Exposure to the sun

It is a good practice for everybody to wear sunscreen, but it is essential for a child receiving chemotherapy and radiation.  Radiation therapy, Bactrim therapy, and certain chemotherapy medications cause increased sensitivity to the sun.  A child can experience very severe sunburn in a short amount of time.  The following suggestions will decrease the occurrence of severe sunburn.

• Limit the amount of time your child spends in direct sun.
• Encourage your child to play in shaded areas.
• Have your child wear protective clothing (remember to keep the head covered).
• Use a factor 30 or greater sunscreen and reapply often, especially when sweating or swimming.

*Information provided by Florida Hospital Cancer Institute

Last update Nov. 1, 2008