Despite all your precautions, your baby got a sunburn. For the youngest, less than 15 minutes of exposure are enough for it to appear… So what to do in case of sunburn? Should you call the doctor? How to treat it effectively? Don't panic, we'll give you the right steps to follow to soothe your child's skin.
What is a sunburn?
Who hasn't had a sunburn? The skin becomes red and burns.
But what exactly happens to our skin? Scientifically speaking, sunburn is a burn to the superficial part of the skin (the epidermis), due to exposure to the sun's (UVB) rays.
Various factors influence the risk of getting a sunburn, but when it occurs, it is indeed a burn: so it must be treated!
Sunburn: why is it dangerous for children?
We are all at risk of sunburn. But babies' skin, thinner and less mature than ours, is even more at risk because it does not yet have the same defenses.
The fragile skin of babies and children absorbs these rays more quickly and intensely. In addition to being painful, sunburn is all the more dangerous as this exposure to UV during childhood is crucial for their health in adulthood. Indeed, children's skin retains for many years the memory of sunburn.
Given their different phototypes, babies are not all equal when it comes to sunburn. But be careful, even if your baby has dark skin, you will still need to protect them from UVB to avoid any long-term damage.
Should you call the doctor?
The first thing to do is to assess whether your child has a severe or non-severe sunburn.
How to know if the sunburn is serious? When to worry about a sunburn?
In the majority of cases, sunburn is fortunately superficial and does not require medical advice.
However, if your little one seems to be suffering and exhibits some of these symptoms:
- Blisters
- Fever
- Chills
- Vomiting
It could be a severe sunburn. In this case, go to the doctor!
If your baby's skin shows none of these signs and is simply red and warm, but without blisters and a grumpy disposition, it is a superficial sunburn.
How to soothe baby's and child's skin in case of sunburn? 7 solutions:
1) Avoid the sun – Again and again!
Protecting the baby from the sun by avoiding any exposure is the first precaution to take – and for several days – even if the sunburn is present and even if the baby does not seem to complain about it. Because, if you go back into the sun, a baby's mild sunburn can become severe in no time! Avoid going back to square one…
2) Run a lukewarm bath
A lukewarm bath soothes the burning sensation. Double positive effect: by immersing the baby in this small lukewarm bath, you will soothe their skin while distracting them from their mishap. Both of you can enjoy a little moment of relaxation after the storm! Sprinkle with a few pinches of baking soda and oat flakes and that's the recipe for a soothed baby!
Don't forget to pat the baby's skin dry after the bath (do not wipe the burn) and dress them in loose-fitting clothes to avoid any friction on the irritated area.
3) Place a compress on the area
You can also gently place a cold water compress (but not icy! tap water is sufficient) on the affected area and leave it for a while... Quick relief guaranteed!
4) Use a good dose of soothing cream
Spread a good layer of soothing baby cream or lotion on your child's irritated skin. Baby's skin must remain hydrated at all costs! Enjoy the benefits of nature with after-sun lotions to calm sunburn and soothe baby's skin.
5) Offer plenty of drinks
Overexposure rhymes with dehydration. So offer your child plenty of drinks: breast milk, bottles, water or fruit juices for older children, as much as they want!
A natural solution to help the skin recover faster by compensating for the water lost through dehydration.
6) Use gentle and appropriate care products
To avoid irritating baby's already sensitive skin, use gentle, fragrance-free care products, suitable for very young children's skin.
7) Avoid touching blisters
If the sunburn is more severe, blisters with a clear liquid may appear. Avoid puncturing them, as this increases the risk of infection.
Now you know everything to relieve baby's sunburn, the best thing of course is to avoid them.
