Protecting Children From The Sun: How?
When it comes to protecting children, no measure seems to be too exaggerated, especially when it comes to preventing sun damage. In this article, we explain how and why it is important to protect children from the sun.
Sunscreen for children
According to information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration , when asked whether sunscreen should be applied to children, pediatrician Dr. Hari Cheryl Sachs replies no.
He also adds that the best strategy is to keep children under 6 months away from the sun, and in particular avoid sun exposure between 10am and 2pm, when ultraviolet (UV) rays they are more intense.
According to his recommendations, children’s skin is much less mature than that of adults, and their area of extension is greater than their body weight when compared to that of older children and adults.
-Dr. Hari Cheryl Sachs-
Along the same lines, Dr. Paula Luna, of the pediatric dermatology section of the Ramos Mejía hospital, Buenos Aires, Argentina, points out that between 50 and 80% of the sun exposure that occurs
during our life occurs during the first 20 years and that the effects of ultraviolet rays (UVR) are irreversible and cumulative.
How to behave?
According to Dr. Luna, children under the age of 3 are even more vulnerable to UV rays because they have lower levels of melanin, with a thinner stratum corneum and a different area / body mass ratio and, of consequently, increased susceptibility to the sun.
Some tips to protect children from the sun
Here are some tips from Dr. Luna to protect children from the sun:
- Avoid sun exposure during peak hours.
- Make sure there is shade.
- Wear appropriate clothing.
- Use sunscreen.
Taking into account the above conditions, avoiding the sun is considered essential for children under 6 months and the use of protective screens is not recommended.
Is It Right To Apply Sunscreen For Babies?
According to studies by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) there are:
- 17 approved ingredients and others under study. If the sun protection factor (SPF) is above 15 and broad spectrum (UVB and UVA), it helps prevent sunburn and, when applied correctly, prevents premature aging and sun-induced cancer.
- If the SPF is below 15 or not broad-spectrum, it helps prevent burns only.
What should we expect from the pediatrician?
- A guide, as, according to Dr. Luna, sun care recommendations should be part of any healthy child’s control routine.
- Strengthen measures in children between the ages of 9 and 10 and make them involved and responsible for protecting their skin.
- The use of sun beds should be strongly discouraged.
- Avoid exposing yourself to the sun during peak hours.
- Always prefer shade and physical measurements whenever possible.
- In children younger than 6 months, do not use SPF routinely.
Protecting children from the sun: difficult? Complicated?
While it may seem complicated at first glance, protecting children from the sun is essential and if not done right it becomes extremely damaging to their skin. Getting your little one used to wearing sunscreen, as is done with the use of a safety belt or dental hygiene, can be an important exercise in protecting their health.
