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Sun Protection
Children and
adolescents
should avoid
the sun as much
as possible.
Anne Massicotte, BPharm, MSc,
Drug information pharmacist, Ottawa Hospital, Civic Campus
The sun emits two kinds of ultraviolet (UV) radiation: UVA and
UVB. Brief (‘acute’) exposure to
UV radiation without adequate protection can lead to sunburn.
Tanning is also a sign of skin damage and should not be encouraged. Long-term (‘chronic’)
exposure to the sun increases
the risk of skin cancer, eye damage and premature aging of the
skin indicated by deep wrinkles and
irregular pigmentation (‘photoaging’).
The best way to avoid the negative effects of UV radiation
is to limit sun exposure:
•
avoid tanning booths
•
avoid sun exposure between 11am and 4pm
•
wear sunglasses
•
wear a broad brimmed hat and protective clothing (made of tightly
woven and preferably dark fabrics)
•
use sunscreens on a regular basis.
Keep in mind that clouds, fog and haze do not adequately block
UV rays and that some surfaces
(aluminum, sand, water, snow and glossy magazines) reflect
UV light.
Your pharmacist can assist you in selecting an adequate sunscreen
product. A waterproof preparation
that contains a combination of agents which absorb both UVA
and UVB is recommended. Choose a
product with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15
(preferably 30). Fragrance-free products
are preferred as they are less likely to sensitize the skin.
Some formulations may contain up to
70% alcohol and are highly flammable; smokers and persons
exposed to open flames (e.g., an outdoor
barbecue) should avoid using these products.
Sunscreens should be used consistently:
•
apply before any other skin products such as cosmetics
•
apply generously 15 to 30 minutes before sun exposure to ensure
binding to the skin
•
reapply every two hours
•
reapply after swimming or exercising to ensure that the product
has not been washed or rubbed off.
No sunscreen can absorb all the sun’s rays and should
not be used to gain extra sun exposure time.
Children and adolescents should avoid the sun as much as
possible; with excessive UV exposure, there
is a strong risk for developing skin cancer in this age
group. In particular, infants less than six months
old should be kept out of direct sunlight. Favour shade,
hats and clothing for babies; however, when
sun exposure cannot be avoided, apply sunscreens to small
areas not adequately protected by clothing
such as the face and back of the hands.
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The information in this newsletter was prepared and reviewed
by pharmacists for the Canadian Pharmaceutical Journal.
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Ask Your Pharmacist newsletter is produced through
an unconditional educational grant from APOTEX/PACE. |
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