Summer skin protection as kids head outdoors in sunshine

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AUSTIN (KXAN) – The school session is coming to a close, and many kids will be having fun outside with friends or in camps. But as families spend more time in the sun, the concern will be skin care.

Dr. Mary Evers, a dermatologist with St. Edward’s Georgetown Hospital, talked with Meteorologist Freddy Vela about how families can take care of their skin as they spend more time outdoors.

Read an edited version of the conversation below or use the video player above to listen.

Meteorologist Freddy Vela: What are some of the most common skin issues you see during the summer, and how can families prevent them?

Dr. Mary Evers: That’s a great question. In the summer, we see a lot of infectious skin conditions— heat and sweat tend to bring out more bacterial and fungal infections. We also see more inflammatory conditions related to arthropods, like bug bites and stings, as well as rashes from things, like poison ivy.

Sun exposure can also trigger certain types of rashes, especially in people who are on specific medications or have autoimmune conditions. And of course, we keep an eye out for signs of skin cancer.

Vela: We see SPF on bottles of sunscreen, but what should we actually be looking for when choosing one, and how often should it be reapplied?

Evers: There are three main things to look for in a sunscreen. First, choose one that is broad spectrum, which means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Second, check the SPF number—aim for at least SPF 30, but I usually tell patients the higher, the better. Third, make sure it’s water resistant. There’s no such thing as a waterproof sunscreen, so if you’re sweating or swimming, you’ll need to reapply.

Vela: What are some warning signs of sun damage or potential skin cancer that people should watch for?

Evers: With sun damage, more exposure — whether it’s from being outside or using tanning beds— can cause both short and long-term effects. In the short term, you might see sunburn or new freckles. Long term, repeated exposure can lead to changes in the skin that may develop into skin cancer.

Warning signs to look for include any moles or freckles that are changing or growing, or anything new that appears on the skin and is itching, bleeding or growing rapidly. These are all signs to take seriously.

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