Sun Safety

 

Protecting your children from the harmful rays of the sun is a must for all parents.

Think Prevention!

• Minimize their sun exposure but especially during the midday heat when the sun is directly overhead
• Cover up by making sure children wear long protective clothing, sunglasses and a hat.
• Apply a high factor sunscreen that provides UVB and UVA protection and don’t forget the nose, feet, neck, hands and lips.
• Apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutesbefore sun exposure and 30 minutes after exposure begins, then reapply after swimming or sweating.

Set a good example for children by following sun safety rules yourself.

Never leave a child under 1 year of age exposed in the sun, at home or abroad.

 

Sunburn can happen within 15 minutes of being in the sun, but the redness and discomfort may not be noticed for a few hours.

Signs and Symptoms of sunburn

Mild:

• skin redness and warmth
• pain
• itchiness

Severe:

• skin redness and blistering
• pain and tingling
• swelling
• headache
• nausea
• fever and chills
• dizziness

 

What to Do

• Remove your child from the sun right away.
• Place your child in a cool (not cold) shower or bath — or cool down the affected area with a cool damp cloth and repeat this as often as needed.
• Give extra fluids for the next 2 to 3 days.
• Give your child some pain relief as directed, if needed
• Use moisturizing creams or after sun to provide comfort.
• When going outside, all sunburned areas should be fully covered to protect the skin from the sun until healed.

Seek Emergency Medical Care

If:

• blisters appear
• your child has facial swelling from a sunburn
• a sunburn covers a large area
• your child has fever or chills
• your child has a headache, confusion, or a feeling of faintness
• you see signs of dehydration