Latest news with #DrKateViola
CBS News
a day ago
- Health
- CBS News
Here are the best sunscreens for kids, according to a Maryland dermatologist
Sunscreen is not one size fits all, and Maryland dermatologist Dr. Kate Viola has recommendations that fit all age groups Sun safety is a topic that is near and dear to Dr. Viola's heart. The board-certified dermatologist with Dermatology Partners said when children and teens get five or more sunburns, the likelihood of them getting a melanoma later in life doubles. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. Dr. Viola recommends reapplying sunscreen every two hours and after being in the water. Sun care for babies Babies under the age of six months old should not be out in the sun, according to Dr. Viola. "Their skin is too sensitive even for sunscreen," she said. For babies six months and older, Dr. Viola recommends mineral sunscreen, which is great for sensitive skin. Mineral sunscreens include ingredients like zinc oxide or zinc oxide plus titanium dioxide. The SPF should be at least 30, but Dr. Viola said this type of sunscreen is usually around 50 SPF. She recommends products from Eucerin and Vanicream. Sun care for toddlers to 5-year-olds "What I love to do for the toddler to five years range is have your child actually put the sunscreen on themselves," Dr. Viola said. "One great way to do it is with a stick." She recommends using four passes of the CeraVe Sunscreen Stick for optimal protection. "You can teach your child how to use this, and this is really a gift for life of sun protection," said Dr. Viola. Sun care for teens Since teens and tweens tend to have a little bit of acne, Dr. Viola recommends morning and evening face moisturizers from CeraVe and La Roche-Posay. "A lot of acne products can be drying, so if you do an a.m. and p.m. with moisturizer, you get all of your bases covered, which is great," she said. Young athletes can use UV sports sunscreens. Sunscreen sprays are also a convenient option, but Dr. Viola warns against doing just one layer of coverage. You need to keep spraying until you shine, she says. "That's what we always say; until you glisten," Dr. Viola said. "That's the way to go." She recommends using sprays from Eucerin and La Roche-Posay. "There's several others [that] make great sprays that are both mineral as well as the non-mineral or chemical sunscreens, and those work very well," she said. Dr. Viola also said UPF clothing, which is designed to shield UV light, is equivalent to wearing 50 SPF. She recommends brands like Coolibar, which received the Skin Cancer Foundation Seal of Recommendation.
CBS News
3 days ago
- Health
- CBS News
Cuts, scrapes and bug bites are common for kids. A Maryland dermatologist shares tips for treating them.
During the summer, it's common for kids to come home with small cuts and scrapes or pesky bug bites. Maryland dermatologist Dr. Kate Viola recommends that families keep some products handy to treat small injuries. Preventing bug bites Dr. Viola, a board-certified dermatologist with Dermatology Partners in Sparks, Maryland, said prevention is key when it comes to mosquito bites and bee stings. "The American Academy of Pediatrics highly recommends the use of DEET in [children] two months old and above," said Dr. Viola. DEET can be found in bug repellent products like OFF. Dr. Viola said it's safe to use on kids' sensitive skin. Treating bug bites According to Dr. Viola, it's important to immediately identify the bug bite before treating it. There are two simple ways to get relief. Dr. Viola recommends a cold compress to help relieve the itching and pain. Another tip is to use skin care products that are cold. She recommends putting moisturizers and anti-itch lotions like CeraVe in the refrigerator. "It will make a huge difference over time, and it will cool down the area, so that's very important," Dr. Viola said. When to see a doctor If your child is having trouble breathing or swallowing after a bug bite or sting, and it begins to look like an anaphylactic episode, Dr. Viola urges parents to call 911 immediately. "If the bug bite just does not go away, and it's very painful for the child even after giving – you can give a children's acetaminophen, Motrin, ibuprofen – If that does not help, seek the advice of your pediatrician or a dermatologist for sure," Dr. Viola said. Treating cuts and scrapes Dr. Viola suggests choosing Vaseline over Neosporin when treating common cuts and scrapes. "The problem with Neosporin and products like Bacitracin is that for many people – including adults and children – there are ingredients that patients can also be allergic to, children can be allergic to," Dr. Viola said. To treat cuts and scrapes, she recommends products like Vaseline because it acts as a barrier to protect the skin, and it's inexpensive. She also recommends Aquaphor and CeraVe Healing Ointment. "All of these are just great for cuts and scrapes, so just put that on," Dr. Viola said. "That's so much better for the skin, and you won't get an allergic reaction."
