Did you know that babies under 6 months old should not be given sunscreen?

Children's skin is thinner and more vulnerable than adults'. In summer, ultraviolet radiation is more intense and can cause short-term (such as sunburn) and long-term (such as premature aging or increased risk of skin cancer) damage. Therefore, it is important to protect them, appropriately, according to their age.

According to Dr. Sergio Negre , head of the Pediatrics Department at Quirónsalud Valencia Hospital , on the website Escuela de familias , protecting minors from the sun involves: avoiding direct exposure to the sun between 12 and 5 pm, dressing them in light clothing that covers arms and legs (preferably UV-approved), wearing hats (wide-brimmed, also protecting the neck) and UV-approved glasses (to avoid damage to the retina), and applying SPF 50+ sunscreen appropriate for their age.

"For children under 6 months, direct sun exposure should be avoided, and routine use of sunscreen is not recommended. Their skin is thinner and more sensitive, and it's easier for them to absorb chemicals . Meanwhile, between 6 months and 2 years, physical or mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) are recommended because they are less irritating and are not absorbed. From 2 years of age, chemical sunscreens can be used, as long as they are formulated for children's skin, with SPF 50+, and are water-resistant," this expert explains.

Here this specialist reminds us that the combination of sunscreen, chlorine, and textile friction can irritate a baby's sensitive skin , so he advises in these cases:

– Wash the area with clean water when leaving the pool.

– Use a barrier cream (zinc oxide type) on areas exposed to friction.

– Consider switching to a cream specifically formulated for sensitive skin, free of irritating perfumes and preservatives.

– And if it persists, consult your pediatrician or dermatologist.

But another piece of advice from this specialist at Quirónsalud Valencia Hospital is that, after spending all day in the water, it's advisable to take a quick shower with fresh water and a mild cleanser to remove salt, chlorine, sand, or sunscreen. "Afterward, the child should be gently dried and a good moisturizer applied. This treatment protects the skin's barrier function and prevents eczema," he asserts.

On the other hand, remember that atopic dermatitis, a common condition among children, which causes dry, itchy, and inflamed skin, flares up depending on the season. In the case of summer, according to this pediatrician, it can worsen or improve depending on the child.

"For some, the sun, sea water, and humidity improve symptoms. For others, sweat, chlorine in swimming pools, and heat worsen them. It's essential to moisturize your skin well, avoid harsh soaps, continue using emollient creams, and wear breathable cotton clothing," advises Dr. Negre.

He also mentions the case of molluscs at this point, now that we are going to spend more time in swimming pools, pointing out that it is a fairly common skin infection in childhood: " Molluscum contagiosum is a virus that causes small, often painless, pearly papules that are spread by direct contact, or through towels and swimming pools."

Remember that it's more common in children with atopic dermatitis because their skin has an altered barrier, which facilitates the virus's entry. "Furthermore, scratching and small wounds promote its spread," this expert insists.

It's not serious, he acknowledges, although he warns that it can be bothersome, long-lasting (several months or years), and contagious. "In mild cases, it can be managed without treatment; if there are many lesions or complications, the pediatrician will consider topical treatment, curettage, or other options," adds Dr. Negre.

In these cases, as well as in other skin infections, this specialist from Quirónsalud Valencia recommends avoiding contact with other children to stop the spread of the virus, not sharing towels or water toys , keeping the skin clean and moisturized, and consulting a pediatrician if there is a fever, many lesions, or signs of bacterial infection (pus, redness, pain).

Finally, he makes special mention of insect bites, so annoying for everyone and so dreaded in babies. This pediatrician explains that the most effective way to reduce them is to wear clothing that covers the skin, install mosquito nets, and apply repellents appropriate for the child's age.

"The use of repellent bracelets or similar substances is not recommended for children under 2 years of age, as they may contain substances that are unsafe for direct contact with the skin or for mouth contact. Instead, it is preferable to use mosquito nets or topical repellents formulated for babies 6 months and older, applied with caution," concludes Dr. Negre.