Dept. of Dermatology - University of Iowa College of Medicine

SafeSunSavvy Tips for Kids

SUN FACTS

• Anyone can sunburn.
• Medical experts now believe that protecting the skin as a child and teenager can significantly reduce the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging as an adult.
• Research shows a link between blistering sunburns in children and an increased risk of melanoma (the deadliest form of skin cancer) and other skin cancers.
• Children receive about 80% of their lifetime sun exposure by the age of 18.
• The incidence of skin cancer is increasing in epidemic proportions in our country.
• The risk of developing a melanoma, a deadly skin cancer, doubles every 10 years.
• Protecting skin from the sun's rays could prevent about 80% of skin cancers.
• Harmful ultraviolet rays (UV) reflect off water and light colored surfaces, such as concrete, water, sand and snow. UV rays also reach below the surface of water.

SUNSCREEN TIPS

• Set a good example. Parents and caregivers should protect their own skin every day all year long by applying moisturizers or sunscreens with at least a sunprotection factor (SPF) of 15. Even on cloudy days up to 80% of the sun's harmful rays reach earth.
• Understand Sun Protection Factors (SPF). A SPF of 8 filters out 86% of ultraviolet radiation. SPF 15 blocks 92% of damaging rays and SPF 30 blocks 96% of ultraviolet rays. Don't forget...apply sunscreen to lips, ears and exposed scalp.
• Sunscreens work by absorbing most of the sun's rays before they penetrate the skin, but some still get through.
• Sunblocks such as zinc oxide or titanium oxide block or reflect the sun's rays.
• Water Resistant sunscreens protect skin for 40 minutes of water exposure. Waterproof sunscreens protect for 80 minutes.
• Apply sunscreen that has at least a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 to dry skin about 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors.
• Use plenty. The average child requires one-half ounce (oz) of sunscreen for adequate total body coverage.
• Reapply after sweating, swimming or toweling off.
• Spray forms are fun for children and are quickly applied to large areas of the body. Lotions work best on the face.
• Stick balms are great for lips and ears. These can also be used around the eyes to avoid stinging.
• Avoid use on infants six months and younger as sunscreens may irritate baby skin. Care should be taken to totally avoid sun exposure during this period.
• Pack sunscreen in children's lunch box or book bag. Ask them to use again before going outdoors for recess or lunch.

OTHER IMPORTANT TIPS

• Minimize sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the worst and greatest quantity of ultraviolet light exists. If your shadow is longer than your are tall, it is okay to be outside.
• Cover with hats and shirts. Each inch of hat brim can lower your lifetime risk of skin cancer by 10%. A hat brim of four inches or greater is recommended. Make certain that the top and brim of a straw hat have sunproof liners in place. Choose shirts and slacks made of fabris that you cannot see through.
• Wear protective eyewear. Sunglasses with UV-blocking filters are very important. The eye is the second most common site in which melanoma develop.
• Some medications can increase sensitivity to the sun's rays. Certain antibiotics, birthcontrol pills, diuretics, antihistamines and antidepressants may cause increased sensitivity to the sun. Dress accordingly and take extra precautions if you are taking any of these medications.
• Talk with teachers, childcare providers, and camp counselors, asking them to schedule outdoor activities in the shade or early morning or late afternnon.
• Discourage use of tanning parlors. Tanning devices can damage the skin and eyes as much as direct sunlight and have been linked to increased risk of developing melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.
• Parents - Check the UV Index each day and dress accordingly. The UV Index is a prediction of the sun's UV radiation on any given day at noon. Check the Internet, your local newpaper, television or radio for your local daily UV Index.

UV INDEX
Rating	Risk	Minutes to burn	Precautions
0 - 2	Minimal	60 minutes	Sunscreen, UV sunglasses
2 - 4	Low	45 minutes	Sunscreen, UV sunglasses
4 - 6	Moderate	30 minutes	Sunscreen, UV sunglasses and Hat
6 - 10	High	15 minutes	Sunscreen, UV sunglasses, Hat and Umbrella
10 - 15	Very High	10 minutes	Sunscreen, UV sunglasses, Hat, Umbrella and Avoiding mid day sun

Click for the NOAA/EPA
Ultraviolet Index from the Climate Prediction Center,

available as a text bulletin and a map.

Also available from the National Weather Service at
Interactive Weather Information Network.