Pediatrics in Brevard: Protecting your child from sun now can save their life down the road

It's very important for children to have plenty of outdoor time to improve their health.

It's just as important to keep them safe from sun damage.

One blistering sunburn during childhood or adolescence more than doubles their risk of developing melanoma later in life.

There are many simple ways to help protect children from sunburn including wearing a hat, glasses with at least 99% UV protection, and light clothing that covers the body.

UV rays are typically the highest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so seeking shade during this time is helpful.

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In addition, sunscreen should be applied to all exposed surfaces 15-30 minutes prior to going outdoors, even on cloudy days.

In addition, it is important to remember that UV rays can reflect off concrete, sand, water and snow.

When choosing a sunscreen, aim for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF of 15 up to 50 and avoid the ingredient oxybenzone, avobenzone and homosalate, as these absorb through the skin and found in body fluids and blood.

Specifically, oxybenzone may have estrogenic effects. Sunscreens containing 15-20 percent zinc are also helpful on areas of the body that are more sensitive to burns.

Sunscreen should be reapplied at least every two hours in addition to after swimming.

The treatment of sunburn varies depending on the severity and age of the child.

For any child less than 1 year of age, it is advised to call your doctor.

Any older child with blistering, fever or pain should be assessed by his or her doctor.

At-home treatment for mild, non-blistering burns include increased fluids to avoid dehydration, cool water to soothe skin, moisturizing lotion with aloe vera, pain medication (acetaminophen or ibuprofen for children over 6 months and acetaminophen for any child less than 6 months) and avoidance of sun until the burn if resolved.

Do not use any petroleum-based products as they prevent excess heat and sweat from escaping, and avoid benzocaine as it may cause skin irritation.

Do not give children aspirin of any age for pain as this may cause a rare but serious illness called Reye's syndrome.

When discussing sun safety, it is important to consider the relationship between vitamin D and sun exposure.

UVB wavelengths make the body synthesize vitamin D, but they also can cause skin damage and subsequent skin cancer.

Due to the many variables involved in proper sun exposure and vitamin D needs, it is recommended to always use sun protection.

It is recommended that children over 1 year old receive 600 IU of vitamin D daily from supplementation and dietary intake. Fatty fish, eggs, and fortified foods are a good source of vitamin D.

Now that you know how to properly protect your children from the sun, go out and enjoy Florida's wonderful weather.

Alison Bird is a Nurse Practitioner for Pediatrics in Brevard working out of their Melbourne office.