Effects of Sunburns on Babies: Differences, Preventions, and Remedies

Babies have thinner skin than adults and it takes just a little bit of sun exposure to cause sunburns. Even, darker skinned babies have high risk to sunburns because their skin is still thinner compared to darker skinned adults. Babies also have less ability to cool themselves when their bodies are overheated, making their exposure to the sun an increased threat. Sunburns can occur very quickly and frequently with babies and small children if not protected. The effects are also more uncomfortable and painful for them once the sunburn develops. Every sunburn a baby or small child experiences increase their potential for skin cancer when they become an adult.

How can you tell if your baby or child has been sunburned? Generally, your baby's skin will have a pinkish or reddish tint and will feel hot to the touch. You might also see some blistering which are often large in size and more prone to infection. Swelling may also occur in the affected skin area. Itching will also follow any sunburned areas. If your baby or child has had very bad sunburns, they might experience symptoms such as fever, dehydration, and nausea.

So how do you prevent your baby or child from such risks? Simply keep your baby out of both direct and indirect sunlight and apply sunscreen on them all year round. Make sure to use sunscreens that are defensive against both UV-A (the skin-damaging rays) and UV-B (the skin-burning rays) and are water resistant. Reapply to your baby or small child every 2 hours that they are outdoors and twenty minutes prior to leaving indoors. Hats and sunglasses are also good skin protectors against sun exposures.

If your baby or child is already experiencing the negative signs of sunburns, what can you do? First, apply some cool compresses to the affected areas. To soothe the itching, use cooled calamine lotion or all natural Aloe Vera gel. You can also add some backing soda or oatmeal to your baby's water while bathing them to provide some relief. Make sure to keep your baby properly hydrated as well. Do not apply any of the following ingredients as solutions for your baby's sunburns as they may cause further irritations: butter, lard, margarine, Vitamin E, petroleum jelly, honey, warm water, tea bags, or sunburn anesthetic sprays. Also, do not use any medicine to your baby as a temporary relief (even over the counter type) before consulting your doctor or pediatrician.

Sources:

http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Sunburn_explained
http://health.redorbit.com/TextItem.aspx?id=167
http://www.baby-safety-concerns.com/sunburn-symptoms.html