Sunburn in Children: What Every Parent Needs to Know About Symptoms and Early Care
Sunburn is a common but often underestimated risk for children, especially during outdoor activities. While many parents associate sunburn with summer, it’s important to understand that sunburn can occur at any time of year—even on cloudy days. In this blog, we’ll explore the causes, symptoms, and best practices for early intervention, with expert guidance from Altoona pediatric professionals.
What Is Sunburn?
Sunburn is the skin’s reaction to excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds and sun lamps. The most obvious sign is red or blistered skin. The redness, pain, and swelling typically begin about four hours after being in the sun, peak at 24 hours, and start to improve after 48 hours. This delayed reaction is why many parents are caught off guard when their child develops sunburn—there are no immediate warning signs while the burn is occurring.
Understanding the Severity of Sunburn
Most sunburns are first-degree burns, characterized by pink or red skin. Prolonged sun exposure can cause more severe burns with blistering, known as second-degree burns. In rare cases, severe sunburn can result in third-degree burns or even scarring. It’s important to recognize the signs early and take steps to prevent further damage.
Causes of Sunburn
Direct sun exposure is the most common cause, but it’s important to note that clouds do not provide complete protection. Up to 70% of UV light can still penetrate on cloudy days. Reflected sun rays also contribute to sunburn: snow reflects 80% of UV rays, sand reflects 20%, and water reflects only 5%. Artificial sources like tanning lamps and tanning beds are also significant causes, especially among teenagers.
Why Sunburn Is Sneaky
Sunburn is sneaky because the skin doesn’t show immediate signs of damage. The redness and pain often don’t appear until four hours after sun exposure and continue to worsen, peaking at 24 to 36 hours. This means that by the time parents notice the burn, significant damage may have already occurred.
Early Intervention: The Role of Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is an effective medication for reducing the redness and swelling associated with sunburn. It works by blocking the inflammatory reaction in the skin. However, it’s most effective when started early—ideally as soon as you suspect your child has had too much sun, not after redness appears. The recommended dose is three times a day for two days. Don’t wait for visible symptoms to start treatment.
When to Seek Medical Care
While most sunburns can be managed at home, there are situations where medical attention is necessary. Contact your healthcare pediatric provider or schedule a pediatric appointment if your child experiences:
- Severe pain that doesn’t improve with home care
- Large blisters (more than ½ inch or 12 mm)
- Many small blisters at the burn site
- Blisters on the face
- Swollen feet that make it hard to walk
- Signs of infection (draining pus, red streaks, worsening pain after day two) without fever
- Itchy rashes in sun-exposed skin that occur frequently
- Any other concerns or questions
If you think your child needs to be seen but the problem is not urgent, a same day sick appointment can provide peace of mind.
Special Considerations for Infants
Infants have especially delicate skin and are more vulnerable to sunburn. Our healthcare for infants specialists recommend keeping babies out of direct sunlight and using physical barriers like hats and lightweight clothing. Sunscreen is generally not recommended for infants under six months, so prevention is key.
Preventing Sunburn: Tips for Parents
- Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to all exposed skin.
- Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.
- Dress children in protective clothing, including wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses.
- Seek shade during peak sun hours (10 AM to 4 PM).
- Be aware of reflected UV rays from snow, sand, and water.
- Avoid tanning beds and sun lamps.
The Importance of Pediatric Care
Regular visits with your medical pediatric provider can help you develop a sun safety plan tailored to your child’s needs. Our associates in pediatrics and pediatrics health associates are here to support your family with expert advice and comprehensive care.
For urgent concerns, our acute care pediatrics team is available to provide prompt evaluation and treatment. And for other pediatric needs, such as pediatric ear piercing, PHCA Altoona offers safe, medical-grade services.
