Skin Protection – the facts
What causes skin cancer?
New Zealand has a great climate and outdoor lifestyle, but there is a hidden danger in the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Exposure to high levels of UV radiation injures the cells in the skin layers and can cause sunburn, early ageing of the skin and skin damage, which is cumulative and can lead to skin cancer.
Your risk of developing skin cancer is increased if you have been exposed to excess UV radiation over your lifetime, particularly in childhood. Melanoma is associated with episodes of sunburn, particularly if they occur in childhood and adolescence. Those at particular risk include read and fair haired people and those with large numbers of moles.
Is skin cancer a problem in New Zealand?
New Zealand has one of the highest rates of skin cancer, including melanoma, in the world, with around 350 people dying of skin cancer each year.
But the good news is that skin cancer is almost totally preventable and that most skin cancers can be cured if found and treated early.
Why should I protect my children from the sun?
Babies and children have sensitive skin, which means they have a higher risk of sunburn and skin damage from the sun’s UV radiation. Also, excess exposure to UV radiation during the childhood and adolescence increases the risk of developing skin cancer later in life.
Do my children need sunlight to stay healthy?
The sun is the best source of vitamin D, which children need to develop and maintain strong and healthy bones.
Over summer, most children receive enough vitamin D just by going about their daily activities outside of peak UV times, i.e. 11am-4pm.
During the summer months, there’s no need to deliberately expose your child to the sun to get vitamin D. Most babies and children get enough sunlight for healthy growth through incidental sun exposure.
Some children may be at risk of low vitamin D levels, such as those whose mothers have low vitamin D, children with very dark skin, or those who cover their bodies for cultural or religious reasons. If you’re worried about your child’s vitamin D levels, see your GP.
Also, sunlight is not an effective treatment for jaundice or nappy rash. Nappy rash needs fresh air, not sunlight.
When do I need to protect my children from the sun?
Babies have delicate skin which can be easily damaged by UVR from the sun. Protect your babies and children every day over the summer months (early October to late March). Even on cloudy or cool days, UV radiation levels can be high enough to damage your baby’s skin. UVR can cause painful sunburn and lead to freckles and increased risk of skin cancer.
Are my children safe from sunburn in the car?
The glass in car windows stops most, but not all, UV radiation getting through, so you still need to protect your babies and children on car trips. Use window shades or tinting for extra protection.
This information has been provided by the Cancer Society of New Zealand
For more information see Baby sun care or Baby Care.