Sun Protection a High Priority for Young Children
By: Gretchen Bolander
Updated: July 23, 2010
It's the last thing to do BEFORE you head out to the beach or the pool. Put on sunscreen, and plenty of it. Freeman Pediatrician Beth Woolery said, "Kids have very tender skin and right now is when we start protecting them against wrinkles, melanoma and skin cancer. Sunburns are very painful for children and we are their first, best line of defense against getting a sunburn."
And it's not just sunscreen. Making sure kids wear sunglasses to protect their eyes, Chapstick with protection for their lips and be sure to check the expiration date. Also consider hats for an extra barrier for sun damage. Added Dr. Woolery, "Sunscreen is approved for ages six months and up. That's when you can start. If your baby is younger than that, we really shouldn't be putting them out from the 10 - 4 time period anyway."
It's good advice at any age - but Dr. Woolery says that sunburn is worse the younger the age. "We've had time to develop melanin and natural protection but babies don't have that. And their lowerst levels are immature and just one blistering sunburn can increase their risk for melanoma later in life if they have a blistering sunburn before the age of 10."
And it's not just sunscreen. Making sure kids wear sunglasses to protect their eyes, Chapstick with protection for their lips and be sure to check the expiration date. Also consider hats for an extra barrier for sun damage. Added Dr. Woolery, "Sunscreen is approved for ages six months and up. That's when you can start. If your baby is younger than that, we really shouldn't be putting them out from the 10 - 4 time period anyway."
It's good advice at any age - but Dr. Woolery says that sunburn is worse the younger the age. "We've had time to develop melanin and natural protection but babies don't have that. And their lowerst levels are immature and just one blistering sunburn can increase their risk for melanoma later in life if they have a blistering sunburn before the age of 10."
