SUN PROTECTION FOR CHILDREN

By:  Sanjay Shah, M.D.

Summer is in full swing and it feels good to be out on a warm sunny day.  However the sun’s warm rays can be damaging to your skin as well as your baby’s skin.  The following guidelines may be used to protect your baby from the sun.

Ultraviolet rays (UV rays) in the sun can cause sunburn as well as skin cancer.  Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States and its incidence is on the rise as more Americans are getting out and enjoying the sun.  Sun exposure is the major known cause of skin cancer.  Skin cancer is the most common cancer in women between 25 and 34 years of age.

Most people who get skin cancer are older but most of our sun exposure (60%-80%) occurs in early childhood and adolescence before 18 years of age.  Two or more blistering sunburn increases your chances of having skin cancer later in life.

Sun protection is not difficult if you follow some simple guidelines.

1.   Babies younger than 6 months should be kept out of direct sunlight under an umbrella stroller or a tree shade.  Some experts even permit the use of sun blocks in younger babies.

2.   Older children should be clothed in lightweight, full-sleeved cotton clothing and hats with brims.  Clothes with tighter weave protect better and cotton clothes are more likely to stay on.

3.   Keep out of the sun between 10a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun’s rays are most damaging.

4.   Sunrays can come through on cloudy days too, so protection is needed on these days.

5.   If your skin burns more easily than it tans, you are at a greater risk; but even if your skin tans and does not burn you are at risk.

6.   Use sunscreen that protects against both ultra violet B (UVB) and ultraviolet A (UVA) rays.  It is usually designated by the words “broad spectrum” on the bottle.  Use a sunscreen with sun protection factor (SPF) value of at least 15.

7.   Put sunscreen on 30 minutes before going outdoors so it has time to work.  Rub it in on all exposed areas, especially face, nose, ears, shoulders, feet and hands.

8.   Choose a waterproof sunscreen.  Sunscreens that are “waterproof” should be reapplied every 2 hours if children are playing in water.

9.   If your baby gets a sunburn use cool water soaks and give juice or water to replace lost fluids.

10. Finally, set a good example for kids by practicing good sun protection yourself.

With a little extra caution you can make fun in the sun safe as well as fun for your baby.