There are many ways to protect your child’s skin from sunburn. When a child spends too much time in the sun and wind, their skin will become red and painful. If parents understood how sunburn occurs and what time of the day it is most likely to occur, the probability that their child’s skin will become sunburned will be greatly reduced.

The best course of action in protecting your child from the harmful rays of the sun will involve limiting the amount of time a child is exposed to the sun, applying additional skin protection through the use of sunscreens and using clothing as a barrier against the rays of the sun.

A sunburn is most likely to occur when the sun’s rays are directly overhead. This rule applies when the child is playing outside, and is not limited only to visits to the beach. The strongest rays of the sun will occur between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Limiting exposure to the sun during this time will greatly reduce the chance that the child’s skin will be burnt.

If a child will be out in the sun during this time, the parent should make sure that sunscreen has been applied to all exposed body parts. With this protective skin coating in place, a child can spend more time in the sun. Parents should choose lightweight clothing items that will allow them to cover exposed skin parts from the harmful rays of the sun while letting cool breezes in to reduce body temperatures.

Parents should be aware that children can get sunburned on cloudy days too. Sunlight can be reflected off of water, concrete and sand, as well as pool tables and chairs. A sunscreen with an SPF level of 15 or more should be applied liberally to all exposed skin areas at least 30 minutes before a child is allowed outside.

Depending on a child’s activity level outside, it may be necessary to reapply the sunscreen every 3 hours. This may be required more often if the child has been swimming or sweating. A sunburn will generally not become evident for many hours. A child may become sick, and their skin may become hot to the touch after many hours of sun exposure.

A child’s skin will be very dry and will start to peel after a week. While the sunburn heals, a child may be allowed to play in shaded areas of the yard. Pain relief for children can be offered by applying cold compresses and allowing the child to take a cool, but not cold bath. Aloe vera gels will provide excellent relief from sunburn pain and a aloe plants grown in the home can also be used. Moisturizing creams should be liberally applied to the surface of the skin to help rehydrate the skin and reduce the amount of swelling that will be incurred from a sunburn.

Aspirin should not be given to teens and children for pain relief. A child pain relieving medication such as acetaminophen or other pain relief sprays can be applied with no ill effects. Should the skin fester with blisters and exhibit open sores, the child should be taken to a physician for treatment. Infections can occur very easily to this type of open wound.