The sun can be both life-giving and harmful to the body. The sun provides warmth, light, and vitamin D, which are all essential for good health.

However, exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can also cause sunburn, premature aging of the skin, and skin cancer, including melanoma. While many parents take care to protect themselves and their children from the sun’s harmful rays, some do not realize the importance of protecting infants, who are particularly vulnerable to sun damage.

What is melanoma?

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that begins in melanocytes, which are cells that produce the pigment melanin that gives color to the skin, hair, and eyes.

Melanoma can occur in any part of the body where melanocytes are found, but it is most common in the skin. Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, accounting for over 75% of skin cancer deaths. Melanoma is more common in adults than in children, but it can occur in infants as well.

Why are infants at risk for melanoma?

Infants are at higher risk for sun damage and skin cancer than older children and adults due to several factors:.

Infants’ skin is thinner and more delicate than older children and adults, making it more vulnerable to sun damage.
Infants’ skin produces less melanin, the pigment that provides natural protection against UV radiation from the sun.
Infants’ immune systems are not fully developed, making them less able to repair damage caused by sun exposure.

How can sunscreen prevent melanoma in infants?

Sunscreen is an effective way to protect infants from sun damage and reduce their risk of developing melanoma. Sunscreen works by absorbing, scattering, or reflecting UV radiation from the sun.

Sunscreens contain either chemical or physical filters or a combination of both.

Chemical filters work by absorbing UV radiation and converting it into heat, which is then released from the skin.
Physical filters, also known as mineral or inorganic filters, work by forming a barrier on the skin’s surface that reflects and scatters UV radiation.
Combination sunscreens contain both chemical and physical filters.

It is important to choose a sunscreen that is specifically designed for infants and young children, as these products are formulated to be gentle and safe for delicate skin.

Infants under 6 months of age should be kept out of the sun whenever possible and should not use sunscreen, as their skin is too fragile for these products. Instead, they should be dressed in lightweight, long-sleeved clothing, and hats that shade their faces and necks.

What are the best practices for using sunscreen on infants?

To ensure maximum sun protection for infants and to reduce the risk of melanoma, parents and caregivers should follow these best practices:.

Apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before going outside to allow it to absorb into the skin.
Use sunscreen with a minimum SPF (sun protection factor) of 30.
Apply sunscreen evenly and generously to all exposed skin, including the face, ears, hands, and feet.
Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, or more frequently if the infant has been swimming or sweating.
Avoid outdoor activities during peak sun hours, typically from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Even with sun protection, parents and caregivers should still closely monitor infants for signs of sunburn, such as redness, blistering, and peeling, and take action to protect them further if necessary, such as by moving indoors or using additional clothing or shade.

Conclusion

Sunscreen is an essential tool for preventing melanoma and protecting infants from the sun’s harmful rays.

By following best practices for sunscreen use and reducing infants’ exposure to the sun, parents and caregivers can help to keep them safe and healthy. With proper care, parents can ensure that their infants enjoy all the benefits of the sun while reducing their risk of developing melanoma in the future.