It wasn’t long ago that a suntan was considered a healthy glow. However, today we know that tanned skin is damaged skin and that sun exposure can have serious consequences to our physical appearance and health, including the development of skin cancer. Up to two-thirds of all cases of melanoma – the most dangerous form of skin cancer – can be linked to sun exposure.

The American Academy of Dermatology estimates that about 80 percent of the average person’s lifetime sun damage occurs before age 18. Therefore, it’s important to make sure your child is properly protected from the sun.

When your child is outside, remember the ABCs of skin protection:

A = Away. Stay away from the sun between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. when the sun’s damaging UV rays are most intense.

B = Block. Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 15 or higher. Sunscreens should block both UVA and UVB. The higher the SPF rating, the more protection your skin has.

C = Cover up. Wear a T-shirt, sunglasses and a hat.

S = Speak out. Talk to your family and friends about sun protection.

Children younger than 6 months of age should not have prolonged exposure to the sun. However, if adequate shade or protective clothing is not available, apply a minimal amount of sunscreen to the baby’s face and hands.

If your child does suffer a sunburn:
•    Put him or her into a cool bath or use cool compresses on burned areas.
•    Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help relieve the pain.
•    Apply aloe gel, hydrocortisone cream or a topical pain reliever to burned areas. Avoid Benadryl and benzocaine, Vaseline or moisturizers that trap heat into the skin.

Remember to examine your child’s skin each month for unusual growths. Skin cancer only partially comes from the sun. Ask your doctor if you are concerned about a growing or changing skin lesion.

FAST FACT: When using SPF 15 sunscreen, a person who normally would burn in 20 minutes may tolerate the sun 15 times longer (five hours).

Valerie Lyon, MD, is a pediatric dermatologist in the Dermatology Program at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin and an assistant professor of Dermatology at the Medical College of Wisconsin. She has special expertise in pediatric dermatologic surgery. In her practice, she emphasizes patient education and likes to work with families to adopt healthy skin care routines that are tailored to the individual child.

Eczema is a common skin rash in children. The rash may be red, dry, bumpy and look swollen. It may come and go, but it often keeps coming back and is very itchy. In fact, the itching often is so bad that it interferes with sleep.

The exact cause is unknown, but many things can trigger an outbreak, including:
•    Heat and sweat.
•    Cold weather.
•    Dust mites.
•    Pet fur and dander.
•    Grass.
•    Wool and synthetic fabrics like nylon.
•    Fabric dyes.
•    Tobacco smoke.

There is no cure for eczema, which is also called atopic dermatitis, but it can be kept under control. There is no one treatment that works for all patients. Your doctor will select a treatment according to your child’s needs. Following are some tips for controlling eczema:

Moisturizers: Apply moisturizers twice a day and as quickly as possible after bathing, especially while the skin is still damp. Ointments such as petroleum jelly are good choices during the winter. Creams are usually white and thick and also are effective. Lotions are more liquid but the least helpful. Avoid products with added ingredients, such as vitamin E, witch hazel, menthol or acids.

Bathing: bathe your child daily in warm (not hot) water for no longer than 10-15 minutes. Use soap only in areas that get dirty, such as the groin, under the neck and armpits. Pat your child’s skin gently with a towel.

Laundry: Use laundry soaps that are free of fragrance and dye. Never use fabric softeners or dryer sheets.

Clothing: Dress your child in clothing made of soft, natural fibers such as cotton. Avoid wool, nylon and fabrics that feel hard when you touch them.

And, keep your child’s fingernails cut short to help avoid injury and infection from scratching.

Although the tendency to have sensitive skin can continue into adulthood, eczema usually improves and the rashes become less frequent as the child ages.

Valerie Lyon, MD, is a pediatric dermatologist at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. She also is an assistant professor of Dermatology at the Medical College of Wisconsin. In the Dermatology Clinic she emphasizes patient education and likes to work with families to adopt skin care routines that are tailored to the individual child.

FAST FACT: Did you know that Children's Hospital of Wisconsin has more than 70 outpatient specialty clinics like Dermatology for kids, including Asthma/Allergy, Orthopedics, Ophthalmology, Otolaryngology, Adolescent Health and Medicine and others? Find out more at chw.org.