Protecting Children from the dangers of sun exposure: If you’re a parent, it’s especially important to be aware of the impact of the sun’s harmful UV rays on your children, as their still-developing skin is not yet as resilient as it will later become. You may recall that a few posts back we’d mentioned that up to the age of six months, you should refrain from bringing your child out to spend any time in the sun at all.
After that, it’s highly advised to have them spend as little time in the sun as possible during the peak sunlight hours of 10a.m. and 2p.m. (Ideally, even 4p.m.) And any time you’re outdoors, sunscreen is a must. It’s also recommended that they, as well as you, wear wide-brimmed hats along with long-sleeved shirts, long pants and sunglasses.
The cancer website Dana Farber indicates that Melanoma in children has a tendency to be of lighter colors than it is in adults, and that it can even be mistaken for a common wart.* Helpfully, the site also provides a list of conditions that signal an increased risk of Melanoma in young people. These are directly quoted right below:
- “Fair skin”
- “A history of many blistering sunburns”
- “Several large or many small moles”
- “A family history of unusual moles”
- “A family history of melanoma”
Dana Farber also specifies that any children who meet the above criteria should be scheduled for an appointment with a pediatric dermatologist at least once a year. A regular dermatologist may not be as experienced in spotting the differences in melanoma due to its potentially different presentation in youths.*
As your children grow older and then into their teen years, it’s crucial to continually instruct them on what to look for, as well as on the importance of regular sunscreen application. And by all means, dissuade them from both natural and artificial tanning.
The more skin cancer education they receive during their formative years, the more likely they are to use it to their advantage throughout the rest of their lives.
*Source: dana-farber.org
Sundicators: The Best Skin-surance Under the Sun!