When it comes to little ones, too much sun can seriously hurt. In fact, just a few serious sunburns can increase a child’s risk of developing skin cancer later in life.
So, before you pack up the family and prepare to spend a day outdoors, follow these sun safety tips from Dr. Neeraja Mattay of the Dermatology Associates of Northern Virginia:
When outside, find some shade. Keep kids out of direct sunlight by staying under trees, umbrellas or use a pop-up tent. Clouds do not block UV rays.
Cover up. For the best sun protection, choose clothes that are made from tightly woven fabric and keep kids covered up while swimming with UV-protected bathing suits and rashguards. Contrary to popular belief, it is actually better to wear darker colors in the summer as darker colors absorb more heat but keep it away from the body. A tightly woven, darker fabric offers more protection than lighter colored shirts.
Stay hydrated. Don’t wait until your child is thirsty to drink water. Offer water often and choose water-rich foods like watermelon and strawberries to keep hydrated.
When it comes to sunscreens, use a cream and apply thoroughly and often. “Most parents are very aware of the need for using a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher but many are not applying thoroughly or they fail to reapply after one-and-a-half hours. Also, creams provide a more complete coverage than sprays,” says Dr. Mattay.
Avoid being outside during peak hours. Mattay adds, “Parents need to remember that no sunscreen or sunblock can block out all of the sun. It’s best for little kids to avoid mid-day sun exposure from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.”
Learn more online. The popular Environmental Working Group’s Guide to Sunscreens is a great website for searching a sunscreen’s effectiveness or finding out about the safety of its ingredients. Parents and caregivers can learn current best practices and kids can download coloring sheets, books and comics about sun safety on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) online resource page.
