Summer is an exciting time for children, a time to get outside and play without the worries of school and homework. However, parents should take some basic precautions regarding sun safety.

The sun is healthy for us but can easily be damaging as well. It is estimated that we get about 80 percent of our total lifetime skin exposure in the first 18 years of life. Research has shown that two or more blistering sunburns as a child or teen greatly increase the risk of developing skin cancer later in life.

Before heading outdoors, take these steps to ensure your child’s safety this summer.

1. Hide Inside. Ultraviolet rays are most harmful between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so it’s best to “hide” indoors during this time. If this is not possible, try to find a shaded area. Babies under 6 months should be kept out of direct sunlight.
2. Dress to Impress. Clothing helps protect against UV rays. Fabrics
   with a tight weave are best. To determine how tight a fabric’s weave is, try holding the clothing up to a light and seeing how much light shines through. The less light, the better. Clothing made of cotton is both cool and protective.
3. Top ‘Em Off. Hats are a fun and easy way to shade the face, ears, scalp and neck from the sun. Though baseball caps are well-liked by children, they do not provide protection for the ears and neck. Be sure to use sunscreen on exposed areas.
4. Rub It In. There are many great sunscreens with special formulations for children. Use sunscreen with at least SPF 15 and UVA/UVB protection. UVA rays damage deep layers of skin and play a significant role in wrinkling and the dangerous skin cancer melanoma. UVB rays damage the outer layer of skin, which is known as the cause of sunburn and as a key contributor to skin cancer and skin aging. It is important to protect your child from both forms of UV rays. Apply sunscreen about 30 minutes before going outside and reapply every 2 to 3 hours. Don’t forget about areas that are typically overlooked, such as lips, hands, ears, feet, shoulders and behind the neck.  The American Academy of Pediatrics now suggests that use of sunscreen on babies less than 6 months old is not harmful. They recommend only using sunscreen on small areas, such as the face and back of the hands. But the best defense against sunburn is avoiding the sun or staying in the shade.  And don't forget to use sunscreen on cloudy days.  Many of the worst burns occur on cloudy days when people think they "don't need sunscreen."
5. Protect ‘Em Now. Sunglasses are an important part of protecting your child’s eyes from UV rays, which can lead to eye damage later in life. Look for sunglasses that block 100 percent of both UVA and UVB rays.
6. Shade It Out.  A young child can also get a sunburn while riding in the car. Car shades not only protect your child from the sun, but they also provide a more comfortable ride.

Along with protecting your child, it is important to protect your own skin as well. Remember, you’re an important role model.  Kids are more likely to co-operate when they see you engaging in the same behavior.

MCG Health, Inc. (d/b/a MCGHealth) is a not-for-profit corporation operating the MCGHealth Medical Center, MCGHealth Children’s Medical Center, the Georgia Radiation Therapy Center, and related outpatient facilities and services throughout the state.  For more information, please visit mcghealth.org.