Sun Safety for Kids

Summer is a time for celebration, exploration, and fun, especially for kids. As a pediatrician, I am interested in encouraging kids to have the experiences that help them grow while also ensuring their safety. Sunburns are a major summer “fun stopper” and a serious health threat, both in the moment and long term. 

Sunburns can happen in as little as 15 minutes, especially for kids who have light skin. And bright light  makes it difficult to tell when a sunburn is happening. You might not notice it for hours, after it’s already too late to prevent it.

Over time, repeated sunburns can lead to skin cancer. And severe sunburns, especially in kids, can require emergency care. If the sunburn causes blisters or facial swelling, covers a large area, or results in fever, chills, headache, confusion, dehydration, or a feeling of faintness, get help right away.

As always, prevention is best. There are three main ways to prevent sunburns from happening.

First, plan your day. If you can, plan to avoid direct sun exposure by playing in the shade, for instance, at peak sun times, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. in the summer. Avoiding sun exposure is the best way to avoid a sunburn.

Next, use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. There isn’t much proven benefit to using sunscreens above 60 SPF, so anything over that offers basically the same protection as SPF 60. You want one that provides protection from both types of UV rays, UVA, which age skin, and UVB, which burns it. Most commercially available varieties do protect from both types. Some sunscreens are made not to sting if some sunscreen accidentally gets in your child’s (or your) eyes. These formulas are especially good for kids.

If you plan to be outside on a sunny day, try applying the sunscreen before your kids get dressed. This will avoid sunburns at the border of their clothing, in the gap between clothes and sunscreen. This also helps meet the need to apply 15 – 30 minutes before sun exposure. (What 5 year old can wait until their sunscreen dries when the beach is right there?) 

Wear protective clothing. We all know that wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses look adorable on our young kids. They are also important for sun protection. You will also notice more “sun smart” clothing, lightweight long-sleeved shirts and even pants that block the sun, available in stores. These are great for all kids, especially those who don’t like to sit still to get their sunscreen on.

Remember, sunscreen wears off! Give it a boost 30 minutes after sun exposure begins and again after your kid has been swimming or sweating.

If your child gets a sunburn, get them out of the sun right away. Have them take a cool shower or bath or use a cool washcloth. Give extra liquids for 2 – 3 days, and use moisturizing creams, like aloe gel, to provide comfort. Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be given, as directed, to relieve pain if needed.  Perhaps most importantly, make sure the burned areas are covered with clothing when going outside, until the skin heals.

With the right preparation, you can help your child prevent most sunburns. Your efforts will be rewarded with many fun-filled summer days while avoiding both short-term discomfort and potentially serious medical consequences.

Ebrahim Ghazali, MD, is a pediatrician at SVMC Pediatrics.