Protecting Your Child’s Skin from the Sun’s Damaging Rays:
1. Wear sunscreen with a minimum of 15 SPF (30 is better), even on cloudy days.
2. Light colored or white t-shirts only provide an SPF protection of 6 to 8. You can get sunburn through clothing. When in the sun for an extended period of time, wear sunscreen under your clothes.
3. Apply sunscreen on dry skin 15 to 30 minutes before going outside. Re-apply every two hours, especially if swimming or strenuous activity.
4. Apply sunscreen to lips, ears and exposed scalp.
5. Sunscreen is only part of an overall strategy that includes proper clothing, hats and avoiding exposure.
6. Stay out of the sun between 10am and 4pm. Remember The Shadow Rule: If your shadow is shorter than you are, the sun’s damaging rays are strongest and you are likely to burn.
7. UV (ultra-violet) reflection from sand, water, pavement, cement and snow increases the amount of UV exposure. Fresh snow reflects 85% of the sun’s rays, water 5% and cement 10-12%. UV rays also penetrate below the surface of water.
8. Choose sunglasses that provide both UVA & UVB protection. The eye is the second most common place for melanoma to develop.
9. It is estimated that 80% of lifetime sun exposure occurs before the age of 18. Protecting the skin during the first 18 years of life can reduce the risk of some types of skin cancer up to 78%. One severe sunburn before 15 years of age can double the risk of skin cancer.
10. Sun exposure is responsible for two-thirds of all melanomas.
11. Sunburn is often the result of not using enough sunscreen. The average child needs one-half ounce of sunscreen to cover exposed areas of the body. An adult needs approximately one ounce (a shot glass full).
12. Set a good example. Wear sunscreen yourself. Children learn from our behavior how important sunscreen is.
13. Talk to daycare workers, teachers, camp counselors and relatives about how to protect your child’s skin.
14. Check the UV Index each day and plan accordingly.
For additional information:
Study Confirms Sunscreen Use in Children May Reduce Risk of Future Skin Cancer
Sun Protection Tips form The Melanoma Foundation
Mike's Page, The Melanoma Resource Center
Study Confirms Sunscreen Use in Children May Reduce Risk of Future Skin Cancer
Sun Protection Tips form The Melanoma Foundation