Sun protection is important. Abbey Oatman, Physician’s Assistant at Keystone Pediatrics in Chambersburg, shares what parents need to know about sun safety this season.
Why is sun protection important?
Sun protection shouldn’t be an afterthought. With the threat of sunburn, and ultimately skin cancer, it’s important to take sun protection seriously. Children and adults of all ages should protect themselves from sun exposure. All skin tones can burn so it’s important to wear protective clothing and apply sunscreen regularly. UV rays will pass through clouds so protection is important even if the sun is not shining and also during the winter months. The sun’s rays reflect off of water, sand, snow and concrete.
Not all sunscreens are the same
Look for sunscreen that says “broad spectrum” for protection against UVA and UVB rays and an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15. Higher ratings increase the amount of UVB protection. There is also a new UVA star rating system—only 1 star has low UVA protection and 4 stars offers high protection. Use sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide on areas such as nose, cheeks, tops of ears, and shoulders Avoid sunscreens that contain oxybenzone. Avoid products that contain alcohol, fragrances or preservatives if you have skin allergies.
Sun Safety Tips
Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside. Cover all exposed areas and reapply every 2 hours and after swimming, drying off with a towel or sweating. Sunscreen by itself does not protect against all UVA and UVB rays. It is important to also wear protective clothing with a tight weave, sit under shade, and limit time in the sun especially when the sun is most powerful, between 10am-4pm. Be sure to check your sunscreen expiration date – three years old is no longer effective.
No Sunscreen under 6 months old
Sunscreen is recommended for children 6 months and older. For children younger than 6 months it is important to keep them out of direct sun, and to dress them in protective clothing such as light weight cotton pants, long sleeve shirts and wide brimmed hats and seek shelter under trees, canopies or umbrellas. It is ok to apply sunscreen to small areas such as their face and backs of hands when protective clothing does not protect.
Seek Treatment for Sunburn
If your child has suffered sunburn, and you are concerned, call your health care provider. Contact your provider right away if they are younger than 1 year old and have sunburn. For children a year and older with minor sunburn, give them water or 100% fruit juice to prevent dehydration and apply cool water to burned areas. Give your child pain medications such as acetaminophen or Ibuprofen as directed. Children under the age of 6 months should only have acetaminophen. Make sure to avoid additional sun exposure until skin is fully healed.
