Don’t Get Burned – Sunscreen Advice for Kids

It is summer and that means a lot of families will be heading to the pool or the lake. It also means a lot of people will be miserable with sunburn. UV rays are the strongest between 10am to 4pm so take extra precautions during those hours or avoid the sun if possible. Hurley Children’s Hospital Pediatrician Dr. Gwendolyn Reyes says babies 6 months and younger generally shouldn’t use sunscreen if direct sunlight can be avoided. If that’s not possible, apply a small amount of sunscreen to exposed areas like the face. A rashguard can add protection but make sure exposed skin is still protected.

For everyone else, more studies are needed to prove if 50+ SPF sunscreen provides more protection. You should pick a broad-spectrum water resistant sunscreen with a minimum SPF 15 or 30 because this will protect against both UVB and UVA sun rays. Dr. Reyes says,

“It is recommended to use mineral or physical sunscreens like zinc oxide or titanium oxide because they are not absorbed into the skin like chemical sunscreens and tend to be less irritating.”

Some sunscreens have a chemical called oxybenzone. Dr. Reyes says,

“It is best to avoid this chemical because it can impact your child’s hormone system in the body.”

Spray sunscreen is convenient but Dr. Reyes suggests using a lotion or cream instead. Sprays make it hard to get enough on. Creams and lotions make it easier to get all of the sun exposed areas. Remember to pay extra attention to the face, nose and ears. Apply sunscreen 15-30 minutes before you go out in the sun. Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming, sweating or dying off with a towel. UVA rays reflects off the water so it’s important to reapply sunscreen often.

If sunburn happens, make sure your child stays hydrated, drinking plenty of water. Kids should have water or sports drinks every 20 minutes while outside anyway, to protect against heat illness. Cool water on the body can provide some relief for the pain of sunburn. Children’s Tylenol or Motrin can also be used for children 6 months or older. You should see your pediatrician if your child has a severe burn with blistering.

To make an appointment with a pediatrician at Hurley Children’s Clinic, call 810-262-9773 or go to www.hurleymc.com. Have a safe summer!