One feature is an interactive game, "It's a Skin Cell's Life," which provides information about caring for skin, hair and nails to kids ages 8-12 and their parents.

"The Academy is committed to teaching children and their parents about skin, hair and nail care, and an interactive and engaging Web site is the perfect way to do that," said dermatologist David M. Pariser, MD, FAAD, president of the Academy. "The Web site, which was created with feedback from children and their parents, helps us encourage the development of lifelong habits that ensure good health, such as using sunscreen for protection against the harmful
rays of the sun."

In the process of developing the web site, the academy surveyed children and parents about what they'd like to see on a site about skin, hair and nails. The top rated responses were games (86 per cent); what to do if your nail gets hurt or bruised (60 per cent); what makes hair grow (54 per cent); and information about bug bites (49 per cent). Mums wanted: to know that the site is run by a respected health organization (92 per cent), for their kids to learn proper hygiene for skin, hair and nails (49 per cent); and to have an area where they could interact with their child while learning about health issues (39 per cent).

The site can be viewed at KidsSkinHealth.org.