Skip To Main Content

Sun Safety Tips

Think Prevention! Limit the Sun, not the fun!

Before kids go out in the sun, remember “Slip Slop Slap & Wrap”:

  1. Slip on a shirt
  2. Slop on sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, reapply every 2 hours or if the child has been in the water or sweating. Every application should equal approximately 1 ounce.
  3. Slap on a brimmed hat
  4. Wrap on a pair of sunglasses

What to do if your child gets a sunburn:

  1. Remove the child from the sun immediately.
  2. Place the child in a cool (not cold) shower or bath, or apply cool compresses several times a day.
  3. Offer the child extra fluids for the next 2-3 days.
  4. Give the child ibuprofen or acetaminophen as directed, if needed, to relieve pain.
  5. Make sure all sunburned areas are fully covered to protect the child from the sun until healed.

Call a Doctor if the child has:

  • A sunburn that forms blisters or is extremely painful.
  • Facial swelling from a sunburn.
  • A sunburn that covers a large area.
  • Fever or chills after getting a sunburn.
  • Headache, confusion or a feeling of faintness.
  • Signs of dehydration (increased thirst, or dry eyes and mouth).
  • Signs of infection on the skin (increasing redness, warmth, pain, swelling or pus).

Did you know?

  • More than 90% of skin cancers are the result of sun exposure.
  • Much of your child’s lifetime sun exposure can occur before they graduate from high school.
  • All people, regardless of skin or eye color, are equally at risk for eye damage from overexposure to the sun.
  • The ozone layer is thinner than it was 25 years ago. More harmful UV rays are now able to reach the Earth.
  • The sun’s rays are the strongest between 10 am and 4pm.
  • For more information visit: www.epa.gov/sunwise