Tele-triage for Sunburn in Children

Audience: pediatric

Sunburn in children is a common skin injury caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or tanning devices. It usually results in red, painful skin that may peel as it heals. Most mild to moderate sunburns can be managed safely at home with simple care and advice from a healthcare provider through telemedicine. Tele-triage can help parents understand when sunburn needs closer attention and when to seek in-person care. This guidance explains how telemedicine can support sunburn care in children, what signs require urgent evaluation, and how to prepare for a tele-visit. Early recognition of serious symptoms can prevent complications and ensure your child receives the right care promptly.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Large blisters covering a significant portion of the body — seek urgent in-person care.
• High fever (above 38°C or 100.4°F) or chills accompanying sunburn — get emergency evaluation.
• Signs of dehydration such as dry mouth, no tears when crying, or reduced urination — seek immediate medical attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Assessment of mild to moderate sunburn redness and pain.
• Advice on home care including hydration and pain relief.
• Monitoring recovery progress and answering questions about sunburn.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe sunburn with large blisters or skin peeling extensively.
• Signs of infection such as pus, increased swelling, or spreading redness.
• Severe systemic symptoms like high fever, confusion, or dehydration requiring urgent care.

What Is Sunburn and How Does It Affect Children?

Sunburn happens when the skin is damaged by UV rays, causing redness, pain, and sometimes swelling or blisters. Children’s skin is more sensitive than adults’, so they can get sunburned more easily. Sunburn can cause discomfort and increase the risk of skin problems later in life if not managed properly.

When Is Telemedicine Appropriate for Sunburn?

Telemedicine can help assess mild to moderate sunburns by reviewing symptoms, skin appearance, and your child’s overall health. A healthcare provider can give advice on pain relief, hydration, and skin care during a video or phone visit. This approach is convenient and reduces the need for travel when the sunburn is not severe.

Signs That Need In-Person Medical Care

Some sunburns require urgent in-person evaluation. These include large areas of blistering, severe pain, fever, chills, signs of infection (such as pus or increased redness), dehydration, or if your child is very young or has other health problems. If these signs appear, seek emergency or urgent care immediately.

How to Prepare for a Telemedicine Visit About Sunburn

Before your tele-visit, gather information about your child’s symptoms, including when the sunburn started, how severe it looks, and any treatments already tried. Have a way to show the affected skin clearly on video. Note any other symptoms like fever or behavior changes. Be ready to answer questions about your child’s medical history.

Aftercare Tips Following Tele-triage

Follow the healthcare provider’s advice on pain relief, skin care, and hydration. Keep your child out of the sun until the skin heals. Watch for any worsening symptoms or new signs of infection. If your child’s condition changes or does not improve as expected, seek further medical evaluation.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Ensure good lighting to show the sunburned skin clearly on video.
• Have a list of symptoms and their duration ready to discuss.
• Note any treatments already given to your child.
• Prepare to describe your child’s overall health and any other medical conditions.
• Have a thermometer available to check for fever if possible.

After your tele-visit

• Follow prescribed pain relief and skin care instructions carefully.
• Keep your child hydrated and rested.
• Avoid further sun exposure until skin heals.
• Monitor for any worsening symptoms or new signs of infection.
• Schedule follow-up care if symptoms do not improve or worsen.

FAQs

Can telemedicine help with all sunburn cases in children?

Telemedicine is helpful for mild to moderate sunburns where the skin is red and painful but without severe symptoms. It allows healthcare providers to give advice and monitor recovery remotely. However, severe sunburns with blisters, infection, or systemic symptoms usually require in-person care.

What home treatments are recommended for sunburn in children?

Common home treatments include applying cool compresses, using moisturizing lotions (like aloe vera), giving age-appropriate pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, and ensuring your child drinks plenty of fluids. Avoid harsh soaps and tight clothing over the sunburned areas.

When should I seek emergency care for my child’s sunburn?

Seek emergency care if your child has large blisters, severe pain, high fever, signs of dehydration, confusion, or difficulty breathing. Also, if the sunburn covers a very large area or your child has other serious health problems, immediate evaluation is important.

How can I prevent sunburn in children?

Prevent sunburn by limiting sun exposure during peak hours, dressing your child in protective clothing and hats, and applying broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Reapply sunscreen every two hours and after swimming or sweating.

Sources

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

This telemedicine guidance is educational and not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child’s symptoms are severe, worsening, or you are concerned, seek immediate medical attention.