How to prevent skin cancer in children|Skin Cancer in Children

Prevention of skin cancer In Children

Protect yourself from ultraviolet rays

Any advice given here is even more important in the case of children .

• Protect the skin from the sun by wearing long-sleeved shirts, pants and a wide-brimmed hat. Polyester gives less UV light than cotton 4 . 
  In sporting goods stores, clothes are specially designed to provide maximum protection against the sun, called anti-UV clothing. They are made of special microfibers, have a tighter weave, etc. Their use may be justified in the case of people spending several hours each day outdoors, and in the case of people who have a disease that makes the skin very sensitive to UV rays (for example, lupus, albinism and porphyria);
• Look for shade and avoid exposure to the sun without protection, especially when the sun is at its zenith . This precautionary measure also applies when the weather is cloudy, as the sun's rays pass through the light layers of clouds. Before going out or spending part of the day outside, ask the weather services for the UV index ;
• Avoid attending tanning salons . Note that having a tanned complexion with a tanning lamp before going on vacation to a sun destination does not protect the skin from the sun's rays. 5

About sunscreens

• Dermatologists generally advise that sunscreen with a protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 and a maximum of 50 should be applied to uncovered skin areas. 
  Note. The SPF indicates protection against UVB rays only . For optimal protection, look for sunscreens that also protect against UVA rays . Several solar products offer this protection.Look for "UVA and UVB Protect" or "Broad Screen"; 
• It is recommended to apply sunscreens for 20 to 30 minutes before exposure to the sun while the chemical ingredients are absorbed by the skin. Some creams, however, contain physical screens (titanium dioxide or zinc oxide), which protect the skin as soon as they are applied;
• Sunscreens protect the skin more effectively than gels and sprays . Gels stick to skin less than creams, so they are less resistant to sweat and water. As for the vaporizers, they apply less uniformly on the skin;
• Sunscreens must be used in sufficient quantity . A person of average size who wants to coat his body will apply the equivalent of at least 2 c. (30 ml) screen. In addition, it should put on the face about 1 c. coffee (5 ml) of protection. In general, people do not apply enough cream;
• Reapply the sun product every 2 to 3 hours , after a swim or if you have sweated a lot;
• Do not expose a child under the age of 3 to the sun directly;
• Avoid using products that accelerate tanning (oils), even those that contain sunscreens.

For more information, see our Sun Strategies folder : with and without cream .

Sufficient vitamin D?

Vitamin D is synthesized by the skin under the action of the sun's ultraviolet rays. A certain amount of exposure to the sun is therefore necessary. From April to October, the body synthesizes and stores vitamin D for its winter needs. However, enough vitamin D-rich foods must be consumed at all times. More and more expert groups are recommending that Canadians take vitamin D supplements to meet their basic needs. For more information on vitamin D requirements and sun exposure, see our Vitamin D fact sheet.

Note any changes in the appearance of the skin

The earlier the cancer is detected, the easier it is to treat. Seek medical attention immediately if you notice any of the following signs.

• A mole or actinic keratosis that changes shape, size or color. Actinic (or solar) keratoses are small flat and rough lesions, flesh-colored or pinkish. They appear mostly on the face, arms and hands of people who have often exposed themselves to the sun. They can develop into squamous cell carcinoma ;
• A new suspicious colored lesion on the skin: 8 times out of 10, melanoma is manifested as a new lesion, not a pre-existing lesion that changes appearance 12 ;
• The appearance of a lump on or under the skin;
• A skin lesion that does not heal ;
• Any symptoms described in the Symptoms section.

Learn about the photosensitizing effect of drugs and natural health products

Some drugs are photosensitive, that is, they increase, among other things, the sensitivity of the skin to ultraviolet rays. This is the case, for example, with antibiotics (especially tetracycline and equinoxes), non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, certain psychotropic drugs (drugs or substances that affect brain activity) and censorial. (substances that contribute to the pigmentation of the skin).

Certain phytotherapy products and certain essential oils also have a photosensitizing effect.This is especially the case with herbal products containing furocoumarins: celery, parsnip, parsley, fennel, angelica, dill, anise, coriander, bergamot, lemon and fig 4 .

For both drugs and natural health products, the magnitude of the photo sensitizing effect is dependent on the dose administered. Check with a pharmacist, doctor, or other trained health professional before using a new drug or natural health product.