The Beatles once predicted that the sun would come, and I can safely confirm that they were all right. Rumor has it that Paul McCartney may be re-recording this solar classic with a new verse promoting the use of sunscreen. Until that release happens, I’d like to shed some light on summer sun safety.
You are my sunscreen
While we are all vulnerable to sunburn, we must be especially careful about sun exposure for infants. Under the age of six months, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends avoiding sun exposure and dressing infants in lightweight long pants, long-sleeved shirts and brimmed hats to prevent sunburn.
When appropriate clothes and shade are not available and you must be outdoors, the AAP recommends that parents apply a minimal amount of sunscreen to small, exposed areas, such as the face, neck and the back of the hands.
Before you ask, "I thought I couldn’t use sunscreen on a baby younger than six months old”, it is important to remember that sunscreen should be your last resort. The safest way to protect your infant is to avoid direct sun exposure. Before widespread application, I first recommend trying a small amount of sunscreen on your baby’s leg to make sure that it does not cause irritation. Be careful not to get sunscreen too close to your baby’s eyes.
Sunshine on my shoulder
Peak sun hours are generally 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Seeking shade and avoiding direct sun during these hours will reduce ultraviolet (UV) ray exposure. Wearing a hat with a 3-inch brim or a baseball cap will help keep sun off of the face and neck regions. This pediatrician believes hats that display the letters U-C-L-A or A-N-G-E-L-S are most effective.
Sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection and SPF (sun protection factor) greater than 15 is recommended. For young children, the AAP recommends applying sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outside. Older children and young adults should apply about one ounce of sunscreen at least every 2 hours and reapply after swimming, surfing and sweating.
Invisible sun
Don’t forget about using sunscreen on a cloudy day. UV rays can penetrate the June gloom and your clothes too. Cotton clothing with a tight weave may keep more UV rays off of your unsuspecting skin. When shopping for sunglasses, look for ones that block 99-100% of the UV rays. Since our eyes dilate behind darkened lenses, sunglasses with poor UV protection will actually invite more ultraviolet rays into your eyes and can be more harmful.
Good vibrations
We are so fortunate to live in paradise. With some stellar planning, sunscreen, sunglasses and shade we can protect our skin and have fun in the sun.
Dr. Dan Brennan is a board-certified pediatrician and Santa Barbara native who enjoys spending summer days at the beach with his wife and two boys. His column can be found in the Daily Sound on alternating Fridays. Please contact him at 563-6211 or visit www.SBPediatrics.com.