1. Never Let Your Children Burn
Almost everyone gets a sunburn at some point in their life. So, no big deal if your child gets just one, right? Wrong! The Skin Cancer Foundation reports that just 1 really bad sunburn--the kind that can cause blistering--in a child under 18 can double the chances of getting skin cancer later in life. Always practice sun safety with children.
2. No Sun for Babies
Babies under the age of 6 months should not be exposed to any sunlight, no matter how cute they look with chubby little sun-kissed cheeks. It's important to make sure your baby's stroller has a hood to provide adequate shade. If the hood isn't big enough to provide enough shade, you can always purchase a stroller sunshade separately. Most sunshades fit on all brands of strollers. Always dress your baby in a sun hat and darker clothes, which typically provide more sun protection than lighter shades. Sunburns in babies under 12 months should be considered an emergency. Contact your doctor immediately.
3. Take Sun Safety Seriously
Experts suggest you reduce your child's exposure to the sun during peak hours between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. This rule can be difficult when considering playing outside and day camps and such. The next best thing to do is to dress your child in clothes that provide some protection from the sun, and always apply sunscreen. Clothes with a tight weave provide the best UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor). Give your kids hats, sunglasses and sunscreen that is at least an SPF 30 and says "UVA/UVB protection," "multispectrum" or "broad spectrum" to provide maximum protection. Don't forget the lip balm sunscreen.
4. Tanning Beds Can Increase Chance of Skin Cancer
Tanning is very popular with some teens, but it actually damages skin with ultraviolet rays. The skin of teens has cells that are dividing and changing faster than those of adults, which makes many experts believe that teens may be more susceptible to skin cancer. If cancer does begin to grow, it may go undiagnosed for a long time since doctors don't typically look for skin cancer in children and teens, and these youngsters rarely look for it themselves.
5. Take a Close Look at Your Child's Skin
Early detection is the best way to find and treat skin cancer in children. Since children don't know how to examine themselves, this responsibility falls on you the parent. Periodically inspect your children from head to toe including the scalp, fingernails, toenails and soles of their feet. Look for any new growth or skin change. If you find anything, contact your doctor to get it checked out. Teens need to be taught to do a skin self-exam.
