Protecting Your Child from Sunburn: Essential Insights from Altoona Pediatric Experts
Sunburn is a common but preventable condition that affects children of all ages, especially during outdoor play and summer activities. As a parent, understanding the causes, symptoms, and proper management of sunburn is crucial for your child’s health and comfort. The Altoona pediatric team is dedicated to helping families navigate sun safety and providing expert care when needed.
What Is Sunburn?
Sunburn occurs when the skin is exposed to excessive ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources, resulting in red or blistered skin. The initial signs—redness, pain, and swelling—typically appear about four hours after exposure. These symptoms worsen over the next day, peaking at 24 hours, and begin to improve after 48 hours. Many parents are surprised by the delayed onset, as there are no immediate warning signs while the burn is occurring.
Severity of Sunburn
Most sunburns are classified as first-degree burns, causing the skin to turn pink or red. Prolonged sun exposure can lead to more severe burns with blistering, known as second-degree burns. In rare cases, severe sunburn can cause third-degree burns or even scarring. Recognizing the severity of your child’s sunburn is important for determining the appropriate level of care.
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 rays from snow (80%), sand (20%), and water (5%) can also contribute to sunburn. Artificial sources such as tanning lamps and tanning beds are significant causes, especially among teenagers.
Why Sunburn Is Sneaky
Sunburn is sneaky because the skin does not show immediate signs of damage. The redness and pain often do not appear until four hours after exposure and continue to worsen, peaking at 24 to 36 hours. This delayed reaction means that by the time parents notice the burn, significant damage may have already occurred.
Early Intervention: The Role of Ibuprofen
Sunburn is an inflammatory reaction of the skin. Ibuprofen is an effective medication for reducing redness and swelling, but it must be 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. Early intervention can help minimize discomfort and speed up recovery.
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 does not 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 is available.
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.
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.
