Sunburn
- Sunburn is a primary cause of skin cancer. In Australia due to our Ultraviolet A (UVA) and Ultraviolet B (UVB) exposure means that the intensity of the sun is greater than in most other countries. This intensity causes the skin to burn much faster than in other places in the world.
- Sun safety begins early in life and should be a lifelong concern. The Wiggles know the song “Slip, slop, slap” and always demonstrate sun safe behaviour by slipping on a shirt, slopping on sunscreen and slapping on a hat, as well as using wrap-around sunglasses.
- Over the last decade Australians have become more reliant on sunscreen as the principal source of protection and have not used the other form of protection such as staying in the shade, wearing a hat or wearing protective clothing as much
- Young children are particularly vulnerable to sunburn damage. Infants should not be exposed to the sun unless directed by a medical practitioner. When in the sun, babies under six months should be covered up completely with cotton garments that have an open weave and that are light in colour.
- Children under the age of six months should not wear sunscreen unless the manufacturer has indicated that the sunscreen is safe to use on infants.
- At six months of age, children should be introduced to sunscreen in a playful way. By massaging their skin as the sunscreen is applied, children will learn that its application can be a pleasurable kinaesthetic experience.
- Children need to be kept out of the sun between 10am and 2pm. During this time period the sun’s UV exposure is at its highest. For states on daylight saving this time is between 11am and 3pm.
- Make sure the children wear hats and swimming costumes that protect the upper and lower body. Parents can provide portable shade shelters that can be put up on the beach very quickly and these shelters allow children to get right out of the sun.
- For people living in the northern states such as Queensland, the Northern Territory and northern Western Australia, the use of sunscreen should be a common, 365 days per year practice. Even in the winter, children in Queensland can receive enough radiation to burn. When skin turns any shade of red, burning has occurred to the cells of the skin. Over a lifetime this damage increases the risk of an individual getting melanoma, our deadliest skin cancer.
- Families can enjoy the beautiful Australian outdoors and lovely beaches, but protection from the sun in critical for everyone.
- Vitamin D is an essential vitamin needed for the absorption of Calcium in the body. It is made by the body when exposed to UVB sunlight. While vitamin D is an essential vitamin and is needed for bone development, vitamin D deficiency for most children in Australia does not exist. If children are outdoors between the early mornings or in the late afternoon they will receive enough sun exposure, even while wearing sunscreen and protective clothing and will not develop a vitamin D deficiency.
