The ABC’s of Skin Cancer Prevention
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By the time a child turns 18, he or she will have already had 60-80% of his or her lifetime sun exposure. Such exposure is not without its risks.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., and sun exposure is its leading cause. Those who sunburn before they turn 18 increase their risk of skin cancer.

Sunburn is a very common consequence of prolonged sun exposure in children. As the skin is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, the melanin molecules that give our skin its color desperately try to block these damaging rays from going deeper into our skin layers.

If sun exposure continues beyond melanin’s ability to block the UV rays, the skin becomes damaged.

Within a few hours, exposed areas of the skin can become red, painful and warm to the touch. The pain is usually worse six to 48 hours after the damaging exposure. Some areas may swell and blister.

Because toxins are released, the sunburned person can have fever, chills and weakness. Days later, areas of skin become dry, itchy and can even peel.

Once a child becomes sunburned, he or she can be given a cool bath. Cool compresses can be used to soothe affected areas, and Ibuprofen can ease discomfort.

Topical remedies, such as moisturizers, aloe gel, hydrocortisone cream or topical pain relievers can be effective.

However, topical preparations containing diphenhydramine, benzocaine, lidocaine or petroleum such as petroleum jelly should be avoided.

Blisters should not be popped. They can then become infected.

Further sun exposure should be avoided until the sunburn is healed.

If the sunburn is severe (especially if it blisters), or if the affected child has fever, chills, nausea, vomiting or feels faint, contact a health-care provider.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that we follow their ABC’s to prevent sunburns:

AWAY -- We should stay away from the sun, especially during the peak sunlight hours between 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

BLOCK -- We should block the sun’s rays. A sunscreen of at least SPF 15 (higher is usually better) should be applied 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapplied at least every two hours if we swim, sweat or exercise. It should be waterproof or water-resistant.

COVER UP -- We should cover up when we go outside, preferably with hats with brims and tight-weave clothing. Up to 90% of UV rays can penetrate cloud cover, so cloudy days also can cause sunburn.

Children who are fair-skinned, have freckles or moles, or have a family history of skin cancer are especially at risk of developing skin cancer.

Those living in sunny climates and at higher altitudes are at increased risk. All of these children need to be especially cautious when dealing with the sun’s potentially damaging rays.