How to protect children from the harmful rays of the sun



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It has long been known that excessive exposure to the sun during childhood and sunburns are important risk factors for developing skin cancer and premature aging (such as stains and blemishes). wrinkles) later in life

susceptible to sunburn than adults. Prevention and moderation are the keys to protecting your children, and there are many options to protect them from harmful rays.

Here's how to protect your family in the sun.

Prevention and Coverage

] The best protection against the sun is to limit direct exposure during peak hours of hours from 10 am to 4 pm

This is also the when your kids will probably want to be outside on a nice summer day, and you do not do it. I do not want to discourage them from playing outside. You just have to be prepared.

Apply sunscreen, of course, to any exposed skin, but also your child is wearing sunscreen clothing. Look for clothes with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of at least 30, which will block the most harmful rays.

Encourage your child to wear a brimmed hat and sunglasses. Look for the shadow often; Bring an umbrella to the beach and pay close attention to water, snow and sand, which are known to reflect ultraviolet rays and increase the risk of burns.

And you need protection even in cloudy weather: UV rays can get into the clouds kids are often more vulnerable because they can stay out longer without feeling the effects of the sun.

Sunscreen

Check out your local pharmacy and you'll find no less than 50 types of lotions that block the sun. , sprays, creams, sticks and whips (yes, that's one thing now). But choosing one does not have to be complicated. Here are a few things to consider:

• Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Both types of rays can lead to skin cancer.

• Do not be fooled by the higher number of SPFs (sun protection factors). Aim for something with an SPF of 30 or more, but beware of anything that has a number greater than 50. The difference between an SPF 30 and SPF 100 is tiny, and the use of a SPF higher can give you a false sense of security.

• Choose a sunscreen with zinc oxide and / or titanium dioxide, which are physical or mineral blocks. These are also safer for the skin because they are more hypoallergenic, and they will not sting the eyes of a child. Avoid sunscreens containing vitamin A (retinol or retinol), oxybenzone, dyes, perfumes, parabens and other preservatives that may be unhealthy or that could irritate young skin.

• Apply sunscreen generously to all exposed skin. go outside. Do not skimp. Apply it generously and do not forget the back of the neck, the top of the feet, the ears and the scalp.

• Apply often – at least every two hours, or earlier if your child has swum or sweat. There is no sunscreen waterproof or resistant to sweat; they must all be reapplied frequently (every 40 to 80 minutes) when a child is in the water. Follow the instructions on the label.

• Do not reserve sunscreen for days at the pool or on the soccer field. Make it a habit everyday, by applying it to your child's skin in the morning after they're brushing their teeth or before they come out the door. Teach them to reapply once they are old enough to attend school to know that they are protected even if they are with friends or at day camp .

• Be careful with sunscreens. Yes, they are practical and some kids love them, but they can be dangerous if they are inhaled. If you follow this road, spray them on the outside; ask your child to hold his breath while you apply it; and never spray it near his face. You may need to spray it several times to distribute it evenly.

Means of Engaging Children

Buy-in and cooperation are everything. If your child is resisting your efforts to protect him from the sun, here are some tips to make it easier.

• Make sunscreen a part of the routine or requirements. Tell the child that every time you go out, you must apply sunscreen and put on a hat as well as shoes. Or when you go swimming, you should wear sunscreen and a swimsuit.

• Be a good model. Make sure to also wear a brimmed hat, sunglasses, UPF clothing and sunscreen when you go out, to show your child that it is important and normal.

• Increase membership by asking the child to choose sunscreen. Give him some options, asking him if he wants to use cream or a stick on his face. Also ask him if he wants you to apply it first on his legs or his arms. Children like to have the impression of being in control, which makes them more likely to cooperate with tedious tasks.

• Set a timer or alarm to reapply sunscreen every hour or two. Give a warning to the child, and have fun by announcing, "In 5 minutes we will all freeze for sunscreen and a water break, after which we will return to the madness and fun. "

• Try giving sun protection clothing items a special name to make things more fun. Say "Everyone wears a zookeeper hat when we go to the zoo" (or a park warden for the park / playground, etc.) or "We go to the pool, it's time to put on our glasses robot sun. "

Sun protection for babies

It is best to keep babies, especially those under 6 months old, out of the sun. But the American Academy of Pediatrics says it's OK to use a small amount of sunscreen on your baby if you are unable to find shade. Make sure you test the sunscreen first on a small area of ​​her skin, to make sure she does not develop a rash.

Treat a sunburn

Prevent it is better. But if your child gets a sunburn, cold compresses, painkillers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen and aloe vera can relieve burned skin.

Call your pediatrician if your child gets a sunburn, a burn that covers a large area. his body, or if he develops a fever, chills or dehydration with a burn.

• Altmann is the founder of Calabasas Pediatrics, a spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics, author of "Baby and Toddler Basics: Experts Responses to Parents' Top 150 Questions," and three-year-old mom. Fischman is a pediatrician at Brigham and Women's Boston Hospital, pediatric clinical instructor at Harvard Medical School and mother of two children

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