Patrick Gordon, M.D.

I knew how bad the mother felt and assured her it can happen to anyone — even doctors. I told her about my worst sunburn. It happened on a cold winter day while I was skiing out west. Reflected light, whether off the snow or water, can cause serious sunburns, too.

We treated the sunburn and did our best to make the child more comfortable. In a few days, she was feeling better and healing nicely. But it’s the long-term effects of a sunburn like this that worry us.

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer and we know sun exposure in childhood is one of the primary causes. In fact, anyone with a history of more than one blistering sunburn is at a greater risk of developing basal cell carcinoma and is twice as likely to develop melanoma. And you don’t always have to wait decades to see the results of childhood skin damage. We’ve seen patients in our office as young as 14 years old with skin cancer.

As if that weren’t reason enough to limit your child’s sun exposure, we know it also helps keep his or her skin looking young and healthy for longer. Think of it as a gift they won’t open until they are 30 or 40 years old!

While those of us with fair complexions are more sensitive to the sun, all skin types and colors are at risk of sun damage and skin disorders. So all parents should keep the following tips in mind this summer:

• Use sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15. The higher the better.

• When buying sunscreen, look for a “broad spectrum” formula, which will protect against UVA and UVB rays. UVB rays are most responsible for skin cancers, but UVA rays may also play a role in skin cancer and premature skin aging.

• Apply sunscreen liberally and frequently — at least every 2 hours while outdoors. If your child is getting in and out of the water and toweling off a lot, apply it even more often. Even if the label says “waterproof,” it’s a good idea to reapply frequently.

• Ultraviolet (UV) rays are most intense from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., so avoid prolonged direct sun exposure during this time.

• Don’t let a cloudy day fool you. Most UV rays still penetrate the clouds.

• Keep as much of your child’s skin covered as possible. Dress them in hats with a brim to protect their scalp, face and ears. Wear light-colored, tight-weave clothing (such as cotton) that will reflect UV rays and help keep you cool.

• When swimming, kids should wear swim gear that provides maximum sun protection. Dress them in “swim shirts” and swim suits made with UV-protection material.

• Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outdoors. It needs time to absorb into the skin for maximum effectiveness. And don’t forget the tops of the ears!

• Babies younger than 6 months should be kept out of direct sunlight due to a risk of sunburns and dehydration. It’s OK to apply sunscreen to sensitive areas that cannot be covered, such as the face, neck and hands.

Finally, remember that children learn behaviors from their parents. Be a good role model and keep yourself protected from the sun, too.

Patrick Gordon, M.D., is a board-certified pediatrician at IHA Primary Pediatrics - Ann Arbor located at 3055 Plymouth Road, Suite 203, Ann Arbor, MI 48105. His clinical interests include newborn care, preventive care, safety and vaccinations. He can be reached at 734-769-3896. For more information please visit www.ihacares.com.