Medical Information, Sunscreen
Protecting your child’s skin from sun damage is one of the most important preventative measures to observe in order to decrease their risk(s) of developing skin cancer (including melanoma). Repeated sun tanning without the use of sun block causes premature aging of the skin including wrinkling, sagging and brown spots. Over time, repeated episodes of sun burn increase the risk of skin cancer, including those with darker complexions.
Tips for preventing sunburn:
- Apply sunscreen if your child is going to be outside for more than 30 minutes a day.
- Reapply sunscreen if your child is outside for longer than 3-4 hours.
- Avoid being outside from 10AM to 3PM when the sun’s rays are most intense.
- Remember that 70% of the sun’s damaging rays still get through on cloudy days.
- Reflection from water, sand and snow increases sun exposure as does traveling to higher elevations.
- Apply enough sunscreen! The average adult requires 1 ounce of sunscreen per application.
- Use a sunscreen with at least an SPF of 30. Zinc oxide ointments can be applied for complete protection to high exposure areas such as nose and ears.
- Choose a sunscreen with both UVA and UVB protection.
Please keep in mind that fair skinned children are more susceptible to sunburns and need to be watched very closely. Children under 6 months of age have thinner skin and should also be kept in the shade as much as possible and be dressed in protective clothing and wide brimmed hats. While not officially approved by the FDA, sunscreen can safely be used in children under six months of age, with an SPF of at least 30.
Tips for treating sunburn:
- Children older than 6 months may be given ibuprofen for pain control (please see the dosing chart under “About Your Child”).
- Moisturizers can be soothing and cut down on pain and swelling. Do not use butter, Vaseline, petroleum jelly or other ointments that will prevent heat and sweat from escaping.
- Cool baths or wet compresses can help symptoms.
- Have your child drink extra water to compensate for fluid lost into the swollen areas.