My husband and I enjoy being outdoors with our children in the warm weather, but we often worry about sunburn. What are the risks, precautions do we need to take?
In moderation, sunlight is actually good for our health. The sun provides vitamin D, which encourages bone health, and has been shown to lift people’s moods.
Too much sun, however, can lead to the reddened, itchy, or even blistered skin, known as sunburn. In more severe cases, sunburn can lead to nausea, headache, dehydration, and fever.
The sun emits electromagnetic radiation that is invisible to the human eye. These ultraviolet rays are strongest between 10 am and 4 pm, so try to plan your outdoor activities with this in mind.
An early morning or early evening family bike ride is a great way to enjoy the weather and get your dose of vitamin D with a reduced risk of sunburn. Of course, you are never entirely safe from the damaging effects of the sun, so sunscreen is still necessary during these times of day.
If you plan to be outdoors in the afternoon, liberally apply sunscreen with an sun protection factor of at least 30 half an hour before going outside. Sunburn can occur within 15 minutes of exposure, so it is best to make sure that you and your children are protected before leaving your home. Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, and it is best to use a brand that is waterproof. Be sure to use sunscreen even on cloudy days as ultraviolet rays penetrate clouds.
Remember to also wear appropriate clothing and accessories, such as wide-brimmed hats, ultraviolet-protection sunglasses, long-sleeved shirts, or specially designed ultraviolet-proofed clothing that already has sun protection factor built in. Ultraviolet-protection laundry detergent that adds a SPF 30 to clothing when washed is also available.
Even if you are taking precautions, do not stay in the direct sunlight for hours at a time. If you are playing outside with your children, take breaks during which you sit in the shade and cool down. You will be less likely to burn or become dehydrated.
In the unfortunate event that sunburn does occur, apply a cold compress and aloe vera gel to the area, as both can relieve some of the sting. Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration, and stay out of the sun until your sunburn heals. If your children have a high fever, blisters, nausea, headache, or signs of dehydration, like reduced urination and dizziness, call your pediatrician. With some careful planning, and a lot of sunscreen, it is possible to enjoy the warm weather and make the most of family outings.
By Pramod Narula, MD, is the chairman, of the department of pediatrics at New York Methodist Hospital.
