A Doctor’s Viewpoint: Sun and Insect Protection

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A Doctor’s Viewpoint: Sun and Insect Protection

Dr. Phil Landrigan

Mount Sinai School of Medicine

Thursday, June 12, 2003

Summer vacation usually means more time to enjoy the great outdoors with your children. Don’t forget to protect your family from the hazards of sunburn, insect bites and stings. Sun-protection practices are especially important for infants and children because overexposure during the early years of life increases the risk for melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer.

Although the chances of an individual contracting encephalitis or other viral diseases from an insect bite are relatively small there are simple measures that you can take to reduce those chances. Here is some advice on what you can do and what you need to know to protect your family.

Protect your child by covering that delicate skin with lightweight, long sleeved shirts, long pants and socks. A wide brimmed hat will shade the face and the back of the neck. Insects may be attracted to floral prints. Choose light, solid colored fabrics. Be sure they’re wearing UV light filtering sunglasses to protect their eyelids and their eyes.

Sunrays are at peak intensity from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., so try to avoid the sun in the middle of the day. Stay in the shade whenever possible. Avoid reflective surfaces, such as bodies of water. Use clothing and shade to protect babies under the age of six months. Pay attention to the UV index by visiting the EPA’s website or signing up for their UV email alerts. This scale of 1 to 10 measures the relative levels of exposure. An index value of 5 indicates moderate exposure, a 7 or higher refers to a potentially dangerous situation.

The best sunscreens have one or more of the following active ingredients: zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and/or parsol. Check the label of "active ingredients", and also note that for each brand name of sunscreen, some may contain one of the active ingredients, but others by the same company may not. Choose a broad spectrum (stops both UVA and UVB ultraviolet rays) product with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 30 or greater. Liberal application of sunscreens should be completed before going outdoors. Because they only last for approximately two hours, they must be reapplied periodically, even on cloudy days. Sunscreen application for babies should start at the age of six months.

Mosquitoes are usually most active at dusk and just before dawn. Keep your window and door screens in good repair. When possible keep your child protected indoors or behind mosquito netting. If eating outside, use an outdoor fan to blow away mosquitoes. To reduce mosquito breeding near your home, plant scented geraniums, lemon thyme, marigold, tansy, citrosa plants, sweet basil and/or sassafras. Eliminate common mosquito breeding sites such as sources of standing water (old tires, pools, plastic pots, buckets, garbage cans or clogged roof gutters). Change water in birdbaths every other day. Make your yard friendly for natural predators such as ladybugs, bats, dragonflys, praying mantis, spiders and birds. Stock a pond with goldfish or freshwater minnows. Use yellow light bulbs (non-attractive, to bugs) in outdoor fixtures.

Fragrances attract insects. Avoid using scented products (such as soap or shampoo) on your child or yourself.

The most common active ingredient in insect repellents is N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET). At concentrations less than 10% it seems safe if applied sparingly and with care. Avoid applying it directly to skin, instead apply to shoes, clothing, hats, etc. Never use on children younger than two months old. Never use repellents over irritated or broken skin, or on the face. Don’t apply to children’s hands, which often end up in their mouths. Use caution with sprays so that the children aren’t inhaling the chemicals. Do not use near food. Once you’re back indoors, wash any treated skin with soap and water. If a reaction has occurred seek medical attention and bring the repellent with you to the doctor’s office.

Don’t purchase combination insect repellent/sunscreen creams. Since sunscreens must be applied frequently over time these combination formulas may lead to overexposure to DEET.

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