Protecting Your Child from the Summer Sun
After a long, cold winter and with summer right around the corner, we know that you and your family are looking forward to spending more time outdoors. Between camps, sports, vacations, and backyard barbeques, it is likely that your children will be exposed to a lot of sunshine over the next few months. However, the physicians and staff at Briarcliff Pediatrics would like to remind you that while outdoor activities are both healthy and enjoyable, the summer sun can also be damaging, particularly for young, unprotected skin. Here are some important things that you need to know about keeping your child safe and protected when they are out enjoying the summer sun, so your whole family can enjoy an active lifestyle without endangering their health.
- Seek Shade during the Hottest Parts of the Day: The sun’s ultraviolet rays are most intense, and most harmful, between the hours of 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, so it is best to plan indoor activities during those times. If this is not possible, make use of any available shade, like nearby trees, an umbrella, or a pop-up tent to limit your child’s exposure.
- Even Cloudy Days Are Dangerous: High energy ultraviolet light can penetrate all but the heaviest cloud cover, even if visible light does not. That means children can still get sunburned even on overcast days. Get your children into the habit of using sunscreen every time they go outside, even if the sun doesn’t seem particularly bright.
- Use Clothing to Protect Exposed Skin: Long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and skirts made from tightly woven fabrics can provide good protection from ultraviolet rays. Keep in mind that darker colors tend to provide more protection than lighter colors, but a wet T-shirt offers less protection than a dry one.
- Get a Good Hat: A hat or bonnet can provide portable and effective shade for the face, scalp, ears, and neck. Although baseball caps are popular among kids, they do not protect the ears or the neck, so be sure to protect exposed areas with sunscreen.
- Keep Infants out of Direct Sunlight: The skin of a newborn baby contains very little melanin and is extremely sensitive to the sun’s damaging effects. We advise new parents to keep children under six months of age out of the sun as much as possible. During your regularly scheduled well child visit, Dr. Deeb and Dr. Brown can give you more information on protecting newborn infants from the sun.
- Wear Quality Sunglasses: Ultraviolet light causes damage to the eyes as well, which can lead to cataracts later in life. Unfortunately, cute “novelty” sunglasses may not provide adequate sun protection. Look for sunglasses that wrap around the sides and block as close to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays as possible.
- Apply Sunscreen Liberally: The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests applying about one ounce of sunscreen to children thirty minutes before they go outdoors. For the best protection, use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and UVA and UVB (broad spectrum) protection. Don’t forget to protect ears, noses, lips, and the tops of feet.
- Re-Apply Sunscreen Often: Sunscreen protection will wear off, especially if it gets wet. Take sunscreen with you so that you can re-apply every two hours or more frequently if your child is playing in the water or sweating a lot. Water-resistant, spray-on sunscreens are a good choice for toddlers who won’t sit still.
- Plan Ahead: Kids most often get sunburned when families are caught unprepared and spend more time outdoors, unprotected, then they had anticipated. Keep sun protection handy, no matter where you might be going. Try out new sunscreen products before you need them by applying a small amount to the inside of a child’s wrist to check for any adverse reaction.
At Briarcliff Pediatrics, we believe strongly that one of the best ways to keep all children safe is to provide parents with the most accurate and up to date health information available. That is why we provide links to children’s health resources on our website. If you are interested in learning more about us, you are welcome to come in for a complimentary meet and greet so that you can meet Dr. Deeb or Dr. Brown and get a tour of our newly renovated office. Just contact Briarcliff Pediatrics to schedule an appointment. Don’t forget to follow us on social media to get up to date health tips and the latest news in children’s health care.
