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Getting too much sun is bad for anyone, but it's especially dangerous for babies, whose sensitive skin hasn't developed enough layers of natural protection to withstand intense summer rays.
"People don't realize the concerns of exposing a child less than [age] 2 to the sun," says Joan Tamburro, D.O., director of pediatric dermatology at UH Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital, in Cleveland.
In fact, sun-related skin changes that occur as early as the first year of life may trigger a cascade of reactions that could lead to melanoma and other forms of skin cancer later in life, according to a new review in the July issue of Pediatrics.
The skin acts as a physical barrier to ultraviolet (UV) rays, but it also plays a role in keeping the immune system healthy. UV radiation can suppress the immune system and damage skin cells -- a process that may happen more quickly in babies than in adults, the authors note. (Two of the authors are employees of Johnson & Johnson, which makes baby sunscreen and other products, and the others have received speaking fees or research funding from the company.)
11 hours ago (4:28 PM)
Oddly those who do not avoid the sun after melanoma diagnosis live longer on average.
14 hours ago (12:52 PM)
Well said. I am tired of irresponsible articles talking about the dangers of the sun. Melanoma has increased dramatically since the use of sunscreens began in the 60s and people have fled the sun in horror. Consistent and responsible time spent in the sun, avoiding burns, is the way to go. The body needs Vitamin D to protect against all sorts of diseases. The continuous pushing of sun avoidance and sunscreen use have made VitD deficiency widespread.
02:35 AM on 6/09/2011
Children like adults have thin unprotective skin when their vitamin d levels are low, it is so they can make more vitamin d. Why because vitamin d shortage is more damaging to the body than the effects of the sun. That said it is best not to let children or adults burn but some midday sun will not harm them and it is the only time they will make vitamin d.
29 minutes ago (2:33 AM)
Children get vitamin D from sunlight. Without enough vitamin D, children can develop rickets.
0 minute ago (12:52 PM)
Well said. I am tired of irresponsible articles talking about the dangers of the sun. Melanoma has increased dramatically since the use of sunscreens began in the 60s and people have fled the sun in horror. Consistent and responsible time spent in the sun, avoiding burns, is the way to go. The body needs Vitamin D to protect against all sorts of diseases. The continuous pushing of sun avoidance and sunscreen use have made VitD deficiency widespread.
10 hours ago (2:35 AM)
Children like adults have thin unprotective skin when their vitamin d levels are low, it is so they can make more vitamin d. Why because vitamin d shortage is more damaging to the body than the effects of the sun. That said it is best not to let children or adults burn but some midday sun will not harm them and it is the only time they will make vitamin d.