Texas Medical Center News


Vol. 20, No. 10		June 1, 1998

Skin Cancer Prevention for Children Starts Now

"Since skin cancer (squamous and basal cell carcinoma) is primarily linked to cumulative ultraviolet light exposure during one's lifetime, parents should be especially attuned to their role in teaching children good sense in the sun,"says Dr. Robert Jordon, chairman of the department of dermatology at The University of Texas-Houston Medical School and a board member of the American Academy of Dermatology.

The following sun safe tips for parents are provided by the Academy:

Keep small infants and tots under 1 year old out of direct sunlight. Newborns should be protected from the sun at all times. Youngsters who are fair-skinned, with blue eyes and blond or red hair need extra protection and are at highest risk.
Apply a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 on all exposed areas at least 20 minutes before going outdoors. Apply liberally and re-apply frequently, paying special attention to the face, neck, ears, upper chest, arms and legs. Consider using a sunblock such as zinc ointment on the nose if your child's nose tends to burn easily. Use a waterproof or water-resistant sunscreen on youngsters who swim.
Limit sun exposure during peak hours, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Teach the "Shadow Test" to your children: If your shadow is shorter than you are, get out of the sun.
Cover up your child with a sun hat, long-sleeved shirt and long pants for better protection.
Remember that about 80 percent of the sun's rays penetrate the clouds. Sunscreen is needed even on cloudy or hazy days.
A tan doesn't mean that your child is protected. Keep using a sunscreen even on a tanned child.
If your child is taking medication, check with your doctor before allowing him/her out in the sun as certain medications can react to sunlight, causing an itchy rash, redness or swelling.
Examine your child's skin regularly. Watch for any new raised growths, sores that don't heal, changes in moles or any new moles or itchy patches. While skin cancer is rare in youngsters, it is not unheard of in teenagers.
Set a good example for your children by using sunscreens yourself.

- BRYANT BOUTWELL, Dr.P.H.

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