Parents are being reminded of the importance of protecting their children's skin during the summer months.

According to the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU), children's skin is particularly sensitive to the sun's rays and protection is essential whether the child tans or not.

Babies under six months of age should be kept out of direct sunlight altogether.

"It takes only a few blistering sunburns during childhood to double a person's lifetime chance of developing melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer. Children don't have to be at the pool, beach or on vacation to get too much sun. Their skin needs protection from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays whenever they're outdoors," explained IPU vice-president, Daragh Connolly.

He said that children can become very distressed if they get sunburned or are overexposed to the sun, as this can cause pain, blistering, itchiness, headache, fever and chills.

Pharmacists are advising parents to keep their children safe in the sun by:
-Covering children up with a hat and loose-fitting clothes
-Wearing sunglasses, preferably wraparound ones. They should block as close to 100% of UVA and UVB rays as possible
-Keeping children in the shade as much as possible.
-Using a sun cream that complies with EU recommendations and is at least factor 30. If children are in the water, water-resistant creams should be used.

The IPU emphasised that for the best protection, sun creams should be applied 30 minutes before going out and should be reapplied throughout the day.

"With so many sun cream brands on the market, it is important to choose one that suits your child's skin type. Your local pharmacist can provide advice on what to use. If a child does get too much sun, it is best to consult with your pharmacist straight away as it may be necessary to give a child some mild medication for pain relief," Mr Connolly added.