Leave the Frying in the Pan

Sunburns are a nasty experience that can ruin your fun in the sun. Most people have experienced sunburn at one time or another. Despite these negative experiences, 70 to 85 percent of children and adolescents have reported at least one sunburn in the previous year. Exposure to UVA and UVB light causes DNA mutation and subsequent death of the skin cells (consequently this is also the mechanism that leads to skin cancer). The exposure to UV radiation required to produce sunburn is variable. Those of fair skin, light hair and on certain medications (ex. Aspirin, Motrin, doxycycline, lasix etc) are at higher risk. Sunburn’s range from painless redness to highly painful redness with swelling and blistering. In general, redness is first noted at approximately three to five hours following sun exposure, peaks between 12 to 24 hours, and fades over 72 hours in most cases. Despite these experiences people continue to disregard simple prevention techniques (not our patients thoughJ).

Prevention is key to a fun and healthy summer experience.

Babies under 6 months of age:

• Avoid sun exposure: seek shade, avoid being outside during the peak radiation hours 10:00AM – 04:00PM
• Cloudy days do not substitute for appropriate sunburn precautions; UVB is able to pass through clouds with ease and cause sunburn
• Dress infants in lightweight long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and brimmed hats that shade the neck
• When adequate clothing and shade are not available, parents can apply a minimal amount of sunscreen with at least 15 SPF (sun protection factor) to small areas, such as the infant's face and the back of the hands (sensitive skin or “baby formulas” are recommended). Nutrogena Pure and Free is a sunscreen with only zinc and titanium oxide that are believed to be safe in  infants when you must use a sunscreen.
• If an infant gets sunburn, apply cold compresses to the affected area.

For All other Children:

• The first, and best, line of defense against harmful ultraviolet radiation exposure is covering up. Wear a hat with a three-inch brim or a bill facing forward, sunglasses (look for sunglasses that provide 97% -100% protection against both UVA and UVB rays), and cotton clothing with a tight weave.
• Stay in the shade whenever possible, and limit sun exposure during the peak intensity hours - between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• On both sunny and cloudy days use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or greater that protects against UVA and UVB rays.
• Use extra caution near water and sand (and even snow!) as they reflect UV rays and may result in sunburn more quickly

How to choose a sunscreen and How to use it right?

Sunscreen works by absorbing and reflecting UV light. Choosing the right sunscreen is key. Make sure your sunscreen is active against both UVA and UVB radiation (sometimes referred to as “Broad spectrum”). Make sure your sunscreen is not expired or is not more than 3 years old.

Sunscreens should be uniformly applied approximately 15 to 30 minutes before sun exposure. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher be used in most circumstances. Be sure to apply approximately 1oz (2 tablespoons) per application of sunscreen, reapplying every 2 hours or after swimming or sweating (whether water proof or not).

Once my child gets a sunburn what can I do?

If this unfortunate event were to happen, there are therapies to help with symptoms, however nothing can treat the sunburn and reverse the damage both present and future done by the burn.

• The Key is to avoid further sun exposure until the burn has healed.
• Application of moisturizing lotion or aloe vera gel and use of cold compresses or soaks in cool water may ease discomfort.
• Pain may be relieved by pain relievers (motrin/ibuprofen (if over 6M of age), Tylenol etc).
• Itching may be relieved with oral diphenhydramine (Benadryl). 

A Note on Tanning Beds:

Tanning beds either use UVA or combined UVA and UVB. Both UVA and combined UVA/UVB tanning beds can produce sunburns. Multiple studies have found a 75 percent increase in the risk of skin cancer in individuals who utilized tanning devices before the age of 35. Chronic sun exposure (including tanning beds) eventually causes signs of premature aging - including wrinkles, sagging cheeks and skin discoloration so all that effort put into looking 'good' now will leave you looking a lot worse in the future.