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MILWAUKEE (8/13/2007) - As temperatures and heat indexes are on the rise this month, it is crucial to protect your family from the scorching sun and blistering heat of summer. Damage from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays can add up, and the American Academy of Dermatology estimates that approximately 80 percent of a person's lifetime sun damage occurs before age 18.
"We now know more about the effectiveness of sunscreens than ever before," said Valerie Lyon, MD, pediatric dermatologist at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. Lyon also is an assistant professor of Dermatology at the Medical College of Wisconsin. "New sunscreens available this year are better than what we've had previously. Parents should look for broad-spectrum sunscreen (blocks UVA and UVB rays). The ingredients in sunscreen are very important."
Dr. Lyon said that parents should check ingredients to make sure sunscreen contains at least one the following three ingredients:
-Titanium dioxide.
-Zinc oxide.
-Avobenzone (Parsol 1789). If the active ingredient is Parsol 1789 (avobenzone), then the sunscreen also should have a "photo stabilizer" added.
These additional tips will help protect your family from the summer sun's harsh rays:
-Cover parts of the body that will be exposed to sun with a sunscreen of at least SPF 15. Find sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays.
-Keep children out of the sun between the hours of 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. This is the point in the day when the sun is the hottest and most dangerous.
-Make maximum use of the shade.
-Dress children in long sleeves and long pants when possible and avoid outfits that leave sensitive skin, such as shoulders, exposed.
-Children should wear hats with wide brims. This protects the face, back and sides of the head as well as the top of the head, which can easily burn.
Summer heat
Along with the summer sun comes heat. High heat indexes can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat strokes. Drinking plenty of water and sports drinks and staying away from caffeinated, carbonated drinks or those with excess sugar is recommended to prevent heat-related illnesses.
The National Safety Council and Centers for Disease Control offer these guidelines to keep your family safe from heat:
-Keep as cool as possible. Stay in the shade or seek an air-conditioned building or vehicle. Electric fans often do not provide enough comfort from the heat when temperatures and humidity are high.
-Avoid dehydration by drinking water or sports beverages. Sports beverages can help replace salt and other minerals lost when you sweat.
-Wear appropriate clothing. Wearing light-colored, lightweight and loose-fitting clothing can help prevent the body from heating up.
-Rest frequently. Try not to participate in excessive exercise or all day outdoor events without taking a break from the heat.
-Avoid caffeine, carbonated and sugar-filled drinks. You also should avoid extremely cold beverages as they can cause stomach cramping.
Pay special attention to children in the sun, as they usually cannot gauge the heat and humidity. Make sure they dress appropriately, wear sunscreen and drink plenty of fluids to keep from being sunburned or dehydrated.
Learn more about the Dermatology Program.
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