Sun Safety

• Sun exposure can cause sunburns and sun damage. Sun damage as a child can potentially lead to skin cancer later in life.
• The best way to practice sun safety is to limit sun exposure especially during the hours of 10am and 3pm 
• Children under that age of 6 months are unable to use sunscreen so it is especially important to keep your infant in the shade and out of direct sunlight.
• When enjoying time outside have your child dress in light cotton clothes that cover the arms and legs. Have your child wear a hat to keep the sun off the face and apply sunscreen. For proper use of sunscreen please see the sunscreen section.

What do I do if my child gets a sunburn?

• A sunburn can develop after periods of sun exposure. They typically develop between 6 and 12 hours after exposure and can be very painful. The worst amount of pain is typically within 24 hours of getting the sunburn.
• If your child's skin appear red without any blistering to the skin you can treat the sunburn at home.
• You may give Tylenol or Motrin for pain. Please see the dosage charts for correct dose.
• Cool compresses and a cool bath or shower may help relieve pain and make your child more comfortable.
• Aloe Vera may also help ease the pain from a sunburn. You may apply it 3-4 times a day.

When do I call the Office?

• If your child has a sunburn that has blisters or drainage from the skin
• If your child has a fever, chills, and headache with a sunburn
• The sunburn is to a very large part of the body

Sunscreen

• Sunscreen is recommended for all children aged 6 months and above with any sun exposure
• Sun exposure is not limited to beach and pool time! Anytime your child is outside they should have sunscreen on. Some examples include:
• Bike riding
• Backyard play
• Cookouts
• Visiting the park, zoo or other outside venues
• Remember that a cloud does not protect your child from the sun. The suns rays penetrate through the clouds and can cause a sunburn. Apply sunscreen even if you cannot see the sun.
• Sunscreen is only useful to prevent sunburn if used correctly.
• Look for a sunscreen that is labeled "broad-spectrum" which means it will protect against both UVA and UVB rays.
• Use a sunscreen with an SPF of AT LEAST 15. The higher the SPF, the more UVB protection it has!
• When applying sunscreen use enough to cover all exposed areas of the body.
• Pay close attention to the face, ears, back of neck, back of knees, tops of feet and backs of hands.
• Apply sunscreen 15-30 min prior to going outside. Applying sunscreen when you get outside is not as effective.
• The key to sunscreen is to REAPPLY! Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours while outside AND anytime your child gets out of the water, is sweating heavily or uses a towel to dry off or wipe sweat away.
• There is no such thing a "waterproof" sunscreen!

• Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin

  • Neutrogena Ultrascreen with Helioplex
  • Neutrogena Sensitive Sunscreen
  • Solbar
  • Vanicream
  • California Baby
  • Kiehl's