Sunburn: Effective Treatment and Prevention Strategies

What are sunburn

Sunburn is a acute skin injury caused by solar radiation. In our environment they are one of the most frequent acute injuries. Children with poorly pigmented skin (groups I and II) and infants are the groups at highest risk.

Causes

Sunburn is caused by ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Excessive exposure to these radiations causes alterations in the epidermis causing inflammation. The summer season is rich in this type of injury due to high sun exposure and outdoor activities on the beach or in the mountains.

Remember that more than 90% of sunburn in children they occur in the presence of their caregivers.

Fortunately, it is a situation that can be prevented by taking a series of precautions.

How to prevent sunburn

• Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before of sun exposure. In summer it should be applied whenever children go to do an outdoor activity: playing, excursions, swimming pool, walking ...
• The most recommended is a sunscreen at least 30.
• You have to repeat the application of sunscreen every hour or when getting out of the water.
• It is important to carry the child well equipped with hat and sunglasses.
• Must be avoid direct exposure in the sun between 12 and 16 hours.
• Children under 6 months They should not receive direct sunlight.
• In a cloudy day the sun's rays are also harmful and the same precautions should be taken.

Symptoms

Symptoms of sunburn appear 2-4 hours after sun exposure. There is redness of the skin, pain in the area of ​​the burn, discomfort when moving the area and slight swelling. Symptoms are most intense 24 hours after exposure. In more serious situations the burn can cause blisters.

The biggest problem with sunburn is that it exponentially increases the risk of skin cancer over the years. Solar radiation is cumulative, and the younger children who get sunburned, the more the risk of sunburn increases.

Treatment

Treatment is aimed at soothe burn symptoms and restore the appearance of the skin.

It is important to hydrate the child very well, offering a large amount of. pain relievers may be given to relieve pain, and if the skin inflammation is very exaggerated, the pediatrician may prescribe a hydrocortisone cream.

The fresh water baths and specific after-sun creams can also help make the child more comfortable.

The warning signs for after a sunburn are:

• Appearance of.
• A large body surface is with signs of burn.
• The child looks bad.
• Blisters have appeared on the burn.