What's New - Sunburn   Sunburn (Last Updated: )   Sunburn is the damaging effect on the skin of the ultraviolet (UV) light contained in sunlight. With too much exposure to UV light, your skin overheats and becomes red and painful, and may later peel or blister. Symptoms of mild sunburn are red sore skin. Severe sunburn can cause blistering, swelling of the skin and fever. At the same time there may also be symptoms of heatstroke, such as dizziness, headaches, and nausea. Prevention: mild sunburn can be treated by keeping out of the sun and applying regular moisturising lotion or after sun lotion which will help to cool the skin. Babies under 12 months should be kept in the shade and covered up with a high factor sun lotion or sun block. Encourage them to play in the shade, as well as being covered up. • Thickly apply sunscreen with a SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15 before going out in the sun with your children. • For maximum protection choose a sun lotion that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. • Sun screen should be applied half an hour before going out into the sun. • Use a generous amount and make sure you cover all areas of exposed skin, particularly ears and back of necks. • Reapply sun screen regularly and especially after swimming. • Avoid strong sunlight whenever possible, and cover up with loose clothing and a hat. Try to avoid going out when the sun is at its strongest, between 11am and 3pm. • Sun glasses should also be worn, look for a style with UV filters and encourage children to wear them. • Stick application of sunscreen with a higher SPF or even total sun block can be useful to protect lips, ears and noses which tend to burn easily. REMEMBER PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE! Treatment • Calamine lotion can also be used to relieve itching and soreness. • Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids to replace the water lost through sweating in the sun and to cool down. • If a baby or small child has been sun burnt and develops blisters, or a rash, you should seek medical advice from your GP, NHS Walk-in centre, or local Accident and Emergency department as the burns may need specialist treatment.     Return To Previous Page