Severe Sunburn in a Child
Content reviewed against published AAP, CDC, Skin Cancer Foundation guidelines
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Severe sunburn in children can cause significant pain, blistering, fever, dehydration, and in extreme cases, sun poisoning requiring medical treatment. Children have thinner, more sensitive skin than adults and burn more quickly. Infants under 6 months should never have direct sun exposure.
Immediate actions
- May not require 911 — see guidance below
- Move child out of the sun immediately into shade or indoors
- DO NOT: Do NOT apply ice or ice water directly to sunburned skin
Step-by-Step Response
Get out of sun
Move to shade or indoors immediately. Further UV exposure will worsen the burn. Sunburn can continue to develop for 12-24 hours after exposure.
Cool the skin
Apply cool (not cold) damp cloths to burned areas for 10-15 minutes. A lukewarm bath can provide relief for widespread burns. Do not use ice.
Hydrate
Sunburn draws fluid to the skin surface and away from the body. Offer extra water, breast milk, or electrolyte solution. Watch for signs of dehydration.
Pain relief
Give ibuprofen (for children over 6 months) — it reduces both pain and inflammation. Follow dosing guidelines carefully. Start early for best effect.
Moisturize
Apply pure aloe vera gel or a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizing lotion. Avoid products containing alcohol, benzocaine, or lidocaine. Reapply frequently.
Protect blisters
If blisters form, leave them intact — they protect healing skin underneath. Cover with loose, clean gauze if needed to prevent rubbing. If blisters break, apply antibiotic ointment.
Monitor for complications
Watch for: fever, chills, nausea/vomiting, headache, dizziness, extensive blistering, or signs of heat stroke. These indicate sun poisoning or heat illness requiring medical care.
What NOT to Do
- ✕Do NOT apply ice or ice water directly to sunburned skin
- ✕Do NOT break blisters — this increases infection risk
- ✕Do NOT apply butter, petroleum jelly, or oil-based products to sunburn
- ✕Do NOT use benzocaine-containing products on children (risk of methemoglobinemia)
- ✕Do NOT give aspirin to children
- ✕Do NOT use alcohol-based products on burned skin
- ✕Do NOT return child to sun exposure until fully healed
When to Seek Help
Call 911 if:
- Sunburn with signs of heat stroke: high fever (104F+), confusion, loss of consciousness, seizure
- Child is unresponsive or extremely lethargic
- Severe dehydration: no tears, no urination for 6+ hours, very dry mouth, sunken eyes
Go to ER if:
- Sunburn covering a large area with extensive blistering
- Sunburn with high fever (103F+), severe headache, or confusion
- Signs of severe dehydration despite oral fluids
- Sunburn in an infant under 6 months
- Child is vomiting and cannot keep fluids down
- Sunburn with dizziness, fainting, or rapid heartbeat
Call your doctor if:
- Sunburn in an infant under 1 year
- Blistering over a significant area
- Fever with sunburn
- Severe pain not controlled with over-the-counter medication
- Signs of infection: increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pus from broken blisters
- Child seems unwell beyond expected sunburn discomfort
Age-Specific Guidance
0-6 months
Infants should NEVER have direct sun exposure. Their skin is extremely thin and sensitive. Sunscreen is not recommended under 6 months. Use shade, protective clothing, and avoidance. Any sunburn in this age group needs medical evaluation.
6 months - 2 years
Begin using sunscreen (SPF 30+). Toddlers have thin skin and burn quickly. A "light pink" means damage has occurred. Protective clothing is better than sunscreen alone. Use rash guards for water play.
2-8 years
Children playing outside may resist sunscreen application. Use spray or stick formulations for easier application. Reapply frequently. A single blistering sunburn in childhood doubles lifetime melanoma risk.
Prevention
- Keep infants under 6 months out of direct sunlight entirely
- Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen 15-30 minutes before going outside
- Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating
- Dress children in protective clothing: wide-brimmed hats, long sleeves, UV-protective swimwear
- Seek shade during peak UV hours (10am-4pm)
- Use UV-protective sunglasses for children
- Be aware that UV reflects off water, sand, snow, and concrete
- Check UV index before outdoor activities — limit exposure when index is high
- Do not rely on cloudy skies — up to 80% of UV penetrates clouds
Frequently asked questions
Should I call 911 for severe sunburn in a child?
What should I do first?
What should I NOT do?
How can I prevent this?
Sources
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources
Related Emergency Guides
Bottom line
Stay calm and follow the steps above. When in doubt, call your pediatrician or go to the nearest emergency room.
You are doing the right thing by learning what to do in an emergency. Being prepared is one of the best things you can do for your child.