Sunscreens of SPF 15 or greater are recommended regardless of the child's skin type. Check the list of ingredients on the side of the package. Cloudy days aren't necessarily safe. Children may still get sunburned. And at any time, the risk of sunburn is higher for those with fair skin, blond or red hair and light eyes.
Sun damage is cumulative too.
One blistering sunburn in a child or teenager can double the risk of melanoma, a form of cancer with a 20 to 25 percent mortality rate. However, studies show that routine sunscreen use during the first 18 years of life can significantly reduce sun damage and the occurrence of skin cancer. Copyright 2000 Children's Medical Center of Dallas - Terms and Conditions Please send the Webmaster any comments or questions regarding Children's Web site.