Protecting kids from the sun’s harmful rays
Kids are more vulnerable to harmful rays than adults. Here’s how to protect them
It’s long been known that excessive childhood sun exposure and sunburns are significant risk factors for developing skin cancer and premature aging (such as sun spots and wrinkles) later in life. Prevention and moderation are the keys to protecting your kids, and there are plenty of options for barriers to shield them from the harmful rays.
SUNSCREEN
There are endless sun-blocking lotions, sprays, creams, sticks and whips, but choosing one doesn’t have to be complicated. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB light. Both types of rays can lead to skin cancer.
Aim for something with an SPF of 30 or above, but be wary of anything boasting a number higher than 50. The difference between an SPF 30 and SPF 100 is minuscule, and using a higher SPF product may give you a false sense of security.
Choose a sunscreen with zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide, which are physical, or mineral, blocks. These are safer for skin than chemical-based sunscreens because they are more hypoallergenic, and they won’t sting a child’s eyes. Avoid sunscreens with Vitamin A (also known as retinyl or retinol), oxybenzone, dyes, fragrances, parabens and other preservatives that may be unhealthy or could irritate young skin. Apply sunscreen generously to any exposed skin 15 to 30 minutes before going outside. Slather it generously all over, and don’t forget the back of the neck, tops of the feet, ears and scalp. Reapply often — at least every two hours, or sooner if your child has been swimming or sweating. There is no such thing as a waterproof or sweatproof sunscreen; they all need to be reapplied frequently (every 40 to 80 minutes) when a child is in the water. Don’t reserve sunscreen for days at the pool or on the soccer field. Make it a daily habit, applying it to your child’s skin in the morning after they brush their teeth or before they leave for school. Teach them how to reapply so you know they are protected even if they are away at school or day camp. Be careful with spray sunscreens. Yes, they are convenient and some kids love them, but they can be dangerous if inhaled. If you go this route, spray them outdoors, have your child hold her breath while you are applying it and never spray it near her face. You may need to spray her multiple times for even distribution.
PREVENTION AND COVERAGE
Limit direct exposure during the peak intensity hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Your kids will likely want to be out and about on a beautiful summer day, and you don’t want to discourage them. Apply sunscreen, of course, to any exposed skin, but also have your child wear sun-protective clothing. Look for clothing rated with an ultraviolet protective factor (UPF) of at least 30, which block the most harmful rays. Encourage kids to wear wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses. Seek shade often, bring an umbrella to the beach and be extra careful around water, snow and sand, which reflect ultraviolet rays and increase burning risk. You need protection even on cloudy days: UV rays can penetrate clouds, and kids are often more vulnerable from staying out longer without feeling the effects of the sun.
WAYS TO GET THE KIDS ON BOARD
If your child is resisting your efforts to protect him from the sun, here are some tricks to make it easier.
Make sunscreen part of the routine or requirements. Tell the child that any time you are going outside, you have to apply sunscreen and put on a hat and shoes. When you’re going swimming, you have to wear sunscreen and a bathing suit. Be a good role model. Make sure you are also wearing a widebrimmed hat, sunglasses, UPF clothing and sunscreen when you go outside.
Let the child help pick out his sunscreen. Provide options. Ask if they want you to apply it to their legs or arms first. Kids like to feel like they are in control, and that makes them more likely to co-operate.
Set a timer or an alarm for reapplying sunscreen every hour or two. Give the child advance warning, and make it fun by announcing “In five minutes, we are all going to freeze for a sunscreen and water break. After that, we’ll go back to acting crazy and having fun.” Try giving sun-protective clothing items a special name to make things more fun. Say “Everyone wears a zookeeper hat when we go to the zoo” (or park ranger for the park/playground, etc.) or “We’re going to the pool, it’s time to put on our robot sunglasses.”
SUN PROTECTION FOR BABIES
It’s best to keep babies, especially those under six months, out of direct sunlight. But the American Academy of Pediatrics says it’s OK to use a small amount of sunscreen on your baby if you are unable to find shade. Be sure to test the sunscreen on a small area of her skin first, to prevent rashes.
TREATING A SUNBURN
If your child does get a sunburn, cool compresses, pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, and aloe vera can help soothe burned skin. Call your pediatrician if your child gets a blistering sunburn, a burn that covers a large area of his body, or if he develops a fever, chills or dehydration.