 Sun
safety for families
Through the summer months at home or holidaying in sun drenched lands,
some simple measures will ensure that you and your family can get the
most enjoyment from the sunshine without worrying about the risks.
Sun sense
According to the Department of Health, there are over 69,000 new cases
of skin cancer (melanoma) diagnosed each year in the UK and this number
has doubled since the 80s. Cancer groups are working together to encourage
sun awareness from an early age and as parents we can take simple measures
to ensure our children do not grow up to add to these statistics.
- It is estimated that 80 per of total UV exposure occurs in the first
18 years of life · Sunburn in childhood can contribute to the development
of melanomas in adulthood.
- Sand, water, concrete, and other light surfaces reflect UV light onto
the skin, increasing the risk of sunburn so take extra care when swimming,
boating or playing on the beach.
- Skin colour is a major factor in the risk of skin cancer:
High Risk: People with pale freckled skin, blue eyes, fair
or red hair, who tend to burn easily.
Medium Risk: People with darker hair and eyes, who tend to
tan easily.
Low Risk: People with black or brown skin, who virtually never
burn.
- Remember the shadow rule. If your shadow is shorter than you are
then the sun's rays are at their most intense and therefore most dangerous.
A healthy tan
Many people see a suntan as a symbol of good health and attractiveness.
Unfortunately this isn't true. The World Health Organisation says, "A
suntan is merely a sign of UV damage and represents the skin's defence
to prevent further harm." UV stands for ultraviolet, the sun's potentially
burning rays. There are three wavelengths:
- UVA which tans but also harms deeper skin layers
- UVB which burns
- UVC which causes major skin damage, but at present is screened out
by the earth's protective ozone layer When deciding which sun cream
to use, choose a broad spectrum cream which gives protection against
UVA and UVB rays.
When deciding which sun cream to use, choose a broad spectrum cream which
gives protection against UVA and UVB rays.
Protect, protect, protect
Children in particular are more likely to burn than adults as their skin
is thinner and more delicate than adults. Follow these tips especially
for children to reduce your child's risk of sunburn.
- Keep babies under 6 months old out of the sun altogether. DoH guidelines
recommend that babies of this age are kept in the shade, using sun umbrellas
to provide maximum shade at all times and never leaving them unattended
as they cannot move with the shade.
- Seek shade around noon. This is when the sun is most intense. Don't
be fooled by a cool breeze, or light cloud - even on an overcast day
80 per cent of the ultraviolet rays can come through the clouds.
- Cover up. Covering the skin with cool, loose clothing is one of the
safest and least expensive ways of protecting children from the sun.
Long sleeve t-shirts and hats which shade the face, neck and ears are
best. Clothing made from tightly woven fabrics, such as cotton, offer
good protection from the sun's rays.
- Wear hats and sunglasses. Wide brimmed hats will provide more shade
and everyone should wear wrap-around glasses to protect the eyes from
damage.
- Use a high factor sunscreen, SPF15 or above. Make sure it is broad
spectrum to protect against UVA and UVB. Apply it generously, before
going out in the sun, and re-apply regularly, especially after swimming
or rubbing.
- Do not use sunscreen to prolong the time your child spends in the
sun. Sunscreens help to protect the skin but according to cancer UK,
they cannot fully block out UV rays. Health visitor Debbie Honer says,
"It is important to remember that sunscreen should be the last line
of defence against the sun and should not be used to extend the amount
of time you would usually spend outdoors." The amount of UV that is
blocked out depends on the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) you use.
1. Factor 15, only 7 per cent of the harmful rays will get through
2. Factor 30, only 4 per cent of the harmful rays will get through
3. Factor 60, only 2 per cent of the harmful rays will get through
Burning issues
If despite everything your child gets sunburnt, Sun Smart from Cancer
Research advises the following:
- Take your child indoors and carefully cool the area with cool water
or compresses.
- Apply an after sun lotion on the affected area.
- Encourage your child to drink fluids.
- Ensure that the sunburn has healed before exposing the skin to the
sun again.
Seek immediate medical advice if your child is very young, a large part
of the body is sunburnt or the skin is blistered and swollen, or if he
shows signs of heatstroke such as:
- Hot, dry and red skin.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Raised temperature sustained over 38°C or 100°F.
- Drowsiness or even confusion.
- Dizziness or even unconsciousness.
Where to next?
Is she safe? Keep her out of harms way and check out this information:
|
