SUN PROTECTION FOR CHILDREN

	.

Why protect against the sun?

Sun exposure has long been thought to be a healthy benefit of outdoor activity. Recent information, however, has shown some unhealthy effects of sun exposure, including early aging of the skin and skin cancer.

What kinds of damage does sun exposure cause?

Part of the sun's energy which reaches us on earth is composed of rays of invisible ultraviolet (UV) light. When ultraviolet light rays enter the skin they damage the skin cells, causing visible and invisible types of injury.

Sunburn, a visible type of damage, appears just a few hours after sun exposure. In some people this type of damage also causes tanning.

Ultraviolet light rays also cause invisible damage to skin cells. Some of the injury is repaired by the cells, but some of the cell damage adds up year after year. In 20 or 30 years or more the built-up damage appears as wrinkles, age spots, and skin cancer.

Which types of sun damage lead to skin cancer?

Severe sunburns, the early visible type of damage, may be related to the development many years later of the most dangerous kind of skin cancer called melanoma, which is potentially fatal. Melanomas can develop in all age groups, including teenagers and young adults. Melanomas can spread to other parts of the body.

The built-up invisible type of sun damage can lead to skin cancers on the face, ears and neck. Basal cell cancers usually develop in middle life and later life, but can appear in one's 20's. These cancers rarely spread to other parts of the body. Their continuous growth makes, however, their removal a necessity. Squamous cell cancers can spread to other parts of the body if they are not treated properly.

When should sun protection begin?

Sun protection should begin in infancy and continue throughout life. It is estimated that we get about 80 percent of our total lifetime sun exposure in the first 18 years of life. Therefore sun prevention in childhood is very important to prevent skin cancer later in life.

How can I protect my children from the sun?

Begin now to teach your children to follow the "ABCS for Fun in the Sun."

A = AWAY Stay away from the sun in the middle of the day.

B = BLOCK Use SPF 15 or higher sunblock.

C = COVER UP Wear a T-shirt and a hat.

S = SPEAK OUT Talk to your family and friends about sun protection.

What should be avoided?

Stay away from midday sun and its intense rays. Schedule play times and outdoor activities before 11:00 am and after 3:00 pm daylight savings time (10:00 am to 2:00 pm standard time). The sun's energy is greatest when it travels through less atmosphere at midday. It is also more intense closer to the equator, in the mountains, and in the summer. The sun's damaging effects are increased by reflection from water, white sand, and snow.

Avoid long periods of direct sun exposure. Sit or play in the shade.

Avoid sunburn. Be aware of the length of time you are in the sun. It may only take 15 minutes of midday summer sun to burn a fair-skinned person.

How can sun damage be blocked?

BLOCK sun damage by applying a sunblock lotion or sunstick of at least SPF 15. The protective ability of sunblock is rated by the Sun Protection Factor (SPF). The higher the SPF the stronger the protection. SPF numbers indicate the length of time one can spend in the sun without risk of burning. When using a 15 SPF sunblock, a fair-skinned person who normally sunburns after 20 minutes of midday sun exposure may tolerate 15 times 20 minutes (= 300 minutes) without sunburning.

Choose a sunblock with a 15 SPF or higher. Apply as much sunscreen as you would a lotion for dry skin. Spread it evenly over all uncovered skin, including ears and lips, but avoiding eyelids, about 30 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply after swimming or excessive sweating.

Invisible sunblocks work by trapping the ultraviolet energy and preventing that energy from damaging the skin.

Visible opaque white or colored sunblock creams prevent all light from entering the skin. They usually contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.

They are useful for high risk areas such as the nose, lips, and shoulders and may also be used on babies.

How can clothing be used for sun protection?

Cover up with a hat and light clothing when outdoors. Don't play or work outdoors without a shirt. Put on your shirt and hat after swimming or wear a T-shirt while swimming. In addition to filtering out the sun, tightly woven clothing reflects heat and helps to keep you feeling cool. Sunglasses that block ultraviolet rays and protect the eyes and eyelids.

What else can be done?

Speak out for sun protection now. Do your part to protect others from sun damage. Show your family how to apply a sunblock by spreading it evenly and invisibly over your skin. Remember to keep babies out of the sun and use an umbrella over the stroller. Talk to the coach, camp counselor, Scout leader, gym teacher and other leaders about the "ABC's for Fun in the Sun". Ask them to help you with the simple changes that can prevent sun damage. Start preventing sun damage in childhood.

Dr. Goldstein suggests: Train your child to put on the sun screen every day - right after brushing teeth.

Brushing teeth prevents "pukas" in teeth - Regular use of sunscreens prevents "pukas" in the skin!