PROTECTING KIDS FROM SUNBURN

Written by: Scott Hetsko
Image: Skincancer.org

Even though the temperatures haven't warmed yet, the sun is now at it's strongest point of the entire year. This means you need to protect yourself and your kids from the dangerous effects of the yellow star. Here's some important information to make sure you'll have a safe Summer in the sun!

• For a baby under one year old, sunburn should be treated as an emergency. Call your doctor immediately.
• For a child one year or older, call your doctor if there is severe pain, blistering, lethargy, or fever over 101 F (38.3 C).
• Sunburn can cause dehydration. Give your child water or juice to replace body fluids, especially if your child is not urinating regularly.
• Give acetominophen if your child's temperature is above 101 F.
• Baths in clear, tepid water may cool the skin.
• Light moisturizing lotion may sooth the skin, but do not rub it in. If touching the skin is painful, don't use lotion.
• Dabbing on plain calamine lotion may help, but don't use one with an added antihistamine.
• Do not apply alcohol, which can overcool the skin.
• Do not use any medicated cream — hydrocortisone, benzocaine — unless your baby's doctor tells you to.
• Keep your child out of the sun entirely until the sunburn heals.
• Familarize yourself with the rules of sun protection, and make sure that no matter where you child goes — daycare, play dates, nursery school — sun safety is taken into account.