Safe Sun Tips for Children

Department of Dermatology
Peer Review Status: Internally Peer Reviewed
Creation Date: Summer 2000
Last Revision Date: April 2002

• Anyone can sunburn.
• Medical experts now believe that protecting the skin as a child and teenager can significantly reduce the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging as an adult.
• Research shows a link between blistering sunburns in children and an increased risk of melanoma (the deadliest form of skin cancer) and other skin cancers.
• The incidence of skin cancer is increasing in epidemic proportions in our country.
• The risk of developing a melanoma, a deadly skin cancer, doubles every 10 years.
• Protecting skin from the sun's rays could prevent about 80% of skin cancers.
• Harmful ultraviolet rays (UV) reflect off water and light colored surfaces, such as concrete, water, sand and snow. UV rays also reach below the surface of water.

 Sunscreen Tips for Children

• Set a good example. Parents and caregivers should protect their own skin every day all year long by applying moisturizers or sunscreens with at least a sunprotection factor (SPF) of 15. Even on cloudy days up to 80% of the sun's harmful rays reach earth.
• Use plenty. The average child requires one-half ounce (oz) of sunscreen for adequate total body coverage.
• Spray forms are fun for children and are quickly applied to large areas of the body. Lotions work best on the face.
• Avoid use on infants six months and younger as sunscreens may irritate baby skin. Care should be taken to totally avoid sun exposure during this period.
• Pack sunscreen in children's lunch box or book bag. Ask them to use again before going outdoors for recess or lunch.

 Other Important Tips

• Wear Hats. Each inch of hat brim can lower your lifetime risk of skin cancer by 10%. A hat brim of four inches or greater is recommended. Make certain that the top and brim of a straw hat have sunproof liners in place.
• Minimize sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the worst and greatest quantity of ultraviolet light exists. If your shadow is longer than your are tall, it is okay to be outside.
• Wear protective eyewear. Sunglasses with UV-blocking filters are very important. The eye is the second most common site in which melanoma develop.
• Some medications can increase sensitivity to the sun's rays. Certain antibiotics, birthcontrol pills, diuretics, antihistamines and antidepressants may cause increased sensitivity to the sun. Dress accordingly and take extra precautions if you are taking any of these medications.
• Discourage use of tanning parlors. Tanning devices can damage the skin and eyes as much as direct sunlight and have been linked to increased risk of developing melanoma.
• Check the UV Index each day and dress accordingly. The UV Index is a prediction of the sun's UV radiation on any given day at noon. Check the Internet, your local newpaper, television or radio for your local daily UV Index.
• Shop for "safari" type, light-weight, vented clothing that is designed for maximal comfort as well as sun protection.
• Talk with teachers, childcare providers, and camp counselors, asking them to schedule outdoor activities in the shade or early morning or late afternoon.
• UV-blocking plastic film applied to the inside of the windows of your house or car can greatly decrease the amount of ultraviolet rays reaching your skin.

See related Patient Topics Cancers, Preventing Disease and Staying Healthy, Safety, Safety--General, Skin Cancer, Skin Diseases--General, Skin, Hair and Nails, Sun Exposure or Wellness and Lifestyle.

See related Provider Topics Cancers, Preventing Disease and Staying Healthy, Safety or Wellness and Lifestyle.

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