August 2007

Make Sunscreen a Summer Habit

By Karen Irwin

The sun can be elusive here in the Pacific Northwest, especially in the winter months, so when it does shine brightly on long summer days, families everywhere come out and soak it up. Unfortunately, these fun-in-the-sun days can have lasting effects on the skin. While most parents know to take sunscreen to the beach or on a hike, they don’t always remember it for daily casual sun exposure, and sunburns have a way of becoming a lasting summer memory.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 80 percent of lifetime sun damage occurs before the age of 18. With one in five adults diagnosed with some form of skin cancer, teaching kids sun-safe behaviors can be as important as warning them against the dangers of smoking. The good news is that parents armed with information can protect their kids now from a future of sun-related problems.

Sun damage is caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which has wavelengths shorter than visible light. It is linked to cancer and weakening of the immune system. UV radiation is divided into UVA rays with the longest wavelengths, UVB rays with medium wavelengths and UVC with the shortest wavelengths. UVA rays lead to aging and skin cancer and reach the inner strata of the skin. UVB rays reach the surface of the skin and cause most cases of sunburn, as well as cancer. UVC rays can’t penetrate the ozone layer.

Make Sunscreen a Constant Companion

If your child has fair skin, light eyes and freckles, she is in the high-risk category. But everyone – no matter what ethnicity or skin type – needs to use sunscreen, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Both suntans and sunburns result in DNA damage.

Sunscreen works by absorbing and reflecting harmful rays UV rays. The higher the SPF (Sun Protection Factor), the more rays are blocked. Look for a product that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. The active ingredients in sunscreen are avobenzone or benzophenone, and these chemicals rarely cause skin reactions. It is important to consult a physician if any reaction does occur.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends using sunscreen even on infants for areas such as the face (being careful to avoid eyes and mouth) or back of hands where clothing can’t protect them. Infants 6 months and younger should stay out of direct sunlight at all times.

Keep sunscreen close to the outside doors, so that if your children want to play outside, tell them they need to be “frosted like a cupcake” with sunscreen first. Give them their own SPF 30 lip balm. Explain to them the importance of avoiding a burn and how sunscreen keeps them healthy. It is never too early to teach healthy lifetime habits.

Find the UV Index in Your Area

The EPA and the National Weather Center have developed a UV index to predict the next day’s ultraviolet radiation levels on a one-11+ scale for areas across the country. Knowing the UV index helps parents prepare for activities in the sun. The EPA recommends staying out of the sun if the UV index is seven or higher.

Go to www.epa.gov/sunwise/uvindex.html to check your area index. Many local newspapers and weather stations also publish the UV index.

Avoid the Too Little, Too Late Problem

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends an SPF of 15 or higher applied generously all over the skin. Even if a sunscreen claims to be waterproof, reapply after swimming or sweating. Many experts recommend covering yourself twice to make sure you have enough protection.

According to the AAP, the biggest mistake parents make is not applying sunscreen soon enough. A study performed by researchers in Chicago found that 90 percent of parents polled used sunscreen, but only 2 percent used it before going to the beach. The study showed the average time for sunscreen application was 51 minutes after arrival. Since it takes 15 to 20 minutes for the sunscreen to be effective, the delay in application can cause sunburn.

Run for Cover!

The sun’s UV rays are at their most intense between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Find shaded activities for children during these hours. Some parents opt for lightweight, but tightly woven, long-sleeved shirts and pants for their kids. The easiest way to see if a clothing item is sun safe is to hold it up to the light. If you can see through it, then harmful UV rays can penetrate it. REI and Sun Precautions are Seattle-area companies carrying clothing with SPF of 30 + built in.

Wearing a large-brimmed hat also offers extra protection. The AAP recommends that everyone, including infant and toddlers, wear sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays.

Check Medication

There are drugs that cause “photosensitivity,” so if your child is on a medication, be sure to check with the pediatrician for sun safety. Common drugs that increase sun damage are sulfa drugs and the antibiotic, tetracycline.

What about Vitamin D?

Vitamin D, generated by sunshine exposure, is important for immune function and, in combination with calcium, for building strong bones. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, it takes only two to five minutes of sun exposure to receive a daily dose of vitamin D, and most of us get plenty from our diets. Eating a well balanced diet to include fortified milk or other dairy products, or taking a dietary supplement, should do the trick. Don’t let Vitamin D be an excuse not to use sunscreen.

Feeling the Burn?

If your child does get sunburned, keep the burned skin out of the sun. According to the AAP, a second sunburn in the same spot increases skin cancer risk. Cool baths with baking soda help soothe burned skin. Skim milk applied gently with a wash cloth can help the skin’s protein layer, lost due to a burn.

There are several after-sun products available, but be careful not to use any product with benzocaine, as the AAP states this chemical may cause an allergic reaction in children. Your doctor may also advise an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen. It is very important to drink extra fluids after sun exposure, even if your child is not thirsty.

When to Call for Help

Although sunburns rarely need the attention of a physician, the AAP recommends calling for help immediately if your child shows signs of shock, including faintness, dizziness, rapid pulse, rapid breathing, increased thirst and pale, clammy or cool skin. Consult a physician if your child has nausea, fever, chills or a rash.

Get a Notion for the Lotion

As with most healthy habits, kids need to see parents model good behavior, so slather up along with your kids. Sunscreens now come in pumps, sprays, wet wipes and tubes, as well as bottles. There are even sunscreen/laundry detergents to give clothing an SPF boost. Experiment with foams, gels and no-rub sprays. If your child likes a certain cartoon character, you are likely to find a brand of sunscreen with that character’s picture. The important thing is not how you use it, but that you use it. Don’t forget to apply sun protection to lips, ears, parts in the hair on the scalp, tops of feet and backs of hands. Let your child apply sunscreen on you, and then give yourself a final once-over. Make it part of your daily healthy routine.

Karen Irwin is a University Place writer and mother of four.

©2007
Seattle's Child, a publication of the Washington Post Company
All rights reserved

Web design by Intentional Publishing & Design