The solidarity project #notequemesconelsol helps parents, teachers and children to know the risks of direct exposure to sunlight in children.
The sun is a basic element for synthesizing vitamin D in people. However, although it has many positive effects on metabolism, it is known that 80% of skin cancers are due to overexposure to the sun.
People who have had more than three sunburns in their lifetime are at least ten times more likely to develop malignant melanoma. Sunburn in childhood or adolescence more than doubles the chance of developing melanoma in later life, with 90% of melanomas being caused by the sun.
How can I protect my children from the sun?
- Apply sunscreen before leaving the house
- Avoid sun exposure between noon and 4 pm
- Renew protection every two hours and after bathing.
- Protect yourself with a cap and sunglasses.
- Do not get sunburned during outdoor activities
- Drink water regularly
What should sunscreens be like?
- It must incorporate protective agents against ultraviolet A and B radiation.
- It must have a UVB protection index between 20 and 50.
- Physical photoprotectors (with zinc oxide microparticles and titanium dioxide) when chemical photoprotectors are not indicated or are not tolerated (children’s skin, allergic skin…).
- They must include attached information on how to apply it.
#Notequemesconelsol, a solidarity project to combat sun damage.
For this reason, and with the aim of raising awareness and prevention, the #notequemesconelsol educational program promoted by Clínica Dermatológica Internacional was born, a solidarity project in which all the dermatologists and non-medical personnel who collaborate do so altruistically. The first school to take part in this experience was the Colegio La Salle Maravillas, dividing the project into three phases: education, protection and communication.
- Education: for children, parents and teachers. Nurse Sandra Ibáñez gave fun talks to the infant, 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade classes about the dangers and benefits of the sun, but especially about how to be well photoprotected. Dr. Ruiz and his team gave a talk at the parents’ school in which they explained the keys to keeping children’s skin healthy and problem-free.
- Protection: La Salle Maravillas School has received dispensers and containers of sunscreen, so that they can be distributed in the courtyard of the classrooms, so that students have access to them before going out.
- Communication: in addition, a talk was given to publicize the project to the media, with an exceptional sponsor, the Formula 1 driver, Carlos Sainz Jr.