People with CMN can and should enjoy a normal life. However sun protection is important for everyone, and possibly more important for people with CMN. As a general rule sun avoidance and good clothing protection are much more important than just relying on suncream.
a. Sun avoidance is the most important way to protect against the sun
Children should be kept out of direct sun as much as possible during the hottest hours of the day and in the hottest months of the year, for example, by staying in the shade. The hottest hours of the day are 10am-4pm, and the hottest months of the year are April to October. Outside these times there is usually no need for sun protection in the UK. This does not mean children should not go outside between 10am-4pm in the hot months, it just means they should stay in the shade where possible and wearing appropriate clothing.
Although the UK doesn’t get a lot of hot weather, the UV can be high; for those times of the day avoid the sun as much as possible. The shade does not prevent you from UV exposure but it decreases it, so sitting under a tree or under a parasol and walking on the shady side of the street are really good ways to minimise sun exposure.
Other important points to remember:
- UV exposure is much higher when beside water or snow, so special care should be taken when swimming outside or skiing.
- The sun is more harmful at higher altitudes.
- Shade provides less protection when near water or snow or when the weather is cloudy.
- The increased risk of skin cancer in children with CMN probably applies to their whole body, not just on their CMN.
b. Good clothing
Good clothing is the second most important way to protect against the sun. Appropriate clothes during hot weather really make a difference:
- a wide-brimmed hat which provides protection to the ears, back of the neck and over the face is probably the best thing you can do for sun protection for children especially under 10, as exposure to the sun then brings the greatest risk of skin cancer in later life.
- longer sleeve T shirts should be worn instead of strappy T shirts, so that the shoulders are covered.
- if shorts are worn, choose longer legged shorts to provide more coverage to the legs.
- UV suits which provide more extensive coverage and protection are really worth while.
c. Sun cream
- Sun cream is not a substitute for sun avoidance and good clothing protection. However, it should be used for areas that are not protected by clothing, if someone has to be in the direct sun during the hottest times of the day.
- The best sunscreens contain a reflectant barrier such as titanium dioxide. Select a high protection factor – for babies SPF 50 or more, for children SPF 30 or more – and with high UVA 5 star protection. usually on the back of the bottle). Sunscreen needs to be refreshed every 2 hours or so and more often when swimming or sweating.
d. Can I get suncream in prescription?
Yes, you can request sun cream on prescription. However, here are a few things to consider as you do:
- Some GPs are restricted as to what products they can prescribe, this does tend to change per post code.
- The ability to prescribe products is dependent on whether they can issue a EPS Token which is a barcode you can take to any pharmacy for an item.
- GPs are restricted on the brand and volume that they can prescribe, but any prescribable high factor (50 ideally) suncream will be fine.
- There are varying amounts of suncream prescribed per month to our members, some reporting 4 bottles per month, others 1 bottle, others have been unsuccessful and unable to receive any on prescription.
Please do search our closed Facebook page to read some posts from other members about accessing suncream on prescription. We also have a letter available upon request which you can forward to your GP or dermatologist if necessary, email support@caringmattersnow.co.uk.
e. Is there a difference between getting sunburned and getting a suntan?
We definitely don’t want children to get sunburned, and we also don’t really like them to get suntanned much. That’s true, in general, for skin and dermatology in children.
