Sunburn & Kids: When to Call the Doctor & Tips to Avoid Sunburn by Dr. Hannah Chow-Johnson

Sunburns are painful for everyone, but they can be especially dangerous for children. Here are some sunburn tips to keep in mind:

• If the child is younger than a year and is sunburned, contact your doctor immediately. 
• You should call your doctor if a child older than 1 is sunburned and has blistering, lethargy or a fever higher than 101 degrees F. 
• Sunburn can cause dehydration so give your child extra fluids, especially water, and make sure he or she is urinating normally. 

Though we are excited to get out in the sun and enjoy some natural vitamin D, we need to take caution when exposing our skin to the sun. This is especially true for kids. Too much exposure to the sun can cause long-term sun damage and premature aging. Just one blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescents more than doubles a person’s chance of developing melanoma later in life. 

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, less than one-third of young people take proper steps to protect their skin from excessive exposure to the sun. It is very important for parents to start teaching their kids skin health habits when they are young. This will help them get into a routine and encourage them to continue these habits as they get older. 

The information on 30Seconds.com is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice. The information provided through this site should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease and is not a substitute for professional care. Always consult your personal health care provider.