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Sun protection is very important during childhood. Seventy to eighty percent
of one’s lifetime sun exposure occurs in the first eighteen years of life.
Excess sun exposure causes sunburn, premature skin aging, and an increased risk
of skin cancer. Cumulative sun exposure and individual sunburns are significant
in the development of skin cancer.
Protection against the sun is encouraged for all children, especially for
high-risk groups. Infants under six months should be kept out of the sun.
Infants’ skin is more likely to burn, and they are also at increased risk for
heat related injuries. Sunscreen is generally not recommended in this age group
because they shouldn't be in the sun at all. However, if you are going to
exposure your infant to sun and risk a sunburn we would rather you use sunscreen
on those sun exposed areas of infant even those under 6 months of age.
Children with fair skin, red or blond hair, blue or green eyes and freckles
or moles are at increased risk for sun damage and skin cancer.
The most important category of sun protection is avoidance. Avoid peak
sunlight hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. when possible. Remember activities near
the sand, water, or snow may intensify the sun’s effects and that significant
sun exposure still occurs on cloudy days. For some, sunburns may occur in less
than fifteen minutes of sun exposure.
Clothing, hats, and sunglasses are also important for sun protection.
Lightweight, long-sleeved clothing is effective in reducing sun exposure when
necessary. Look for colored fabrics with a tight weave to increase protection.
Avoid white, wet clothes that offer little sun protection. Hats should have a
wide brim, and sunglasses should have UV protection.
There
has been some media attention to the new types of sunscreens available. It
would be helpful to understand why we burn, UV radiation and SPF protection.
Radiation is given off from the sun. It is referred to as Ultraviolet
Radiation (UV) and consists of two types A and B. UV B is the one with
which you are probably most familiar. UV B is more apparent in the summer
and is what the SPF rating on which your sunscreen is based.
UV A
is 95% of the radiation we receive on the ground and constant throughout the
day. UV A penetrates your skin deeper than UV B. UV B is more likely
to cause sunburn but UV A is likely to go deeper and cause more problems like
significant changes in the skin structure and architecture resulting in
photoaging. Both types of radiation can cause DNA changes and skin cancer.
Use sunscreen when sun exposure is unavoidable. Buy sunscreens with UV A and
UV B protection with a SPF of at least 15. Use SPF 30 for those more likely to
burn. Apply thirty minutes before sun exposure and apply generously. Reapply
every two hours or after water activities. Failure to use the
appropriate amount of sunscreen or to apply in advance of sun exposure reduces
the amount of protection sunscreen provides.
A
MYTH of SPF is the higher the number the longer it lasts. THIS IS NOT
TRUE. Every sunscreen should be reapplied every 2 hours. When purchasing a
sunscreen look for one with multiple ingredients to cover both UV A and B
radiation. Look for products containing avobenzone (Parasol 1789) and
oxybenzone, these absorb primarily UV A radiation. Those chemical degrade
once exposed to sunlight so are no longer active after about 2 hours.
Reflecting the UV light is helpful too. Physical agents like titanium
dioxide and zinc oxide help block both UV A and B radiation. A new product
called ecamsule (Mexoryl SX) will also block both. The agent ecamsule was
tested at 3.3% strength and was found to be better than other sunscreen agents.
We don't have one sunscreen product that is better than all the rest.
L'Oreal's Anthelios SX only has 2% ecamsule and contains avobenzone and
octocrylene with a SPF of 15. When picking a sunscreen look for a variety
of agents that help block both the UV A and B.
If
you are too late, click here for some hints with a
sunburn.
For more information check out Fun in the Sun at
aap.org
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