Sunburn

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When to see the doctor

Take your sunburned child to the doctor if:

• blisters break open or the fluid inside them is murky
• your child has a fever, or is listless
• you cannot control your child’s pain with the measures outlined below
• there is marked swelling in the area of the burn, or the burn itself looks infected.

What causes it?

Skin contains a pigment called melanin, stored in special cells called melanocytes. When the skin is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, more melanin is produced, darkening the skin. This process takes time, and if the skin is exposed to too much sun all at once, then it will burn. If skin is exposed to small amounts of sun, very gradually, melanin will have a chance to build up slowly and help prevent sunburn. This process should always be done using blockout sunscreens (at least 30+). Excessive tanning causes skin damage.

Fair-skinned children are most sensitive to sunburn, as their skin does not contain the same amount of melanin as dark-skinned children.

What are the symptoms?

Sunburn can vary from mild redness on the skin, to severe blistering, swelling and pain. As the burn heals, the blisters may burst and the skin will become itchy and start to peel. Most reactions to sunburn only start several hours after the skin is exposed to excessive sun, and are at their worst around 24 hours later.

How is it treated?

Severe sunburn is treated like any other burn, and you should see your doctor immediately. In addition, young children are highly susceptible to dehydration, and this also needs prompt medical attention. If your child has only minor redness and soreness, and the skin feels warm, keep them indoors. Paracetamol, given according to directions, can help to reduce the pain. Encourage your child to drink a lot to replace fluid loss due to the burn. Showers may only aggravate the pain, so gentle bathing in tepid water is preferable. Avoid using soap on the area of the burn.

Commercial preparations available over the counter, which claim to soothe sunburn, usually contain some local anaesthetic, and we do not recommend their use. Putting butter on a burn can actually make the burn worse and can lead to infection.

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