Welcome to Georgetown Pediatrics’ new blog!  Every couple of weeks you can check this space for information related to your child’s health needs.  We welcome your ideas for future posts.

Now that school is out, nearly everyone will be spending more time in the sunshine, which is a good thing (mostly).  Sunlight elevates mood and provides vitamin D.  But the sun’s rays also lead to burns now and to possible skin cancers down the road.  Here are some tips to keep your children and teens healthy and happy in the sunshine this summer.

• Limit exposure.  Find a shady spot, use an umbrella, and cover up when possible.  This is especially important for infants, who should have a hat that shades the neck, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt.
• Apply a broad spectrum sunscreen.  These sunscreens are rated to protect against two types of rays that damage skin:  UVA (that cause wrinkles when one ages) and UVB (that cause burns).  Consumer Reports recently released an excellent study that ranked sunscreens, and found that two of the least expensive brands were most effective.  CBS News has the rundown here.  If you use a spray, don’t spray directly on the face, but on your (or your child’s) hands, then rub it onto the face.  Be sure to cover the back of the neck, the ears, and the tip of the nose.  Use products with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15, though some dermatologists recommend an SPF of 40 or above.  Reapply every two hours, and after swimming or sweating.
• Use a lip balm that contains sunscreen.
• Remember that water and sand are reflective and increase the exposure risk.

 Finally, have fun!  Summer only comes around once a year!

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