Coup de soleil chez le bébé et l’enfant : que faire et quand consulter ?

Sunburn in babies and children: what to do and when to consult a doctor?

Reading time: 5 minutes
Age group: babies and children
Last updated: June 30, 2026

  

Sunburn in babies and children: what to do, when to consult, how to prevent

In a nutshell

Sunburn is a skin burn caused by UV rays. For babies and children, gently cool the skin, hydrate, protect from the sun, and consult a doctor if there are blisters, fever, severe pain, or discomfort.

What to do immediately in case of sunburn?

If your baby or child has sunburn, the priority is to cool down the skin and avoid any further exposure.

Do immediately:

  • move the child to the shade or indoors;
  • remove clothes that are too warm or tight;
  • apply cool compresses, never iced;
  • offer drinks regularly;
  • keep the burned skin out of the sun until completely healed;
  • monitor the evolution over the next few hours.

Sunburn can continue to become redder and more painful for several hours after exposure.

When should you consult a doctor?

Consult a doctor or pediatrician quickly if:

  • your baby is under 1 year old;
  • the sunburn forms blisters;
  • the skin is very red, swollen, or very painful;
  • the child has a fever, chills, nausea, or is vomiting;
  • they seem drowsy, confused, very tired, or unusual;
  • they drink little or urinate less than usual;
  • the sunburn affects a large part of the body;
  • blisters are on the face, hands, genitals, or a delicate area;
  • the skin appears infected: pus, spreading redness, heat, swelling, increasing pain.

In case of doubt, especially with a baby, it is better to seek medical advice.

Mild sunburn: how to recognize it?

Mild sunburn usually manifests as:

  • red or pinkish skin;
  • a feeling of warmth;
  • pain to the touch;
  • sensitive skin;
  • sometimes fatigue or irritability.

The signs often appear a few hours after exposure. Discomfort is often stronger in the first 24 hours.

Even mild, sunburn means the skin has been damaged by UV rays.

Severe sunburn: warning signs

Sunburn is more concerning if the skin shows:

  • blisters;
  • significant swelling;
  • intense pain;
  • very widespread redness;
  • signs of general discomfort.

In children, sunburn can also be associated with dehydration or heatstroke. These are not the same, but they can occur after excessive exposure to the sun and heat.

Signs to watch for are:

  • fever;
  • vomiting;
  • headaches;
  • unusual fatigue;
  • drowsiness;
  • dizziness;
  • intense thirst;
  • absence or decrease in urine.

What not to do

❌ Do not put ice directly on the skin.
❌ Do not burst blisters.
❌ Do not scratch the skin.
❌ Do not pull off peeling skin.
❌ Do not apply perfumed, alcohol-based, or irritating products.
❌ Do not re-expose the area to the sun.
❌ Do not apply sunscreen to burned skin to go back into the sun.
❌ Do not use medication or corticosteroid cream without medical advice for a baby or young child.

Can you give a bath?

Yes, a lukewarm or cool bath can help relieve the discomfort.

The water should be pleasant, not icy.

Avoid irritating soaps on the burned area. After the bath, pat the skin dry gently, without rubbing.

Can you apply cream after sunburn?

Yes, a gentle moisturizing cream can help if the sunburn is mild and without blisters. We recommend our Soothing Balm.

Choose a simple, soothing texture, suitable for children's skin.

Avoid chemical, alcohol-based, or highly active products.

If the skin has blisters, severe pain, or extensive burns, seek medical advice before applying any product.

Can you use aloe vera?

Aloe vera is often used to soothe mild sunburn.

For babies or young children, caution is advised: choose a very simple product, suitable for children, without alcohol or irritating perfumes.

Do not apply aloe vera to open blisters or severely damaged skin without medical advice.

Can you give paracetamol or ibuprofen?

In case of pain, medication adapted to the child's age and weight can sometimes be used.

Paracetamol is often used for children.

Ibuprofen is not suitable for all ages or situations, especially for babies under 6 months or in cases of dehydration.

Ask your doctor, pediatrician, or pharmacist for advice, and always respect the dose adapted to the child's weight.

How long does sunburn last?

Mild sunburn usually improves in a few days.

Redness and pain are often stronger during the first 24 hours.

The skin may then peel. This is a normal phase of repair, but the skin should not be pulled off.

Sunburn with blisters or significant pain may take longer to heal and requires medical advice.

Can the child be put back in the sun?

No.

Burned skin must be protected from the sun until completely healed.

Even with sunscreen, skin that is already burned should not be exposed.

Cover the area with light clothing, stay in the shade, and avoid peak sun hours.

Sunburn vs. heatstroke: what's the difference?

Sunburn is a skin burn caused by UV rays.

Heatstroke is an emergency related to overheating of the body.

Both can happen after sun exposure, but they are not the same.

Seek emergency medical attention if your child has a high fever, confusion, unusual drowsiness, vomiting, abnormal breathing, or seems very unwell.

How to prevent sunburn in babies and children?

The best protection is to avoid excessive UV exposure.

For babies, especially those under 12 months, the priority is shade, protective clothing, a hat, and avoiding direct sunlight.

For children:

  • avoid the sun during peak hours;
  • seek shade;
  • use a wide-brimmed hat;
  • choose covering and breathable clothing;
  • protect eyes with suitable glasses;
  • apply SPF50 sunscreen to exposed areas;
  • reapply every two hours, and after swimming, sweating, or toweling off.

Sunscreen is important, but it does not replace shade, clothing, and appropriate timing.

Key takeaways

Sunburn is a skin burn.

In a baby, it always deserves special attention.

Gently cool the skin.

Keep the child well hydrated.

Never burst blisters.

Do not put the child back in the sun.

Consult a doctor in case of blisters, fever, discomfort, severe pain, or if the baby is under 1 year old.

FAQ

Is sunburn in a baby serious?

It can be. In a baby, the skin is more fragile and the body surface area smaller, which increases the risk of dehydration and discomfort. If your baby is under 1 year old and has sunburn, seek medical advice.

What is the first thing to do in case of sunburn?

Move the child to the shade or indoors, cool the skin with cool compresses, offer drinks, and completely protect the area from the sun.

Can you put ice on sunburn?

No. Ice directly on the skin can worsen irritation. Instead, use a cool, damp cloth.

Can you burst blisters?

No. Blisters protect the skin during repair. Bursting them increases the risk of infection.

Can you put sunscreen on sunburn?

Not to go back into the sun. Burned skin must remain protected from the sun until completely healed. Sunscreen is not enough to protect already damaged skin.

Is peeling skin normal?

Yes, skin can peel after sunburn. Do not pull off dead skin. Moisturize gently and allow the skin to repair itself.

When is the pain strongest?

Pain is often strongest in the first 24 hours after exposure.

Should you consult a doctor if your child has blisters?

Yes, especially if the blisters are numerous, large, painful, on the face, hands, genitals, or if the child is young.

Does sunburn increase the risk of skin cancer?

Yes. Sunburn, especially during childhood, increases the risk of long-term skin damage. This is why sun protection for children is essential.

Can a child get sunburn on a cloudy day?

Yes. UV rays pass through clouds. A child can get sunburn even if the sky is overcast or if it's not very hot.

 

 

Why this guide?
At Pioupiou Cosmetics, we believe that parents deserve clear, nuanced information based on current scientific knowledge. That's why we created the Pioupiou Resource Center: a library of guides to support families with everyday questions.

Based on: medical reference recommendations in pediatrics, dermatology, and sun protection
Important: this guide is for informational purposes only and does not replace the advice of a doctor or pediatrician.

Medical sources - This article was written based on reference medical recommendations and resources:

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