AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) —Summer time is almost here, and that means the new and expecting moms might have questions when it comes to things like sunscreen, the sun, and insect repellant. We speak with Co-Director of the TTUHSC InfantRisk Center, Doctor Teresa Baker.
Dr. Baker says that sunscreen is important for pregnant women to wear, and even more important compared to others because pregnancy hormones can cause an increase in skin pigmentation and skin cancers can be more aggressive during pregnancy.
Dr. Baker recommends the following:
-use a broad-spectrum formula, which blocks both UVA and UVB rays
-make sure your sunscreen as an SPF of at least 30
-moms-to-be may opt for physical sunscreens with active ingredients like “titanium dioxide” or “zinc oxide”. Physical or mineral sunscreens are hypoallergenic, making them a good choice for pregnant women with sensitive skin.
It’s smart to cover up or seek shade between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest. And remember to apply your SPF at least 15 minutes before you head outside and reapply at least every two hours, even if you aren’t swimming or sweating.
When it comes to babies, sunscreen is not recommended for babies who are 6 months old or younger. It’s best to keep infants out of the sun during midday and use protective clothing if they have to be in the sun. After that, parents can feel comfortable using a broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays and has an SPF of 15 or higher—keeping in mind that sunscreen wears off. Reapply again if you stay out in the sun for more than two hours and after swimming, sweating or toweling off. Check the sunscreen’s expiration date. Sunscreen without an expiration date has a shelf life of no more than three years. Its shelf life is shorter if it has been exposed to high temperatures.
Insect repellants are also important as the summer months approach, but Doctor Baker says use caution when using them for new/expecting moms and babies. Dr. Baker says inspect repellants containing DEET are safe for children, but you should ALWAYS follow label instructions. Do not use products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol on children under three years old. It’s also important not to apply insect repellent to child’s hands, eyes, mouth, cuts or irritated skin. Adults can spray insect repellent onto their hands and then apply to a child’s face.
DEET is the most effective type of spray against mosquitoes, but the EPA offers an insect repellent tool on its website to determine which kind of spray is best.
And remember, the three Ds to keep mosquitos away…
●Drain and mow: Tip, toss and drain water from all containers around property. Adult mosquitoes prefer to rest on weeds and tall vegetation. Residents can reduce the number of areas where adult mosquitoes can find shelter by regularly mowing the lawn. To further reduce adult mosquitoes harboring in vegetation, insecticides may be applied to the lower limbs of shade trees, shrubs and other vegetation. Always read and follow label direction before application.
●Dress: Wear long sleeves, long pants and light-colored, loose-fitting clothing while outdoors to prevent mosquito bites.
●Defend: Properly apply an approved repellent such as DEET, picaridin, IR 3535 or oil of lemon-eucalyptus.
Pregnant and breastfeeding individuals will likely have to change up their treatment for seasonal allergies. Doctors consider OTC medications like Claritin or Zyrtec to be safe. You could also try an intranasal steroid spray like Nasonex or Flonase—these are considered safe throughout the pregnancy. However, when it comes to decongestants or pseudoephedrine, pregnant moms should avoid them in the first trimester. As for herbal remedies and aromatherapy, their effects haven’t been studied efficiently, so it’s best to avoid them while pregnant. You can use a humidifier or saline or salt water nasal spray to help ease congestion. And as always, if you know what your environmental trigger is, you should try to avoid it.
InfantRisk Center
At Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
1 (806) 352-2519
