How to treat sunburn on newborn?

Understanding Sunburn in Newborns
Sunburn can be particularly concerning for newborns due to their delicate skin and the potential for long-term damage. Newborns, especially those under six months, are at a heightened risk because their skin is thinner and more sensitive than that of older children and adults. Therefore, prevention is the best strategy, but if sunburn does occur, knowing how to treat it effectively is crucial.
Immediate Steps for Treatment
If you suspect your newborn has a sunburn, the first step is to assess the severity. Mild sunburn can often be treated at home, while severe cases may require medical attention. To alleviate discomfort, cooling the skin is essential. Applying a cool (not ice-cold) compress to the affected areas for about 15 minutes several times a day can help reduce the temperature of the skin and provide relief from pain .
A tepid bath can also be beneficial. This method not only cools the skin but can also be soothing for your baby. After bathing, gently pat the skin dry and avoid rubbing, which can exacerbate irritation.
Hydration and Moisturization
Sunburn can lead to dehydration, as the burn draws fluid to the skin’s surface. To combat this, it’s important to offer your baby extra fluids for several days following the sunburn. This could mean more frequent breastfeeding or formula feeding, depending on your baby’s age and feeding routine.
In addition to hydration, applying a topical moisturizer can help soothe the skin. Products containing aloe vera or hydrocortisone cream may provide relief from discomfort and help the skin heal. However, it’s crucial to avoid any products that contain alcohol, as these can further irritate the skin.
Monitoring for Complications
While treating a sunburn at home, keep an eye out for any signs of complications. If blisters develop, do not break them open, as this can lead to infection. Instead, keep the area clean and covered. If your baby shows signs of severe pain, fever, or if the sunburn does not improve within a few days, it’s important to seek medical advice.
Preventive Measures for the Future
Looking ahead, prevention is key to avoiding sunburn in the first place. For newborns, it’s advisable to keep them out of direct sunlight, especially during peak hours between 10 AM and 4 PM. When outdoor exposure is unavoidable, dressing your baby in lightweight, long-sleeved clothing and using a wide-brimmed hat can provide additional protection. For babies over six months, applying a baby-safe sunscreen can also be effective.
In conclusion, while sunburn in newborns can be distressing, understanding how to treat it and taking preventive measures can help ensure your little one stays safe and comfortable in the sun.

How fast can a newborn get sunburned?

Unfortunately, a toddler or infant sunburn can happen quickly. Woods says it can take as little as 15 minutes to 30 minutes of exposure. Of course, this will also depend on what time of day your baby is outside.

Can you put aloe on a 2 month old?

You can use aloe vera for your baby too! It moisturises and soothes the skin. Babies develop acne, but they are very different from the acne that teenagers might get. To tackle this acne worry of yours, just wipe your baby’s face with a clean soft washcloth and then apply some aloe vera gel on it.

When should I take my baby to the ER for sunburn?

In general, call your child’s healthcare provider right away if: The sunburn is severe or forms blisters. Your child has symptoms of heat stress such as fever (see Fever and children, below), chills, nausea, vomiting, dehydration, or feeling faint. Your baby is younger than 1 year and gets a sunburn.

Why is baby sunburn an emergency?

Call your doctor or get emergency medical care if: a sunburn causes blisters or is extremely painful. your child has facial swelling from a sunburn. a sunburn covers a large area.

What is the best remedy for baby sunburn?

If your child’s burn is just red, warm, and painful, you can treat it yourself. Apply cool compresses to the burned areas or bathe the child in cool water. You also can give acetaminophen to help relieve the pain. (Check the package for the correct dosage for their age and weight.)

How do you get rid of sun tan on a newborn?

Chickpea flour exfoliates dead skin and removes sun tan from the skin. It also plays an important role in removing unwanted fine hair and makes skin soft and nourished. Chickpea that soothes your baby’s skin soft and supple. Chickpea is beneficial to maintain skin health due to its strong antioxidant activity.

Does breast milk help with baby sunburn?

For infants, breast milk or formula and for older children, water or other liquids can help replace fluids lost while being out in the heat. They also help the skin heal. Aloe vera gel or a hypoallergenic moisturizer could also be applied, just make sure it is alcohol-free and designed for a baby’s sensitive skin.

What to do if newborn gets burnt?

Learn first aid for a baby or child who has a burn

1. Cool the burn under cold running water for at least 20 minutes. Cooling the burn will reduce pain, swelling and the risk of scarring.
2. After the burn has been cooled, loosely cover it with cling film or a clean plastic bag.
3. Call 999 if you think the burn is serious.

Is diaper cream good for sunburn?

Dr. Gohara recommends popping a diaper rash cream, like Burt’s Bees Baby Diaper Rash Ointment, into the fridge, and then applying it to your burn. She says zinc oxide is good for skin-barrier repair, and this formula has a 40 percent strength — plus sweet almond oil and shea butter to seal in moisture.

What happens if a newborn gets sunburn?

More often than not, sunburn on your baby is an annoyance that’ll leave them looking pink and feeling a little uncomfortable for a few days. It’s not usually serious, but if they have signs of physical illness along with their burn, they should be taken for emergency care right away.