Everyone needs some sun exposure! It is our #1 source of vitamin D, which helps us absorb calcium to build strong bones. However, what most people don’t know is that children accumulate between 50% and 80% of their lifetime sun exposure before the age of 18 (kidshealth.org, 2007). While it is important to have fun in the sun, it is just as important to do it safely!
Healthful Tips: (According to the CDC, 2010)
ALWAYS use sunscreen with a sun protective factor (SPF) of 15 or higher and make sure it contains both UVA and UVB protection!
ALWAYS wear clothing that protects exposed skin!
ALWAYS wear a wide brimmed hat that shades the face, ears, and neck!
ALWAYS wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the harmful sun rays!
Stay in the shade whenever possible, especially during the mid day hours when the sun is the hottest!
Sunscreen:
It is important to always put on sunscreen about a half hour before sun exposure. The sun can start to do damage in as little as 15 minutes! Even on a cool, breezy, cloudy day the suns’ harmful rays can burn our skin, so always remember to apply sunscreen when outside no matter the weather (According to the CDC, 2010).
If you can, avoid the sun during the hours of 10am-4pm when the sun is the highest in the sky (when the rays are at their strongest).
SPF- the sun protective factor is always found on the bottle of sunscreen. A higher number means more protection. The higher the better but always use at least SPF 15.
Remember that sunscreen wears off! If you have been in the sun for more than 2 hour, swimming, or any activity that makes you sweat make sure you re-apply!
Clothing:
Clothing does offer some protection from the suns’ rays! However, it is simply not enough so always follow sunscreen guidelines (According to the CDC, 2010).
Loose- fitting, long garments always provide the best protection from the sun. The more skin covered the less the exposure.
Wearing a wide brimmed hat that covers your head, neck, ears, and face help protect against exposure. Tightly woven fabrics, such as, canvas are the best to use. If you are going to wear a baseball cap make sure you put sunscreen on your ears and neck.
Sunglasses can protect the tender skin around your eyes, as well as, prevents against Cataracts. Big sunglasses that wrap around work best because it prevents the sun from sneaking in from the side.
How to treat a burn:
You or your child may look a little “pink” today, but the suns’ true damage is not uncovered until about 12 hours after exposure. They may seem fine during the day but then can develop an “after burn” later in the day that can be painful and hot and often leads children to feel sick. Some may feel chilled, and the skin can feel tight and itchy, but encourage children not to scratch because this increases the risk of exposure to bacteria and infection (kidshealth.org, 2007)
Keep your child out of the sun until the sunburn it fully healed. If further exposed to the sun, the burn will get worse.
Give your child a cool bath and gently apply a cool wet compress to the skin which will help alleviate the pain.
Apply Pure Aloe Vera gel (available at most pharmacies) to the exposed skin. If you have an Aloe plant you can break it open and use the gel inside as well.
Give your child a pain reliever (Acetaminophen or Ibuprophen) and spray an over-the-counter “after-sun” spray to help reduce pain.
Applying a topical moisturizer cream can help re-hydrate the skin and reduce swelling.
*If the sunburn starts to blister and your child has a fever, call your doctor or local physician immediately*
Heatstroke/Heat Exhaustion
On an overly hot day it is important to stay cool and not over-exert yourself. Have children play in the shade, as heat exhaustion starts slowly, and if not treated quickly can turn into heatstroke (kidshealth.org, 2007). Make sure they have plenty of water to drink!
Signs/Symptoms:
HEAT EXHAUSTION
Increased thirst
Weakness
Fainting
Muscle cramps
Nausea and vomiting
Irritability
Headache
Increased sweating
Cool, clammy skin
Increased body temperature (less than 105 F)
HEAT STROKE
Severe headache
Weakness/dizziness
Shortness of breath
Confusion
Loss of consciousness
Seizers
Not sweating
Hot, flushed skin
Body temperature above 105 F.
WHAT TO DO:
For a child with signs/symptoms of heatstroke seek immediate medical attention! While waiting for medical attention or in case of heat exhaustion there are things you can do to aid you or your child (kidshealth.org, 2007).
Bring the child inside or into a shaded area immediately.
Undress the child down to minimal clothing.
Have the child lay down with feet slightly elevated.
If the child is alert place in a cool tub, if outside spray gently with cool water from a hose.
If the child is alert it is very important to hydrate them. Small sips of clear liquids (water is best) will help.
If the child is vomiting, turn onto his/her side to prevent from choking.
PREVENTION:
One of the most important things to do is to teach children to always stay hydrated on warm/hot days especially if they are physically active. Allow for periods of rest in a cool shaded area with plenty of water to drink. Always make sure kids wear loose, light-colored clothing and teach them to come inside or stay in the shade when they being to feel overheated (kidshealth.org, 2007)
