Sun Protection for Children

The damaging effects of the sun have been extensively studied, and it is now well established that exposure to the sun can cause skin cancer and premature aging. Most of the sun exposure a person experiences in their lifetime occurs during childhood so preventative measures should be taken to minimize the damage inflicted by this exposure.

Historically, the American Academy of Dermatology and the American College of Pediatrics have recommended the use of sunscreen on children 6 months of age and older. Sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection and a SPF of 15 or higher is recommended. Child approved sunscreens are commercially available. A thick coat should be applied 30-45 minutes before going outside, and it should be reapplied every two hours or more often if the child is swimming or sweating excessively. It is best to avoid direct exposure to the sun when the radiation is strongest, between the hours of 10am and 4pm. If exposure to the sun is necessary, try to minimize the area left uncovered by wearing long sleeves and pants.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has now concluded that sunscreen can safely be used on infants under 6 months old. For infants under the age of 6 months, sunscreen can be applied in limited amounts to areas that are not protected by their clothing, such as the hands and face. Although the sunscreen has been deemed safe for infants, they should be kept out of direct sunlight as much as possible because they burn more easily and have a higher risk of overheating than older children or adults.

Time spent outdoors typically increases dramatically in the summer with many children out of school, so the exposure to ultra violet radiation should be taken seriously. Here at East Coast Dermatology in sunny Mount Pleasant, SC, our Board Ceritified Dermatologists believe that if these simple precautions are taken, it can make for a safer and healthier summer for your skin.