The Latest Tips on Preventing and Treating Sunburn

If you've ever had a bad sunburn, you know how miserable it can be. Your skin feels too hot, but you also have chills. Clothing is painful and, in extreme cases, your skin starts to blister or peel. You may even feel sick or feverish. Combine that with the damage it does to our skin, and it's no wonder we want to protect our children from sunburn. But dousing them in sunscreen is often a battle, and sometimes, they still get burned. Here are the latest recommendations on sunburn prevention and treatment to keep your kids safe while enjoying the summer sunshine.

• What Type of Sunscreen to Use: The American Academy of Dermatology recommends broad-spectrum protection of SPF 30 or higher for everyone over 6 months of age. Broad-spectrum protects against UVA and UVB rays. UVB rays cause sunburn and cannot penetrate windows, while UVA rays cause skin aging and cancer, and can penetrate windows, into your home and car. SPF 30 blocks up to 97% of UVB rays for up to two hours, but no sunscreen blocks 100% of the rays. Higher SPF doesn't mean longer protection; they all last about two hours. The FDA no longer supports that sunscreen can be waterproof, it can only be water-resistant. Look for one that says "water resistant" for 40 minutes of protection in water, or "very water resistant" for 80 minutes of protection. Cream-based sunscreens are best for the face and provide the most even coverage. Sprays are convenient, but must be used liberally and then rubbed in, to ensure adequate coverage. Sticks work well around the eyes and gels work for hairlines and scalp lines. Formulas for sensitive skin are less irritating for some. The formula that you choose is of personal preference, but the risk of sunburn is far greater than any unproven risk of hazardous sunscreen ingredients. Remember to check expiration dates and replace once expired or discolored.
• When to Apply Sunscreen: Sunscreen should be applied daily when out in the sun, not just during the summer. Even on cloudy days, up to 80% of the sun's rays reach your skin. Sunscreen should be applied 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapplied every two hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating. When applied outside, spray sunscreens can blow into kids' eyes and mouths, or be blown away in the wind, reducing the level of protection. Apply before you head outside to allow time for activation, improve coverage, and minimize the antsy wiggling that happens when their activities are in plain sight. Keep in mind that the sun reflects off water and sand, so at beaches, lakes, and pools, you may need to reapply more often. If sunburn begins to appear, head inside right away, as further exposure could be seriously harmful.
• Other Forms of Protection: In addition to sunscreen, and particularly for infants, there are other forms of protection. Shade is key, along with protective apparel, to prevent a dangerous burn. Clothing with SPF protection is lightweight and breathable and can prevent some of the sunscreen battle. Sun hats with brims that shade the face, ears, and neck, and sunglasses are also important. Using a tent or umbrella whenever possible is safer and a comfortable way to bring the shade with you. The sun is strongest between 10:00am and 2:00pm, or when your shadow is shorter than you. This is a prime time to seek shade or head inside. Also, make sure to keep your children hydrated as heat exhaustion and dehydration can accompany sunburn.
• How to Treat Sunburn: Despite our best efforts, sunburn can sneak up on us. Use cool baths to lower the body temperature. Once bathed, pat the skin gently, but don't dry completely, and apply a moisturizer to lock in the water or aloe gel to help soothe discomfort. Depending on age, Ibuprofen can be used to reduce pain and swelling. Hydrocortisone can help with burning pain, but leave blisters uncovered to heal on their own. Drink plenty of water, since sunburn pulls water away from the body, and seek medical attention if you experience fever or headache. Avoid the sun and use protective clothing until the sunburn has healed.

Using these tips, you can prevent sunburn and enjoy your fun in the sun. For more tips on sun safety, contact us today.