Recently, the use of sunscreens for children and adults has been in the news as one might expect this time of year.  On June 14, 2011, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published an important announcement about the labeling on sunscreens.  Parents may want to know what this change in sunscreen labeling means for them and their families. Sunscreens will soon have to have appropriate labeling as to the actual SPF levels and whether or not a sunscreen is actually "broad spectrum" protection or not.

Parents need to know that some sunscreen products protect against only UVB rays while others protect against UVA (which are more damaging) and UVB rays. The FDA, however, now will require sunscreen manufacturers "to prove their product effectively protects against both forms of dangerous ultraviolet rays (UVA and UVB) before they can claim to protect against skin cancer and other sun damage, as well as sunburn. http://www.suntimes.com/lifestyles/health/5958708-423/fda-cracking-down-on-sunscreen-claims.html  

Beginning next summer, parents will be able to purchase sunscreens with an SPF of at least 15 that show the words, "broad spectrum", on the label. (SPF, or sun-protection factor, is represented as a number, such as 15, 30 or 50, indicating the degree of sunburn protection provided by a sunscreen.) SPF is related to the total amount of sun exposure rather than the length of time of sun exposure. http://www.medicinenet.com/sun_protection_and_sunscreens/article.htm

Janet Woodcock, M.D., director of the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, says "These changes to sunscreen labels are an important part of helping consumers have the information they need so they can choose the right sun protection for themselves and their families."   Dr. Woodcock also noted that "most skin cancers are caused by sun exposure." "Not only should consumers regularly apply and reapply sunscreens with Broad Spectrum and SPF of 15 or higher, they should also limit sun exposure." http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/2011/ucm258940.htm

So, while the FDA is busy regulating sunscreens, parents are busy trying to protect their young children's skin.  Vince Iannelli, MD, of the American Academy of Pediatrics, says that there are some basic things parents should do to protect kids against harmful UV (ultraviolet) radiation exposure, and they are:

• Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or greater, with both UVA and UVB protection;
• Apply a generous amount of sunscreen at one time for a child;
• Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours or more if your child goes swimming or perspires;
• Limit children's sun exposure and encourage the wearing of hats, sunglasses and other protective clothing when possible!

http://pediatrics.about.com/b/2011/05/24/consumer-reports-sunscreen-reviews.htm?nl=1

Childsafetyblog.org wishes you a safe, healthy, happy and sunny summer!