Hooray!!  It's finally warm and sunny. We have been waiting for months to send our kids outside or push them in their stroller.  It is very important to remember the sunscreen.  Just some facts...50-80% lifetime exposure to the sun occurs before the age of 18.  These are incidental exposures, day-to-day activities, not trips to the beach.  You must not be stingy in applying and reapplying your child's sunscreen.

 

Sunscreen should only be used on babies six (6) months of age and older.  You should choose a hypoallergenic or sensitive skin, broad spectrum waterproof sunscreen with a high SPF of at least 30.  It is important to apply the sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside and then reapply approximately every two-to-three hours.  If you are going to be in the water, make sure it is waterproof and that you reapply after 80 minutes in the water. Water Babies, Blue Lizard and Aveeno all make sensitive skin lotions that are suitable to use.  Of course, keeping your child out of the sun and in the shade would be best, especially between the hours of 10:00 am and 4:00 pm when the sun is the most powerful.

 

Wearing wide brim hats and sunglasses is also a good idea.  Ensure that clothes will screen out harmful UV rays by placing your hand inside the clothes and making sure you cannot see it. You can also bring a pop-up tent or wide umbrella to create more shade.

 

Sunburn, unfortunately, can be subtle and not noticeable until the evening hours.  Children will feel like their skin is very hot and burning, some may develop chills.  Keep them in the shade until the sunburn is healed.  Give them a cool bath or gently apply cool, wet compresses to help with the pain.  Applying aloe vera will be very soothing and will help the skin heal quicker.  A pain reliever like ibuprofen may also be given.  Topical moisturizers like 1% hydrocortisone will rehydrate the skin and reduce swelling.  Do not use a petroleum based product as it will trap in the excess heat. If blisters develop, call your doctor.  Do not pick or open up the blisters.

 

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are far more serious than a sunburn.  These occur when children become overheated and dehydrated.  They are usually accompanied by a sunburn.  Call your doctor if they have an unexplained fever, nausea, vomiting, fainting, delirium or diarrhea.  

 

Be a good role model for your children.  Limit your sun exposure, wear a hat and use sunscreen.
 

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