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It is in childhood that our skin is most susceptible to the action of sunlight. At this age, “sun protection resources” are consumed especially quickly, so it is extremely important to protect the child’s skin from sunburn. Below are the recommendations of a dermatologist, which will avoid the risk to the health of the child.
BASED ON YOUR EXPERIENCE, IS PARENTS AWARE OF THE HAZARDS OF SUN EXPOSURE?
There is a lot of talk in the media today about the dangers associated with the sun, and people are more aware of them.
However, by the end of the summer, I often see sunburn marks on the faces and shoulders of children. And this is not always the result of frivolous sunbathing on the beach, quite often children get such burns while playing sports (cycling, tennis), that is, in a situation that parents are not so attentive to.
WHAT INFORMATION DO YOU PROVIDE PARENTS ABOUT SOLAR DAMAGE PREVENTION?
I explain to them that children’s skin is extremely vulnerable to the sun.
The lighter the phototype of the child (he has red or blond hair), the greater the danger. Therefore, in summer, you should try to protect children’s skin even when the sky is cloudy or when children are just playing in the garden. Those hours when the sun is high in the sky are especially dangerous. And children will suffer from the fact that they sunbathed unprotected, already in adulthood.
WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND TO PARENTS?
Children under the age of three should not be exposed to direct sunlight.
I recommend wearing UV-protected sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat and T-shirt, and applying a high SPF sunscreen to exposed skin. This agent should reduce the activity of UVA and UVB rays, it should be applied in sufficient quantities every 2 hours. In hot weather, make sure that children drink plenty of fluids. And you should avoid sun exposure from 11 am to 16 pm.