Dr. Diego Chaves-Gnecco, MD, MPH, FAAP
Dr. Diego’s Wellness Corner:
With Summer Comes Sunshine: Staying active and enjoying moderate sun exposure can be beneficial, as it helps increase vitamin D levels. However, excessive exposure can have serious consequences, such as burns, premature aging, and skin cancer. Let’s enjoy summer, stay active, but let’s not forget to protect ourselves from the sun.
Sunburns
Too much sun exposure can lead to sunburn. When burns cover a large area of the body, they can lead to complications such as infections, dehydration, imbalances in fluids and electrolytes, and even become life-threatening. It’s important to know that sunburn can happen even on cloudy days, since up to 80% of ultraviolet (UV) rays can pass through clouds. UV rays also reflect off surfaces like water, sand, snow, pavement, and concrete, increasing exposure.
If you or someone else experiences a sunburn—especially if it’s a baby under one year old or if a large area is affected—seek medical attention immediately.
Newborns and Infants Under One Year
Newborns and babies under one year old have extremely delicate skin and can suffer sunburns even after very brief exposure. That’s why it’s essential to protect them by avoiding direct sunlight whenever possible—especially during peak hours like midday and early afternoon, and on particularly sunny days.
It’s recommended to limit sun exposure between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., when UV rays are strongest. If you must take a baby or young child outdoors, try to stay in the shade or indoors, and protect them with wide-brimmed hats and lightweight, breathable clothing—ideally long sleeves and long pants.
Sunscreens and Sunblocks
Sunscreen is not recommended for babies under six months old due to their highly sensitive skin. After six months of age, sunscreen can be used—but always with caution.
Make sure you’re using sunscreen and not tanning products, as the two can look similar but offer very different protection. Tanning products typically don’t shield against UV rays.
Choose sunscreens labeled “broad spectrum,” which means they protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Sunscreens are rated by Sun Protection Factor (SPF). An SPF of at least 15 is recommended, though products with SPF between 15 and 30 are suitable for most people. You can also use products with SPF up to 50.
Whenever possible, avoid sunscreens that contain oxybenzone, due to concerns about potential mild hormonal effects.
For especially sensitive areas like the nose, cheeks, tops of the ears, and shoulders, it’s best to use sunscreens that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These offer an effective physical barrier, although they may leave a visible layer on the skin even after being rubbed in.
Apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours, and always after swimming, sweating, being in the pool, or drying off with a towel.
Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, and in most cases, it’s linked to sun exposure. That’s why it’s important to monitor any changes in your skin, especially moles.
See your doctor if you notice moles with irregular borders, that are asymmetrical (one half doesn’t match the other), have uneven coloring, are larger than half a centimeter, or if they hurt, itch, bleed, or form sores that don’t heal. Also watch for moles that suddenly appear or begin to grow upward.
If you notice any warning signs, consult a healthcare professional for early evaluation.
For more information, visit the official websites of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
This article was initially published in our 2025 july-august print edition.
BY: DR: DIEGO CHAVES-GNECCO MD, MPH, FAAP, SALUD PARA NIÑOS Program Director & Founder | Professor of Pediatrics, U. of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine
