Sun Care 101: The Basics of Sun Safety for Kids
Just one blistering sunburn in childhood can double your little one's lifetime risk of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Young, sensitive skin is especially vulnerable to damaging rays, so protect your child by being sun-care savvy.
By Jeannette Moninger and Leslie Goldman
Priscilla Gragg
Sun safety can be a huge hassle when you have young kids. Applying sunscreen seems to take forever, especially the ones that are toothpaste thick. It can get in your kid's eyes and on your clothes because the ordeal is like wrestling a crocodile. Sand + sunscreen = hell. Kids hate hats. Beaches don't have trees. The list goes on.
But protecting children's skin is one of the most important things we can do. The risk of skin cancer starts to accumulate early on. At least five blistering sunburns before age 20 raise the risk of melanoma by 80 percent, according to a study at Brown University. "Even darker-skin-toned children get sunburns and are at risk of skin cancer when they grow up," says Seemal P. Dasai, M.D., clinical assistant professor of dermatology at the University of Texas Southwestern. In other words, all families need not only to slather up, but also to take steps to avoid damaging UV rays. How are you going to do all this? We've got your back.
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Sun Safety FAQs
What's the difference between UVA and UVB?
Ultraviolet A (UVA) rays make the skin tan; ultraviolet B (UVB) rays cause skin to burn. But don't be fooled: A tan isn't healthier. "Both suntans and sunburns are signs that skin cells have been damaged by radiation from the sun," says Kavita Mariwalla, M.D., director of Mohs and Dermatologic Surgery at Continuum Health Partners in New York City. UVB used to get all of the blame for causing skin cancer, but new research shows UVA is equally damaging. This is particularly worrisome since UVA rays are 30 to 50 times more prevalent, and they penetrate deeper into skin cells.
What does SPF stand for? Is a higher number more effective?
An SPF, or sun protection factor, indicates a sunscreen's effectiveness at preventing sunburn. "If your child's skin reddens in 10 minutes without sunscreen, SPF 15 multiplies that time (10 minutes) by 15, meaning she'd be protected from sunburn for approximately 150 minutes or 2 1/2 hours," says Sancy Leachman, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Melanoma and Cutaneous Oncology Program at the University of Utah's Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City. Of course, this depends on an adequate application of sunscreen and is based on SPF calculations with artificial instead of natural sunlight. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends using sunscreens with at least an SPF of 15, which blocks 93 percent of UVB rays. Higher SPFs provide even greater protection, but only to a certain point: SPF 30 blocks 97 percent of UVB and SPF 50+ (the maximum SPF you'll find on sunscreen labels due to new Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rules) blocks 98 percent.
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What should I look for in a sunscreen? Are sunscreen sticks and sprays as effective as lotions?
As long as you're using a sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher that's broad-spectrum (meaning it blocks both UVA and UVB rays), it doesn't matter whether you use a lotion, cream, gel, stick, or spray. "The problem with some of the easiest and most cosmetically acceptable products is that they often do not adequately block both UVA and UVB. You must look at the ingredients, but the best sunscreen is the one your child agrees to wear," Dr. Leachman says. That said, sprays that contain the "right stuff" are great for on-the-go toddlers and preschoolers.
Some young children are sensitive to certain sunscreen ingredients. To test for reactions, apply a small dab on the inside of your child's upper arm and check the area in 24 hours for signs of redness or rash. Sunscreens with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide are often less irritating because the ingredients aren't absorbed into skin. If your child is going to be in the water or getting sweaty, look for water-resistant sunscreens (the FDA has done away with waterproof and sweatproof claims). The new water-resistant labels state how long – either 40 minutes or 80 minutes – the sunscreen provides protection before you need to reapply it.
At what age is it safe to put sunscreen on a baby?
Your baby's skin is sensitive and can easily absorb too many chemicals, so avoid sunscreens before the baby is 6 months of age (except those with zinc oxide as the only active ingredient) and use on small areas of her body. Use clothing plus shade as the primary method of protection. Provide additional protection by keeping her out of the sun as much as possible: take walks before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m., when UVB rays aren't as intense; use a stroller canopy; dress her in lightweight clothing that covers her arms and legs; and choose a wide-brimmed hat or bonnet that covers her face, ears, and neck.
How much sunscreen should I use on my child? How often should I reapply it?
The Skin Cancer Foundation (skincancer.org) recommends that adults use at least an ounce (that's a shot glass) of sunscreen, but there's no set amount for growing children. The important thing is to cover all exposed areas (especially easily overlooked places like ears, tops of feet, backs of knees, and hands) 30 minutes before your child heads outside so her skin has time to absorb it. Reapply at least every two hours, more frequently if she's swimming, playing in water, or sweating.
