Long and lazy, warm and sunny: The days of summer mean swimming, visiting the zoo and picnicking in the park. This adds up to a lot of sun exposure for young skin, so be sure to teach your children the rules of protection.
"Research shows a link between sunburns in children and an increased risk of cancer, especially melanoma, said Dr. Denise Metry, chief of the dermatology clinic at Texas Children's Hospital and assistant professor of dermatology at Baylor College of Medicine. "Develop a sun-protection plan for your family and be sure everyone sticks to it."
Metry suggests following the American Cancer Society's easy-to-remember "SSSP" plan.
- Slip! on a shirt. Wear protective clothing in the sun.
- Slop! on sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Reapply after swimming or sweating.
- Slap! on a hat that shades the face, neck and ears
- Plan! outdoor activities to avoid the midday sun (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Metry offers these additional tips for sun safety:
- Be a role model. Set a good example by practicing smart sun safety yourself.
- Start early teaching children about sun safety so it becomes a habit.
- Keep sunscreen handy. Pack a bottle in your child’s backpack; carry some in your purse or in your pocket. Keep a bottle in the car.
- Teach your children the shadow rule. When outside, if your shadow is shorter than you are, then the sun is high in the sky, and the UV (ultraviolet) rays are intense.
- Buy your children wraparound sunglasses for total eye protection.
- Protect children younger than 6 months of age with clothing and keep them in the shade.
- Tanning booths and sunlamps use UV rays that can cause skin damage. They are not a safe alternative to sun exposure.
"Showing children they can protect their skin and still have fun in the sun will benefit them in the long run," said Metry. "Childhood is the time that healthy sun habits are formed."
