Immersed in this summer that we have already "suffered" as hot, there are some issues that are good to remember because with so much leisure time and outdoors, with a sun that strongly affects the northern hemisphere, we have to protect children from summer from the harmful effects of the sun.
Let's see how and how much children can be exposed to the sun safely, what about babies, we will talk about sun creams, physical barriers ... and ultimately everything you need to know so that children are safe and safe from burns.
Application of sun creams
If we are going to be outdoors during the central hours of the day It is necessary to apply sunscreen on children's skin to avoid burns. Recall that the ultraviolet rays that reach the skin can cause tanning, but also sunburn and other skin lesions that in the long term can be very dangerous to health.
If we go to the beach or the pool, we have to take into account that sunscreens are not resistant to water, so we will have to replace them often. If we are "dry" but spend several hours exposed to the sun it is also necessary to reapply the photoprotector.
However, the application of sun creams largely depends on the differences in the child's skin. The clearer the skin is, the less melanin it will have to absorb UV rays and protect itself against the harmful effects of the sun. On the contrary, the darker the skin, the more melanin it will have to protect itself.
My two daughters have very different skins, so there are certain differences in how to apply the cream: always the same at the beginning (before exposure to the sun), but then we replace it in the older, much lighter skin (like mine, so I also have to restore protection). In any case, we also never spend so much time in the sun to have to reapply the cream too many times.
Let us keep in mind therefore that exposing yourself to the sun without protection is more dangerous for those children with moles on the skin (or whose parents are prone to develop moles), very clear skin and hair and a family history of skin cancer, including melanoma . In these cases we must be especially careful with children's sun protection.
Another factor to consider is the incidence of the sun: in the early hours of the morning, as in the late afternoon, that sun that does not burn and does not affect perpendicular is beneficial for the skin.
Regarding babies, the first recommendation is not to leave them in the sun, since their delicate skin does not tolerate direct sun and the heat would be excessive. But if they are going to be exposed to the sun, let's not forget the sun protection. The photoprotector most suitable for babies must be high protection and replenished several times.
Physical barriers such as caps, umbrellas ... are also essential for walking with the baby outdoors, and avoid the risk of allergies in the baby, higher because of the sensitivity of your skin. Which gives way to the next point: Protecting yourself from the sun without creams, naturally, is also important.
Natural (and sensible) protection from the sun
When summer comes, many homes with children and bags are filled with photoprotective creams. But we should not only resort to them as a measure to protect us from the sun. Are there no shadows on our streets, in our parks, on our beaches? Can't we go with caps and umbrellas?
Physical barriers are especially important in babies as we have seen, but also for children and the elderly. Getting used to going in the shade or choosing shaded places for lunch, play ... it doesn't hurt.
Eye, we talked about act sensibly and not run away from the sun as if we were vampires. We remember that it is convenient to find the balance between vitamin D and protectors, since we all need to expose ourselves to the sun because it is our main source of vitamin D, which helps us absorb calcium to have strong and healthy bones.
Also, remember that both a breathable, fresh clothing, as well as the correct hydration will help us to avoid a heat stroke.
Another common sense issue is to avoid going to the beach or hiking in the central hours of the day or having children exercise when it's hotter. If we go out with them, we will have to find the shade and cool and ventilated places to rest, take the snack ... If we decide to stay at home, we will not burn but we must seek to keep it as cool as possible, and we remind you of ten ideas for children They don't get bored at home.
Definitely, protect children from the sun in summer It is a matter of healthy habits, perseverance and good sense. In addition, we will be teaching our children to enjoy the sun safely. Luckily, we are increasingly aware of the importance of this issue, hopefully we will see in the future how these children and adults have fewer skin problems and diseases.
Photos | ^ @ ^ ina (Irina Patrascu) and Tim & Selena Middleton on Flickr-CC In Babies and more | Sun protection during pregnancy, lactation and childhood: better without PABA, Protecting them from the sun in childhood reduces the risk of skin cancer in the future, Types of photoprotectors
