A mother is warning other parents after her 14-month-old daughter suffered second-degree burns after using an aerosol sunscreen.
As a parent, we do everything possible to ensure our children are safe and healthy. What do you do if that safety precaution you believed was safe for your child actually puts them in danger?
Rebecca Cannon, 32-year-old, applied sunscreen on the face of her daughter, Kyla, before going out to play. Her safety precaution turned into a nightmare that left her child with blisters and burns on the face.
Rebecca and Kyla's Story
Before taking Kyla outside to play, Rebecca did what she thought would protect her daughter. She was visiting her sister, and she forgot to carry her usual sunscreen.
So, she borrowed some Banana Boat Kids SPF50 aerosol sunscreen. She applied the product by spraying the product in her hand then rubbing it on Kyla's cheeks and nose.
After applying the product, Kyla's face began swelling, and it turned red.
Rebecca explained:
"Her face gradually throughout the day got pinker. I thought it was just irritated from a different sunscreen, so I took her home and gave her a bath."
"When she woke up the next day, she was really swollen and blistering, so I took her to the ER."
What Did the Sunscreen Do?
When she noticed her daughter's conditions worsening, Rebecca rushed Kyla to the hospital, where she was informed that the child suffered second-degree burns on the face.
The daughter was referred to a dermatologist who revealed that the burns, "caustic burn," were from an ingredient in the sunscreen product she applied to her daughter.
According to Dr. Adam Friedman, what happened to Kyla was likely to contact dermatitis from an irritant in the sunscreen. And some of the common ingredients in the sunscreen that probably caused the burns include Vitamin C and alcohol.
A Guide for Sun Protection for Babies
Dr. Friedman added that parents should be cautious when choosing sunscreen for their children because the baby's skins are highly sensitive and more irritable.
He said:
"There are specific sunscreens for different ages because there are unique biological differences at different ages."
5 Tips to Protect Your Babies and Kids from the Sun
1. Use Mineral Block Sunscreens
Until your child is four or five years old, Dr. Friedman recommends that you stick to the mineral block sunscreens. Some of the products he recommends include titanium dioxide or organic zinc oxide-based products for children under five years.
2. Put Sunscreen on Your Hands, then Gently Rub into Your Child's Skin
By following this procedure, it'll ensure sunscreen coverage on your baby's face is even.
3. Reapply Sunscreen Every 2 Hours and After Swimming
Most of us put sunscreen on our kids once or twice a day. But according to the experts, you should reapply it every two hours because toddlers' and infants' skin burns more easily.
Even if you applied a waterproof product on your child's face, it's advisable to wait for 30 minutes before allowing the kids to the swimming pool.
4. Wear Hats and Protective Clothing
Ensure your kids are wearing wide-brimmed hats, long sleeves, and light clothing. This'll protect them from the scorching sun.
5. Stay in the Shade
Try as much as possible to keep your kids away from direct exposure to the sun. Find places such as under buildings, trees, or carry your beach umbrellas to the park to ensure shady spots for your kids.
