Children’s rate of sun damage increases by more than two-fold between the first and second summers of their lives, but periodic reminders for parents about the importance of sun protection may help, according to new research released Monday.

Based on reports from 92 mothers of infants, U.S. investigators found that 54 percent of children tanned or burned during their second summer of life, up from 22 percent during their first summers.

“This, I must say, really surprised us,” study author Alan C. Geller told Reuters Health.

Geller explained that this increase in sun damage may occur if families begin “dropping their guard” regarding sun protection. Parents just have to be incredibly vigilant about protecting their children from the sun,” Geller noted.

Regular reminders may help. When mothers received additional letters and a phone call about the importance of sun protection, Geller and his team found that the rate of burns and tans among young children increased somewhat less in the second summer than in children whose parents did not receive extra reminders.

However, Geller noted that the study included only 92 families, which is too small to substantiate the results. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings, the Boston University researcher said.

In the study, Geller and his colleagues offered mothers training during their newborns’ first 48 hours of life on how to protect their children’s skin from sun damage.

Half of the women also received two letters and a phone call reminding them about proper sun protection, and all mothers were asked to report whether their children had tanned or burned during their first and second summers of life.

In both groups, the rate of tanning and burning among children rose significantly between the first and the second summers, the authors report in the Archives of Dermatology.

Interestingly, the use of sunscreen by all parents increased during the study period, but the routine use of hats, shirts and shade appeared to decrease.

In an interview, Geller explained that sunscreen certainly protects children’s skin, but it must be reapplied frequently and rubbed into all skin to work perfectly.

He added that the intervention program appeared to offer some “modest” benefits for protecting kids.

For instance, the rate of sun damage appeared to increase slightly less among children whose mothers received regular reminders about protection, and those mothers were also more likely to be vigilant in protecting their kids. For instance, they were more likely to use umbrellas for strollers, apply sunscreen before going outside, and keep sunscreen in the diaper bag or car.

“Vigilance - I think that’s the key,” Geller said.

SOURCE: Archives of Dermatology, August 2004.