Sunburns

First-degree sunburn:

• Mild burn affecting the outer layer of the skin (epidermis).
• Symptoms include redness, pain and slight swelling.
• Generally, heals within a few days to a week with proper care.

Second-degree sunburn:

• A more severe burn affecting both the outer layer and the underlying skin (dermis).
• Symptoms include intense redness, blistering, swelling and significant pain.
• Healing may take a few weeks and scarring is possible if not properly treated.

Third-degree sunburn:

• Extremely severe burn penetrating deep into the skin layers and possibly affecting nerves, blood vessels and muscles.
• Symptoms include charring or darkening of the skin, widespread blistering and intense pain.
• Third-degree sunburns require immediate medical attention and can lead to permanent tissue damage.

Sunburn injuries are painful and require professional medical care if more than a mild burn.

Burn care at home for mild sunburn:

• Apply cool compresses to your child’s skin or suggest a cool bath to soothe the burn.
• Gently rub on a cream or gel containing ingredients such as aloe to take the sting out of the sunburn. Try refrigerating the cream first to make it feel better on your child’s skin.
• Provide an over-the-counter pain reliever with acetaminophen. Be sure to use the proper dose for your child’s age and weight.
• Make sure your child stays hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
• Avoid the sun until the sunburn heals.

Important: Never put ice on a burn, including a sunburn. If symptoms are more than mild, seek medical attention at a healthcare facility.

Burn prevention is important year round. Burns can happen quickly with children, and these tips can help prevent burn-related injuries. Be mindful of medications that may increase the skin’s sensitivity to the sun.

Sunscreen

• Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is a measure of how well a sunscreen protects against UVB rays.
• Higher SPF values provide more protection, but no sunscreen can block 100% of UV rays.
• Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
• Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher for adequate protection.
• Apply sunscreen generously and evenly to all exposed skin.
• Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more frequently if your child is playing in water or sweating. (Read the package directions)

Clothing and Accessories

• Keep infants less than 6 months old out of direct sun; dress them in a hat and lightweight clothing that protects the arms and legs. When adequate clothing and shade are not available, parents can apply a minimal amount of sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 to small areas, such as the face and the back of the hands.
• Dress children and infants older than 6 months in tightly-woven, loose-fitting protective clothing that covers the arms and legs.
• Opt for wide-brimmed hats to protect the face, ears and neck.
• Use UV-blocking sunglasses to shield your child’s eyes from harmful rays.
  

Sun Exposure Timing

• Encourage frequent breaks from the sun in shaded areas, especially when the sun is the strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Seek shade or create your own using an umbrella or canopy.
• Be cautious of reflected sunlight from water, sand or snow, which can increase UV exposure.

Peeling after sunburn occurs as a part of the body's natural healing process in response to the damage caused by excessive exposure to UV rays from the sun.

Skin peels because of:

• Cellular damage: When the skin is exposed to intense UV radiation, it can cause damage to the skin cells. UV rays penetrate the outer layer of the skin (epidermis) and reach the deeper layers, damaging DNA and disrupting the normal functioning of skin cells.
• Inflammatory response: The body's immune system recognizes the damaged skin cells and initiates an inflammatory response to repair the damage. Inflammation is the body's way of protecting and healing itself.
• Increased cell turnover: As part of the healing process, the body triggers an increased turnover of skin cells. New cells are rapidly produced to replace the damaged cells.
• Dead skin cell removal: As new cells are formed, the damaged and dead skin cells on the outermost layer of the epidermis start to detach from the skin surface. This process is what leads to peeling.
• Regeneration of healthy skin: The peeling helps to get rid of the damaged skin and make way for the new, healthier cells underneath. This promotes the regeneration of the epidermal layer and speeds up the healing process.

Peeling after sunburn is a natural mechanism to remove the damaged skin and promote the growth of healthy skin. However, it's important to avoid picking or peeling the skin forcibly, as it can lead to further irritation or infection, and delay the healing process. Instead, keep the affected area moisturized and protected from further sun exposure while allowing the peeling to occur naturally.

Applying soothing lotions or aloe vera gel can help alleviate discomfort during this process. If you have severe sunburn or concerns about the healing process, consult a healthcare professional for proper guidance and care.

Sunglasses are important for various reasons. Choose sunglasses with UV protection, and consider polarized lenses for better glare reduction and eye comfort. Quality sunglasses are an investment in your eye health and overall well-being.

Sunglasses are important for:

• Eye protection: Sunglasses shield your eyes from harmful UV rays, reducing the risk of eye damage and certain eye conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration.
• Skin protection: They provide a barrier for the delicate skin around the eyes, reducing the chances of wrinkles and skin cancer caused by sun exposure.
• Glare reduction: Sunglasses minimize glare from surfaces like water, snow or roads, enhancing visibility and reducing eye strain.
• Comfort and vision: They improve visual comfort, making it easier to see in bright sunlight and prevent squinting, which can lead to headaches.
• Preventing photokeratitis: Wearing sunglasses on sunny days, especially in snowy or beach environments, helps prevent photokeratitis, a painful eye condition similar to sunburn.
• Reducing eye fatigue: Sunglasses help reduce eye fatigue caused by prolonged exposure to bright light, promoting better visual performance.
• Safety while driving: They enhance safety while driving by improving vision and reducing glare, which can prevent accidents caused by temporary blindness.

Remember, these tips are general guidelines, and it is essential to consult a medical professional for personalized advice.