The sun is out, shining its joyful warmth on us all, and we love it! But as anyone with children knows, it can be easy to have too much fun in the sun. An otherwise fun-filled day at the beach or pool can quickly become a stressful situation if your little one develops a nasty sunburn. Don’t panic: treating a child’s sunburn isn’t complicated and doesn’t need to ruin your summer plans, you just need some First Aid 101 know-how.
This post will help you understand how to treat sunburn fast so you can go back to enjoying the season in no time.
Why protecting your kiddo from sunburn is a must?
Picture this: it's summertime, the sun is shining, and your kiddo is bouncing around the backyard like a little ball of energy. It's easy to get caught up in the fun and forget about protecting their delicate skin from sunburns, but let us tell you, it's an absolute must. Don’t believe us? Let’s talk about the facts:
First of all, sunburn can be incredibly painful and uncomfortable, making it difficult for your child to enjoy outdoor activities or even to sleep comfortably. You know what this means: if your kiddo is unhappy, you’re unhappy. If your kiddo can’t sleep comfortably, you won’t sleep comfortably.
Additionally, sunburn can cause long-term damage to the skin, increasing the risk of skin cancer later in life. In this sense, children's skin is particularly delicate and susceptible to the harmful effects of sun exposure, so it's important to take extra care to protect their skin when spending time outdoors.
What helps sunburn?: Our 5 Tips for kids sunburn
Ouch! Nothing is worse than seeing your little ones suffer from a bad sunburn. Whether they spent too much time playing in the pool or simply forgot to reapply sunscreen, sunburns can be painful and uncomfortable for kids. Luckily, we have 5 tips to treat sunburned skin fast:
Note: in case of severe sunburn, we recommend that you call your pediatrician!
1. Apply products with aloe vera
Aloe vera is the sunburn treatment par excellence. When applied topically, it is cooling and helps to reduce inflammation, redness, and irritation caused by sunburn. The gel from the aloe vera plant is also rich in antioxidants, such as vitamins A, C, and E, which help to protect and repair damaged skin cells. It also contains polysaccharides, which stimulate skin growth and the production of collagen to promote healing.
Aloe vera gel also provides a protective barrier that retains moisture, preventing further drying or peeling of the skin. The combination of these properties makes aloe vera an effective natural remedy for soothing and healing sunburned skin.
To use it, you can get an aloe vera moisturizing gel and leave it inside your fridge to boost its cooling properties. When it’s cold, apply the gel to the sunburned area to soothe the inflammation and pain caused by the sun.
2. Shower with cool water
A cool bath may be just the ticket to ease their discomfort. Not only does it feel refreshing, but the cool water can help to reduce inflammation and redness caused by sunburn. Plus, it can also help to soothe their skin and relieve the uncomfortable stinging sensation.
It’s important to note, however, that hot or cold water can shock and damage the skin further, so make sure the water is just right with a bath thermometer. Encourage your child to relax under the water and feel the relief wash over them.
3. Drink plenty of water
Drinking water is important because it helps to rehydrate the body and promote healing. Sunburned skin is dehydrated and loses moisture, so drinking liquids can help to replace lost fluids and prevent further dehydration.
Additionally, water helps to flush toxins out of the body, which can help to reduce inflammation and promote healing from within. Drinking enough water also improves blood flow and the delivery of essential nutrients to the skin, which can speed up the healing process. Staying hydrated prevents other symptoms associated with sunburns, such as headaches, dizziness, and fatigue.
So, keep them hydrated during the next 2-3 days after sun exposure.
4. Ibuprofen or acetaminophen in case of a painful skin reaction or fever
It's important to call your doctor before giving children any medication, including ibuprofen or acetaminophen when they are sunburned. In general, ibuprofen and acetaminophen can be used to relieve minor pain and reduce fever caused by sunburns.
5. Cool compresses
Cool compress is a sunburn treatment that can quickly relieve the pain and the red skin caused by mild sunburn. Why does it work? Well, think about how ice helps numb a sore muscle. A cold compress does the same thing for a sunburn, it reduces inflammation and dulls the pain.
