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A lot about pediatrics is not about treatment of illness. It's about the prevention of illness. One of the best things a child can do is to preserve his or her skin for future health. Here's more information about how to protect a child's skin from the sun.
 

A lot about pediatrics is not about treatment of illness. It's about the prevention of illness. One of the best things a child can do is to preserve his or her skin for future health. Here's more information about how to protect a child's skin from the sun.

 
 

Skin cancer among youth is on the rise, as in adults. It has been shown that sun exposure plays a significant role in this. Excessive sun exposure or blistering in childhood may lead to skin cancer later on.

  • Keep infants out of the sun.
  • Minimize sun exposure during the peak hours of 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. when the sun is the strongest.
  • Apply a sunscreen with a SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 15 or more.
  • Begin using sunscreens on all infants and children. CAUTION: Infants less than 6 months of age SHOULD NOT BE TREATED with a sunscreen containing PABA (para-amino-benzoic-acid).
  • Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outside, allowing the active ingredients plenty of time to be absorbed by the skin.
  • Reapply waterproof sunscreen frequently, according to product instructions, if your child is playing in water or perspiring.
  • Use a sunscreen on overcast days.
  • Beware of reflective surfaces (i.e. sand, water. concrete, house siding) which can reflect the sun's rays onto the skin.
  • Apply sunscreen with a SPF of 15 or more to recent scars and suture lines three times per day throughout the summer.
  • NEVER put baby oil on your child before going outdoors. It will allow the skin to burn more easily.

If sunburn should occur, Tylenol may be used to reduce the discomfort, which usually lasts for 48 hours. Cool baths or compresses several times a day are helpful. The force of a shower may be painful.

Peeling usually occurs about a week after the burn. A moisturizing lotion may be applied once or twice a day. The common first aid sprays that contain benzocaine should be used only according to package instructions. Overuse may lead to toxicity. But remember, the best treatment of sunburn is PREVENTION.
 
 
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