Sunscreen should be part of your daily routine

Tanned skin is damaged skin, and sun exposure can have serious consequences to physical appearance and health. When skin is exposed to ultraviolet rays from the sun, some damage is visible quickly in the form of freckles or painful sunburns. However, it may take decades for other results to appear, including premature aging (wrinkles, age spots, sagging skin and cataracts) and 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.

Damage from the sun's UV rays can add up over the years, and the American Academy of Dermatology estimates that about 80 percent of the average person's lifetime sun damage occurs before age 18. With stakes this high, it's important to make sure your child is properly protected from the sun.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends the following ABCs of skin protection:

A = Away. Stay away from the sun in the middle of the day. The sun's damaging UV rays are most intense between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. UV rays also are stronger at higher altitudes and during the summer months.
B = Block. Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 15 or higher that is labeled broad spectrum (blocks UVA and UBV rays). Blue-eyed, blonde-haired children may burn more easily and often need a higher SPF and frequent reapplication of sunscreen. When using an SPF 15 sunscreen, a person who normally will burn in 20 minutes may tolerate the sun 15 times longer (five hours). The higher the SPF rating, the more protection your skin has. Apply sunscreen liberally on all exposed areas at least 20 minutes before going out into the sun. Make sure you don't miss the rims of your ears and lips, the back of your neck and the top of your feet. Reapply the sunscreen every two hours, or sooner if you are in the water or sweating.
C = Cover up. Wear a T-shirt and hat. Wearing clothing with a tight weave can help keep you cooler and prevent sun damage. Sun-protective clothing can be purchased online or in popular warm weather vacation spots and helps reduce the hassle of sunblock application. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends wearing sunglasses that block UV rays to prevent damage to your eyes.
* S = Speak out. Talk to family and friends about sun protection. Make sure teenagers understand the hazards of tanning.

Children younger than 6 months old should not have prolonged exposure to the sun.

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.
Do not break open blisters because this can lead to infection.
Avoid further sun exposure until after the burn is healed.
Call a physician if the burn is severe, blisters or if there are symptoms of heat stress, including fever, chills, nausea, vomiting or light headedness.

Examine your child's skin each month for unusual growths. Ask your doctor if you are concerned about a growing or changing skin lesion.