Hellooo, Summer!

1. Remember that UV rays are strongest in the summer from 10am-4pm. Limit exposure during these hours as able. If unable to avoid exposure, shaded areas are best. The shade under a tree, pop up canopy, or any awning will do. Cover exposed skin with breathable, tight weave clothing. (Hold clothing up to a light source. The less light able to shine through, the better!) Wear wide brimmed hats to offer protection of the face, ears, and neck. Encourage the use of sunglasses if your littles will wear them, to lessen sun damage to the eyes. Melanoma can occur in the eyes, as well as cataracts and macular degeneration, due to sun exposure.

2. "Broad Spectrum" sunscreens protect against UVB and UVA rays, and are the better choice. SPF=sun protection factor. This gives you an idea of how long it will take for your skin to burn. An SPF of 30 means it will take 30 times longer for the skin to burn than it would without using sunscreen at all. An SPF of 30-50 is recommended. Studies show there are no proven benefits in using sunscreens with an SPF greater than 50. Sunscreen should be applied liberally 15-30 minutes prior to sun exposure. Remember, even on cloudy days, a sunburn can occur. Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, especially after swimming or sweating. Even "waterproof" sunscreens slide off wet children and need reapplications after contact with water or sweat. 

3. Opt for sunscreens with ingredients such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These ingredients are often the main ingredients in many diaper rash creams and are a safer alternative to oxybenzone (due to concerns with its mild hormonal properties). It is recommended to apply a "patch test" on children with any sunscreen product prior to using it all over the body. Simply apply a small amount of sunscreen to the back of the hand or arm and observe over a 30 minute period for any reaction or irritation to the skin. If no significant reaction occurs, it is generally safe for that product to be used over the remaining exposed parts of the body.

4. If an infant less than 6 months of age is unable to avoid sun exposure, sunscreen can be used on areas of the body such as the face, ears, and neck as needed. The best alternatives for infants of this age are to avoid direct sunlight exposure through shade and breathable, tight weave clothing. For infants over the age of 6 months old, it is ok to apply sunscreen to all areas of the body. Be careful to avoid contact with the eyes.

5. If sunburn does occur, replace fluids lost with water and/or 100% fruit juice. Infants may take fruit juice (if age appropriate) and/or pedialyte. Apply cool, wet compresses or offer cool (not cold) baths frequently. Infants 2 months of age and older can take Acetaminophen (Tylenol) appropriate for their age/weight. Infants and children greater than 6 months of age can take Ibuprofen appropriate for their age/weight. Apply aloe vera gel (or lotions containing aloe vera) liberally to affected areas of sunburned skin. If blisters occur, call your provider as soon as possible. Also notify your provider with any symptoms of fever, chills, headache, nausea/vomiting, or if additional concerns arise. It is important to note that some medicines (such as antibiotics and acne medications) can cause the skin to be more subsceptible to a sunburn. Always discuss any medications your child may be taking with your provider.

We hope it's a fun, safe, sunburn-free summer for you and your littles!

Stephanie Varner, CPNP-PC