Sun Safe Tips

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• Keep small infants and babies under one year of age out of direct sunlight. Newborns should be protected from the sun at all times, including the tops of their heads. Youngsters who are fair-skinned, with blue eyes, and blond or red hair need extra protection since these are the children who are at highest risk for developing skin cancer later in life. But remember, dark-skinned children should be protected as well.
• Your child’s sunscreen should have an SPF of 15 or greater, be PABA-free and protect against UVA and UVB rays. Many sunscreens say not to use them if your child is under 6 months of age, however this is because they were not tested on children less than 6 months of age and many dermatologists would argue that they are safe for any age. You should try a small amount of sunscreen on your child’s arm before widespread use to make sure they do not have a reaction to the sunscreen. Get new bottles every year, because the composition of the sunscreen may change after many months of non-use.
• Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 on all exposed areas of skin at least 20 minutes before going outdoors…not just before going to the pool. Apply liberally and REAPPLY OFTEN. The biggest mistake parents make is they do not reapply sunscreen on their children. Once a day is not enough, even when using waterproof sunscreen. Pay special attention to the face, neck, ears, upper chest, arms and legs. If your child’s nose tends to burn easily, consider using a sun block such as zinc oxide on the nose. Use a waterproof or water-resistant sunscreen on youngsters who swim or play in water. Remember to reapply when your child is dry.
• Limit sun exposure during peak hours ~ 10 AM to 2 PM. Plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon. Also plan some shade time – time spent out of direct sunlight. Teach the “Shadow Test” to your children – if your shadow is shorter than you are, get out of the sun!
• Cover your young child with a hat and long sleeves and pants, selecting tightly woven materials, such as cotton. Sheer clothing allows the sun’s rays to pass right through the fabric. No sunscreen can offer complete protection, so a combination of sunscreen and protective clothing is advised.
• Don’t forget sunscreen on cloudy or hazy days. About 80% of the sun’s rays penetrate the clouds. Beware of reflective surfaces such as the water, the sand, cement and in the winter, snow.
• A tan doesn’t mean that your child is protected. Keep using sunscreen even on a tanned child.
• Teach older children to apply sunscreen daily. Educate them about the dangers of sunburn. Using a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 for the first 18 years of life could reduce the lifetime risk of skin cancer by about 78%!
• If your child is taking any medication, check with us about whether or not your child should avoid the sun. Certain medications can react with sunlight, causing an itchy rash, redness or swelling.
• Examine your child’s skin regularly. Watch for any new raised growths, sores that don’t heal, changes in moles or any new moles or itchy patches. While skin cancer is rare in youngsters, it is not unheard of if teenagers.
• Set a good example for your children by using sunscreen yourself.
• Eye protection is important also. Until your child will wear sunglasses, protect their eyes with a wide-brimmed hat. When your child will wear sunglasses, teach them to use them regularly. Make sure you choose sunglasses that are 100% effective in blocking both UVA and UVB rays, which are the rays that cause cataracts and other forms of sun damage.
• Remember, sun exposure can cause skin cancer – using sunscreen on your child regularly greatly reduces this risk.

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