Jacksonville Florida Dermatology Presents - Five Steps to Protecting Your Children’s Skin

Many times you have heard advice telling you that it is very important to properly protect your children from the sun. Blistering one time will double the risk of having melanoma at some time. Melanoma is a very serious skin cancer.

1. Use the right sunblock Using a sunblock is a primary defense in protecting your child from sun exposure. You should look for a sunblock which has a broad-spectrum, blocking UVA and UVB radiation and has a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) value of at least 15 – the higher the better. Younger children usually have extremely sensitive skin, so use a product that is specifically made with children in mind. Many times those products contain the sunblock zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

2. Use it Liberally When applying sunblock use it liberally, especially if you are first applying it to your child. Most parents don't use enough sunblock. A generous amount of sunblock is about one ounce. Of course this will depend on how big your child is. Repeat about every three or four hours, or every one to two hours if your child is perspiring or is exposed to water. Of course you won’t have to apply sunblock so frequently if you are using a ‘sport’ sunblock which specifically made for active people in water or perspiring.

3. Ten to Two - Avoid the Sun You, as well as your child should seek shade, or be indoors between ten in the morning and two in the afternoon. During these times the sun’s ultra-violet rays are their strongest and the risk of sunburn is the greatest. In some circumstances, even being in shade (such as under an umbrella) will not protect you or your child. If you must be outdoors, use an umbrella is specifically manufactured to block UVA and UVB rays.

4. Cover up! Even small children should wear a hat and sunglasses when outdoors. Hats should have a brim which provides shade for the entire head. Personally, I prefer hats which have vents to allow air to circulate (and I’m sure my child appreciates that feature too). Wear long sleeves and long pants when outdoors as much as possible. Believe it or not, but darker colors absorb fewer UVA and UVB rays . If you find that your child is more sensitive to the sun than you should think about buying UV protective clothes.

5. No Break On Cloudy or Wintery Days It’s easy to think that you won’t get sunburned on winter days or when it’s cloudy. But don’t be fooled! Yes, the sun’s rays aren’t as strong during the winter, but if your child is sensitive they will get burned in areas where the skin is exposed. Protect your child’s winter-exposed skin. And, don't forget to use sun protection on cloudy days too. It may surprise you, but clouds do not block the sun’s powerful UV rays.

Always be sun-conscious, and cover up as much as possible.

About The Author Brad Harrington frequently contributes to Jacksonville Florida Dermatology articles. He is regarded as an expert level contributor and can be easily found by searching on a wide range of relevant subjects. Other articles and videos by Mr. Harrington are 'Gets to the Bottom of Diaper Rash', Is your Mole Cancerous', and 'Eating Your Way to Healthy Skin'.