Sunburn

Definition: Skin damage caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or tanning beds. Sunburn ranges from mild redness to painful blistering and is a real burn injury, not just temporary discomfort. Babies and children have thinner skin than adults and can burn faster, sometimes in less than 15 minutes of unprotected exposure.

Parent Tip: If your child gets a sunburn, get them out of the sun immediately and start cooling the skin. Cool baths or cool compresses (not ice) help reduce pain and inflammation. Apply pure aloe vera gel or a gentle moisturizer to soothe the skin. Keep them hydrated since sunburn pulls fluid to the skin surface and can lead to dehydration. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen, dosed by weight and age, can help with discomfort. Ask your pediatrician before using any pain medication for younger children.

When to Call the Doctor

• Sunburn with blistering, especially over a large area
• Sunburn covering more than 10 to 15 percent of the body in a young child
• Sunburn on a baby under 1 year old
• Fever, chills, headache, or nausea along with the burn
• Signs of infection, like increased redness, swelling, pus, or red streaks
• Severe dehydration: not urinating, very dry mouth, sunken eyes, or extreme drowsiness

Prevention

• For babies under 6 months, keep them in the shade and dress them in lightweight long sleeves and a wide brimmed hat. Avoid sunscreen on babies under 6 months when possible
• For children over 6 months, use a broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen, applied 15 minutes before going out and reapplied every 2 hours or after swimming
• Use a hat with a brim that shades the face and neck
• UV protective clothing and swim shirts protect more skin than sunscreen alone
• Avoid peak sun hours from 10am to 4pm when possible

Why It Matters: Sunburns in childhood are linked to a higher risk of skin cancer later in life, including melanoma. Just one bad sunburn before age 18 doubles the risk. Prevention is far easier than treatment, and the habits you build now (sunscreen, hats, shade, hydration) become the habits your child carries into adulthood.

Related Terms: Burn, Burn Degrees, Cool Running Water, Dehydration, Heat Rash, Heatstroke, Minor Burns, Wound Care

Written and reviewed by Jeremy Manke, Firefighter / Paramedic (22 years of emergency service)

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