Sunscreen and skin care is
something that is near and dear to my heart. I am a skin cancer survivor! I
have a 1 inch scar behind my right ear as a daily reminder to apply sunscreen.
In 2007, I had a nickel size spot removed from behind my ear to shock me into
reality that skin cancer is real. I now have sunscreen in my car, in my bag,
in my bathroom and anywhere else I can find to stash it. My daughter who is 4
even knows that we don't go outside without our sunscreen on. This is one thing that parents can do and should do to protect their children and themselves from
the sun. I found this article on WedMD.com that has some great tips for sun safety! Much Love, Bridget!
Summer Sun Protection for kids
Brush up on Sunscreen and Sun Protection in Infants
through Middle School-aged Kids.
WebMD Feature
Lazy days at the pool or beach are warm weather
rituals for many families. But if you're tempted to let your child play
outdoors for even a few minutes without the proper sun protection, you might
want to think twice.
"It only takes one severe sunburn to
potentially double your child's chances of getting melanoma later in
life," says Andrea Cambio, MD, FAAD, a board-certified pediatric
dermatologist in Cape Coral, Fla. "We really need to buckle down and
protect our young."
Keeping your kids safe in the sun is simple and can
be fun. Here's how.
Slather on the Sunblock – No
Exceptions
Remember how much you marveled at your baby's
smooth skin? Don't let the sun destroy that beautiful canvas. Ultraviolet
sunlight damages the skin, and can lead to wrinkles and cancers later on. There
is no such thing as a healthy tan; a tan is a sign of sun damage.
Always put sunscreen on your child before going
outside, starting at 6 months of age. Make a fun game out of it. Teach your child
to spell BEENS to help you remember to cover often-forgotten spots: Back of
knees, Ears, Eye area, Neck, and Scalp.
Apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before going
outside, and reapply every 2 hours, sooner if the child has been swimming.
Water-resistant sunscreen wears off -- check the label to see how soon you'll
need to reapply.
If your child attends school or daycare, make sure
teachers are told to apply sunscreen before any outdoor activities.
Choose a Child-Friendly Sunscreen
Can't decide which sunscreen is best for your
child? WebMD asked Cambio and pediatrician Jerome A. Paulson, MD, FAAP, medical
director for national and global affairs at the Child Health Advocacy Institute
of Children's National Medical Center in Washington, D.C., for some child-friendly
recommendations.
Their No. 1 tip: Choose a sunscreen that contains
zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, because the compounds are less irritating than
others and do not get absorbed into the skin. "These ingredients are
probably the safest ones out there right now," Paulson says.
There is some concern that other sunscreen
ingredients, particularly oxybenzone and retinyl palmitate (a form of vitamin
A), may cause harm. However, both chemicals are FDA approved for use in
sunscreens.
Other tips:
•
Opt for a sunscreen with a sun protection factor
(SPF) or 30 or higher.
•
Make sure it's labeled "broad spectrum,"
which means it blocks both UVA and UVB sunlight.
•
Let your child choose a colored or scented
sunscreen. Nix this idea if your child has sensitive skin or an allergic skin
disorder, such as eczema.
•
Sunscreen sticks are best for the face because they
are sweat proof and less likely to drip.
Cambio likes spray-on sunscreens for kids because they are easy to
apply. Cover your child's face while spraying, or have him make a funny face or
hold his breath for five seconds
Cover Up Head to Toe
Sunscreen is only part of sun safety. Paulson
recommends staying inside from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when the sun's rays are
strongest.
Clothing can also help. "The best sun
protection is something that completely blocks the sun from getting to the
skin, which is clothing if you're not inside a building," Paulson says.
But forget about tossing on a flimsy, white tee. A
white T-shirt has limited protective value. If you can see through the
tee, the sun can shine through and burn you. Dark, tight-woven clothing
that covers all exposed skin is best.
You can also buy clothing that is specially treated
with chemicals that help protect against ultraviolet sunlight. Cambio recommends
sun-protective clothing, such as a kid's swim shirt or rash guard shirt, with
an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of 30 or higher. The clothing loses its
UPF strength after several washings, so check the labels for care instructions.
Don't want to buy new clothes? The Skin Cancer
Foundation recommends SunGuard, a laundry additive that contains a sunscreen
called Tinosorb FD. Toss it in the wash, and your clothes instantly get a UPF
of 30. The protection lasts about 20 washings.
Wear a Hat
Have your child take a tip from Barney and wear a
silly hat outside. Take your child hat shopping, but be sure to purchase a hat
with a wide brim that casts a shadow on the face. Too old for Barney? Look for
a favorite sports team or school logo.
Another outdoors must-have: Sunglasses. They are an
important part of sun protection and recommended for kids of all ages. Make
sure they filter both UVB and UVA rays.
Two-year-old Anna Cheever never goes outside
without her sunglasses and hat. She's worn a hat since birth, and nowadays will
remind her mom if she forgets.
"I want it to be second nature for her to put
on a hat and sunscreen every time she goes outside," says Kara Cheever, a
teacher in suburban Atlanta. "I hope that she continues to follow the good
sun care habits that we practice together." Being a role model, is vital
to helping your kids establish healthy sun habits. If they see you skipping the
sunscreen, working on a tan, or forgoing a hat, chances are they will do so,
too.
Soothing a Sunburn
If your child gets sunburn, and is active, playful,
and does not have any blisters, here's how you can make him feel better.
•
Place a cool compress to the sunburn.
•
Apply aloe gel to the burned skin. Try placing the
aloe in the fridge for a few minutes first before using.
•
Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Check with your
doctor for the correct dose.
•
Give your child plenty of fluids.
Do not use over-the-counter pain relieving products
containing benzocaine on sun-burned skin. (These are called topical
anesthetics.) They can often make the pain worse, and some people are allergic
to the ingredient.
If your child feels or looks ill, spikes a fever, or has blisters, seek
medical attention.
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