Month: June 2024

Sun safety is important for all months of the year, even in winter, but it’s especially important during the summer season when the days are longer and children spend more time outdoors in warmer weather. While getting some sunlight is beneficial and provides the body with Vitamin D, boosts mood, and regulates sleep, too much exposure can cause sunburn and skin cancer and damage the hair and eyes. Read on for our guidelines to protect your children from the sun’s harmful UV rays.

 

It’s important for babies under 6 months to avoid direct sunlight as their skin is more sensitive. When they are outside, keep them under the shade, i.e. an umbrella or the canopy of their stroller. For older children, have them use a liberal amount of sunscreen on all areas where the skin is exposed. Sunscreen should be applied even on cloudy days as up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays can still get through. Make sure your children apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before going outside as it takes time for it to absorb. Sunscreen should also be reapplied every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating, even if the sunscreen is labeled as water-proof. 

 

When it comes to choosing the best sunscreen, it is recommended to use one with a “broad-spectrum” label, which means that the sunscreen protects the skin from both UVB and UVA rays. You should also choose sunscreen that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. It’s best to avoid sunscreen that contains the ingredient oxybenzone as there are concerns of mild hormonal properties.  

 

Even with sunscreen, children should not spend long periods under the sun as sunscreen does not provide 100% protection. Try to limit sun exposure during the peak hours which is usually between 10am and 4pm. You can also dress them in clothing that covers most of the skin, though it’s best to keep clothes loose and lightweight so your child isn’t overheated or uncomfortable. Hats are particularly useful to wear to prevent hair damage from the sun. It’s also important that your child wears sunglasses with 99% UV protection to keep their eyes safe. 

 

If your child ever does get a sunburn, it’s important to treat it immediately. A sunburn can appear 6 to 12 hours after exposure. If you see one, apply a cool compress or ice pack to the affected area. Keep your child out of the sun until the sunburn is fully healed. Most sunburns will heal after a few days with basic treatment. However, if the sunburn is more severe, it can take a few weeks to heal. In the meantime, you’ll want to make sure that your child stays hydrated to replace lost fluids. If your child experiences pain or extreme discomfort, you can give them acetaminophen (or ibuprofen for children older than 6 months) to help them feel better. 

 

If the sunburn becomes infected or causes blisters, fever, chills, light-headedness, or headaches, call our pediatrician right away.  For any other questions or concerns about summer safety, you can also contact our office. 

Going to the beach this summer? For many families, beach time is an exciting thing to look forward to during the summer season. But before you head out with the children for fun in the sun, sand, and water, we’d like to share important tips to keep your family safe.
One of the crucial things to do first before you arrive to the beach is to apply liberal amounts of sunscreen on your children’s skin to keep them protected from the sun’s harmful rays.

The most effective sunscreen to use is one with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 and a “broad-spectrum” label. As it takes time for sunscreen to absorb, make sure to apply it 15 to 30 minutes in advance. Sunscreen should be reapplied every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating.

To keep your children’s eyes safe from the sunlight, make sure they wear sunglasses with 99% UV protection. If you’re at the beach during the sun’s peak hours, bring an umbrella that you can anchor to the sand and use as a shade. Just keep in mind that sunscreen will still need to be applied as the umbrella does not provide enough UV protection.

Many kids love playing or swimming in the water when they go to the beach. But there are a lot of hazards and safety issues to consider, including drowning. Only allow your child to go in the water in areas where there are active lifeguards on duty. It’s also important that you keep your eyes on your children when they’re in or near water. If your children are young, an adult should accompany them in the water.

Children who lack swimming skills should wear life jackets, including while participating in any boating activity. Keep a look out for how high the waves are. If the currents are strong or if you have any doubts about your child’s safety in the water, do not let them go in.

Another water precaution to be aware of is that the ocean has marine life that can harm your child, including jellyfish. Lifeguards will often put up warnings in areas where jellyfish or other dangerous marine life are around. You can also scan the waters for them. If your child does get a sting by any chance, get them out of the water immediately and inform a lifeguard who can assist them. Avoid rubbing the area where your child was stung or using ice packs as these can make the sting worse. Instead, you’ll want to rinse the area with vinegar and have your child checked by the doctor. There are certain creams and pain relievers that can be used to make your child feel better.

A fun activity to do on the beach is to play in the sand or build sand castles. Just be careful not to let your kids dig holes that are too deep for them as they might fall and become at risk for suffocation. Advise your child on how to properly play and dig in the sand to prevent them from getting sand in their eyes.

Lastly, always monitor the weather as thunderstorms pose dangers on the beach. If you’re at the beach when a storm hits, find a building or shelter for your family immediately. If you have any questions or concerns about summer and beach safety, please call our office!