BABY AND CHILDHOOD SKIN DISORDERS: SUNBURN
Children are very prone to sunburn, especially those of fair or blond or reddish complexion. The sun's rays are very fierce in many parts of Australia, especially during summer, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. is the most hazardous time.
Avoiding sunburn is the best idea, for severe burning is extremely painful. And long-term persisting damage to the skin may lead to the development of skin cancers, which are also dangerous.
Parents should supervise their children's sun exposure habits, especially in the early part of the spring-summer season when skins are usually white and at special risk. Many children rapidly turn brown and the risk in burning is greatly reduced by the protective layer of melanin which is present for this purpose. If the skin is white, allow only short bouts in the sun, ideally 15-20 minutes at a time. Wearing protective clothing over shoulders and back is advisable. However, when this becomes wet with salty water and on windy days, the skin can still burn severely with any lengthy exposure.
Never forget that burning rays can easily be reflected by expansive light-coloured surfaces. Therefore, be careful of beaches and reflection from the ocean, whether on the beach, lawns or on a boat. Cloudy days are often the most treacherous, giving a false sense of security. The sun's rays readily reflect from large cloud masses. It is all worth remembering. (Incidentally, it is good advice for adults as well as for children.) Babies and infants must be given extra special care when exposed in hot weather.
The liberal use of ultra-violet screening lotions and creams are often very successful in checking burning. Apply these often; and as most are soluble in water, re-apply them after swimming or surfing. There are many excellent commercial brands available and nearly all are good. But the one you select must contain a well-known ultra-violet screening agent.
Treatment
Skin burning is often not apparent until that night or the next day. It may vary in severity from a fiery red to areas of blistering.
Cool wet soaks are the best idea. Dip a soft towel or flannel into a dish of icy-cold water, then wring it out lightly, and spread it on the burnt or blistered region. Change it often, and continue regularly. Do not burst blisters, for this may enable germs to infect the fluids present on the raw skin underneath. In due course, the fluid is either absorbed or the blisters will break of their own accord.
Giving the child plenty of fluids to drink is advisable, for fluid loss from blistering and sweating are common. Cold water, chilled fruit juice, chilled glucose-enriched drinks or ice-blocks are all suitable. Add a pinch of salt per glass, for salt is often lost also and must be replaced.
If pain is severe, paracetamol elixir for children is effective. It will also help reduce fevers as well as relieve the pain. The dosage is usually on the label and varies with age.
Ideally avoid applying lotions or creams to sunburn for this rarely helps and may sensitize the skin and make it worse. Antihistamines taken orally sometimes help. Call the doctor if the sunburn is severe.
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General Health
- The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.
- Read the product information leaflet provided with the product before using it.
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