First aid for your baby on holiday

For your baby, any sunburn is not only unpleasant and painful, it also increases the risk of skin cancer.

It is true that “Your skin never forgets.”

The risk of developing skin cancer is increased by repeated sunburn and promoted by frequent UV exposure, especially during childhood and early adolescence. One reason is that the repair mechanisms for sun-induced skin injuries are not yet fully developed in babies and small children.

In addition, the skin is already damaged some time before the actual sunburn is evident. The risk of long-term damage such as skin cancer is already increased even before skin reddening becomes visible.

Avoid this risk by managing sun exposure in a responsible way (see What to do in the sun) 

And if sunburn should still occur one day:

Use compresses with cool water, diluted black tea or buttermilk for light burns. Cooling lotions or creams can also alleviate pain. Never use fatty or oily creams! In serious cases (especially if combined with symptoms such as vomiting, shivering and fever) your child must see a doctor.

Put onion slices on the affected area or cool with water, iced water or anti-allergen gels. In case of insect stings in the mouth and throat area, give your child ice cubes or an ice lollypop to suck and see a doctor immediately.

Very often a few spoonfuls of peach, pear or apricot juice will help. This will have a stool-loosening effect. Plum also has a stool-loosening effect. HiPP has it in combination with pear or apple: HiPP Plum with Pear or the fruit snack HiPP Plum in Apple. Make sure that your baby gets enough fluids. Also exercise or gentle massages can help digestion. In more persistent cases, please seek the advice of a doctor.