We all know the dangers of sunburn for both adults and children, but an Irish doctor has warned parents how much damage even one sunburn episode can do to our children.
Mum-of-two Dr Doireann O’Leary took to Instagram to urge parents to put sunscreen on their children, to know when you need to apply it and to share some other helpful sun safety tips.
We have been experiencing some hot weather this week, so it is as important as ever to ensure you are clued in when it comes to keeping your children safe in the sun.
According to Dr O’Leary, even one childhood sunburn increases the risk of skin cancer later in life. She advises that parents apply sunscreen to their children between April and September in Ireland, or ‘when the UV index is greater than 3’.
You can check the UV index on your weather app.
RELATED: Irish GP Shares 7 Red Flags Women Should NEVER Ignore
She urged parents to take suncare seriously and even apply sunscreen on cloudy days and when travelling in the car as rays can get through clouds and even car windows.
If you are planning on taking your children swimming outside during the summer or if you are planning to head abroad during the summer break, then you should be aware that water ‘can increase the intensity of UV radiation.’
The Cork GP added: ‘Reapply sunscreen every two hours, be particularly diligent with this if you’re also using an insect repellent because some of them can decrease the efficacy of sunscreens by up to 30%.’
RELATED: This Is Why Sun-Safety Is So Important While Staycationing In Ireland
Dr Doireann also shared the ‘five Ss of being sun smart’: Slap on a hat, slide on sunglasses to protect the eyes, slop on sunscreen, slide on a long sleeve top or UV-protecting clothing, and last but not least, seek shade and outdoor activities between 11am-3pm.
She added to try and get any outdoor activities done before 11am or after 3pm, and if you are having lunch outside, to find some shade to eat in.
Doireann finished her advice, saying: ‘The sun and summer are to be enjoyed, but sunburn and skin cancer aren’t enjoyable so we can enjoy it the Sun Smart way’.
