The Best Way to Treat Toddler's Sunburn

What's the best way to treat my toddler's sunburn?
Give your toddler plenty of fluids, to help him heal and replace lost fluids from being out in the sun. To soothe the sunburned area, soak a clean, soft washcloth in cool water, wring it out, and gently place it on his skin for ten to 15 minutes a few times a day, making sure your child doesn't get chilled.

He might also appreciate a cool bath; to make it more soothing, add baking soda or an oatmeal-based bath treatment. like Aveeno Pat your toddler's skin dry (don't rub!) and apply a water-based (nonalcohol) moisturizing lotion or an aloe vera gel to relieve itching, which can increase if the burn starts to peel.

Ask your doctor if it's okay to give your toddler some children's acetaminophen or ibuprofen to ease the pain. (Stay away from aspirin, as it can put your child at risk for Reye's Syndrome.)

Dress your child in loose clothing that won't irritate his burned skin, and make sure you keep him out of the sun until he's completely healed, because it will be very easy for him to get a second burn now.

Why is a sunburn so serious?
A sunburn is literally burned skin. Your toddler's sunburn might be a first-degree burn, which would cause redness, mild swelling, and pain. A second-degree burn, which is more serious, would be more painful, with much swelling, redness and blisters.

A first-degree burn usually heals in two to five days, while a second-degree burn can last for a couple of weeks. And if your toddler's spent too much time in the sun, he may also be in danger of heat stroke.

Your toddler's sunburn may not peak for a day or two, so keep an eye on his symptoms for at least that long.

When should I call the doctor?
If it's a mild sunburn and your child's skin is just a little pink and tender, you don't need to call the doctor. But do call your child's doctor if your child:

• starts to blister in the first 24 hours

• has swelling on his hands or face

• has signs of an infection (there may be pus or red streaks).

• is running a fever or has chills.

• has a headache.

• seems to be in extreme pain or just doesn't feel well.

• vomits or faints.

A few don'ts

• Don't put petroleum-based products like Vaseline on your toddler's skin. These prevent heat and sweat from escaping and can worsen a burn. The same goes for butters and oils.

• Don't use first-aid sprays or ointments that contain benzocaine, which can irritate your child's skin or cause an allergic reaction.

• Don't put ice or ice water on your toddler's skin.

• Don't pop any blisters; these have formed to protect your child's underlying skin and breaking them open can lead to infection. If they do break, gently trim off the dead skin and apply an antibiotic ointment such as Neosporin.

Source: http://www.babycenter.com/

How To Treat a Sunburn

Sunburns are caused by UV radiation rather than heat (we can get sunburns on snowy days). Sunburns destroy skin, which controls the amount of heat our bodies retain or release, holds in fluids, and protects us from infection.Using sunscreen will help prevent burns. Remember always, if you think a burn of any type is significant, do not hesitate to call 911 immediately.

Make sure to know sunscreen myths versus facts when out in the sun.

Difficulty: N/A

Time Required: Up to several days

Here's how to treat:

1. Get out of the sun. Staying in the sun after the burn is present will make it worse.
2. Look for blisters. Blistering means the skin is completely damaged and complications are likely. If the area with blisters is bigger than one entire arm or the whole abdomen, seek medical attention by calling 911 or visiting the emergency department.
3. Take a cool shower or bath to soothe the pain.
4. Apply aloe or another cooling agent. Whatever you use - DO NOT APPLY BUTTER OR OIL TO ANY BURN!
5. Over the counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be used for the pain of a sunburn। If stronger pain relief is needed, contact a physician or go to the emergency department.

Tips:

1. Burns cause swelling. Burns of the face and neck can sometimes swell enough to cause difficulty breathing. If that happens, call 911 immediately.
2. Burns that completely circle the hands or feet may cause such severe swelling that blood flow is restricted. If swollen or tight hands and feet become numb and tingly, blue, cold, or "fall asleep," then call 911 immediately.
3. While the burn is healing, wear loose natural clothing like silks or light cottons. Harsher fabrics will irritate the skin even more.
4. Too much sun can also cause heat illness. Learn how to recognize and treat heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

source: http://firstaid.about.com/