Jun 2, 09 | Posted by: Bayshore Pediatrics

Feel the ? of the sun – sun safety.

This past few weeks we have been out more, enjoying the fresh air and promise of summer.  Most recently we (my kids and I) were out over the weekend, the weather sunny but somewhat cool.  Because it was cool, we didn’t think about the fact that we spent all day outside.  What a surprise when I looked in the mirror and was sunburned.  My kids were lucky but not I.  It made me realize that now is the time to think of sunscreen, no matter how warm (or not), it is. 

What can we say about sunburn prevention?  It’s important.

Children should play outside in the warm summer sun, but it is important to protect your children (and you) from sunburn. Sunburn is skin damage caused by ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Sunburn can age the skin leading to wrinkles, blotches, drying and leathering of the skin. More importantly, sunburn can also lead to skin cancer. Up to 90% of all skin cancer is caused from too much exposure to the sun.

Here are some tips to protect your child from the sun:

• Children should avoid the sun as much as possible during the midday hours. The sun’s rays are strongest from 10am-3pm.
• Use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and with both UVA and UVB coverage.
• Look for sunscreens that have titanium dioxide, zinc dioxide and/or Parsol 1789 (Avobenzone) as their active ingredients.
• Sunscreen should be applied at least 15 minutes before your child goes outside. Be sure to apply sunscreen to all areas of skin that are exposed including the face, back of the neck, ears, nose and feet. Avoid contact with the eyes and eyelids.
• Sunscreen should be applied every 2 to 4 hours. Reapply more often if your child is swimming or sweating.
• Teenagers can choose a sunscreen that is oil-free and non-comedogenic to reduce the risk of blemishes or pimples from the sunscreen.
• Do not use sunscreen past the expiration date.
• Store sunscreen away from the sun and heat. Sun and heat can break down the chemicals in the lotion and reduce its effectiveness.
• Surfaces such as sand, water, cement and snow reflect sunlight and can increase the risk of sunburn.
• Use sunscreen even on cloudy days, 80% of the sun’s radiation can still cause sunburn.
• Give your child additional protection with a wide brim hat and long sleeves or pants when possible.
• Children under 6 months of age should not use sunscreen. They should avoid sun exposure.

What if your child’s skin (or yours) gets burned?  Here are some tips to help them feel better:

• Increase the amount of fluids you give your child, they will lose fluid through their sunburn.
• Give Tylenol for pain.
• Take a bath in cool water.
• Apply a light moisturizing lotion or Aloe lotion to the area of the burn.
• Stay out of the sun until the sun until the sunburn heals

Enjoy the warmth (we hope soon) outside everyone.  Happy summertime!

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