Sun Safety: Information for Parents About Sunburns
Stay Safe in the Sun!
The warm summer days are coming, which means family road trips and beach trips. Unfortunately, this also means we’d be more prone to getting our skin burned by the sun if we’re not careful.
Prolonged exposure to the sun does not only cause sunburn, but it can also lead to premature aging, eye injury, and even skin cancer.
As a parent, you’ll want to protect your kids from too much sun exposure. Equipping yourself with information about sunburns will help you protect your little ones while they frolic and have fun in the sun.
Why Do Sunburns Happen?
The sun releases UV rays that can react with a person’s melanin, a substance in the body that’s responsible for skin pigmentation. Melanin absorbs UV rays from the sun and protects the skin from damage. The darker the person is, the more melanin they have in their body. Conversely, a person with lighter skin has less melatonin, making them more vulnerable to sunburns.
However, your body’s melanin can only do so much. When people, regardless of skin color, expose themselves to the scorching heat of the sun for at least 15 minutes without any protection, they could get sunburnt. After a few hours, their skin could become inflamed and painful to the touch.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Sunburn?
The signs and symptoms of sunburn range from mild to severe. For mild symptoms, look out for these:
- Skin redness
- Affected skin feels warm to touch
- Pain
- Itchiness
The severe symptoms of sunburn include:
- Skin blistering and redness
- Headache
- Swelling
- Fever and chills
- Pain and tingling
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Eyes that feel painful
Ways to Protect Yourself and Your Kids from Sunburn
Here are practical ways to protect yourself and your little ones from sunburn:
- Use sunscreen.
Sunscreen is key to preventing sunburns. Apply an SPF 30 (or more) sunscreen when you and your kids are out and about in the scorching heat. Using broad-spectrum sunscreen protects the skin against UVB and UVA. Reapply sunscreen every two hours.
- Avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The sun is strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. You and your kids have the greatest chance of getting sunburned within these hours. It’s important to note that sunburns can still happen even when it’s cool and cloudy. As much as possible, stay in the shade during these times. You can apply an extra layer of sunscreen on the exposed skin areas of your kids if they insist on staying out during these hours.
- Use protective clothing.
If you and your kids are exploring parks or engaging in any outdoor activity for long hours, ensure you all wear protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts and hats. The more of their skin you can cover, the better. Moreover, apply a layer of sunscreen on exposed areas of your skin.
- Wear sunglasses.
Buy sunglasses for your kids and yourself, too. Too much sun exposure can lead to eye injuries and cataract development over time. Choose sunglasses that provide 100% UV protection.
Bedridden Indigent Children in Your Community Need Your Help
Before heading out to the beach with your family, spare a thought for the severely ill boys and girls in your community whose families don’t have the financial means to provide them with proper treatment and other essential healthcare services. You can help them in a big way by simply donating any unwanted vehicle you have to us at Kids Car Donations.
We’ll sell your vehicle through an auction and use the proceeds to support the vital children’s healthcare programs and services of our charity partners. These IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations use the funding they get from us to deliver free solutions and treatments for a wide range of medical conditions that afflict youngsters. These nonprofits also provide their beneficiaries with access to free social services and educational resources.
By making a charitable contribution to us, you’ll also be helping yourself. Your gift will entitle you to claim the maximum tax deduction when you file your itemized income tax return in the next tax season.
We will also remove your unwanted vehicle quickly, with no hassle, and absolutely at no cost to you. We will provide you with this service wherever you are in the country.
More than anything else, you’ll find great satisfaction in having done something that will truly impact the lives of the kids in your area who are grappling with serious afflictions.
You can donate almost any vehicle type whatever its age or condition.
For more information about our vehicle donation program, feel free to visit our FAQs page. You can give us a call anytime through our toll-free hotline at 866-634-8395 or leave us a message here for any other concerns or inquiries you might have.
Be a Hero to Ailing Kids Today!
Vehicle donations to us matter because they help save children’s lives. Your car donation can make you a hero to the kids in your area who are grappling with serious diseases and disabilities. Call Kids Car Donations at 866-634-8395 or fill out our secure online donation form now!