The ABCs of skin protection

Did you know that UV rays actually begin increasing in April, even though it’s not that warm outside yet? Many people think a suntan is a healthy glow, but parents need to understand that tanned skin actually is damaged skin.

Sun exposure can have serious consequences to our physical appearance and health, including skin cancer. Up to two-thirds of all cases of melanoma – the most dangerous form of skin cancer – can be linked to sun exposure.

The American Academy of Dermatology estimates that about 80 percent of the average person’s lifetime sun damage occurs before age 18, so it’s really important to make sure your kids are properly protected from the sun.

When your kids are outside, remember the ABCs of skin protection:

A = Away. Stay away from the sun between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. when the sun’s damaging UV rays are most intense.

B = Block. Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 30 or higher. Sunscreens should block both UVA and UVB rays, or provide broad-spectrum UV coverage. Remember to reapply sunscreen every two hours while in the sun, or every 30 minutes when swimming or during high-intensity activities. The higher the SPF rating, the more protection your skin has.

C = Cover up. Wear a T-shirt, sunglasses and hat.

S = Speak out. Talk to your family and friends about sun protection.

Children younger than 6 months should not have prolonged exposure to the sun. If shade or protective clothing isn’t available, apply a small amount of sunscreen to the baby’s face and hands.

If your child does suffer a sunburn:

• Put him or her in a cool bath or use cool compresses on burned areas.
• Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help relieve the pain.
• Apply aloe gel or hydrocortisone cream to burned areas right away and reapply as needed for up to two days. Avoid benzocaine, Vaseline^® or moisturizers that can trap heat into the skin.
• If sunburn is combined with fever, nausea, vomiting and dizziness, get urgent medical attention because this may be a sign of heat stroke or heat exhaustion.

Prevention is the best tactic. Remember to examine your child’s skin each month for unusual growths. Sun exposure is only one cause of skin cancer. Ask your pediatrician if you are concerned about a growing or changing skin lesion.

If you’re concerned about sun exposure or skin damage, talk to your pediatrician or one of our specialists. To make an appointment at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin Clinics-New Berlin, call Central Scheduling at (414) 607-5280 or request an appointment online.

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