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What Causes Redness On Cheeks Of A 5 Year Old After Sun Exposure?

Posted on Fri, 8 May 2015

Question: This is a repeat. Sorry. My family went to XXXXXXX XXXXXXX beach and Boardwalk yesterday for 5 hours. Despite sunscreen, my 5 year old had red cheeks, but otherwise appeared fine. Then this morning woke up with swollen right eye, and both cheeks. Cheeks are warm to the touch, but temp is only 99.4. He seems happy and is playing and eating. He is non verbal (autistic) so he can't tell me anything. I want to avoid an ER, for his emotional well being, but of course would go if his physical well being needed it. Please advise

Answered by Dr. T Shobha Deepak (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
The lesion is due to sun burn

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to Healthcare-Magic
Greetings of the day
Dear Ms

Thanks for providing clinical photograph. The redness is due to 1st degree of sun burn. There is no need to concerned about as it's self limiting.

I would suggest you the following

1. AVOID any further direct exposure to sunlight for few days

2. Local application of moisturising cream will be helpful

3. Antihistamines like Cetrizine which is usually available as over the counter medication syrup given twice a day for a day will be helpful.

Do get back to me if you need any further assistance, will be glad to assist you.

Wishing you and your family a very happy and healthy life.

Take care

Best Regards
Dr T Shobha Deepak

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. T Shobha Deepak (46 minutes later)

How long will it take for the swelling to go down? And his cheeks seem to be itchy now, is this normal?

Answered by Dr. T Shobha Deepak (29 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Continue Antihistamines and moisturizing creams

Detailed Answer:
Hi

The swelling should settle down in next 3 to 4 days. Regarding itching Antihistamines (Cetrizine) shall take care if it. I hope you are giving him cetrizine syrup twice daily. Continue it for another 2 days. Also make sure the skin isn't dry and shiny (post sun burn skin becomes dry and shiny). Use good amount of moisturizing cream and avoid sun exposure for next few days. Things will be fine soon.

In case if symptoms persist, please do send me the clinical picture of the swelling. Shall reassess again.

His swelling and itching should settle in next few days. Please let me know for any additional information anytime.

Take care.

Best regards
Dr. T. Shobha Deepak
MBBS, MD

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar