Summer Safety
Sun Safety
- Too much sun can cause skin cancer, cataracts and dehydration
- Its great to spend time outdoors, but protect yourself from the sun
- Keep babies less than 6 months away from direct sunlight. Find shade or use covers
- Limit exposure between 10am and 4pm when the sun is the strongest
- Wear sunglasses with at least 99% UV protection
Choosing Sunscreen
- Chose one that says “broad spectrum” both UVA and UVB rays
- Zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are best for sensitive areas such as nose, cheeks, ear and shoulders
- Put sunscreen on 15-30 minutes before going outdoors
- You can get sunburned on a cloudy day!
- Reapply every 2 hours or after swimming
Soothing a sunburn
- Give water to replace lost fluids
- Use cool water on the skin
- Use acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain relief
- Keep your child out of the sun until sunburn is fully healed
Bugs
- Mosquitos, biting flies and ticks can transmit diseases
- Protect your child with insect repellants
- Insect repellants prevent bites but not stings
- Use spray with DEET between 10 to 30%
- Do not use repellant on babies less than 2 months
- Do not spray repellant directly on face. spray on hands first, then rub on face
- Do not spray on cuts, wounds or irritated skin
- Do not use combo DEET and sunscreen together. The DEET may make the SPF less effective
- Check your child’s skin at the end of the day if your child was in an area where ticks are present
Resource: 2010 American Academy of Pediatrics