don't let kids get burned

The first line of defense against adult skin cancer, is protecting your child from damaging sunburns in childhood. Here are basic tips on keeping kids safe in the sun, all year.

To protect kids from the sun's damaging rays year-round, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests parents "apply sunscreen with an SPF of greater than 15 to kids 30 minutes before going outside . . . even on cloudy days." And in cooler months, do not forget the hands, and neck.

The AAP also warns that parents should not skimp on sunscreen and "reapply sunscreen every two hours, or after swimming or sweating."

On summer days outside, make sure your kids are properly dressed. Cover them up with light-colored clothing and a hat with a 3-inch brim or a bill.

The AAP advises that kids stay "in the shade whenever possible and avoid sun exposure during the peak intensity hours--between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m."

Check with your child's doctor or your pharmacist about any medications your child is taking. Some medications cause sun sensitivity that even a sunscreen cannot fully counteract.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reminds parents to protect kids' lips from sun damage, too. Kids and parents should "wear a protective lip balm every day." Let kids know that licking their lips "magnifies the sun's rays" and remember to reapply lip balm frequently.

If your child does get a sunburn, KidsHealth recommends the following:

• A cool (not cold) bath and wet compresses.
  
• Aloe vera gel and a moisturizer (but not petroleum-based products (which trap heat) to soothe the skin.
  
• Avoid first-aid sprays or creams with benzocaine, because they may cause skin irritation.

Additionally, KidsHealth reminds parents to keep kids well covered while they are recovering from a sunburn, to prevent further burning and damage to the skin.

If :

• the sunburn covers a large area, like the entire back side of your child's body

• the burn begins to blister

• your child experiences fever, chills, or headache; or if their skin feels hot and dry to touch after being sunburned. In this instance, take your child directly to the emergency room, as he could be suffering from a serious condition, heat exhaustion.