Summer brings warmth and days of play outside, especially at the pool or beach. Parents: be on the lookout for sunburn!

What is it? Sunburn is red or blistered skin caused by overexposure to the sun. Some people are more prone to sunburn than others, such as those with fair or delicate skin, but anyone can get it.

Symptoms can include pain and swelling, and most sunburn is a first-degree burn that turns the skin pink or red. Longer sun exposure can create a more serious burn that ends in blistering and a second-degree burn. Although sunburn never causes a third-degree burn or scarring, sunburn is serious and can be life-threatening under certain circumstances.

Your best option for sunburn is prevention. Use a sunscreen that has an SPF of 15 or higher. If you or your kids have fair or delicate skin, it’s best to use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30.

– Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside to let it absorb into the skin.
– Pay special attention to the nose, ears, cheeks, and shoulders.
– Reapply every 3 to 4 hours
– Reapply after swimming or sweating. (note – “waterproof” sunscreens only stay on for about 30 minutes in water.
– Wear wide-brimmed beach hats and cover up when not swimming
– Use a lip balm with SPF to protect lips.
– Look cool in sunglasses to protect your eyes!
– Avoid peak hours between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
– Remember that you can still burn on a cloudy day.
– APPLY LIBERALLY!

Disclaimer
This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information. To read more, visit: www.seattlechildrens.org/medical-conditions/symptom-index/sunburn/

Here is an ACTION PLAN for dealing with sunburn, provided by KidsHealth.org.
Instruction Sheet Graphic: https://kidshealth.org/parent/firstaid_safe/sheets/sunburn_sheet.html

Sunburn Action Plan from KidsHealth.org