How can I protect my child from sunburn?
February 17, 2024 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Hildegard Hirschfeld
Dear Doctor,
My name is Franceska Zornitz and I am reaching out to you because I am very concerned about my child's skin. My 6-year-old son has very fair skin and tends to get sunburned quickly. Especially now in the summer, when we spend a lot of time outdoors, I am worried about how to effectively protect him from the sun.
So far, I have tried to apply sunscreen on him, put a hat on him, and bring him to a shady area when the sun is strongest. However, I feel like this is not enough and he is still at risk of getting sunburned.
I would like to know from you what further measures I can take to effectively protect my child from sunburn. Are there specific sunscreens or clothing that are particularly suitable? How often should I reapply sunscreen and how long should my child stay in the sun maximum?
I am really worried about my child's health and skin and want to make sure I am doing everything to protect him from the harmful effects of the sun. I would be very grateful for your helpful tips and advice.
Thank you in advance.
Sincerely,
Franceska Zornitz
Dear Franceska Zornitz,
Thank you for your message and your trust in me as a pediatrician. It is understandable that you are concerned about your son's skin, especially if he is prone to sunburn. It is important to effectively protect your child from the harmful effects of the sun to avoid long-term skin damage.
First of all, it is good that you have already taken some measures to protect your child from sunburn. Applying sunscreen, wearing a hat, and staying in the shade are important steps to protect the skin from UV rays. However, there are additional measures you can take to better protect your son's skin.
When it comes to sunscreen, it is important to use a cream with a high sun protection factor (SPF), especially for fair and sensitive skin. It is best to choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 or higher and make sure it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Apply the sunscreen generously and reapply it every two hours or after swimming or sweating. Also, remember to apply the sunscreen about 30 minutes before sun exposure to ensure optimal protection.
In addition to sunscreen, you can also dress your son in special sun protective clothing that blocks UV rays. There is clothing with UV protection that is specifically designed to protect the skin from the sun. Make sure your son wears a long-sleeved shirt and wears sunglasses with UV protection to protect the eyes as well.
When it comes to the maximum time in the sun, make sure your child does not play outside during midday when the sun is strongest. Try to limit sun exposure to the morning and evening hours when the sun's rays are not as intense. Remember that children are especially sensitive and can get sunburned more quickly.
I hope these tips help you effectively protect your son's skin from sunburn. If you have any further questions or need additional advice, I am here to help. It is important to properly protect your child's skin to avoid long-term damage.
All the best for you and your son, and stay healthy.
Best regards,
Hildegard Hirschfeld
