Less Than Half of Illinois Parents Always Use Sunscreen for Their Child

Survey finds gaps in child sun safety practices, experts offer useful tips

Only 42% of Illinois parents always apply sunscreen when their child goes outdoors in the summer, and over one in 10 parents (11%) never do, according to the new Voices of Child Health report from Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. Over 1,000 parents from urban and rural communities across Illinois were surveyed about sunscreen usage and other habits related to child sun safety.

“All parents should teach their children sun safety habits, regardless of skin tone, since 80% of lifetime sun exposure occurs before age 18,” said report co-author Michelle Macy, MD, MS, Director of Mary Ann & J. Milburn Smith Child Health Outcomes, Research and Evaluation Center, Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute at Lurie Children’s, and Professor of Pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

“Even on cloudy days children can get sunburned, which increases their risk for long-term skin damage and skin cancer,” she emphasized. “In our survey, parents of younger children report using sunscreen most frequently, but older children are still vulnerable to sun damage and require protection.”

When parents did use sunscreen for their child, most reported choosing a product with SPF 30 or higher, which has been proven to be most effective. Other information on sunscreen labels is equally important, however.

“A sunscreen that offers ‘broad-spectrum’ UVA and UVB protection, is water-resistant, and contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, offers the best defense against skin damage,” said Dr. Macy. “Ingredient oxybenzone, however, should be avoided because of health and environmental impacts.”

Sunscreen also needs to be reapplied every two hours, yet only 20% of surveyed parents always do so and 22% of respondents never do.

"Sun protection in childhood is now known to be one of the best investments that parents can make into their child's future health. Importantly, parents need to model good sun protection behavior for their young children, so that applying sunscreen before going outdoors becomes as large a part of their child's routine as brushing their teeth," said Anthony J. Mancini, MD, FAAP, FAAD, Division Chief of Pediatric Dermatology at Lurie Children's and Professor of Pediatrics and Dermatology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

"When I educate patients and families in the clinic, I talk not only about skin cancer prevention, but about other ill effects of the sun, such as premature skin aging and wrinkling, which sometimes resonates even more so with the pediatric patient, especially teens," he said.

Dr. Mancini stresses that while certain sunscreen ingredients (ie, zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide) may be favored over others, the best sunscreen choice is the "sunscreen that your child will use."

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping infants younger than 6 months out of direct sunlight because their delicate skin absorbs sunscreen and is prone to rashes. Parents should use protective clothing, hats, and shade to keep young children safe. A small amount of SPF 15 sunscreen could be applied to the face and hands, if needed.

Survey results indicated families find it difficult to avoid the sun during its strongest hours, between 10 am-4 pm, when the UV index is highest. Only 22% of parents said they always avoid the sun during this time.

“Outdoor activity at peak sun hours requires extra precautions to stay sun safe and hydrated, like spending time in the shade and taking breaks to drink water whenever possible,” said Dr. Macy. “Indoor activities can be important alternatives, especially if a child begins to look red and feels hot.”

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago is a nonprofit organization committed to providing access to exceptional care for every child. It is the only independent, research-driven children’s hospital in Illinois and one of less than 35 nationally. This is where the top doctors go to train, practice pediatric medicine, teach, advocate, research and stay up to date on the latest treatments. Exclusively focused on children, all Lurie Children’s resources are devoted to serving their needs. Research at Lurie Children’s is conducted through Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute, which is focused on improving child health, transforming pediatric medicine and ensuring healthier futures through the relentless pursuit of knowledge. Lurie Children’s is the pediatric training ground for Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. It is ranked as one of the nation’s top children’s hospitals by U.S. News & World Report.