Should children be exposed to the sun?

Young skin is fragile and produces little melanin - a pigment that protects the skin. Ultraviolet (UV) rays reach the skin's pigment cells, produce melanin cells, called melanocytes, and cause DNA damage to the skin. Sunscreen is only one of the ways to protect against the harmful effects of UV radiation. Measures such as staying in the shade and wearing sun-protective clothing are equally important.

Children have sensitive skin, which is vulnerable to exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation, even on cloudy or overcast days. Exposing children to the sun too much can cause sunburn, heatstroke/heat exhaustion, skin cancer, cataracts, and other eye diseases. During the warm summer months, a baby's sensitive skin can also burn from touching hot surfaces such as pavement, outdoor metal slides or car doors.
Many studies have shown that exposure to UV radiation can also affect the immune system, leading to an increased risk of infection and decreased effectiveness of some vaccines.
The sun causes premature aging and damages the skin. With outdoor play, most of us are exposed to UV rays before the age of 18. As adults, many of us have absorbed too much UV light that causes skin cancer. By protecting children from sunburn and overexposure to the sun, you can significantly reduce their risk of developing skin cancer in adulthood.
Skin cancer is one of the most common malignancies in young people aged 15-29 years. Some experts blame inappropriate sunscreen use, saying people don't apply enough lotion or don't reapply as often as required.
Skin cancer can develop in any skin type. Be extra careful with children with fair skin and/or blonde or red hair. They are considered the most susceptible to burns and are most at risk of developing skin cancer later in life. Most of the sun's harmful UV rays can penetrate haze, so be sure to protect your kids even when it's cloudy or doesn't feel hot.

In some cases, sunlight is good for the body and necessary for bone health. Some vitamin D researchers have suggested that about 5 to 30 minutes of sun exposure at least twice a week to the face, arms, legs, or back without sunscreen helps provide adequate protection. vitamin D for the body. People with limited sun exposure should be sure to get more vitamin D from their diet or take supplements to meet their recommended intake.
Sunlight helps children absorb a lot of vitamin D needed for the development of bones and teeth. However, efforts should be made to limit children's exposure to the sun during peak hours from 10am to 4pm. This is when the intensity of ultraviolet radiation from the sun is strongest. When outdoors during this time, look for trees and other naturally shaded areas for children to play. If possible, use an umbrella if shade cannot be found.

Parents, remember to protect your children's skin with clothing and sunscreen.

Should choose loose, appropriate clothes. Tight cotton material provides protection from the sun. If you can see through clothes easily, then UV rays can get through too. Long-sleeved shirts and long pants are the best clothing to protect your skin from the sun. Wear a wide-brimmed hat without a tie, especially one that covers the neck. Avoid baseball caps that don't cover your ears or the back of your neck. Parents can consider buying their kids lightweight swimwear, sun protection, and hats specifically designed for swimming and outdoor play.

Sunscreen is also a measure to protect children against sun damage. Dermatologists strongly recommend using a sunscreen that offers UVA and UVB protection, with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher if you and your child are out in the sun. Don't forget to use a lip balm with SPF 30. Make sure to use products approved by the Dermatology Association. For a small number of children, the chemicals in some sunscreens can cause rashes or skin burns when exposed to the sun. Parents should test a small amount of sunscreen on a small area of ​​skin before actually using the product on other areas of the body, or use mineral-based sunscreens containing zinc or titanium to minimize the risk of reactions. skin reaction. Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before sun exposure so it is absorbed by the skin and is less likely to rub or wash off. Apply sunscreen according to the directions on the package and reapply every few hours, after swimming or after a fun activity. Swimmers and people who sweat a lot should use a waterproof lotion. For children in bathing suits, be sure to apply sunscreen on and under the edge of the suit to protect sensitive areas, such as the upper thighs and chest. Pay special attention to the ears, nape, feet, and back of the knees. Be careful when applying sunscreen near your eyes. It can cause irritation, so avoid upper and lower eyelids. Sunscreen, like many other products, has a shelf life and becomes less effective over time. Check the expiry date of the sunscreen container and discard if they are past the expiry date. Sunscreen should not be used on infants under six months of age because they may rub their eyes and mouth.

Infants under 12 months of age are particularly sensitive to UV radiation and heat. It is safest to keep babies under 12 months out of the sun, especially during periods of high radiation intensity. Try to find or shade your baby if he's outside. Use a stroller with a sunshade if possible. If your baby must be out in the sun, you can apply sunscreen to small areas of skin not covered by clothing or hats.
Don't let your baby get dehydrated or overheated. Make sure your baby stays hydrated during hot weather by giving him breast milk or something to drink every hour or so. It is important to never leave your child alone in a car in hot weather.
In addition, UV rays are as harmful to children's eyes as their skin. Infants and children under 10 years of age are particularly at risk for eye-related diseases caused by UV rays. The skin on their eyelids and around their eyes is thinner and more susceptible to damage than adult skin. And until about 10 years of age, the lens of a child's eye is transparent, allowing greater penetration of solar energy and thus a greater risk of UV-induced eye changes. Retinal exposure to UV light has been linked to cataracts and macular degeneration, both causes of vision impairment.
UV damage builds up over time, so it's a good idea to start protecting your child's eyes from the sun as soon as possible to reduce the risk of future eye diseases. Fortunately, sunglasses are capable of protecting both the skin around the eyes and the eyes. Sunglasses standards have improved and most brands are effective at filtering or reflecting UV rays. Look for sunglasses that offer 99 to 100% protection from UVA and UVB rays. Large lenses, tight fit and tight design are the right design to protect children's eyes from the sun. Sunglasses should be started on children 6 months of age and older.

Children exposed to the sun for too long may experience skin burns. When sunburned, children often experience pain and a burning sensation. Symptoms tend to get worse a few hours after sun exposure. Some babies show signs of chills. Because the sun dries out the skin and can become itchy and tight. Sunburnt skin begins to peel about a week after sunburn.
Parents need to carefully care for children, encourage children not to scratch or peel this loose skin because the skin underneath the sunburn is at risk of infection. Some remedies for sunburn in children:
Give your child a cool (not cold) bath or gently apply cool and wet compresses to the skin to help relieve pain and warm the skin. Apply pure aloe vera gel (available at most pharmacies) to any sunburned skin. Give your child an anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to relieve pain and itching. (Do not give aspirin to children or teenagers.) Over-the-counter diphenhydramine can also help reduce itching and swelling. Apply a moisturizer to rehydrate the skin and treat itching. If the sunburn is severe and blisters appear, take your child to the doctor. Do not scratch, break, or squeeze blisters, as this can become infected and cause scarring. Keep your child out of the sun until the sunburn is healed. Any exposure to the sun will only make the burn worse and increase pain. In addition to the note on how long to let children sunbathe, parents should pay attention to the nutrition that improves the child's resistance. At the same time, add supporting foods containing lysine, essential micro-minerals and vitamins such as zinc, chromium, selenium, B vitamins, ... to help support the immune system and enhance resistance for children.
Please regularly visit Vinmec.com website and update useful information to take care of your baby and family.