Sun Protection For Infants and Children

We all know the importance of daily sunscreen to protect our skin from harmful sun rays. With summer around the corner (we hope) we want to review your options and importance of proper sun protection for your children and infants!

Sunburn can develop within 15 minutes of sun exposure, but the redness and discomfort may not be noticed immediately, in fact, it sometimes is not noticed until hours later. Repeated sunburns can lead to skin cancer.

Sunburn Signs & Symptoms

Mild: Skin redness and warmth, pain, and itchiness.
Severe: Skin redness & blistering Pain & tingling, swelling, nausea, headache, fever & chills, dizziness.

What To Do If You Think You Have A Sunburn

  • Remove child from the sun immediately.
  • Place the child in a cool (not cold) shower or bath or apply a cool compress.
  • Give extra fluids for the next 2 to 3 days.
  • Ibuprofen or acetamininophen (as directed) may be given to relieve pain.
  • Aloe gel or moisturizing cream may be applied to provide comfort.
  • Cover all sunburned areas until healed when going outside.

How To Prevent Sunburns

  • Minimize summer sun exposure between 10am and 4pm.
  • Dress children in protective clothing, sunglasses and a hat.
  • UPF 50+ clothing, swimwear, hats and sunglasses and even blankets are now available!
  • Use sunscreen that provides UVB & UVA protection with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15.
  • Apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before sun exposure and 30 minutes after exposure begins. Reapply after swimming or sweating.

Infants Under 6 Months

Apply minimal amount of 15 SPF to small areas, such as the infant’s face and the back of the hands. Dress infants in lightweight clothes that cover legs, arms and include a hat that shades the face.

Children

The best line of defense is clothing coverage, hat and sunglasses. Limit outdoor play during peak hours. Apply enough sunscreen (one ounce per sitting) and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.

Use extra caution near water, sand or snow, reflection may cause sunburn to develop more quickly.

Seek Emergency Medical Care If

  • Sunburn forms blisters or is extremely painful
  • The child experiences facial swelling
  • The sunburn covers a large area
  • The child has fever or chills after extreme sun exposure
  • The child has headache, confusion or a feeling of faintness
  • You see signs of dehydration (increased thirst or dry eyes & mouth)

      • We encourage smart and active sun protection year round not only to guard against skin cancer, but to keep your skin looking young and healthy. We offer sunscreen for men and women, moisturizers with sunscreen and Jane Iredale Mineral make-up with sun screen.

      Call or drop by and let our Estheticians assist you! 503-699-5088.