Parents ‘putting their children at risk of burning and skin cancer by failing to apply sun cream properly’

PARENTS are putting their children at risk of burning and skin cancer by failing to apply sun cream properly, a health expert has warned.

Half do not reapply protection unless their child is playing in water.

Three per cent do not use it on their children at all, while one in three do not reapply it on a cloudy day, a poll found.

Clouds do not block all harmful UV rays.

US paediatrician Gary Freed said: “Children need protection regardless of the amount of sunshine.

"If not reapplied often enough, kids are still at risk of sunburns.

"Children are spending more time in the sun and possibly at beaches and pools as families enjoy outdoor summer activities.

"But too much sun exposure can be dangerous and damage the skin.

"The majority of parents understand the importance of using sunscreen, but they may not always use a high enough SPF or reapply as often as they should to protect their children's skin."

Dr Freed also urged parents to not be fooled by "water resistant"; labels, saying, "no sunscreen is waterproof".

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