Kids and UV safety: What a Savannah pediatrician wants parents to know

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Local pediatricians say a good rule of thumb when kids are outside is to apply at least SPF 30 sunscreen and reapply every two hours.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency says the Lowcountry and Coastal Empire are experiencing very high to extreme levels of ultraviolet radiation.

What the UV index means locally

UV levels range from 1 to 11-plus. The area is currently falling under the very high and extreme categories.

Ashley Cheek, a pediatrician at Memorial Health, said children can get a sunburn in as little as 30 minutes without SPF protection.

“Sunscreen is extraordinarily important for kids six months and up,” Cheek said.

Choosing the right sunscreen

Cheek said parents should look for sunscreens containing zinc and titanium, describing those ingredients as safe and proven to help.

She also noted that children born with a tan still need sun protection.

“Even though the body has protected it in a sense, it’s still only SPF about 10,” Cheek said. “So again, if we’re looking at like 30 to 50 SPF to protect kids.”

Avoiding peak hours and reflected rays

Cheek said families should try to avoid being outside between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., particularly on days when the UV index is high.

She also warned that water and sand can reflect UV rays and make them more intense than they would be otherwise.

A visitor at Forsyth Park said she protects her two grandchildren by always packing sunscreen and water.

“We have a beach umbrella,” said Kim, a park visitor. “So when they get hot, they get underneath the umbrella. And when they’ve had enough, we go home. And they’ll tell you when they’ve had enough.”

Cheek also advised protecting eyes from high UV levels by wearing a hat or sunglasses, when possible, even if its cloudy because the sun’s rays can still make an impact.

She also says if a child does get burnt, to apply aloe vera and to speak with your local pediatrician if the burns turn into blisters.