Spring and summer are just around the corner, which means getting outside for swimming, sports, and all kinds of outdoor family fun. The Texas sun can be intense, so families should think about sun safety for children every time they head out to play.
Children’s skin is more delicate than adults’ and doesn’t have the same built-in protections against UV rays. That makes kids susceptible to sunburns and potential long-term skin damage.
Smart sun protection is one of the most effective ways to prevent sunburns and keep kids safe outdoors. Using a combination of sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunshades over strollers and play areas can reduce the risk of excessive sun exposure.
Parents can also learn to recognize the signs that a child needs medical attention due to too much sun exposure.
Understanding Sunburns and Why Kids Need Protection
The sun’s rays contain a broad spectrum of energy wavelengths. Visible wavelengths produce light we can see, and infrared rays produce heat. Sunlight also contains ultraviolet (UV) radiation that can’t be seen or felt on the skin but can damage skin.
There are two types of UV rays. UVA rays can cause premature aging and tanning. UVB rays cause sunburn. Both types of UV rays are associated with an increased risk of skin cancer.
UVA rays signal the skin to release pigments called melanin to protect itself. That excess melanin is what causes a suntan. UVB rays damage cells in the outer layers of skin, causing the redness, inflammation, blisters, and pain of sunburns.
UV rays are present even when it’s cloudy outside, so there are sun exposure risks no matter the weather.
Because children have thinner skin and an immature melanin response, they are more susceptible to damage from UV rays. They can get sunburned more quickly than adults, which can be very painful.
In addition, skin damage from UV rays is cumulative over a lifetime. People who get sunburn as children may be at increased risk of skin cancer later in life.
Sun Safety Tips for Kids
Building a sun safety routine will help protect children and babies from the sun and establish lifelong sun protection habits in children. Use these essential sun protection strategies every time you leave the house, even on overcast days.
- Use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen. Water-resistant formulas are useful if you will be sweating or swimming. Sunscreens with mineral filters such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide may be better for people with sensitive skin.
- Reapply sunscreen every two hours or after swimming.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing that covers arms and legs, when possible. UV-protective fabrics can provide additional protection.
- Wear hats and sunglasses. UV rays can damage eyes, so look for sunglasses with UV-blocking lenses.
- Plan to be in the shade or indoors during peak sun hours, between noon and 3pm.
- Seek shade when you’re outdoors, or bring a canopy or other sunshade to provide shelter from the sun.
- Stay hydrated to reduce the risk of heat-related health issues.
Sun Protection for Newborns and Infants
The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend using chemical-based SPF on infants under 6 months old. Â For infant sun protection, avoid the sun and heat. Staying in the shade or in an air-conditioned space can keep your baby safe in high temperatures.
Babies over 6 months old and young children should wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF of 30-50. Do a patch test on a small area of skin to make sure sunscreen doesn’t cause your child to break out in a rash.
Choose a lotion or stick instead of a spray formula, and apply it to all exposed skin. Reapply every 2 hours or after swimming.
Use mineral sunscreens that physically block UV rays on children’s faces, shoulders, and ears. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests avoiding the sunscreen ingredient oxybenzone if possible.
You can protect babies from sun exposure by using a stroller shade canopy or setting up portable shade canopies during outdoor activities. Go out during the morning or late afternoon, avoiding peak sun hours. Dress babies in lightweight, light colored, long-sleeved clothing and hats with brims.
What to Do If Your Child Gets a Sunburn
If your child does get sunburn, you should treat the symptoms to minimize discomfort. Mild or moderate sunburn can usually be treated at home. More severe burns need medical attention. Symptoms vary based on severity:
- Mild: redness, skin feels warm.
- Moderate: redness and pain, swelling, or inflammation
- Severe: redness and pain, blistering, fever, chills
You can treat a mild sunburn by applying cool compresses or putting children in a cool bath.
Aloe vera gel can ease stinging. Â Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help with soreness. Children should drink plenty of fluids after sun exposure to replace any water lost to sweating.
Do not apply ice directly to the skin; instead, wrap ice packs in a clean towel before using them to cool down sunburned skin. Â Don’t use butter, petroleum jelly, or any heavy emollient that might trap heat. Do not break blisters, as this can increase the risk of infection.
You should visit an urgent care clinic for medical treatment if your child has blisters over large areas or if sunburn is accompanied by fever, severe pain, or signs of dehydration. Â Sunburn on a newborn or infant under 6 months always requires evaluation by a healthcare professional.
Keep an eye on your child for signs of sun poisoning, such as severe nausea, headache, dizziness, and dehydration, in addition to sunburn. If they have symptoms of heat-related illness as well as sunburn, you should seek medical attention.
You can visit the closest Next Level Urgent Care if your child has a mild or moderate sunburn. Our healthcare professionals can evaluate sunburn and provide sunburn relief for kids, helping them recover quickly.
Sunburn Care for You and Your Family at Next Level Urgent Care
Before you head out to enjoy the warm weather and sunshine in Texas, make sure you’re protecting your family from sunburn. Use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, avoid peak sun hours, and stay hydrated.
If you or your children experience sunburn or heat-related health issues, Next Level Urgent Care can help. We have more than 45 locations in the Houston, Austin, and San Antonio areas, so you can find a location convenient for you. All our clinics are open from 9 am to 9 pm, seven days per week. Walk-in patients are welcome, or you can check in using our mobile app and skip the wait.
