Starla Aragon, RN, BSN
Unit Education Consultant
Repeated suntans and burns can cause skin cancer and early skin aging such as wrinkling, sagging, and brown sunspots. Even if the sun does not burn your child, the sun can still harm his or her skin. Although skin cancer happens in adults, suntans and sunburns that happened in childhood can be the cause of skin cancer.
Tanning is a sign that the sun has harmed the skin. There is no such thing as a “good” tan. People with darker coloring are less sensitive to the sun, but everyone can get a sunburn or other problems caused by sunburn. The first 10 years of life are an important time to prevent skin cancer.
Sunscreen Tips for Your Child
• Use sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher (SPF 30 is recommended).
• Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before your child goes outside.
• Pay extra attention to protect your child’s nose, lips, ears, cheeks, neck, shoulders, and back of her knees.
• Reapply sunscreen every 3-4 hours (or sooner if swimming or sweating a lot).
Remember, your child can still get a sunburn even after applying sunscreen so preventing sun exposure is the best way to protect their skin.
Preventing Excessive Sun Exposure:
1. Find shade by standing under trees and umbrellas. This is important even after applying sunscreen.
2. Stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. This is when the sun’s rays are strongest. Try to schedule outdoor activities before or after this time.
3. Dress your child in tightly woven cotton clothing with long sleeves and long pants. Have her wear a hat with a wide (four-inch) brim.
4. Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 anytime your child is going to be outside for more than 15 minutes. Apply the sunscreen one half hour before going out. Set a good example by doing this yourself, too.
5. Be especially careful when around water, snow, sand, or high elevation (such as at a ski resort) because these increase the sun’s exposure. The shade from a hat or umbrella will not protect you from reflected rays, and sunburn can occur quickly when hiking in the mountains.
6. Protect your child’s eyes by having her wear sunglasses with UV protection.
Find out more about how to prevent and treat sunburns and the effects of sun exposure for your child or infant.
