Sunstroke and sunburn

Sunstroke in children

Prolonged and direct exposure to sunlight on the uncovered head and neck can lead to irritation of the meninges. Young children are particularly at risk.

Signals:

• a bright red, hot head, even though the body temperature is normal and the rest of the skin feels normally warm
• Headaches, dizziness
• Nausea and vomiting
• The child is restless and confused
• Stiff neck
• possible circulatory problems, possibly leading to loss of consciousness

Here’s how you can help:

• Rest in a cool place, lie still, with your head and neck raised
• Offer drinks
• Gently cool the area with damp, lukewarm cloths (do not let it get too cold)
• If the person is unconscious, administer first aid and call the emergency services

Here’s how you can prevent it:

• Wear hats with neck protection
• Avoid direct sunlight between 11 am and 3 pm
• prefer shady spots

Sunburn in children

Signals:

• 3–4 hours after sunbathing, the skin becomes red, hot and painful, and may swell
• A severe sunburn causes blisters, which require medical treatment

Here’s how you can help:

• Keep the child out of the sun and do not expose them to any further sunlight until the skin has fully healed (1–2 weeks)
• Cool the skin with cold, damp compresses (not too cold)
• Do not apply any home remedies such as talcum powder, flour, oil or ointments
• Apply a cooling children’s lotion (high moisture content)
• It is best to leave irritated areas of skin uncovered
• Ensure they drink enough, offer them drinks or breastfeed babies more frequently
• Under no circumstances should you burst the blisters yourself if you have severe sunburn (risk of infection); these require medical treatment
• Take an infant to the doctor, and likewise a child who is generally unwell (nausea, fever, circulatory problems)
• After 2–3 days, the skin will begin to regenerate; continue to keep the skin moisturised with lotion and do not actively peel off any flaky skin; also prevent your child from picking at the flaky skin

Preventative measures:

Sun cream suitable for children with an SPF of at least 30, UV-protective clothing, a hat and sunglasses, as well as avoiding direct sunlight between 11 am and 3 pm, can help prevent sunburn.

Do not expose children under one year of age to direct sunlight!