SUN protection

In Children

By Bernard Riola, MD KVMH and St. Theresa School Alumnus

Infants And Children Older Than Six Months

Consider using a “chemical free” sunscreen made of zinc oxide or titanium oxide, which start working immediately and physically block out sun rays. Chemical sunscreens containing PABA or oxybenzone are generally safe, but children have thinner skin and are more likely to react to the chemicals. Also, chemical sunscreens do not start working immediately, so they must be applied 15-20 minutes prior to exposure.

Avoid “all in one” products with sunscreen and bug repellant combined. They tend to do poorer at both jobs.

Aim for a SPF (sun protection factor) between 15 and 30. Anything above 30 adds minimal protection but has higher concentrations of unwanted chemicals.

Apply sunscreen thickly, covering every part of the body, especially the most burn-prone areas: ears, nose, back of neck, and shoulders.

Reapply sunscreen often.

In general, reapply every two hours or each time your keiki get wet and dry off with a towel. Don’t believe a product that says it lasts for 8 hours; that only works if you have a child who is completely still and dry for the whole day.

Protection from the sun is vital, as sunburns can be painful, and tissue damage can lead to skin cancer. Infants and children are especially susceptible because their bodies are still growing, their skin has less melanin (the pigment that helps protect from the sun), and they are at greater risk for dehydration. Follow these tips and have a fun, safe day at the beach!

Infants Under Six Months

Infants should never be in prolonged sunlight, period. Their skin is very sensitive and more likely to react, and they are too young for sunscreen. Keep infants in shady areas under trees, pavilions, umbrellas, and tents. Keep infants covered in long clothing (cover arms and legs, too), and a large hat or bonnet. Baseball caps do not protect the ears and neck.

Dry air and warm temperatures put babies at higher risk of dehydration. Make sure they are hydrated more often than usual.

Avoid being outside during the hottest times of the day, from 10am especiallyto 4pm. — with an infant!