zt: Sunburn

What's the best way to treat my toddler's sunburn?

Give your toddler plenty of fluids, to help him heal and to replace fluids lost by being out in the sun. To soothe the sunburned area, soak a clean, soft washcloth in cool water, wring it out, and gently place it on his skin for ten to 15 minutes a few times a day, making sure your child doesn't get chilled.

Your toddler might also appreciate a cool bath. To make it more soothing, add baking soda or an oatmeal-based bath treatment (found in drugstores). Pat your toddler's skin dry (don't rub!) and apply a water-based (nonalcohol) moisturizing lotion or an aloe vera gel to relieve itching, which can get worse if the burn starts to peel.

If your toddler's hurting, you can give him the correct dose of children's acetaminophen or ibuprofen to ease the pain. (Never give your child aspirin, as it can put him at risk for Reye's syndrome.)

Dress your child in loose clothing that won't irritate his burned skin, and make sure you keep him out of the sun until the burn has completely healed, because it will be very easy for him to get a second burn now.

A few don'ts:

• Don't put petroleum-based products like petroleum jelly on your toddler's skin. These prevent heat and sweat from escaping and can make a burn worse. The same goes for butter and oils.
• Don't use first-aid sprays or ointments that contain benzocaine, which can irritate your child's skin or cause an allergic reaction.
• Don't put ice or ice water on your toddler's skin.
• Don't pop any blisters. These have formed to protect your child's underlying skin, and breaking them open can lead to infection. If they do break, gently trim off the dead skin and apply an antibiotic ointment.

Why is a sunburn so serious?

A sunburn is literally burned skin. Your toddler's sunburn might be a first-degree burn, which would cause redness, mild swelling, and pain. A second-degree burn, which is more serious, is more painful, with much swelling, redness and blisters.

A first-degree burn usually heals in two to five days, while a second-degree burn can last for a couple of weeks.

And if your toddler's spent too much time in the sun, he may also be in danger of heat stroke.

Should I call the doctor?

If it's a mild sunburn and your child's skin is just a little pink and tender, you don't need to call the doctor. But do call your child's doctor if your child:

• starts to blister in the first 24 hours
• has swelling on his hands or face
• has signs of infection (pus or red streaks)
• is running a fever or has chills
• seems to be in extreme pain or just doesn't feel well
• vomits or faints

Your toddler's sunburn may not peak for a day or two, so keep an eye on his symptoms for at least that long.

What if my toddler starts peeling?

Don't be alarmed if the sunburned skin starts to peel. Peeling is a natural part of the healing process. It usually begins a few days after the sunburn.

Is skin damage from the sun worth worrying about?

Yes. Up to 80 percent of your child's lifetime sun exposure will occur during his first 20 years. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the number one cause of skin cancers of all kind.

Some studies suggest that severe sunburns during childhood may cause melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, later in life. Fair-haired, pale-skinned, freckled, and green- or blue-eyed children are most at risk for skin damage and cancer from sun exposure, but the sun's burning rays are dangerous for everyone.

How can I prevent my toddler from getting a sunburn?

It's not hard, but you have to be diligent. The best thing would be to dress your toddler in long sleeves, pants, and a hat with a brim whenever he's outdoors. But when the temperature soars and he's in shorts and a tank, look for shaded places for him to play.

Keep in mind that while the sun is most damaging between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., your child will get ultraviolet rays any time of day, all year round, even on a cloudy day.

Put sunscreen on any exposed areas of skin. Select a PABA-free sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15, and apply it liberally about 30 minutes before you head outdoors, to give it a chance to be absorbed. Then reapply it every two hours — more frequently if your toddler's sweating a lot or if he's been in the water. It's also a good idea to have your toddler wear UV-protective sunglasses whenever possible.