ROANOKE (WSLS10)-- Pool season is here and it's a good time to talk about sun safety for you and your family. When it comes to sun protection, early prevention is key.
Doctors say it's not just important to put on sunscreen at the pool or beach, but anytime we go outside. The sun is the strongest between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., so sunscreen or some kind of skin protection is extremely important during those morning and early afternoon hours.
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Many parents know how difficult it can be to get sunscreen on a child the first time, let alone reapplying throughout the day. That's why Dr. Mark Greenawald, with Carilion Clinic, suggests getting children in the habit of using other methods of sun protection as well.
"What I find is helpful, is to normalize wearing hats," explains Dr. Greenawald. "That's probably as important as anything for kids, it covers up their noses and ears, as well. So remember, the ears, neck and lips are the areas that get neglected often when it comes to sun protection."
With school still in session, kids might not be allowed to wear the hats during recess or outside, so touche base with their teachers to see what the policies are. It might also be a good idea to send some sunscreen along to school with your child for these last few weeks.
As parents, we also need to practice what we preach-- don't just protect your kids, but make sure you're wearing sunscreen or some kind of protective gear when you're outside as well. Protecting our skin now, will reduce the risk of skin cancer and premature aging down the road.
Dr. Greenawald says he's already seen quite a few patients come in with severe sunburn on their arms and necks, even to the point of blistering. Although it's not summer yet, we're spending more time outside-- which means it's time to buy more sunscreen. If you're pulling out a bottle from last year, make sure to check the expiration date, if it's expired-- throw it out now.
Experts say adults should be using sunscreen with at least 15 SPF. Double that for children, who should be using 30 SPF or higher. When it comes to sunscreen, it's not a one and done application process, it's important to reapply throughout the day.
"With swimming season and beach season we see it happen a lot, after swimming, people forget to reapply again," says Dr. Greenawald. "Sunscreen, even at its best, is waterproof for 80 minutes and that doesn't include sweating and all of those other things that happen. Reapplying regularly is very very important."
Babies under six-months are too young for sunscreen, so until then, keep them covered with wide-brimmed hats and stroller canopies. For older kids, try a sunscreen spray-- most can be applied to wet skin, which keeps even the squirmiest kids protected between cannon balls.