PE DI ATR I CS
LIVING WELL
Be Diligent about Sun Protection
with Kids
It’s the peak of summer and
we all want to get out and soak
in the rays of the sun. Enjoy
the outdoors, but remember
the intensity of the sun is
stronger than when we were
kids. That’s because ultraviolet
rays penetrate our thinning
atmosphere more easily, and
make us more vulnerable to
sun damage. When you are out
having fun take precautions to protect your family,
especially babies, from too much sun exposure.
“Sun exposure builds up over time and can eventually
cause cancer. Even getting a tan can cause cell
damage and lead to cancer. There is a common
misconception that only sunburns can lead to cancer,
but that’s not true,” says a TMH Medical Clinic
Pediatrician.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, getting
a tan means you’ve injured your skin and created
genetic mutations in your DNA. These mutations can
lead to skin cancer. Kids are especially vulnerable, as
experts believe sun exposure early in life increases the
risk of skin cancers.
While all sun exposure is damaging, burns are much
worse. The Skin Cancer Foundation states that even
just one blistering sunburn in childhood more than
doubles the chance of developing melanoma in later
years.
Give Babies Extra Protection
While everyone needs to be careful in the sun, this
goes tenfold for babies. They are not as well equipped
to deal with sun damage as older kids and adults.
Babies have much thinner skin
and have less melanin—the
brown pigment that is released
to protect against ultraviolet
light.
The American Academy of
Dermatology advises parents
to simply keep babies younger
than six months out of the sun,
or keep them covered. With
older babies and children they recommend avoiding
sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., using sunglasses,
hats, long sleeves, and applying a sunscreen that
blocks both UVA and UVB rays.
Seek Shade
Obviously, the best way to limit sun damage is to
limit your time in the sun. This doesn’t mean staying
indoors. Rather, get in the habit of seeking shade from
umbrellas, trees, hats, and long sleeves. If you must
feel the sun on your face, do it only for a few minutes
with plenty of sunscreen.
Don’t Forget to Reapply Sunscreen
Getting in the habit of applying sunscreen to your
face and your children’s faces every morning in the
summer is a good one, but don’t forget to reapply after
three or four hours. Also, sunscreen works best when
applied 30 to 45 minutes prior to going out in the sun.
When swimming, use a waterproof sunscreen and
reapply after extended time in the water. Protect your
scalp by using spray sunscreen or wearing a hat.
Finally, remember that tanning beds also cause sun
damage and you can still get sunburned on a cloudy
day, so keep covered and apply SPF 30 or higher
sunscreen on exposed areas.
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