From the Nurse: Sunburn
Sunburn? Why is the nurse talking to us about sunburn already? Well, these fun spring days lead to hours of playing out in the sun. It is also a time when we don’t think about needing sunblock. The sun is bright and close enough that your child can get a sunburn. Sunburn can happen within 15 minutes of being exposed to the sun, but the redness and discomfort may not occur until several hours later. Repeated sunburns can lead to skin cancer. Unprotected sun exposure is even more dangerous for those who have many moles or freckles, very fair skin and hair, or a family history of skin cancer.
What to do:
- Remove the child from the sun right away
- Place the child in a cool (not cold) shower or bath, or apply cool compresses
- Give extra fluids for the next 2 or 3 days
- Give the child ibuprofen or acetaminophen, as directed and if needed, to relieve the pain
- Use moisturizing creams or aloe gels to provide comfort
- When going outside, all sunburned areas should be fully covered to protect the child from the sun until being healed
- Seek medical attention if blisters form, the child has facial swelling, or fever or chills after getting sunburned
Think Prevention:
- Have kids wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and a hat
- Apply sunscreen that provides UVB and UVA protection with a sun protection factor (SPF) of AT LEAST 15 SPF
- Apply sunscreen 15-30 minutes before sun exposure and 30 minutes after exposure begins, then reapply after kids have been swimming or sweating
Reminder: If you were notified in the fall about an abnormal vision or hearing screening or a notice recently for an abnormal dental screening for your child, please return the physician’s/dentist’s form as soon as he/she is seen. It is important for your child’s health to be at its best for optimal learning!!
- If you were notified that you need a physical or dental form completed for your child’s health records, please return those papers ASAP.