Protect Children – Be Sun Safe!

Children are at greatest risk for long-term sun damage. The most harmful effects of sun exposure can occur during childhood.  Children, in play and sport activities, are often exposed to too much ultraviolet radiation (UVR) from sunlight.  It is important that children are active and get fresh air, but the health concern of over-exposure to UVR needs to be addressed.  Parents and caregivers can take an active role in protecting young children’s skin from the sun and to educate them on how and why to protect themselves for life.

People don’t usually associate cancer with children.  This is because there can be a lag time of many years for the clinical appearance of skin cancer to occur.  It is important that people understand that it is actually the long-term effect of the sun that poses the greatest risk.  It is essential that we protect our children’s skin.

The health risks associated with over-exposure to UVR are largely preventable.  With some simple steps, eyes and skin can be protected.  By making it an important goal to prevent sunburn and protect eyes you will be giving the children the best gift of all – health for tomorrow!

Sun Safety Recommendations

It is important that adults/caregivers be positive “sun-safe” role models for the children.  Adults and children should follow these recommendations when outside:

• Check the UV Index before you go outside. Take precautions between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun’s rays are at their strongest and any time of day when the UV Index is 3 or higher.

• Always keep babies less than one year of age out of direct sunlight, and use clothing to protect their skin.  Put strollers and playpens in the shade.

Babies are not born with a developed skin protection system; therefore they are not able to protect their skin from the sun’s rays, meaning sunburns happen more quickly than in adults. Sunburns not only hurt, they cause skin damage and may cause dehydration and fever.

Look for or create shaded areas to do outdoor activities.

• Do outdoor activities in shady spots e.g. under a tree or in the shade of a building.
• Create shade by planting trees or by using partial roofs, awnings, umbrellas, gazebo tents, etc.

Wear clothing to protect as much skin as possible.

• Loose-fitting long-sleeved shirts and long pants (or at least knee-length shorts) are recommended even on overcast days.
• Tightly woven fabrics block the sun’s rays the best.  Sunscreen should be applied under sheer clothing.
• When in water outdoors, snug-fitting T-shirts can be worn (in addition to sunscreen) to give more protection from UV rays.

Put on UVR protective sunglasses.

• Adults and children should wear sunglasses that protect the eyes from both UVA and UVB rays.

Wear a wide brim hat (7.5 cm/3 inches wide) or with a back flap to cover the back of the neck.

• Wide brim hats are effective in blocking direct ultraviolet radiation from eyes and are a good choice for young children.  Sunglasses, if worn by children, should be unbreakable and 100% UV protection.

Choosing & Using Sunscreen Products

• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen product (lotion, cream, gel or spray) that protects against UVA and UVB rays, with a SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 15 or higher.
• Make sure your skin is dry when applying sunscreen or it will roll off.
• Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the bottle.
• Check for a current expiry date.
• Apply sunscreen at least 15 to 30 minutes before going out to allow active ingredients time to absorb into the skin.
• A small amount of sunscreen may be applied to areas of babies’ skin that are not covered by clothing such as the face and the backs of the hands. Avoid the mouth and eye area when applying. (www.dermatology.ca/sap/safety_resources/sun_exposure/babies.html)
• Apply lip balm with SPF 30 or higher.
• Note that repeated applications of a sunscreen simply re-enforce the sun protection.  They do not extend the amount of time you can spend in the sun.

Test for allergic reaction when first using a sunscreen product.

• Check for skin reactions to the sunscreen product.  Apply a liberal amount of the sunscreen on the child’s inner forearm for each day for 2 – 3 days in a row (e.g. over a weekend.)  Check to see if there are any signs of an adverse reaction (e.g. redness, itching, etc.)

If applying more than one type of product (e.g. make-up, insect repellent*) on the skin, always put the sunscreen product on first and wait 30 minutes before applying the second substance.

• The application of insect repellent may reduce the effectiveness of the sunscreen. Follow manufacturer’s instructions, but generally apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent. (www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/qa/insect_repellent.htm#sunscreen)

• As well, caution should be exercised when using insect repellents on children.  Use of insect repellent on children under two years of age is not recommended.

Sunscreen products are valuable tools when the children are out in the sun but no product protects 100%.  When the children are outside, using natural protection (clothing, hats and shade) should be the first choice.  Then use sunscreen on all remaining exposed skin.