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River Valley Pediatrics |
531 Central Park Avenue, Suite 102
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Sunscreen Ultraviolet light has many beneficial effects: it keeps us warm, allows the conversion of Vitamin D in our skin, and makes us happy. Too much sunlight, however, causes sunburns, skin cancer, and a host of other problems. Skin cancer is a very real and prevalent condition, unfortunately being seen far too often in far too young children. The lifetime risk of malignant melanoma, the most lethal type of skin cancer, is about 1 in 75 people. Prevention is the most effective means we have of combating skin cancer. Avoiding long exposure to sunlight (especially during peak hours of 10am-2pm), wearing long-sleeved clothing and hats as much as possible, and wearing sunscreen of at least SPF 30 are critical. Sunscreen must be applied in a thick layer and reapplied often, usually about every 2 hours, and again after swimming. Although it is controversial, most doctors do not recommend the use of sunscreens under the age of 4 months. Babies should be left in the shade and should be covered with breathable clothing and hats to avoid injury and overheating. Tanning salons are dangerous and irresponsible. There is no such thing as a healthy base tan. |
