Is It a Sunburn, Heat Rash, or Skin Reaction? How to Tell and What to Do

Last summer, after a long afternoon at the beach, I noticed red patches blooming across the back of my toddler’s neck and thighs. It looked like a sunburn—but not quite. He hadn’t been in direct sun for long, and I had put sunscreen on.

Was it a reaction? A rash? Just regular post-play redness?

The truth is, summer skin issues in kids can look really similar, especially when you add sensitive skin, sweat, and sunscreen into the mix. But the treatments, and prevention, are different.

Here’s how to tell what you’re dealing with, and how to soothe your child’s skin gently and effectively.

Sunburn: What It Looks Like

Symptoms:

• Red, warm skin that may sting or feel tight
• Sometimes slightly swollen
• Shows up hours after sun exposure
• Most common on exposed areas (face, shoulders, neck, arms)

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, even one blistering sunburn during childhood doubles the risk of melanoma later in life. It’s not something to take lightly.

What Helps:

• Cool compresses or a lukewarm bath
• Aloe vera gel or fragrance-free lotion
• Fluids to prevent dehydration
• Loose, breathable clothing (our go-to is the bamboo sun shirt to prevent future burns)

When to See a Doctor:

• If blisters form
• If your child has chills, fever, or nausea
• If the burn covers a large area

Heat Rash: What It Looks Like

Also called prickly heat or miliaria.

Symptoms:

• Tiny red or pink bumps, often in clusters
• Shows up in areas that get sweaty or trapped (back of neck, armpits, waistband, behind knees)
• May be itchy or tingly
• Usually shows up during or right after sweating

Heat rash happens when sweat gets trapped under the skin. It’s very common in babies and toddlers who overheat easily and don’t sweat as efficiently as older kids.

What Helps:

• Get them into cooler, dry air
• Rinse off with lukewarm water (no soap)
• Use loose, breathable clothing like bamboo or cotton
• Keep the area dry—no heavy lotions

Our bamboo sun shirts help prevent this because they wick moisture, regulate body temp, and dry quickly.

Skin Reaction: What It Looks Like

This can be caused by:

• Sunscreen or lotion
• Bug spray
• Plant oils (like poison ivy)
• Chlorine or salt water
• Clothing with scratchy seams or tight elastic

Symptoms:

• Redness or hives in a specific spot
• Raised bumps or patches
• Itching or burning
• May show up right after contact or hours later

Kids with eczema, psoriasis, or general sensitivity are more likely to react to products or friction.

What Helps:

• Gently wash the area with water (no scrubbing)
• Use a fragrance-free barrier cream
• Avoid reapplying the product that triggered it
• Keep skin covered with soft, tag-free clothing

If it seems to worsen or keeps recurring in the same spot, talk to your pediatrician or allergist.

Not Sure What It Is? Watch for These Clues:

Prevention Tips That Actually Work

1. Dress smart: Use long-sleeved UPF clothing like our bamboo sun shirt to reduce the need for sunscreen and protect sensitive skin.
2. Stay in the shade: Especially during peak sun (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
3. Hydrate: Proper hydration helps the skin manage heat better.
4. Patch test new products: Always test sunscreen or bug spray on a small area before applying all over.
5. Change sweaty clothes quickly: Especially around neck, waistband, and elbows.
6. You’re Not Alone

I’ve made every mistake on this list, overdressed, underdressed, over-applied, under-packed. But the more I’ve learned to read the signs and plan ahead, the more confident I’ve become.

If your child comes in red, itchy, or uncomfortable, don’t panic. You’re doing your best. Learn from it, adjust, and try again tomorrow.

The outdoors is still worth it. And their skin can be protected without the drama.

Love,
Adriana
Founder of Play Outside