Ask a Doctor
Stephen J. Hersey, MD
Northwest Pediatrics
7275 Sawmill Rd.  
Dublin, Ohio 43016
(614) 766-6321

Q: Summer skin protection for babies and children: What can I do?

A: Summer weather protection is a vital part of raising healthy children.  On average, about 80% of sun exposure occurs before 18 years of age because children spend so much time outdoors.  Every sunburn adds to the risk of developing skin cancer later in life.  Therefore, it is important to keep your children well protected during the upcoming months. 

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, all children, regardless of skin tone or ethnicity, need to be protected against the harmful effects of sun exposure.  With a few simple precautions, your children can have a fun and safe summer.

• Keep kids out of the direct midday sun (10am to 2pm), when the rays are strongest.
• Kids should wear broad brim hats and sunglasses with UV protecting lenses.  Loose fitting, light colored, tightly woven clothing should be worn as much as possible.
• Use a broad “spectrum” sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB “ultraviolet” rays. It should be PABA-free and contain at least one of the following: zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or avobenzone.
• Using sunscreens marketed for children is best because these are likely to be waterproof and have a more pleasing smell.  
• The higher the SPF (sun protection factor) the better.  Applying a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 is most effective. 
• Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours or after your child has been in the water.  Remember, towel drying removes sunscreen. 
• Use sunscreen even on cloudy days.  Even on an overcast day, up to 80% of the sun’s rays pass through the clouds.

Sometimes the use of an oil-based sunscreen can cause acne.  To avoid this, the use of a non-comedogenic sunscreen is recommended.  Very rarely, children develop a rash with certain types of sunscreens.  Contact your pediatrician should this happen. 

Infants under six months should be kept out of direct sunlight as much as possible.  It is important to dress them in protective clothing and hats.  If exposure to direct sun can not be avoided for a baby younger than six months, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents consult their pediatrician about the decision to apply sunscreen. 
 
If a child under the age of 12 months ever gets sunburned, your pediatrician should be contacted immediately.  Infants and small children can develop serious skin blistering and pain.  Due to their small size, they are much more prone to heat exhaustion and need to be examined closely by a physician. 

Summer is fast approaching.  With a little knowledge about summer safety, we can ensure that our families have fun and stay healthy.  Contact your pediatrician today if you have questions about protecting your children this summer.