How to Prepare for a Telemedicine Visit About Sunburn in Children

Audience: pediatric

Sunburn in children can range from mild redness to more serious skin damage. A telemedicine visit can help you understand how to care for your child's sunburn and when to seek further medical attention. During the visit, a healthcare provider will ask about the burn's severity, symptoms like pain or blistering, and any other concerns. Preparing for the visit by gathering information and having a clear description of your child's condition will make the consultation more effective. While many sunburns can be managed at home with guidance from a telemedicine provider, some cases require in-person evaluation. Knowing the warning signs and how to care for sunburn can help protect your child's skin and comfort.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child has large blisters covering a significant area of skin — seek urgent in-person care.
• Child develops fever, chills, or feels very unwell after sunburn — seek emergency care.
• Signs of skin infection such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, or pus — seek prompt medical evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Mild to moderate sunburn assessment and care advice.
• Guidance on symptom relief and skin care.
• Education on sun safety and prevention.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe sunburn with extensive blistering or skin damage.
• Signs of infection requiring physical examination.
• Sunburn accompanied by systemic symptoms like high fever or dehydration.

What to Expect During Your Telemedicine Visit

During the telemedicine visit, the healthcare provider will ask about your child's sunburn, including when it happened, how severe it looks, and any symptoms like pain, swelling, or blisters. You may be asked to show the affected skin area using your device's camera. The provider will give advice on how to relieve symptoms and prevent further damage.

How to Prepare for the Visit

Before the visit, gather information such as when the sunburn occurred, what treatments you've already tried, and any other symptoms your child has. Find a quiet place with good lighting and a device with a camera to show the sunburn clearly. Have a list of questions or concerns ready to discuss.

Common Treatments for Sunburn in Children

Treatment often includes applying cool compresses, moisturizing lotions or gels (like aloe vera), and giving age-appropriate pain relievers as recommended. Keeping your child hydrated and out of the sun while the skin heals is important. Avoid using ice directly on the skin or applying oily creams that may trap heat.

When to Seek In-Person Care

If your child has severe pain, extensive blistering, fever, chills, signs of infection (such as increased redness, swelling, or pus), or if they appear very unwell, seek in-person medical care promptly. These signs may indicate a more serious condition requiring urgent treatment.

Preventing Future Sunburns

Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with appropriate SPF, dress your child in protective clothing, and limit sun exposure during peak hours. Teaching children about sun safety can help prevent future sunburns and protect their skin health.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Note the time and circumstances when the sunburn occurred.
• Gather any treatments already applied to the sunburned area.
• Find a well-lit, quiet place with good internet connection for the visit.
• Have a device with a camera ready to show the sunburn.
• Prepare a list of symptoms and questions to discuss with the provider.
• Have your child's medical history available if relevant.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the treatment advice given by the healthcare provider.
• Keep the sunburned skin cool and moisturized.
• Ensure your child stays hydrated and avoids further sun exposure.
• Watch for any worsening symptoms or new red flags.
• Schedule an in-person visit if advised or if symptoms worsen.

FAQs

Can I use any lotion or cream on my child's sunburn?

It's best to use gentle, fragrance-free moisturizers or aloe vera gel to soothe sunburned skin. Avoid oily or perfumed products that may irritate the skin further.

Is it safe to give my child pain medicine for sunburn?

Age-appropriate pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce pain and inflammation. Always follow dosing instructions and check with your healthcare provider if unsure.

How long does a sunburn usually take to heal in children?

Mild sunburns often improve within a few days, but redness and peeling may last about a week. More severe sunburns can take longer to heal and may require medical attention.

When should I call a doctor about my child's sunburn?

Contact a healthcare provider if your child has severe pain, large blisters, fever, signs of infection, or if they seem very unwell. These may be signs of complications needing prompt care.

Can sunburn cause long-term skin damage in children?

Repeated sunburns, especially in childhood, can increase the risk of skin damage and skin cancer later in life. Protecting your child's skin from sunburn is important for long-term health.

Sources

1. Sunburn — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Sunburn: First Aid — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Sunburn - Symptoms and causes — Mayo Clinic.
4. Sunburn in Children — American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

This telemedicine guidance is educational and not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child's condition worsens or you have concerns, seek immediate medical attention.