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Protect Their Skin According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, developing one or more blistering sunburns can double the risk of melanoma as an adult. "Skin cancer is caused by changes in the DNA of the skin," said Amit Bhatt, MD, specialist in prenatal/neonatal medicine and Medical Director of the neonatal intensive care unit at CHI St. Luke's Health–The Vintage Hospital. "Exposure to too much sun at a young age can worsen the changes in the DNA." A review of studies published in Progress in Biophysics and Molecular Biology found data suggesting that 40 to 50 percent of a person's lifetime exposure to ultraviolet rays takes place before he or she turns 20. SUN SMARTS For babies younger than 6 months old, Dr. Bhatt recommends sun avoidance rather than sunscreen. Wearing loose-fi tting clothes and wraps and traveling under umbrellas will help keep little ones safe from UV rays as well as overheating on warm days. "For toddlers and older children, apply sunscreen 15 minutes before going outside and reapply every 2 hours," advises Jerissa P. Belsha, MD, FAAP, pediatrician at Agape Physicians. "I also recommend sunglasses and wide-brim hats, as well as avoiding direct exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m." If children do develop a sunburn, parents can apply cool cloths and soothing lotions and treat the pain with the appropriate dose of ibuprofen. Always check with your pediatrician before giving your child medication. Visit CHIStLukesHealth.org/Find-a-Doctor to find a pediatrician. From the Start Sunscreen 101 The trademark white stripe on the nose may be a classic sign of warding off a sunburn, but in fact, not all sunscreens are made the same. Some contain active ingredients with potentially harmful side eff ects. Oxybenzone, most commonly found in sunscreens, facial moisturizers, lip balms, and conditioners, is used to help the product penetrate the skin and has been shown to negatively aff ect normal hormone processes. Because of the possible hormonal properties of oxybenzone, The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using other ingredients, particularly on sensitive areas, such as the tops of the ears, the nose, or shoulders of your child. Look for sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Both ingredients have a low risk of health eff ects and stand up well to ultraviolet rays. Forming habits that help protect children's skin from the sun does more than help avoid uncomfortable sunburns. It can lower the risk of skin cancer later in life. Children's Health www.CHIStLukesHealth.org | V1N3 | CHI St. Luke's Health 15