Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
By Vivian Wong, MD, PhD, FAAD
Protecting children and infants from the sun’s harmful rays is crucial in preventing sunburns and reducing the risk of skin cancer later in life. Here are some tips to keep in mind when it comes to sun protection for children and infants:
1. Keep babies under six months out of direct sunlight – Infants under six months of age should be kept out of direct sunlight as much as possible. They have delicate and sensitive skin that can easily get burned, so it’s best to keep them in the shade or under a canopy. Dress them in lightweight, long-sleeved clothing, and a hat with a brim to protect their face and scalp.
2. Use sunscreen on babies over six months – Once your baby is over six months old, it’s safe to use sunscreen on them. Choose a mineral sunscreen containing zinc and titanium that is specifically designed for infants and has a minimum SPF of 30, such as EltaMD UV Pure. Apply it generously to all areas of the skin that are exposed to the sun.
3. Reapply sunscreen often – Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours or more frequently if your child is swimming or sweating.
4. Seek shade during peak sun hours – The sun’s rays are the strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Try to keep your children in the shade during these hours, or plan activities indoors during this time.
5. Dress children in protective clothing – Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants can provide additional protection from the sun’s harmful rays. Look for clothing made from tightly woven fabrics, as they provide better protection.
Remember, it’s never too early to start protecting your child’s skin from the sun. By following these tips, you can help keep your child’s delicate skin safe and reduce their risk of skin damage later in life.
Dr. Wong is a board-certified dermatologist with a dual M.D. and Ph.D. She joins Skin Wellness Physicians after a career as a faculty member and core teaching faculty at the Department of Dermatology at Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts. She completed her dermatology residency and served as the chief resident at Brown University. She is a renowned researcher with collaborators in North America, Europe and Asia. She has authored over 250 articles and textbook chapters to date on important topics such as eczema/atopic dermatitis, melanoma and basal cell carcinoma. She has been interviewed as a dermatology expert by the Boston Magazine, Boston25 News and QuantiaMD. She has spoken and presented at more than 50 international and domestic conferences and received more than 40 awards and research grants for her scientific and clinical endeavors. She also serves as a consultant to medical diagnostic, therapeutic and technology companies.
Dr. Wong is a leader in adult and pediatric dermatology, as well as cosmetic dermatology, offering procedures including Botox, cosmetic fillers, Kybella, chemical peels, lasers, and scalp injections for hair health. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and cooking.
239.732.0044 | www.SkinWellnessFlorida.com
