Sunburn prevention

Because excessive sunburns can lead to skin cancer later in life, parents should take precautions to protect their children's skin from the sun's damaging rays.

• The American Academy of Dermatology and the Skin Cancer Foundation recommend keeping children away from excessive sun exposure while the sun is strongest during the day.
• Every two hours, apply sunscreen with at least a SPF-15 or higher to all areas of the body that are exposed to the sun, and reapply after swimming or sweating.
• Consult with your child's physician before applying sunscreen to babies under 6 months old.