Sunburn in Children: How to Avoid It

Avoid going out in the sun, or staying on the beach without shade, during the hottest hours of the day. Always cover your head and always have plenty of water available. To prevent sunburn in children, common sense is essential, even before applying any sunscreen. And you won't waste the pleasure of spending time with them on a beautiful summer day.

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Why children get sunburnt easily

The problem of frequent sunburn in children arises from the fact that up to 2 years old they do not have melanin, the pigment that protects the skin, and until adolescence the doses they possess are low and insufficient. The risk of sunburn is high and can only be avoided with the necessary precautions. Furthermore, immune system Children's skin is not fully mature, their natural defenses against the sun's rays are not very developed, and their skin is more easily damaged by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays.

How to protect children from sun exposure when going to the beach

Here are 10 easy, essential tips for protecting children from sun exposure when they go to the beach.

Avoid going to the beach during the hottest hours of the day, mainly between 12pm and 16pm, and keep babies and young children out of the sun as much as possible during their first year of life.
Never go to the beach without the right sunscreenChoose one with a very high level of protection and water resistance. Opt for those formulated with natural ingredients.
Apply the cream to both the body and face and repeat the application several times a day, especially if the child enters and exits the water frequently.
As an alternative to cream, opt for a spray sunscreen specifically for children.
If you're using this cream for the first time, try applying a small amount to the inside of your wrist before applying it to your child's entire body to ensure your child doesn't have any allergic reactions.
While sunscreens generally provide good protection, remember that the best way to protect your children from the sun is to reduce exposure, perhaps by covering them with a wide-brimmed hat, shorts, and a light cotton T-shirt.
Also remember that the sun becomes more dangerous in the presence of reflected light and that you are not completely protected from its rays even when sitting under an umbrella.
Make sure your child drinks plenty of water and eats plenty of fruits and vegetables. If he or she is fussy, opt for fruit popsicles. juices and smoothies so that he never lacks the right amount of fluids, vitamins, and minerals that will allow him to continue enjoying the sun in complete safety.
If the child takes drugs Ask your pediatrician for advice on how to behave regarding sun exposure.
Once you get home, don't forget to use an after-sun cream to deeply hydrate your little one's skin.

How to avoid sunburn in children in the mountains

Altitude increases ultraviolet rays, and as for snow, it's important to remember that it acts as a mirror. In general, Exposure increases by about 10-20 percent for every 1000-2.000 meters, and snow can reflect up to 80 percent of the sun's rays.

The most important precautions in the mountains, both in winter and summer, are:

Long-sleeved dresses and trousers: lightweight but tightly woven fabrics, preferably with built-in UV protection (UPF).
Wide brimmed hat: essential for the face, ears and nape of the neck.
Sun glasses: 100% UV protection, useful in both summer and winter, even in snow.
Broad-spectrum sunscreens: creams with SPF 50+ that protect from both UVB and UVA rays, suitable for children with sensitive skin.
Correct application of sunscreen: Apply sunscreen 15–30 minutes before exposure and reapply every 2–3 hours.

Natural remedies for sunburn in children

To protect children at the beach, there are some specific things to do. Here are the most important:

Rinse your head often with cool water;
Avoid sugary drinks, especially those that are too cold. Fruit juices are better, especially those with prepare at home;
Always alternate time in the sun with time in the shade;
Make sure your child goes to the beach often.

At what age can you start using sunscreen?

To know at what age you can use sunscreen for newborns and children, it is best to start from the guidelines of the Ministry of Health, which contain the summary of the indications on the matter from the scientific community. Children under one year of age should never be exposed to the sunSunscreen is still not recommended for children under 2-3 years of age, and it's best to keep children in the shade on the beach, wearing a hat with a visor and clothing made of natural fabrics. Again, based on the Ministry's recommendations, if a child suffers sunstroke, it's best to respond quickly with a cold compress and emollient creams. The effects of sunstroke are immediately recognizable by certain symptoms: the child's face becomes red, and he or she becomes nervous, capricious, and restless. If the problem persists, call a doctor.

Symptoms of sunburn in children

Children don't react immediately to sunburn, at least not until the itching and pain set in. However, there are some symptoms that signal the onset of sunburn.

Swelling and patches of red skin in the sunburn area;
Burning sensation when you just touch the affected area;
Blisters with exudate;
Slow disappearance of spots and peeling of the skin.

What to do if your child gets sunburned

What to do if your child gets sunburned? The first natural remedies can quickly resolve the problem and prevent it from getting worse.

Also take a shower and use cold compresses more than once a day;
Don't start taking medicines right away, especially those based on cortisoneThey should only be taken with the doctor's consent.
At most, in the first stage of the burn, you can use an anti-inflammatory cream. Or a emollient cream if the child has started the peeling phase.
If the child shows signs of physical discomfort, use paracetamol.
Make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids; sunburn increases the risk of dehydration.

Consequences of sunburn in children

Sunburns in children are not only annoying and painful: if not treated well, and if they recur frequently, can increase the risk of developing, in adulthood, serious diseases such as skin cancer, and in particular melanoma.

How to avoid sunburn in children