Before things heat up: signs to watch out for
The sun is beating down, the kids are playing, and suddenly you notice that their cheeks are turning pink... then red. Ouch. Sunburn in children doesn't take long to appear.
What are the symptoms of sunburn? Redness, skin that feels hot to the touch, sometimes even a slight fever or fatigue. And if blisters appear, the burn is deeper. In any case, don't leave it untreated.
First step: provide quick relief
Cool, moisturize, soothe
No need to bring out the big guns, but you need to act fast:
- Cool the skin with lukewarm water (not cold, to avoid thermal shock)
- Apply a sunburn cream for children, such as Biafine, but only if the child is old enough (always check the label!).
- Cover the area for the next few days and avoid exposing it to the sun at all costs. Even a mild sunburn needs rest to heal properly.
If you're wondering what to put on a sunburn, avoid fatty substances such as butter or oil, as these retain heat and aggravate the burn. For children, opt for aloe vera, a natural, gentle option that can be used on all ages. It soothes, moisturizes, and feels great on hot skin.
What if it gets worse?
Fever, blisters, crying, vomiting? Then it's time to take action: sunburn in children + fever = see a doctor. Even for a “not so bad” sunburn, if you're not sure, it's best to consult a doctor.
Why? Because a sunburn in a child can quickly develop into heatstroke or even severe dehydration. Their bodies are smaller, more fragile, and react much more quickly than ours to heat. A severe burn, especially over a large area, can also cause a significant inflammatory reaction or infection (especially if the skin blisters).
The doctor will check the temperature, inspect the skin, and assess the severity of the burn. If necessary, they will prescribe a more suitable cream, special dressings for blisters, or even treatment to relieve pain or reduce fever. In some cases, rehydration may even be necessary.
In short, don't wait until it gets too serious. It's better to have a quick check-up than to stress unnecessarily.
Prevention so it doesn't happen again (or almost never)
The golden rules of prevention
Once you've dealt with one, you don't want to go through it again. Here are some tips to avoid another case of sunburn in children:
- Go outside before 11 a.m. or after 4 p.m., when the sun is a little less intense for children.
- Apply sunscreen every two hours (SPF 50 minimum), even in the shade.
- Don't forget the back of the neck, ears, tops of the feet, and other areas that are often overlooked.
- Protect with UV-protective clothing. This ensures constant protection throughout the day, without having to remember to reapply sunscreen every time you go outside.
The smart combo: UV-protective T-shirts
A UV-protective T-shirt is sunscreen's best friend. It covers, protects, dries quickly, and means you don't have to reapply sunscreen every 10 minutes to a child who is running around. The idea is to combine the two for optimal protection: for the body, use a UV-protective T-shirt, and for the face and exposed areas, apply sunscreen.
At G-Heat, we have just what you need: comfortable, stylish, and ultra-effective UV-protective T-shirts for children. They provide a real UV barrier, so you don't have to worry about reapplying sunscreen every two hours!
In short: don't panic, but take action
Sunburn in children is not inevitable, but it can quickly become a nightmare if you don't react. If something goes wrong, treat the sunburn quickly, relieve the burns with the right products, and above all, prevent it from coming back.
Prevention = protection. And for that, nothing beats a good sunscreen + a UV-protective T-shirt for kids. Keep the fun, not the sunburn.
