Sunburn

>> >> >> Sunburn

Infants and children are more susceptible to the injury of sunburn than adults. This most frequent summertime problem is easily prevented. Short-term over-exposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun may cause injury that ranges from slight redness to blistering, nausea, vomiting, and even heat stroke. Long term repeated exposure to the sun results in wrinkling, increased and decreased pigmentation of the skin, and skin cancers.

Preventive measures include keeping the children shielded from the ultraviolet rays with a commercial sunscreen. These products now come with a sun protection factor number after them. The following table describes your child's skin type and recommends the correct sunscreen protection factor.

SKIN TYPES AND RECOMMENDED SUNSCREEN PROTECTION FACTORS (SPF)

Skin Type - I
· Pigmentation - Very fair skin, freckling, blonde, red, brown hair
· Ethnic Origin - Celtic, Irish, Scottish
· Sunburn & Tanning History - Always burns easily, never tans
· Recommended SPF - 15 or more
Skin Type - II
· Pigmentation - Fair skin, blonde, red, or brown hair
· Ethnic Origin - Caucasian
· Sunburn & Tanning History - Always burns easily, tans minimally
· Recommended SPF - 15
Skin Type - III
· Pigmentation - Brown hair and eyes
· Ethnic Origin - Darker Caucasians
· Sunburn & Tanning History - Burns moderately, tans gradually & uniformly (light brown)
· Recommended SPF - 8 to 10
Skin Type - IV
· Pigmentation - Light brown skin, dark hair and eyes
· Ethnic Origin - Mediterranean, Orientals, Hispanics
· Sunburn & Tanning History - Burns minimally, always tans well (moderate brown)
· Recommended SPF - 6 to 8
Skin Type - V
· Pigmentation - Brown skin, dark eyes and hair
· Ethnic Origin - American, American Indian, Hispanic, Latin Middle Eastern.
· Sunburn & Tanning History - Rarely burns, tans profusely (dark brown)
· Recommended SPF - 4
Skin Type - VI
· Pigmentation - Brown-black skin, dark eyes and hair
· Ethnic Origin - African and American Blacks
· Sunburn & Tanning History - Never burns, deeply pigmented (black)
· Recommended SPF - None necessary

Sunscreen is not recommended for infants under six months of age . Instead their exposure to direct intense sun should be minimized. We do not recommend sunscreen/bug repellant combinations. In addition to a sunscreen, children should wear protective clothing such as a light long sleeved shirt and a broad brimmed hat; dark fabrics offer a better screening than light fabrics. Parents should also be aware that the most hazardous time of the day is between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm and that sand, water, snow, and wet clothing all increase harmful effects of the sun. Beware of cloudy days, as the ultraviolet rays may still cause burns.

Treatment of affected areas depends on the severity of the burn. With or without blistering, apply cool Burrows Solution compresses or bathe in cool water. An additional pain reliever such as Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen may be given. Blister should be allowed to burst on their own because their fluid will sometimes reabsorb. If you are concerned about the severity of the sunburn, please call our office.

Sunburn

Related Links