What should I do if my Baby has a sunburn? | Sun protection for children

What should I do if my Baby has a sunburn?

If, despite everything, children’s skin has sunburned, they should seek medical attention. In general, moist compresses and cooling gels can help the skin and reduce the pain. In addition, in the case of a slight sunburn, a cortisone ointment should be applied without much stretching.

However, severe fires or a large extension require the application of an analgesic, which also combats the inflammation. Diclofenac, for example, is used for this purpose. In addition, cold compresses for severe burns should contain antiseptic additives, i.e. agents that counteract the development of an infection.

Injured skin often tends to become infected with bacteria, which poses an additional risk. Depending on the condition of the child, it may have to be hospitalized, as considerable amounts of fluid can be lost through the wound and a fever can develop. These complications can best be counteracted in hospital.

What do I have to consider when using a sunscreen?

The sun cream is an additional protection against the sun and therefore not a substitute for protective clothing and shade. Special sunscreens for children should be used, as they do not dry out the skin as much as products made for adults.The sun cream should be applied generously in sufficient quantity 30 minutes before contact with the sun and should have a protection factor of at least 20. It is also important when selecting the product that the cream protects against both UV-A and UV-B.

For longer stays outdoors it should be applied repeatedly, since a considerable amount is lost over time due to sweating and abrasion. However, this does not prolong the protection period indicated by the sun protection factor. When bathing in the sea or swimming pool, a waterproof protective agent is recommended. A better overview of the topic: UV radiation

What swimwear does my child need?

Especially when bathing in the sea or in an open-air swimming pool you should pay attention to sufficient sun protection. The water reflects a large part of the sun’s rays, so that the radiation above the water increases considerably. For this reason, there are specially made swimwear that offers a high level of sun protection and usually has long arms and legs.

In addition, bathing shoes that sit firmly on the feet can also protect you from the sun and from sharp-edged stones etc. In this way the child is protected from the sun as much as possible while bathing and playing in the water. In addition, sunglasses and waterproof sunscreen are recommended for children to ensure a comprehensive protection against radiation.