If you’re like most parents, you want to keep your kids safe and healthy at all times, especially during the summer months when they are spending more time outside. While it’s important to let them enjoy the outdoors, it’s also crucial that you teach them how to protect themselves from overexposure to the sun’s harmful rays. Here are seven tips that will help you keep your kids safe from the sun this summer.
Apply Sunscreen:
Everyone is aware that we should use sunscreen to shield ourselves from the sun’s dangerous rays. However, did you realize that applying sunscreen to your children is just as crucial? In fact, children should begin applying sunscreen at the age of six months, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
By absorbing or reflecting ultraviolet (UV) radiation, sunscreen shields your skin from their damaging effects. UVA and UVB are the two varieties of ultraviolet radiation. Even on gloomy days, UVA rays are still present since they cause accelerated ageing and can penetrate glass. Sunburns and skin cancer are mostly brought on by UVB radiation.
Sunscreens with an SPF of 15 or higher block about 93% of UVB rays; those with an SPF of 30 block about 97%; and those with an SPF of 50 block about 98%.
Spray on sunscreen instead of lotion
It’s no secret that sunscreen is a must when spending time outdoors, but did you know that spray-on sunscreen may be a better option for your kids? Here’s why it goes on quickly and evenly, it can’t run into their eyes or mouth and it has less of an oily feel. If your kids are wearing hats or sunglasses, make sure they use sunscreen on their neck and ears as well.
Wear hats and sunglasses all year long
Make your kids hats and sunglasses when they are going out. Protect their eyes, neck, and head with these items. Choose a hat that will shade their face, ears, neck, shoulders, and part of their head or a wide brimmed hat that is large enough to do so. Wear long sleeves if necessary as well as shirts with SPF built-in or wear light clothing in dark colors that reflects away ultraviolet rays such as blue jeans instead of khaki shorts because they have more UV protection than other colors or patterns would have.
Limit sun exposure during peak hours
We all know that too much sun exposure can be dangerous, leading to skin cancer and other health problems. But did you know that peak sun hours are actually between 10am and 4pm? That means that if your kids are outside during those hours, they’re at a higher risk for sun damage. To protect them, limit their time outdoors during these times and provide shade when possible.
Don’t forget about hands, feet, ears, and lips!
Most of us know that we need to put sunscreen on our face, neck, and arms when we’re going to be in the sun. But don’t forget about your hands, feet, ears, and lips! These are all sensitive areas that can burn easily.
Basic First Aid for Sunburn:
• The first thing you should do if your child has a sunburn is chill the skin with lukewarm water.
• Moisturize the afflicted region with a cream or lotion.
• To ease discomfort, give your youngster ibuprofen or similar over-the-counter pain medicine.
• To soothe a sunburn, use a cool, moist towel to the affected region.
• To the burnt area, use aloe vera gel or similar sort of soothing cream.
•Make sure your youngster gets enough fluids to stay hydrated.
• Call your pediatrician or head straight to the emergency department if your child develops a fever, blisters, or a severe sunburn.
You can help protect your kids from the sun this summer by keeping these easy tips in mind. You can guarantee that your children have an enjoyable and secure summer with a little forethought and preparation. And finally, make sure to contact a dermatologist if you experience severe sunburn symptoms or are unsure about the symptoms. Hope these ideas will help you protect your kids from sun.
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