Sun Safety
- It only takes a child 10-15 minutes to burn.
- 80% of a person's lifetime sun exposure occurs before they are 21.
- Visit www.keepkidshealthy.com for more information.
Prevention
- No Direct sunlight as much as possible, especially between 10 am and 4 pm when the sun's rays are strongest.
- They should wear light long sleeve shirts, pants and a hat.
- The AAP recommends waterproof sunscreens with an SPF of 15 or higher and that offers UVA and UVB protection. You should always apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before sun exposure for it to seep in, and reapply it every 2 hours or after your baby has played in the water, even if it's waterproof.
- Protect your child's eyes with sunglasses that protect against UVA and UVB radiation.
- Deet lowers the effectiveness of sunscreens so use a higher SPF if you are using a combination product that has both a sunscreen and an insect repellant.
Treatment
- If the sunburn is mild, soak a cloth diaper or clean washcloth with cool water, wring it out, and gently place it on the sunburned area for 10 to 15 minutes a few times a day. Or bathe your baby in a mixture of cool water and baking soda to help cool the skin and reduce redness. Follow either treatment with a gently applied coating of water-based moisturizer. Encourage fluids.