by DR. ALISON YOUNG-TAN
Summer is here and with it comes days spent in the sun. Children tend to spend more time in the sun, and they tend to sunburn more easily. Parents need to know the effects of UV rays on the skin and what you can do to protect your children and yourselves.
Too much exposure to UV radiation causes most skin cancers. According to healthcare professionals, even 15 minutes in the sun can be enough exposure to cause damage. That damage could potentially lead to skin cancer. Sunburns increase risk of skin cancer, especially for children. Despite common misconceptions, everyone, regardless of skin color or tone, is susceptible to skin damage and skin cancer.
However, it is possible to have a good time outdoors, while also staying safe. Here are some tips for you and your family:
Use Sunscreen
Wearing sunscreen is the most essential step to protect you and your family from UV rays. Sunscreen is recommended for everyone except babies younger than 6 months. Infants should be kept out of the sun during midday, and they should be wearing protective clothing that covers their skin if they are in the sun.
Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Broad spectrum means they protect against both UVA and UVB rays. A common mistake people make is not putting on enough sunscreen, so make sure you’re applying a thick, even layer to cover exposed skin. Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before sun exposure so that the sunscreen has enough time to be effective. Apply it to the face, neck, ears, chest, hands, and arms daily. Sunscreen wears off, so make sure to reapply it every two hours or sooner if sweating or swimming.
Along with wearing sunscreen, there are other precautions you can take to protect you and your family.
Seek Shade Whenever Possible
Advise your children to find a tree or shade when they feel the sun is too hot. This should be done in addition to always wearing sunscreen.
Appropriate Clothing
When it’s possible, wear long pants, long skirts, and long-sleeved shirts to avoid UV exposure. Clothes made with tightly woven fabric and clothes that are of darker colors may offer better defense from UV rays. Hats with a wide brim that shade the face, neck, ears, and back of the neck are recommended to protect those areas of the body. Baseball caps might not protect the ears or the back of the neck, so make sure to pair them with sunscreen and other forms of sun safe behaviors. Wear sunglasses that block UV rays to protect your eyes and the skin around your eyes.
Avoid Peak Times
One essential step to reducing UV exposure is avoiding UV peak times. UV radiation tends to be strongest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Unless necessary, it’s recommended to limit time in the midday sun. Checking the UV index at your location can be a useful tool before planning outdoor activities. You can use the UV index here: https://enviro.epa.gov/envirofacts/uv/search.
Make these tips part of yours and your children’s routines before going outdoors. Teach them and show them so they continue practicing sun safety when they’re older.
About the author: Dr. Alison Young-Tan, an internal medicine/pediatrics physician, currently serves the community as medical director for the Florida Department of Health in Polk County (DOH-Polk).