At this time of the year, we dust off last year's sun cream and sun hats, and start worrying about UV protection for our children. Read our guide on how to protect your child in the sun, avoid sunburn and what to think of when buying sun cream.The truth about sunshine
Our skin is always exposed to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation, it is when our unprotected skin is exposed to higher levels of the radiation that we need to take care. Children often spend more time outdoors and need more UV protection than adults.
Sunlight is composed of infra-red, visible and ultraviolet light. While we need some exposure to create the necessary vitamin D, which in turn helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus, it is the ultraviolet radiation that is harmful to us.
Ultraviolet light consists of UVA (ultraviolet radiation A) and UVB (ultraviolet radiation B).
UVB – makes the skin star producing pigmentation and become thicker, but also burns and is harmful to skin and eyes. The radiation varies, depending on how high the sun is in the sky.
UVA – darkens the pigmentation made by UVB radiation, but high-exposure ages the skin and can cause skin cancer.
Be aware that UV radiation is not filtered away by window glass, so be careful when letting a child or baby sleep or play unprotected by a window.
Choosing a sunscreen
Sunscreens filter out UVB radiation, they do not block it completely. For better protection go for “broad-spectrum” lotions, which filter both UVB and UVA radiation.
The Irish Cancer Society recommends that children always use the high-protection sunscreens, SPF 30-50. The correct SPF (sun protection factor) is important, but higher numbers do not automatically mean double the protection. You will still need to apply the sun lotion every two hours, and more often if your child is in the water or sweats.
Even the best sunscreen, applied regularly will not protect you fully. Do not let your child spend too long in the sun, specially if her skin is fair.
Always check the expiry date and try choosing a water-resistant sun lotion. An expensive sunscreen does not automatically give more protection.
Always use and apply the sun lotion generously, 20 minutes before going out into the sun. An adult needs about six teaspoons of sunscreen, a child of seven or eight needs abut 30 ml for the full body. This means that a 200 ml bottle should not last you more than six applications.
Our shoulders and faces are the first to get sunburned, but do not forget to apply sunscreen on hands, feet, ears and necks. If your child has a reaction to the sunscreen try a different brand, maybe one without perfume or an organic brand.
More protection
Your best protection is loose-fitting clothing made out of close-woven cotton, preferable with collars that can be turned up, long sleeves and legs. Make sure your child wears a long brimmed sun hat or cap with a flap that protects ears and neck. Protect your child's eyes with sunglasses, which should be marked with the European Standard (EN 1836) or British Standard (BS 27 24 19 87).Hold clothes against the light to see which let more light through. Dark coloured clothes give more protection than light, but will also absorb more heat and not feel as cool as light coloured clothes.
Sunlight and its radiation is strongest and most harmful between 11am and 3pm. Try keeping your child out of the sun during these hours or apply sunscreen often and regularly.
Make sure there is shade available and don't be fooled on a cloudy or overcast day, UV radiation can be just as harmful on a hazy day. 90% of the UV radiation can penetrate light clouds.
Shade will protect your child, but reflected UV light from surfaces such as sand and water, will burn all the same.
In case of sunburn and sunstroke
Sunburn is overheated skin that has been over-exposed to UV radiation. It is a type of burn and appears about six hours after being in the sun. Sunburn can take a few days to heal and can be very painful. The burn will heal and the skin peel, but your skin cells will be damaged for much longer.
Try cooling the burn with cool water, after sun lotions, wet soft towel or even cold natural yogurt.
When the body is overheated from sun exposure, sunburn or lack of fluids, there is a risk of sunstroke. Children cannot regulate their body temperature as well as adults, and are more prone to sunstroke.
Your child might get a headache, vomit, get diarrhoea, fever and feel dizzy. The most important thing is to give fluids and even fluid replacements, keep her out of the sun and let her rest in a cool room.
Contact your GP if you have any worries about your child's condition.
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