Dermatologists, like myself, are alarmed by the epidemic of skin cancer that we’re seeing these days. Studies have shown that overexposure to the sun during childhood is a major risk factor. We owe it to our kids to provide them with the tools and the motivation to protect themselves so they won’t end up with skin cancer later in life.
The volunteers of Families For Stevenson deserve recognition and high praise for their tireless work to raise the funds and organize the installation of the new shade structures. But, it’s not possible to cover the whole playground so what else can you do to reduce your child’s risk of developing skin cancer? Let’s review a few simple sun safety tips.
Cover Up
Think of long clothing as “sunscreen that you can wear.” Skin that is covered by ordinary clothing is usually quite well protected from the sun. Most long clothing is designed to keep us warm. The challenge is to find pants, and long sleeve shirts with a collar, that are loose fitting and well ventilated so they remain comfortable even in hot weather. Provide your child with a long sleeved “playshirt” for outdoor activities at school. It can be quickly slipped on over a tee shirt and, if desired, it can be removed upon returning to the classroom. Because sunscreen lotion is not needed on areas covered by clothing, covering up can be very cost effective. This is especially true for water sports, where a rash guard style swimming shirt is much more efficient than coating the entire upper body with sunscreen.
Wear a Hat
In the past, hats were prohibited at school but not any longer. Children should be strongly encouraged to always wear a broad-brimmed, sun-protective hat for outdoor activities. Watch for a hat to be added to the school’s spirit wear soon.
Seek Shade
For something like playing soccer, shade is essentially impossible. But, teach your child to search (when feasible) for a shady area in which to play or congregate.
Protect the eyes
Sunlight can damage the eyes as well as the skin. Sunglasses with UV protective lenses can be worn for most outdoor activities except contact sports. As you know, sunscreen can really sting if it gets in the eyes. If you choose sunglasses that are wraparounds or that have wide temples, they will cover the skin adjacent to the outside corner of the eye, as well as the eyelids. This will alleviate the need to apply sunscreen too close to the eyes, reducing the likelihood of eye irritation.
Use sunscreen
For areas not covered by clothing, sunscreen provides a reasonable alternative for protecting the skin. It’s important for the sunscreen to block both bands of ultraviolet light, namely UVA and UVB. By the summer of 2012, sunscreen manufacturers will be required to perform a new test on their products. If the sunscreen passes the test for filtering out both bands of UV, it will be labeled “Broad Spectrum.” Starting next summer, only buy products with the “Broad Spectrum” designation. I advise using an SPF of at least 30. To achieve the labeled SPF in actual use, it’s necessary to apply the product generously or liberally. For adequate protection with a spray sunscreen, be sure to spray it on heavily, rub it in well, and then apply a second coat. Teach your child the proper technique for applying sunscreen because teachers cannot be expected to assist.
Take vitamin D
Our skin will manufacture vitamin D when exposed to sun. But that same sun is the cause of skin cancer. So, we need a safer alternative and we do have one, namely an oral vitamin supplement. Children should get 600 IU of vitamin D per day. Vitamin D supplements are available over the counter and are sold as liquid drops for children who cannot swallow a pill.
Communicate
Help your child understand why sun safety is so important. With frequent reminders, encourage all of the sun safe steps described here. And of course be your child’s sun safety hero by protecting and preserving your own skin.
Jeff Ashley, MD
Dermatologist
President, Sun Safety for Kids
info@sunsafetyforkids.org
