I love Chicago in the summer months. We have world-class beaches, festivals, and outdoor restaurants, many of which can be enjoyed with kids in tow. But keeping children safe and happy in summer requires some extra planning! In early summer we get questions and see children in the office about many of the following issues:
Sun Protection: As much as we all love to finally feel that warm sun, it is brutal on children’s sensitive skin. EVERYONE needs to use sunscreen, including people of color. Sun exposure is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer, including melanoma. It is still possible to have fun in the sun, if parents are smart:
For babies less than 6 months old, keeping the infant in the shade, covered with light-weight clothing and a broad-brimmed hat, is the best solution. If shade is not available, a minimal amount of sunscreen (SPF 15 to 30) on exposed areas of skin is OK.
For older babies and children, according to Annette Wagner MD, pediatric dermatologist, Children’s Memorial Hospital, waterproof sunscreen with SPF 30 is fine – it protects against 97% of UVB rays- as long as an adequate amount is applied (about one ounce or one shot-glass-full per child). Be vigilant about reapplying every 2 hours and after swimming. If this is unrealistic for your active children, a higher SPF can provide incrementally more protection. No sunscreen blocks 100% of UV rays: some UV rays get through and create free radicals, which lead to sun damage. Look for antioxidants in the sunscreen, which help neutralize the free radicals before they cause damage. A white, thick lotion such as Walgreen’s brand, works best and should be thoroughly applied to dry skin, before going outside. Those handy sunscreen sprays are not effective, according to Dr. Wagner. Any sunscreen with zinc oxide is good for the nose and face. Finally, make sure the sunscreen is broad-spectrum, effective against both UVA (aging rays) and UVB (burning rays). See the end of this article for Dr. Wagner’s sunscreen recommendations.
If a child does get burned, cool washcloths to the area are soothing, and Ibuprofen (for children over 6 months) works as an anti-inflammatory and relieves the pain. For severe burns with blistering, please call us!
Bug Sprays: We are all too aware of the wet spring, the resulting bumper crop of mosquitoes out there, and the special misery of kids with mosquito bites. What can be done? Common sense approaches include avoiding peak bug times (dusk to dawn), and wearing long sleeves and long pants if outdoors during those times. Insect repellants containing DEET are still the best option for protecting children against mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus, and the CDC recommends their use. The concentrations of DEET listed on product labels refer to the duration of action, not the effectiveness. For instance, DEET 10% will last approximately 2 hours, while DEET 30% will last 5 – 6 hours. These products are safe for use in infants over the age of 2 months but should be applied only once daily. DEET is waterproof, so swimming does not mean you need to reapply as you do with sunscreens. (Don’t use combination bug/sun products – the sunscreen should be reapplied, the bug spray should not.)
How to provide relief for those itchy bites? Cool compresses, Benedryl cream, or Hydrocortisone cream 1% (both over the counter) can help. Scratched and bleeding insect bites can become infected, so should be kept clean with soap and water.
Pool Safety: The July 2011 issue of Pediatrics contains research documenting the danger of small inflatable wading pools; fatal accidents can occur in a few inches of water when toddlers are unsupervised. Swimming lessons for toddlers are not enough to keep them safe and there is no substitute for keeping a close and constant eye on them! For older kids, remind them of the pool rules: no swimming for an hour after eating, no swimming without a partner and no running around the pool.
A few common sense precautions will ensure that you – and your little ones - have a great summer!
Recommended sunscreens:
Blue lizard for Sensitive skin SPF 30+
Neutrogena Sensitive skin SPF 30
Neutrogena Pure and Free SPF 60
Presun Sunblock, Sensitive SPF 28
Vanicream Sunscreen for Sensitive skin SPF 60
Walgreens Zinc oxide paste SPF 45+
Sites for sun protective clothing:
Source: The American Academy of Dermatology, http://www.aad.org/media-resources/stats-and-facts/prevention-and-care/sunscreens
