Sun exposure dangers for children

ATLANTIC CO.--- A new dermatology report contains some sobering facts for parents -- children under the age of 10 who get just one bad sunburn, more than double their chances of developing fatal skin cancer later in life.

"...I often say to people who are trying to use their kids for an excuse to be out there in midday sun...why do you want to kill your kids," said Dr. Anthony Campo, Jr., a dermatologist with a practice in Somers Point.

According to Campo, being exposed to the summer sun between 10 am to 4 pm, results in 10 times more skin damage per hour, than during other day light hours, "....we used to see, in this office, maybe one or two melanoma's a year, and now we're seeing 48 to 50 melanoma's a year."

Campo says that young children -- from birth to one year of age -- should never be exposed to midday sun under any circumstances. Children older than one, should have on physical sun barriers such as long sleeved shirts, and a broad brimmed hat, along with sunglasses. An umbrella or some other type of shade should also be provided.

Even though no sunscreen can protect against the suns X-ray radiation, UVC and infrared light -- which all cause skin damage -- a sunscreen that's effective against UVA and UVB rays is a must, "....we like to recommend a product that has stabilized avobenzone and some other UVA blockers."
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