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Toddler’s 2nd-Degree Burns Highlight the Need for More Than Just Sunscreen
A toddler’s painful second-degree burns from a beach outing serve as a stark reminder that sunscreen alone isn’t enough to shield us from harmful sun exposure. Little Max Thompson, a 3-year-old from Maryland, spent over five hours in the sun slathered in SPF 50+ kids spray sunscreen. His mother, Sarah Thompson, recounted to WXYZ News, “We took the kids out of the water several times, dried them off completely, and reapplied the sunscreen as directed.” While Max appeared fine during the ride home, he woke up the next morning with swollen eyelids and painful blisters across his face.
Unfortunately, sunscreen can’t guarantee protection, especially for extended sun exposure. “I can’t promise families they won’t get burned, no matter how diligently they apply sunscreen,” cautioned pediatrician Dr. Sam Rivera. He also recommended using sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for sensitive areas, which the sunscreen used by the Thompsons lacked.
The company behind the sunscreen, SunSafe Inc., reassured consumers in a statement, emphasizing, “The health and well-being of our customers is our top priority. Our products offer effective broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection when applied as directed, and should be used alongside other sun protection measures.”
Remember, sunscreen is not a free pass to let your kids bask in the sun for longer periods. It reduces UV radiation damage but doesn’t completely eliminate it. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reminds us that it’s crucial to combine sunscreen with other protective measures like wearing shirts, hats, sunglasses, and seeking shade. Plan outdoor activities for early morning or later in the afternoon when UV rays are less intense.
If you find yourself outside on a scorching day, wear sunscreen, cover up, and remember to seek shade. Sunscreen is just one piece of the puzzle in preventing severe sunburns. For more sun safety tips, check out the CDC’s website.
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Summary
A 3-year-old boy suffered painful second-degree burns despite using sunscreen, highlighting the need for comprehensive sun protection. Sunscreen should be combined with clothing, hats, and seeking shade to effectively prevent sunburns.