Sun Safety – Protecting Your Family from Sunburn

Summertime is often a welcomed break for many parents. The long daylight hours and endless outside activities help keep kids entertained all day. But while I know you’re aware of the damage sun can do to you and your kids’ skin, be proactive about preventing sunburn – and ultimately, skin cancer – this summer.

I understand the challenge of getting your kids to wear sunscreen. My wife and I try to have our kids apply sunscreen every time they will be in the sun for extended periods, like a day at the pool or at an outdoor event, but it is not easy to keep them still for very long.

To protect your family from sunburn, follow these sun-safety rules:

• Avoid sun between 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The sun’s UV rays are strongest during these hours so schedule play-dates and swimming lessons for the early morning or evening. And don’t let cloudy days fool you; UV rays can still penetrate your skin.
• Stay in the shade. If you must be outside during peak hours, finding shade is your first defense against sunburn. Always sit beneath an umbrella at the beach, wear protective sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats, and purchase a stroller with a canopy to shade your children.
• Wear protective clothing. Protective clothing is very effective for preventing sunburn when paired with sunscreen. Be aware that white-colored clothing provides virtually no sun protection, so cover-up with darker, woven fabrics. However, regardless of the color, wearing a T-shirt while swimming does not protect your skin.
• Reapply sunscreen. Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours to remain effective against sunburn and applied even more often while swimming. Keep in mind that individuals with fair skin and light hair are at higher risk for developing skin cancer, so take extra precaution when applying sunscreen.

While avoiding sun completely is the best defense against sun damage, it isn’t always possible during the summer months. Sunscreen is very effective in preventing sunburn when used correctly and with all the sunscreen options available be sure to make the best purchase for your family.

• Buy sunscreen that contains both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These two ingredients protect again UVA and UVB rays and serve as physical blockers, reflecting the sun’s rays away from your skin. Look for these ingredients in the “active ingredients” section of the sunscreen label.
• Spray or cream sunscreen? While spray sunscreen is more convenient for those hard-to-reach places, cream sunscreen tends to be applied more evenly and effectively.
• Be sure to use enough. Make sure you apply at least one ounce of sunscreen to exposed areas and reapply frequently while out in the sun. Always use sunscreen with at least 30 SPF.

If you still find yourself a victim to sunburn, apply cool washcloths, take frequent cool showers or baths, or use lotions containing aloe vera. Over-the-counter medicine, like Tylenol or Advil, may also reduce swelling, fever and headaches attributed to sunburn.

If the area blisters, leave the blisters intact. Breaking blisters may slow the healing process and lead to infection.

Consult your primary care physician if the sunburn does not improve in a few days, covers a large portion of your body or is associated with high fevers or severe pain.

Take time out to enjoy the last few weeks of summer, and above all, practice safe-sun habits all year long.

Gregory Sweat, MD, is Medical Director for Shawnee Mission Physicians Group and practices family medicine at Shawnee Mission Primary Care – Prairie View Medical Building.