount of sunscreen can be applied to exposed areas.
- Avoid peak sun (10 AM–4 PM), and dress young children in long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats, and use stroller canopies or UPF-rated clothing.
Safe Medications
- Ibuprofen (Motrin): reduces pain, use only if over 6 months old
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol): reduces pain, use for all ages and if older than 6 months old can alternate with Ibuprofen for moderate pain relief
- 1% Hydrocortisone (OTC): reduces inflammation/itching, avoid on broken skin or large areas
When to Contact Us Again
📱 Contact us when:
- Symptoms are worsening or not improving after 48 hours
- Your child has a fever ≥ 100.4°F
- You're unsure whether the sunburn is healing normally
When to Visit Your Pediatrician
🩺 Go to an in-person appointment when:
- There are large or severe blisters on the face, genitals, or covering >10% of the body
- Pain is not controlled by medications
- Signs of infection (pus, redness, streaking) appear
When to Go to the ER
🚨 Seek immediate emergency care for sunburn if your child is:
- Showing signs of dehydration (dry mouth, low urine output, confusion, listlessness)
- Extremely fatigued or confused
- Running a high fever (>102°F)
- Experiencing nausea, vomiting, or headache after sun exposure
- Developing extensive blistering or symptoms that look like “sun poisoning”
If your gut tells you something is wrong, don't hesitate to reach out. Need help? Reconnect with our on-demand team of medical staff available 24/7
