Red flags & when to go in person for Sunburn in Children

Audience: pediatric

Sunburn in children is common and usually mild, but sometimes it can cause serious problems. Most mild sunburns can be managed at home and through telemedicine visits. These visits can help guide care, suggest treatments to ease pain, and check for signs of infection or complications. However, some sunburns require in-person medical attention, especially if the child has severe pain, blisters covering a large area, fever, or signs of dehydration. Knowing when to seek urgent care helps keep your child safe. This guide explains red flags to watch for, what telemedicine can and cannot do, and how to prepare for a virtual visit about sunburn in children.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Large blisters or blistering over a wide area needing urgent evaluation
• High fever (above 38°C or 100.4°F) with sunburn requiring in-person care
• Signs of dehydration such as dry mouth, no tears, or very little urine in the child

What telemedicine can do

• Assessment of mild sunburn symptoms
• Guidance on pain relief and skin care
• Monitoring healing progress
• Advice on hydration and home care

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe sunburn with extensive blistering
• High fever associated with sunburn
• Signs of dehydration or infection
• Severe pain unrelieved by home treatment
• Neurological symptoms like confusion or dizziness

Understanding Sunburn in Children

Sunburn happens when the skin is damaged by too much ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun. Children's skin is more sensitive than adults', so even short sun exposure can cause redness, pain, and peeling. Mild sunburn usually heals in a few days with home care like cool compresses and moisturizers.

When to Use Telemedicine for Sunburn

Telemedicine can help assess mild sunburn, provide advice on pain relief, hydration, and skin care, and monitor healing. A healthcare provider can guide you through treatment steps and decide if in-person care is needed. Telemedicine is useful when the sunburn is limited, without severe symptoms.

Red Flags Indicating In-Person Care

Seek urgent medical attention if your child has:

These signs may indicate complications needing hands-on evaluation.

Preparing for a Telemedicine Visit

Before your virtual visit:

This helps the provider give the best advice.

Aftercare Following Telemedicine Guidance

After the visit, follow the provider's instructions carefully. This may include:

If red flags develop, seek in-person care promptly.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Ensure good lighting to show the sunburn clearly on camera
• Have your child's medical history and symptom details ready
• Prepare to describe the sunburn size, appearance, and symptoms
• List any treatments already used
• Have a list of questions or concerns for the healthcare provider
• Find a quiet and private space for the telemedicine visit

After your tele-visit

• Follow provider's instructions on skin care and medications
• Keep your child hydrated
• Monitor for any worsening symptoms or new red flags
• Use recommended pain relief measures as advised
• Schedule follow-up if symptoms persist or worsen
• Seek immediate in-person care if red flags appear

FAQs

Can I treat my child's sunburn at home without seeing a doctor?

Mild sunburns can often be treated at home with cool compresses, moisturizers, and over-the-counter pain relievers. However, if your child has severe symptoms or red flags, seek medical advice either via telemedicine or in person.

When should I take my child to the emergency room for sunburn?

Go to the emergency room if your child has large blisters, a high fever, signs of dehydration, severe pain not relieved by medicine, or neurological symptoms like confusion or dizziness.

Is it safe to use telemedicine for sunburn care?

Yes, telemedicine is safe for assessing mild sunburns and providing care guidance. It helps avoid unnecessary travel and exposure. However, if serious symptoms are present, in-person evaluation is important.

What pain relief can I give my child for sunburn?

Common pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce pain and fever. Always use the correct dose for your child's age and weight and consult a healthcare provider if unsure.

How can I prevent sunburn in my child?

Use sunscreen with appropriate SPF, dress your child in protective clothing, avoid sun exposure during peak hours, and encourage seeking shade. Regularly reapply sunscreen, especially after swimming or sweating.

Sources

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

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child shows any red flags or you are concerned about their condition, seek immediate in-person evaluation.