Kids At Risk From Too Much Sun Exposure
Tuesday, Aug 05, 2008 - 05:42 PM Updated: 08:08 PM
Doctors say an increase in the number of serious skin cancers in young adults makes it more critical than ever for to protect kids from sun. Photo By: NBC17
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WAKE FOREST, N.C. - - The dog days of summer are a perfect time for fun in the pool, but sunscreen might not offer as much protection as you think.
Discuss This Story
Discuss This Story
Lisa McKellar of Wake Forest never sends her children in the sun without protection.
“My father-in-law had skin cancer and my husband has had some issues with his skin as well, so every time we go out, we’re going to put sun screen on,” she said. “They’re used to it. They know it has to happen or they’re not going to get to swim.”
At just four-year-old, twins Hannah and Emily know the drill. But sunscreen is only part of it. They also wear sun protective swimsuits – with special fabric that blocks the sun’s rays.
Wake Forest couple Jen and Ryan Clement has made it their business to help parents protect kids from the sun. From swim suits and surfer shirts to baby hats, they say the market for their products has grown since they started nine years ago.
“When we first started and we were talking to people and my kids were walking around in the rash guards and UV blocking swim suits, a lot of people came up to us and said ‘why are you doing that?’” said Clement, co-owner of sunfriendlyproducts.com. “And now, you go to the beach you see that there are a tremendous amount of kids wearing this clothing and adults too now.”
Kids get eighty percent of their lifetime sun exposure before the age of 18, so dermatologists say that makes sun protection even more critical for kids.
Dermatologist Dr. Craig Burkhart, of UNC Health Care, says he sees plenty of kids with sun-damaged skin. But parents don’t recognize it.
“A burn is just a sign of acute sun damage. A tan is more prolonged sun damage,” he said. “So even though you’re protecting yourself a little from a burn with a suntan, you’re not protecting yourself from the long-term effects of the sun.”
Sun Protection Tips
Dermatologist Dr. Craig Burkhart, of UNC Health Care shared the following tips for better sun protection:
*Use enough sunscreen.
Adults should think of using about a shotglass full of sunscreen to cover your body, and proportionately less for kids. When using spray sunscreen, be sure to cover the skin completely. Burkhart says you should run through several cans during the summer if you’re using enough.
*Avoid being out in the sun during peak hours – between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
If your shadow is longer than you, it’s okay to be outside. If your shadow is shorter than you, try to avoid being out in the sun for long periods.
*Use sun protective clothing and hats
Sun Friendly Products will state its UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) rating, but you may already have clothing that offers some protection from the sun. One way to check is to hold the item up to the sunlight. The more light that filters through the fabric, the less protection it offers. The tight weave in the fabric is what keeps harmful rays away from skin.
To learn more about how to protect your children, click here.
To learn more about how to protect your children, click here.
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