SUN SAFETY FOR PARENTS AND CHILDREN

Here is some helpful information on sun safety for our children as well as for ourselves.

Were you aware that approximately 80% of harmful exposure to the sun occurs BEFORE 18 years of age?

It has been stated by the Canadian Dermatology Association that it is safe for children under the age of 6months to wear sunscreen and the small exposed areas of skin such as face and neck. Babies under 6months should be kept in the shade because babies are more prone to sunburn than adults for thee simple fact that their skin is thinner and therefore likely to burn easier.
Children should start wearing sunglasses at 6months to help shade their eyes from UVA and UVB rays.

"WATERPROOF" sunscreen should always be reapplied after swimming. Just in case any was rubbed off during swimming or sweating.

ALWAYS opt for the higher SPF sunscreen.

Ultraviolet radiation is doubled when in or near water and at high altitudes. So the chances of sunburn are also greater.

In case of sunburn,
a child (or adult) should be placed in a bath to cool off. Apply moisturizer/lotion right after getting out of the bath. Shae butter or Cocoa butter work wonders as well as Vitamin E. Ibuprofen should be taken within the first 48hours to reduce inflammation. Lots of liquids will help prevent dehydration and restore the any fluids that have been lost. This is EXTREMELY important for babies and toddlers since sunburn can be dangerous.

LOGIC
When out in the sun, make sure, you and your child/children wear a hat and a light t-shirt or tank top.
When possibly, get out of the sun for a few minutes to give your skin a break.
ALWAYS wait 30minutes after applying sunscreen to ensure that it has been absorbed into the skin.
With all the brands of sunscreen to choose from, it is often hard to know which one is right for you. Go to....
www.dermatology.ca
and click "Sun Awareness Program" for a complete list of approved sunscreens.

I hope this information was helpful.

Have a sun and SAFE summer.