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Sunburn in Kids: What Parents Should Know
Sunburn is skin damage from too much sun. It usually heals within 7 days. Here is how to help your child at home.
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What it is
Sunburn is damage to the skin caused by too much sun [1]. Ultraviolet (UV) rays are an invisible form of radiation that can pass through the skin and damage skin cells [5]. Sunburns are a sign of skin damage [5].
Symptoms of sunburn include skin that feels hot to touch, feels sore or painful, or flakes or peels a few days later [1]. Skin may also blister if the sunburn is severe [1]. On white skin, the skin will usually be red or pink [1]. On black or brown skin, you may not notice a change in skin colour [1].
Sunburn usually gets better within 7 days [1]. Getting sunburnt can increase the risk of skin cancer [3]. UV rays can cause skin damage during any season or at any temperature [5].
What you can do at home
You can treat sunburn yourself [1]. Here is what to do:
- Get out of the sun as soon as possible [4].
- Cool the skin with a cool shower, bath, or damp towel. Take care not to let a baby or young child get too cold [4].
- Apply aftersun cream or spray, or an unperfumed moisturiser [4].
- Avoid alcohol and drink plenty of water to cool down and prevent dehydration [4].
- Take painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen for any pain. Follow the instructions in the leaflet [4].
- Cover sunburnt skin from direct sunlight until the skin has fully healed [4].
Do not do these things:
- Do not use petroleum jelly on sunburnt skin [2].
- Do not put ice or ice packs on sunburnt skin [2].
- Do not pop any blisters [2].
- Do not scratch or try to remove peeling skin [2].
- Do not wear tight-fitting clothes over sunburnt skin [2].
To prevent sunburn in the future, protect your child by staying out of the sun when it is strongest, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. [5]. Use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher [5]. Wear protective clothing and wraparound sunglasses that provide 100% UV ray protection [5]. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds [5]. Check your skin regularly for changes in the size, shape, colour, or feel of birthmarks, moles, and spots [5].
When to see a doctor or go to the emergency department
Ask your doctor for an urgent appointment or get medical advice if your child has been out in the sun and has any of these signs [3]:
- Skin is blistered or swollen [3].
- Temperature is very high, or they feel hot, cold, or shivery [3].
- They feel very tired, dizzy, or sick [3].
- They have a headache [3].
- They have muscle cramps [3].
- Your baby or young child has sunburn [3].
Get medical advice if you need it — check if it is urgente for a child under 5 years old [3]. Severe sunburn can lead to heat exhaustion and heatstroke, which can be very serious [3].
Common questions
Can I pop sunburn blisters? No. Do not pop any blisters [2]. Let them heal on their own.
Can I put ice on sunburn? No. Do not put ice or ice packs on sunburnt skin [2]. Use a cool shower, bath, or damp towel instead [4].
Is a suntan healthy? No. Suntans are not healthy either [5]. They appear after the sun’s rays have already killed some cells and damaged others [5].
Can my child get sunburnt on a cloudy day? Yes. UV rays can cause skin damage during any season or at any temperature [5]. Protect skin even when it is not sunny.
Sources
[1] NHS — “Sunburn” (2025), section “Sunburn”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sunburn/ [2] NHS — “Sunburn” (2025), section “Don’t”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sunburn/ [3] NHS — “Sunburn” (2025), section “A pharmacist can help with sunburn”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sunburn/ [4] NHS — “Sunburn” (2025), section “How to ease sunburn yourself”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sunburn/ [5] MedlinePlus — “Sun Exposure” (2017), section “Introducción”, p. 1 — https://medlineplus.gov/sunexposure.html
This guide summarises published paediatric guidelines. It is not medical advice and does not replace your paediatrician. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.
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