It’s Summertime!
Updated: 06/17/2021
Now that the temperatures are warming and the days are lengthening, it
won’t be long before the school year ends and many families head to the
beach for some fun and sun. Few summer days are more carefree than those
spent seaside building a sandcastle or venturing out into the waves with a
boogie board.
But time at the beach also comes with some health hazards, particularly as
you bare your skin to the elements. As a dermatologist who treats children
as well as adults, I often see the effects of summertime fun on my younger
patients. Fortunately, most of these skin problems are preventable and
treatable. Read on for information about a few common summer skin issues,
so you and your family can truly rest easy at the beach this year.
Skin Cancer
Just about everyone knows by now that ultraviolet rays from the sun are
associated with skin cancer, yet it’s estimated that one in five Americans
will develop skin cancer at some point in their lives. Prevention is key.
If you protect your children’s skin while they are still young, you can
help decrease their risk of developing skin cancer later in life.
What parents can do:
I always remind patients that using sunscreen to help shield the skin from
those harmful rays is vital. (The exception is babies younger than 6
months, who should be kept out of the sun entirely.) For children 6 months
and older, use water-resistant SPF 30+, broad spectrum sunscreen, which
protects from both UVA and UVB rays. It also helps to use sunscreens that
contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, as these tend to be less
irritating for sensitive skin.
For effective sunscreen use, apply enough and apply it often. For an adult,
use one ounce – enough to fill your palm. For children, there is no
prescribed amount; just be sure to cover all exposed areas liberally,
including your child’s ears and tops of the feet. Apply sunscreen 15
minutes before going outdoors, and re-apply every two hours while outdoors,
as well as after swimming or excessive sweating. And don’t forget lip balm
with SPF!
Another option for sun protection is sun-protective clothing. It provides
excellent coverage for children without the guesswork of sunscreen
application, and there’s no need to reapply. If you decide to go that
route, look for clothing with UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) labels of
30 or higher. Try letting your little ones shop for their own outfits.
There are lots of stylish and trendy options available these days, and kids
are likely to be more enthusiastic about donning protective wear if they’ve
chosen it themselves.
You should also try to keep your children in the shade whenever possible,
best to avoid being in the sun between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., when the sun’s
rays are the strongest. I encourage parents to use those hours for an
indoor lunch break or some family nap time, in order to get everyone out of
the sun for a while. Remember that even in the shade, the water and sand
will reflect the sun’s UV rays and increase the risk of burning.
Sunburn
You can help prevent sunburn the same way you can help prevent skin cancer
– with consistent and effective sun protection. However, in the event that
your child ends up getting too much sun and develops an uncomfortable
sunburn after a day at the beach, there are steps you can take to minimize
his or her discomfort.
What parents can do:
It’s important that your child avoids further sun exposure. Get inside and
have your child take a cool shower or bath to reduce the heat. To reduce
inflammation and irritation, apply over-the-counter hydrocortisone 1
percent ointment twice a day for a few days (but be sure to avoid the eye
area). A gentle moisturizing cream after a bath can also help alleviate
dryness.
You can also try giving an over-the-counter children’s pain reliever, such
as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to help ease minor discomfort. Avoid
breaking any blisters, as this can increase the risk of the skin becoming
infected. Simply allow the fluid to be reabsorbed and the skin to heal. If
fevers, headache, severe pain or blisters occur, see a doctor. Remember
that sunburn is evidence of damage to skin cells and can lead to an
increased risk of skin cancer in the future. If your child has a burn, use
it as a wake-up call to avoid more sun-related skin damage.
Prickly Heat
Prickly heat, also known as heat rash or miliaria, is common in infants and
children. Caused by blocked sweat ducts (pores) that trap perspiration
under the skin, it produces small, itchy red bumps. It is more likely to
happen if your child is sweating in areas covered by clothing.
What parents can do:
Be sure your child wears loose-fitting clothing that helps keep the skin
cool and dry, and keep your environment cool by using fans or air
conditioning. This condition usually clears up on its own. If the rash does
not clear up in a few days, see your doctor.
Bug Bites
Bug bites are mostly a nuisance, but they can sometimes become infected by
too much scratching.
What parents can do:
Prevent bites by using an insect repellent, such as one containing DEET, 30
percent or less; however, insect repellent should not be used in infants
younger than two months. Apply only to clothing and exposed areas of skin.
You should also be sure to wash it off after coming indoors.
Gently clean bites with soap and water or rubbing alcohol, and apply a cool
compress to help reduce swelling and avoid scratching. To reduce
inflammation and itching, apply hydrocortisone 1 percent ointment twice a
day for a few days. If your child has pain or fever or the redness spreads,
see a doctor.
Seabather’s Eruption
Seabather’s eruption is a rash caused by
tiny larvae of jellyfish that become trapped between the skin and
swimsuits. It affects swimmers in the Caribbean, off the coast of Florida
and other areas with large populations of jellyfish on the Atlantic coast.
The rash, which typically consists of raised, itchy bumps, develops minutes
to hours after getting out of the water and tends to affect areas of the
body that have been covered while swimming.
What parents can do:
Have your children remove their swimsuits soon after swimming and shower
with fresh, cool water and soap. Discourage them from rubbing their skin.
The condition usually will go away on its own within a week or two. See a
doctor if pain, spreading redness or swelling occurs, or if a fever
develops.
Acne Breakouts
You might not think about acne breakouts as being a summer problem, but
these can be triggered by the warm weather and increased sweating, and are
not uncommon in teens and preteens.
What parents can do:
Be sure your teen or preteen uses a clean towel to dry off when sweating
and showers as soon as possible after working out. Supply your child with
loose-fitting workout clothes and sunscreens and moisturizers that are
oil-free or non-comedogenic to avoid clogging pores.
These summer skin conditions are usually not serious, and as I tell my
patients, they are generally preventable and can be controlled – it’s just
a matter of thinking ahead and taking care of your skin. You can usually
avoid a visit to my office; however, for any skin condition that seems
severe, persists or worsens, or is accompanied by fever or other internal
symptoms, you should seek medical attention. If you want to read more
before heading to the beach this summer, consult the following
