Although moderate sunshine is healthy, children can easily get too much sun. A safe sunscreen or protective clothing should be used if spending long periods of time in the sun. But if all efforts fail and your child does get a sunburn, you can help soothe the pain by taking the following steps.

Natural Treatments for Sunburn

• Aloe vera rubbed on the skin is very healing and soothing. Use raw aloe vera gel cut from the whole leaf or aloe products made from a substantial amount of real active aloe.
• Give your child a cool (not cold) bath with a few drops of lavender or chamomile essential oils, or gently apply cool, wet compresses to the skin.
• To rehydrate the skin, apply a gentle moisturizing cream. Do not use petroleum-based products since they prevent excess heat and sweat from escaping. Avoid any products that contain benzocaine, which may cause skin irritation or allergy.
• Keep your child out of the sun until completely healed. If blisters develop, do not let him or her scratch, pop, or squeeze the blisters. They can easily become infected and cause scarring.

Know the Signs of Heat Exhaustion

Make sure your kids drink plenty of water if they will be out in the sun for a long time. Heat exhaustion or heat stroke can be accompanied by sunburn and can happen when kids become very overheated and dehydrated. These conditions are serious. Call the doctor if along with the sunburn, there is an unexplained fever higher than 102 degrees, the skin looks infected, or your child has trouble looking at light. Also call the doctor if your child experiences nausea, vomiting, fainting, delirium, or diarrhea when overheated.

You can also make your own natural treatments for sunburn.