Every parent knows how hard it can be to get sunscreen onto a wiggly child. But its importance cannot be overstated.
Although childhood skin cancer is rare, melanoma is the most common type found in this age group. Protecting your child’s skin from ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is critical for preventing long-term health consequences, including an increased risk of developing skin cancer later in life.
UVR damage adds up over time, meaning early-life exposure significantly contributes to future skin health issues. Establishing sun protection habits early reduces the likelihood of skin cancer and other adverse effects, such as sunburn and premature skin aging. Minimizing excessive UVR exposure is essential to safeguarding their skin against these risks.
What To Look For
Early-stage melanoma in children can appear differently than it does in adults. In adults, melanoma normally appears dark and adheres to conventional ABCDE criteria (asymmetric, border irregularity, color variability, diameter greater than a pencil eraser, evolving lesion). In children, however, these spots may appear lighter in color — pink, white or yellowish.
In children, melanoma tends to look different in size, shape or color compared to other moles on their body, often standing out as the “ugly duckling.” The biggest clue for pediatric melanoma is a mole or lesion that is changing. Paying close attention to these distinctions is vital for early detection and treatment.
Certain risk factors make some children more likely to get melanoma. These include:
- Having light skin
- A history of multiple blistering sunburns
- Some moles that are present at birth or appear within the first few years of life
- Numerous large or small moles
- A family history of unusual moles or melanoma
The most common symptoms include:
- A skin bump that itches, is painful, or bleeds
- A mole that rapidly appears or is changing
- Odd-looking moles, particularly larger ones
- Moles that differ significantly from others on the child’s body
Understanding the unique presentation of melanoma in children and the importance of UVR protection is so important. We know kids want to play outside, so parents and caregivers play a crucial role in reducing the risk of this potentially serious condition.
{4B95C959-ADD6-4DEA-82A1-B795524334D1}
Early Prevention Is Key
Early prevention and regular monitoring are essential for ensuring long-term skin health. Mineral-based sunscreens that contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are recommended when outdoors. Look for those that are broad spectrum (covering UVA and UVB), SPF 30 or higher, and water resistant. But remember, water resistant does not mean waterproof. Sunscreen needs to be reapplied often — at least every 90 minutes or more often if swimming or sweating. Some brands to consider: Blue Lizard, Sun Bum or Baby Bum. Mineral sunscreens can leave a white residue, so Supergoop and Cotz are suggested for darker skin tones. For more information about sunscreen, check out this blog post written by a colleague of mine.
Long-sleeve swim shirts, often called rash guards, and wide-brimmed hats are great for young ones. Infants are more susceptible to sunburns and should be kept out of direct sunlight until 6 months or older. Avoiding peak hours of the day (10 a.m.-4 p.m.) and seeking shade can also be helpful for long-term skin health.
While societal pressures may have teens opting for a sunny glow, tanning beds are just as dangerous. Even one trip to the tanning bed can increase the risk of skin cancer 75%. In 2024, with the guidance of the Wisconsin Dermatological Society, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers passed a bill that restricts tanning beds for minors. That was a very welcome step in the right direction for preventing skin cancer in young adults.
As always, if you ever have any concerns about your child’s health, never hesitate to reach out to their pediatrician.
