Kids Sunscreen Tips - What to Do If Your Child's Skin Burns

As a parent, you use kids sunscreen to keep your child's skin safe when they go outside in the sun. That said, even the best-laid plans can result in sunburn at the end of the day, so what do you do when that happens? What steps do you take to make your little one feel better?

First things first, you'll need to deal with the immediate problem - heat and pain. When night falls, the damage that's been caused during the day will manifest itself, leaving your child's skin feeling hot and painful. It may also be tight and itchy, meaning you're likely to be having to deal with a crying or very upset little person. 

So, to begin with, you can deal with the issue of kids sunscreen that hasn't worked by getting your child to lie in a lukewarm bath. It shouldn't be cold, as this might cause the skin to contract, resulting in more pain. If that's not possible, perhaps try a wet compress instead. 

Aloe Vera Gel or Moisturizer Can Help 

Something else you can do is apply either a soothing aloe vera gel or moisturizing cream - the type you'll find in most drugstores. This should provide them with sufficient relief to allow them to sleep, particularly if you combine it with some paracetamol solution. 

Should you possess a first aid kit that contains some kind of benzocaine treatment, it can also be used to treat discomfort and irritation. 

Why Hydration Is Important For Sun Burn 

Our next bit of advice may seem a little left-field, but drinking water is an important step in helping your child recover from sunburn. You see, when sunburn strikes, it draws hydration out of the body to the skin's surface, along with essential electrolytes that your body needs.

Drinking plenty of fluids in the hours after getting sunburn will help to start the healing process. If you can add some electrolyte powder to the drink - even better. 

What If My Child's Skin Is Blistered?

If despite putting adequate kids sunscreen on your little one's skin, they still ended up with severe sunburn, you might find that blisters form. Should this have occurred, it's important that you ensure they're not able to scratch them and that you call your doctor as soon as you can. 

Also, be sure to keep them inside and out of the sun the next day, with all sunburnt parts totally covered by clothing. Sunburn sometimes comes along with headaches, chills and fever, which is another indicator to check in with your doctor.

Prevent Sunburn With Proper Application of Kids Sunscreen 

The truth of the matter is that if you use sunscreen properly on your child, there is absolutely no reason why they should ever find out how painful and irritating sunburn is. 

Sure, kids can sometimes make it difficult for you to apply it properly, but by ensuring they’re properly covered, you’ll avoid having to deal with something much worse later on. 

Practice good sun safety and get used to applying sunscreen every 2 hours or so (or more if they're swimming), and all they'll remember about those sunny family days out will be the fun and enjoyment that was had.