SUNBURN As summer is here (almost..) we frequently see children with sunburn. Prevention Many parents incorrectly assume that the sun is dangerous only when it’s shining brightly. In fact, it’s not the visible light rays but rather the invisible ultraviolet rays that are harmful. Your child actually may be exposed to more ultraviolet rays on foggy or hazy days because she’ll feel cooler and therefore stay outside for a longer time. Exposure is also greater at higher altitudes. Even a big hat or an umbrella is not absolute protection because ultraviolet rays reflect off sand, water, snow, and many other surfaces. Try to keep your child out of the sun when the peak ultraviolet rays occur (between 10 A.M. and 4 P.M.). - Always use a sunscreen to block the damaging ultraviolet rays. Choose a sunscreen made for children with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 or higher. Ideally UV A and B. Apply the protection 15 to 30 minutes before going out. Keep in mind that no sunscreens are truly waterproof, and thus they need to be reapplied every one and a half to two hours, particularly if your child spends a lot of time in the water. Consult the instructions on the bottle. - Dress your child in lightweight cotton clothing with long sleeves and long pants. - Use a beach umbrella or similar object to keep her in the shade as much as possible. - Have her wear a hat with a wide brim. - Babies under six months of age should be kept out of direct sunlight. If adequate clothing and shade are not available, sunscreen may be used on small areas of the body, such as the face and the backs of the hands Treatment Cool the skin by sponging it with lukewarm water or by having a cool shower or bath. Applying a cold compress, such as a cold flannel, to the affected area will also cool your skin. Drinking plenty of fluids will help to cool you down and will replace water lost through sweating. It will also help prevent dehydration. Moisturiser For mild sunburn, apply a moisturising lotion or aftersun cream, available at pharmacies. Aftersun cream such as Burnshield will cool your skin and moisturise it, helping to relieve the feeling of tightness. Moisturisers that contain aloe vera will also help to soothe your skin. Painkillers Painkillers can help to relieve the pain and reduce the inflammation caused by sunburn. Paracetamol can be used to treat pain and control fever. Ibuprofen is a type of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), which can help relieve pain, reduce inflammation and lower a high temperature. Aspirin should NOT be given to children who are under 16 years of age. Severe sunburn Severe cases of sunburn may require special burn cream and burn dressings. Phone or see your doctor for advice. Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If: • Your child looks or acts very sick • Fever above 40° C • Unable to look at lights because of eye pain • Extremely painful sunburn • Looks infected (e.g., draining pus, red streaks, increasing tenderness after day 2) Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9 am and 4 pm) If • You think your child needs to be seen • Large blisters (> 12 mm) • Many small blisters • Swollen feet interfere with walking • Blisters on the face
Posted on: Mon, 04 Nov 2013 10:08:12 +0000
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