Comment
The survey results indicated suboptimal sun-protection practices among parents of black and Hispanic infants in Miami. Although the majority of respondents (83% [58/70]) reported keeping their infants in the shade, less than half of parents consistently covered their infants adequately with clothing and hats (40% [28/70] and 43% [30/70], respectively). More alarmingly, one-third of parents reported intentionally increasing their infant's level of sun exposure to develop his/her tolerance to the sun. A minority of parents reported sunburns (3%) and tanning (12%) within the first 6 months of life. Twenty-nine percent of parents (20/70) reported consistently applying sunscreen to their infants who were younger than 6 months despite limited safety data available for this age group.
Although our study included a limited sample size and represents a narrow geographic distribution, these results suggest that shortcomings in current practices in sun protection for black and Hispanic infants younger than 6 months may be a widespread problem. Black and Hispanic patients have a lower incidence of skin cancer, but the diagnosis often is delayed and the mortality is higher when skin cancer does occur.4 The common perception among laypeople as well as many health care providers that black and Hispanic individuals are not at risk for skin cancer may limit sun-safety counseling as well as the overall knowledge base of this patient demographic. As demonstrated by the results of this study, there is a need for counseling on sun-safe behaviors from a young age among this population.
Conclusion
This study highlights potential shortcomings in current sun-protection practices for black and Hispanic infants younger than 6 months. Sun-safe behaviors instituted from a young age may help reduce the risk for future skin cancers.3 Additional studies are needed to further define sun-safety behaviors in black and Hispanic children across the United States. Further, additional studies should focus on developing interventions that positively influence sun-safety behaviors in this patient population.
