Previous Post Sun Protection for Children
How to use a sunscreen
According to current guidelines, sunscreens are recommended for children aged 6 months and older only. For infants younger than 6months, most Pediatric organizations, including the American Academy of Pedaitrics, recommend keeping these children out of direct sunlight as the most appropriate photoprotection measure. In practice, if sun exposure is unavoidable, a small amount of sunscreen with a low SPF of 15 can be applied to the exposed areas such as cheeks and back of the hands.
Suncreen should be applied in adequate amounts ( 2mg/cm2 ) covering all exposed skin surfaces, paying special attention to areas such as ears, neck and the back of hands. It should be applied 20 minutes prior to sun exposure and re-applied every 2 hours when outdoors especially after swimming, sweating and drying off with a towel. It should be always first spread on palm of the parent/ guardian and then applied to the child.
How to select a sunscreen for use in children
- It should be a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher; which means protect from both UVA and UVB radiations.
- They should be water resistant and have low potential for irritation to the skin and eyes. One should prefer predominance of inorganic (physical) filters (zinc oxide or titanium oxide, which cause less irritation to sensitive skin).
- Sunscreen should have good photostability, dispersibility and asthetics.
*Sebamed suncare SPF 30, *Fixderma shadow kids SPF 20+, *Suncros matte finish soft SPF 50+ are few of the brands*, that are available in the Indian market for pediatric use.
*Disclaimer “All product and company names are trademarks™ or registered® trademarks of their respective holders. Their use does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them”
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