Spending time in the sun is a great way to enjoy a warm day with your family, but it’s important to be mindful of the potential skin health risks. There are many quick and effective ways to prevent skin damage, such as using sunscreen with a high SPF, wearing protective clothing and ensuring that children stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade. By taking these precautions, families can safely enjoy their time outdoors and avoid the harmful effects of strong UV rays.
Sunscreen Guide
Children have very sensitive skin, so choosing the right type of sunscreen for their skin type can be challenging. Here are some things that can help: the higher the sun protection factor (SPF), the more protection is received from the sun. It is recommended to use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Dr. Peily Soong, a pediatrician at Children’s of Alabama, shares advice on using sunscreen properly. “Generally, you should apply sunscreen every 2 hours when outdoors. However, if you’re sweating or swimming, you should apply it more often. Sunscreens are not towel proof, so if you dry off with a towel, you should reapply sunscreen.”
How to Treat a Sunburn
When a child gets a sunburn, it is important to begin treatment quickly to reduce pain and prevent further skin damage. “Most sunburn treatments are geared towards symptom relief of pain and discomfort. Ibuprofen can help with pain relief. Cool baths and aloe lotions can also help treat the pain and discomfort of sunburns. If blisters occur, do not pop them as they do help the healing skin underneath it to keep from getting infected,” said Dr. Soong. A good start to relieving a sunburn is to apply a cold, damp cloth to the affected areas to reduce heat and swelling. Next, a gentle moisturizer, preferably one with aloe vera, is a great way to soothe a child’s skin and help prevent future peeling. Ensuring the child is drinking plenty of water will help with hydration, as sunburn can cause dehydration more easily than normal.
Risks
Remember, sunburn can lead to serious health risks, especially for children. The more sunburns a child experiences, the greater the risk of developing skin cancer. That’s why applying sunscreen with a high enough SPF to your child’s skin is essential.