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Do certain products work better on certain body parts?
Sunscreen lotions, gels, creams, and sprays all provide good protection from the neck down. "It's really a matter of which one is easiest to put on your child," Dr. Leachman says. There's less chance of sunscreen sticks getting into a child's eyes, so they're great for foreheads, noses, cheeks, chins, and even ears – but use only sunscreen sticks with components that include zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. A lip balm with an SPF is also recommended. Ultimately, though, Dr. Leachman says "the best sunscreen," is clothing (especially with SPF protection), followed by the lotions, gels, creams, and sticks.
Does my child really need to wear sunscreen in the winter or on overcast days?
Up to 80 percent of UV rays penetrate clouds and reflect off sand, water, snow, and even concrete. "Kids actually may be more exposed to UV rays on cool days because they stay outside longer," Dr. Mariwalla says. Basic sun protection tips – clothing that covers arms and legs, wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen – still apply.
My family has dark skin. Do we need to worry about sun protection?
"It's a fallacy that people with dark skin are immune to skin cancer," Dr. Mariwalla says. Although skin cancer affects between 1 and 4 percent of African Americans, Latinos, and Asians, it's often deadlier because it goes undetected longer (and rates among Asians are rising). In dark skin, cancer can also lurk in areas that aren't exposed to the sun, like the palms of hands, soles of feet, and mucous membranes.
Besides sunscreen, what else can I do to protect my family?
Keep your child out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UVB rays are most intense. Dress him in clothing that have a UV protection of at least SPF 30 or that have a tight weave (you shouldn't be able to see easily through it) and make sure he wears sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats that protect his face, ears, and neck. Seek shade as much as possible.
Should my child wear sunglasses?
The skin around the eyes is vulnerable to UV damage too, so children should wear sunglasses starting at 6 months. Look for child-size sunglasses that offer at least 99 percent UVA and UVB protection, cover as much skin as possible (wraparound styles are great), and are impact- or shatter-resistant.
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When should I start checking my child's skin for changes, and what should I look for?
The odds of your child developing skin cancer are low (about 3 percent for melanoma per The Skin Cancer Foundation), and it's normal for new moles to appear and to change in size and color as your child grows. Still, it's wise for you (and eventually your child) to become familiar with her skin so you identify any changes immediately. "Look over your child's skin while doing diaper changes or giving baths. Get to know her moles," Dr. Leachman says. Be on the lookout for moles that are: asymmetrical (one side's different than the other); a mix of brown, tan and black colors; bigger than a pencil eraser; notched, uneven, or blurry-looking around the borders; itching or bleeding. "The earlier you and your child start self skin checks, the more likely it'll become a lifelong – potentially life-saving – habit for her," Dr. Leachman says.
Children who have a parent or sibling with melanoma have a 50 percent greater chance of developing the disease, which is why The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends that they see a dermatologist starting at age 10 for twice-yearly skin exams (parents should check their children's skin regularly starting at infancy). Otherwise, the visits can wait until adulthood unless you notice a questionable skin change.
What should I do if my child gets sunburned?
Call the pediatrician if your child is under age 1 or if she's older than 1 and has blisters, severe pain, lethargy, or a fever higher than 101 degrees. Ibuprofen and cool baths or moist compresses can lessen pain, swelling, and itching. (Never give aspirin to children, as it can cause a rare but serious metabolic disease called Reye's syndrome.) Keep your child out of the sun until the burn is healed.
Smart Sun Protection Strategies
Your family needs extra cover, especially during the sun's peak hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Here how to protect their skin at the beach, in the car, and in the stroller.
At the beach: Set up a beach umbrella in the shade, suggests Joshua Zeichner, M.D., a dermatologist at Mount Sinai Health System,in New York City, and dad of two. Adjust its direction during the day to keep everyone cool. Dr. Zeichner likes Zinnia Sun Screens ($250; zinniasunscreens.com), UV-protective canopies that fold up to fit in a backpack."Your kids will have enough space to play and be well protected," he says.
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In the car: Glass blocks UVB rays, but damaging UVA rays pass right through windows.Transparent window films screen out 99 percent of UVA rays; try those by 3M, Nexfil, or Solar Gard. Put sunscreen on kids' exposed skin for long car rides, and keep a light blanket handy to cover their legs.
In the stroller: Drape the lightweight 36-by-40-in. Coolibar BabySun Blanket UPF 50+ ($32; coolibar.com) over your little one's exposed skin.