Plus, they're a breeze to make! Simply soak a towel or cloth in cool water, wring out the excess, and apply to the affected area. Your little one will thank you for the relief and you'll get to bask in the glory of being a sunburn superhero.
How to prevent peeling from sunburn
Peeling from sunburn can be uncomfortable and unsightly, but there are steps you can take to prevent this from happening. Here are some tips for preventing your kiddo’s skin from peeling:
- Stay hydrated: encourage them to drink plenty of water to keep their body hydrated and help prevent further dehydration of the skin.
- Moisturize: Apply a soothing, hydrating moisturizer to the affected areas regularly to help retain moisture and prevent the skin from drying out.
- Avoid hot baths or showers: Hot water can dry out the skin and worsen the peeling, so it's best to stick with cool water when bathing or showering.
- Let them wear loose clothing: Tight clothing can rub against the skin and worsen the peeling, so it's best to wear loose, comfortable clothing.
- Avoid sun exposure: While their skin is peeling, it's important to protect it from further sun exposure. Stay in the shade as much as possible, and encourage them to wear protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses when they do go outside.
- Avoid picking or peeling the skin: As tempting as it may be for a kid, picking or peeling the skin can slow down the healing process and increase the risk of infection or scarring. Let the skin peel naturally and avoid touching it.
By taking these steps, you may be able to prevent or minimize the peeling that can result from sunburn. If you are having trouble managing your symptoms, or if they worsen or do not improve, it's important to seek medical advice from your pediatrician.
How to prevent kids sunburn? 4 Practical tips for this Summer
If you want to avoid having to google “what helps sunburn?” during this summer, here are 4 sun safety tips you can apply to avoid sunburns and enjoy your vacations:
1. Sun Protection Factor of 50 or more
Kids are especially vulnerable to the harsh rays of the sun, which can cause sunburn, skin damage, and even skin cancer later in life. That's why it's important to make sure they wear SPF 50 during the summer.
Not only does this protect their skin from the sun's harmful UV rays, but it also helps them avoid that lobster-red look that no one wants. Plus, with all the different kinds of sunscreen available today, it's easy to find one that your kids will love to wear.
2. Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen
Unlike other sunscreens that only protect against either UVA or UVB rays, broad-spectrum sunscreen shields your skin from both. Think of it like a superhero with a shield that can block attacks from all angles. Not only does broad-spectrum sunscreen help prevent sunburn, but it also protects against premature aging and skin cancer.
3. Reapply sunscreen every couple of hours
As a parent, you've probably heard it a million times before: reapply sunscreen every two hours. It's a mantra that's repeated at the beach, the park, and even on the walk to grandma's house. But why is it so important? Well, over time, sweat and water can wear away at the sunscreen's power, leaving our little ones exposed. That's why it's crucial to reapply every two hours if they are exposed to direct sunlight.
4. Protective clothing is a must-have
Sunscreen is obviously important, but did you know that wearing sun-protective clothing can be like an extra shield for exposed skin? Not only does it protect their skin from UV radiation, but it also helps keep them cool and comfortable during those hot afternoons.
And who says sun-protective clothing has to be boring? At Beau & Belle Littles we have the cutest, tear-proof swim shirts that deliver effective sun protection all day long and matching hats!
Sunburn relief for kids? Final Thoughts
As parents, we all know the struggle of sunburned kids. Whether it's from a day at the beach or just a quick trip to the park, sunburns can be painful and frustrating for both children and their caregivers. With our child sunburn treatment, your kiddo will be relieved and ready to go back to the fun in no time!
But, if you want to prevent sunburn, don’t forget to always carry with you sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 50, sun-protective clothing, and water. and hats to protect them from UV rays and prevent burned skin at all costs!
If you’re looking for the best swim shirts and hats for the summer, don’t forget to visit Beau & Belle Littles store!