SUNPROOF YOUR
CHILD
June 2009
Children who have had one blistering episode of sunburn in childhood are far more likely to suffer from melanoma later on in life. It appears that young skin is more vulnerable to UV light than adult skin because it contains immature pigment cells which, when exposed to UV light, divide more rapidly. It is thought that this rapid proliferation increases the chance that DNA damaged cells will reproduce, and in the future, produce a tumour.
In addition, UV exposure can affect the developing immune system of a child. This reduces the chance of producing an immune response, which could destroy the tumour when it starts developing.
Research shows that up to the age of 19, the risk for a future melanoma is accrued with all exposure to UV light, making it vital that we protect our children from excess UV radiation until their adolescence, at the very least. Taking any child abroad to a hot climate before the age of 9 will give that child an ‘Australian’ risk of melanoma for the rest of their life. Most melanomas will develop after the age of 50, and are not always found on sun-exposed parts of the body.
Sunscreens will avoid sunburn, but it is far from clear that they lessen the risk of skin cancer. They can lead us into a false state of security, leading us to believe that our children are safe in the UV light. What is clear is that covering ourselves and our children up and staying out of the sun is effective in reducing skin cancer risk.
So what can you do to protect your child?
Avoid the midday sun- stay in the shade or indoors during the middle of the day
Cover up-make your child wear a wide brimmed hat and long sleeved clothes ALL the time you are outside.
Use sunscreen every day- look for a sunscreen that protects against both UVA, with a star rating of 4 (****) at least, and UVB rays (at least factor 20)
The Australians say ‘No hat, no play’. Teach your child safe sun behaviour