How to Protect Children from Sun Allergy During Summer Months
How to Recognize and Manage Sun Allergy and Heat Rash in Children
For most families, summer means trips, holidays by the water, and long afternoons on the playground. Warm days lure children outside, where they can play, run, and explore the world undisturbed. However, for some parents, sunny weather also brings worries – their children react to the sun with unpleasant skin manifestations. Rash, itching, red spots, or small blisters can be signs of sun allergy or a common summer ailment: heat rash. But how can you tell exactly what's bothering your child, and how can you relieve them most effectively?
Sun Allergy in Children
Sun allergy, professionally called polymorphic light eruption, affects more and more people, including young children. It is a condition where unpleasant symptoms appear on the skin after exposure to sunlight. Most commonly, it manifests as an itchy rash, redness, pimples, or blisters that appear several hours after being in the sun – usually in areas not protected by clothing.
Interestingly, sun allergy is not an allergy in the traditional sense – that is, an inappropriate immune system reaction to a particular substance – but rather a skin reaction to a combination of sunlight (especially UVA rays) and certain factors in the body or on the skin. In children, whose skin is more sensitive and thinner than that of adults, these reactions can occur even after a short time outdoors.
A typical symptom is that the rash appears even when the child is not overheated – for example, in spring sunshine when temperatures are not high, but sunlight is intense. "The most common areas are the shoulders, neck, forearms, and legs, as they are most exposed to the sun," says pediatrician Dr. Petra Veselá.
Heat Rash or Sun Allergy?
Both issues can manifest similarly – small pimples, redness, and itching. Distinguishing whether it's heat rash or sun allergy in children can be crucial for proper care.
Heat rash mainly occurs as a result of overheating and sweat retention in the sweat glands. It most commonly appears in poorly ventilated areas – in skin folds, under clothing, or in the diaper area. The pimples are small, often white or red, and may be accompanied by burning or itching. Heat rash most often occurs after sports, sleeping in a warm room, or during tropical days.
In contrast, sun allergy affects areas exposed to the sun and can occur even in cooler weather. The pimples in allergies tend to be larger, more itchy, and may merge into larger areas.
The timing can also be different – while heat rash appears almost immediately after overheating, sun allergy symptoms are delayed and may develop several hours after being outdoors.
What to Do When a Rash Appears?
If a child develops a skin reaction after being in the sun, it is important first to limit further sun exposure. Strong sunlight can worsen the symptoms, so it's advisable to move the child to the shade, cool them down, and gently treat the skin.
In case of suspected heat rash, the following may help:
- Undress the child from excess clothing
- Shower with lukewarm water without soap
- Allow the skin to breathe and air dry
- Treat with natural products containing panthenol or calendula
For sun allergy, similar rules apply, but attention should also be paid to prevention. If symptoms recur, it's good to consult the situation with a pediatrician or dermatologist, as other forms of photosensitive reactions may occur, for example, in combination with certain medications or cosmetic products.
How to Protect Children from Sun Reactions?
Prevention is always more effective than treatment. For children prone to sun allergy or who often suffer from heat rash, it's worth considering everyday habits during the summer months. The key is a combination of proper clothing, shade, hydration, and suitable cosmetics.
Children's skin should be protected by light, breathable materials made of natural fibers, such as cotton or bamboo. Avoiding synthetics is important due to sweat accumulation, which can cause irritation. An essential tool is also a wide-brimmed hat to protect the face and neck, and a quality sunscreen with a high UV factor and UVA protection. Ideally, it should be specifically for sensitive children's skin and fragrance-free.
When choosing sunscreens, those with mineral filters – for example, with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide – are recommended, as they create a physical barrier on the skin and do not cause allergic reactions as often as chemical filters.
One common mistake is applying sunscreen only once outside. Experts recommend applying sunscreen at least 20 minutes before going out to allow time to form an effective protective layer.
Natural Helpers from Home and Nature
During the period when rashes appear more frequently, natural remedies can also help. For example, aloe vera is known for its soothing and moisturizing effects. The gel from this plant can relieve itching and support skin regeneration. However, products with alcohol and strong fragrance should be avoided, as they can worsen irritation.
Many parents praise compresses of chamomile or calendula, which have anti-inflammatory effects. If a child suffers from repeated allergic reactions, it may sometimes be appropriate to administer antihistamines, but always only after consulting a doctor.
The parents of little Tomášek, who suffers from a noticeable rash on his arms every spring after the first sunny days, found relief in a combination of mineral sunscreen, light clothing made of organic cotton, and regular skin hydration with shea butter. "This year, we went on holiday for the first time without cortisone cream in our suitcase," laughs his mother.
Hydration and Diet as Invisible Allies
A child's skin, which is sufficiently hydrated and nourished, reacts much better to external influences. Summer heat quickly leads to dehydration, so it's essential to ensure a sufficient drinking regimen. Water and unsweetened herbal teas are especially suitable. Sugary sodas and juices can paradoxically burden the skin.
Similarly, diet plays a role in protecting the skin. Foods rich in antioxidants, such as seasonal fruits and vegetables – blueberries, strawberries, tomatoes, carrots – can strengthen the skin's natural resistance to UV radiation. Vitamins C, E, and beta-carotene are considered natural "internal sunscreens."
Try our natural products
Although the sun is a natural source of vitamin D and an important factor for the healthy development of children, like any strong natural element, it deserves respect. Children's skin deserves the best care – not only when a rash appears but also preventively.
There's no need to fear the sun, but it should be treated wisely. And when we know how to recognize the difference between heat rash and sun allergy, how to support the child with natural remedies, and how to protect the skin, we can enjoy summer days with peace – and without itching.
