Raúl de Lucas: “Shade is essential for children to enjoy the sun safely”

Shade and sun protection for children are essential to enable them to play, learn and enjoy the outdoors, whilst reducing the risks associated with excessive exposure to the sun.

This is how Dr Raúl de Lucas, a paediatric dermatologist and leading figure in raising awareness about education, prevention and healthy habits, recalls it. We spoke to him during the 3rd Conference organised by the Fundación Piel Sana, held in Madrid – an organisation with which Saxun collaborates as a silver member.

Q. Why is it essential to teach children about sun protection?

A. When we are dealing with a paediatric patient, we should see it as an opportunity to educate them about healthy habits, exercise, prevention and, of course, sun protection.

Childhood is the time when we learn many of the habits that will stay with us for the rest of our lives. Teaching children to protect themselves from the sun is not just a one-off piece of advice. It is a way of looking after their health, both now and in the future.

Q. Is there greater awareness today of the importance of sun protection?

A. Today we have a wealth of information, knowledge and scientific evidence. We know that maintaining a healthy relationship with the sun saves lives. Let’s be absolutely clear about this: it saves lives.

Melanoma is an extremely aggressive form of cancer, and its development is linked to sunburn during childhood and adolescence. That is why it is so important for families to be aware of the risks and to understand that protecting the skin from an early age is an essential preventive measure.

Q. What influence do social media have on prevention messages?

We must act responsibly. On social media, just as in society, we come across misleading or malicious messages. Sometimes, what a famous person, a sportsman or a social media influencer says is accepted as true, almost as if it were a dogma, even though they do not have the necessary knowledge to recommend healthy behaviours.

That is why it is so important to consult reliable sources and healthcare professionals. Prevention requires accurate information, particularly when it comes to sun protection, children and habits that may have long-term consequences.

Q. What role do shade, clothing and other physical protection measures play?

A. Physical protection from the sun is essential. Many of the recommendations we make regarding creams or topical sunscreens are in place because we cannot always be under a parasol, fully clothed or sheltered by a pergola.

We must also teach our children to play in sheltered areas and create spaces designed for this purpose. In many school playgrounds, for example, children are exposed to a great deal of solar radiation during break time. There is still a lot of work to be done in this area.

Clothing, hats, covered areas and shaded areas are all part of comprehensive sun protection. These are simple, effective and necessary measures to help you enjoy the outdoors more safely.

School and nursery playgrounds are spaces for play, socialising and learning. They are also places where children may be exposed to the sun for prolonged periods, particularly during the months when solar radiation is at its strongest.

Incorporating solutions that provide shade helps to create more comfortable areas for relaxation and play. Pergolas, awnings and other sun protection systems can help to reduce direct exposure to the sun and make better use of the patio throughout the day.

Shade is not intended to keep children away from the outdoors. Quite the opposite: it helps them to enjoy it for longer and in better conditions.

Q. What is the value of the Piel Sana Foundation?

A. The Piel Sana Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation made up of dermatologists and affiliated with the Spanish Academy of Dermatology. Its value lies in promoting healthy skin care habits amongst the general public.

I believe that healthcare professionals – and, in this case, dermatologists – have a duty to share knowledge and help the public protect themselves more effectively.

Q. How do Saxun’s solutions help to create safer outdoor spaces?

A. Physical security solutions complete the cycle of care and prevention.

Having access to professionals and solutions that enable the creation of sheltered spaces is key to enjoying the outdoors more safely. Shade helps us to stay outside, socialise, play, go for a walk or relax without compromising our wellbeing.

Saxun’s sun protection solutions make it possible to transform terraces, patios, gardens, educational establishments and public spaces into more comfortable places that are well-suited to enjoying the sun.

Awnings, pergolas and other shading systems can be tailored to the needs of each space to create shaded areas where they are most needed.