Summer Sun Safety for Kids

#NationalSunSafetyWeek starts May 1st! As we head into the Summer months and families and children spend more time outdoors, we want to take a few moments to remind parents of some sun safety tips. By following these guidelines, you’ll reduce the risk of skin damage from sunburn and enjoy your summer days! 

All children (regardless of skin tone) should wear broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of thirty or more. 

Sunscreen tips:

1. Apply sunscreen before you go outdoors or immediately after arriving at your destination – skin can start to show signs of redness or the beginning of a sunburn after even just thirty minutes in the sun.
2. Make sure to apply enough sunscreen and reapply often. It takes roughly four ounces of sunscreen to cover an adult human body adequately – that’s half a cup!! For children, this amount will be less, but it’s always better to overestimate than underestimate! Most sunscreens will direct you to reapply every 90 minutes or after being in water. 
3. The best sunscreen is the one you will actually use. As long as sunscreen is broad spectrum and SPF 30+, it doesn’t really matter whether it’s a chemical sunscreen, mineral sunscreen, spray or cream.  If your child has sensitive skin, try a gentle formulation. If they’re hard to keep still for applications, opt for a spray to cover ground more quickly! 
4. Avoid the strongest sun rays during the day by staying indoors during 10am – 2pm if possible, or taking a lunch break indoors. 
5. Whenever possible, seek shade! Beach umbrellas or sporting tents are a big help during long days outside. 
6. Cover up when possible. Hats, sunglasses, UVB protective wet shirts, etc can be great options to protect yourself and your children from too much sun. 

What should I do if my child gets sunburnt?

While we may try our best, sometimes a spot or two gets sunburnt! If your child experiences sunburn, please have your child take a cool bath and apply wet compresses to skin to ease any heat or pain. Then apply a moisturizing cream or gel like aloe vera to sunburned areas. If your child experiences more adverse effects such as skin blistering or a fever, seek medical attention immediately to rule out sun poisoning or other more extreme conditions.  

For questions or any other concerns, Augusta Pediatrics can be reached at (706) 868-0389. The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this web site is for general information purposes only.