UV Protection for the family

We all love the sun, especially the kids. There's nothing better than a relaxing day on the beach, playing, swimming, snoozing, having a BBQ and so on, the list is endless!

The sun is essential to life and for lifting our spirits. Small amounts of UV rays are essential for the production of vitamin D. UV rays are even used to treat several diseases such as eczema, jaundice and rickets.

However, gone are the days of slapping on factor 2 and baking in the sun all day.

A tan is the result of the skin trying to prevent more skin damage. Although we often think that people look more healthy with a tan, the fact is, there's nothing whatsoever healthy about a tan.

Children have less of the skin's protective melanin pigment and so are at a higher risk of incurring skin damage from the sun. Just one sunburn in childhood is estimated to double the risk of getting melanoma later in life; however, “later in life” is not the only time to be concerned.

More teenagers and young adults are being diagnosed with skin cancer than ever before, and the number of people with skin cancer in Europe has more than doubled since the early 80s. Skin cancer is now the most common form of cancer in the UK. Each year there are more than 65,000 new cases, and over 2000 deaths due to skin cancer each year.

Sun cream, unfortunately, cannot be relied upon. Even a typical sunscreen with a 30 SPF allows a lot of harmful UVA radiation through to the skin. Medical studies have also shown that most people apply less than half the recommended amount of sunscreen needed. And many fail to regularly reapply sunscreen even though they continue to stay in the sun. Sunscreen is essential, but is a far from perfect defense against the sun .

Dermatologists and doctors are in agreement that the most effective way of protecting our skin from the sun is by wearing properly designed sun protective clothing.

For more information on skin cancer from the WHO and other organizations please see our links page, or contact your family doctor.

Prevention

Doctors agree that 4 out of 5 cases of melanoma could have been prevented. Their advice is:

• Parents must encourage their children to play in the shade.
• Babies under 12 months should always be in the shade
• Never fall asleep in the sun.
• Wear sunglasses with high quality UV lenses. Encourage children, toddlers and even babies to do the same
• Wear UPF50+ broad-brimmed hats (The Australian Cancer society recommends a brim of at least 4 inches all the way round), or a legionnaire style cap.
• Regularly apply a high SPF waterproof sunscreen on all exposed areas, not forgetting tops of feet, backs of hands and necks, ear tips and noses.

UV swimwear doesn't towel off, you know exactly where it is, and it doesn't need re-applying!

More importantly, 50+ UPF fabrics block out 99% of UVA and UVB rays.

So BBQs and carefree playing doesn't have to stop. We can still relax and have fun in the sun, kids and adults alike!

Sunscreen

Do not rely upon sunscreens as your only form of skin protection. They should always be used in conjunction with natural protection ie. staying in the shade, wearing protective clothing, hats and sunglasses. Babies under 1 year should never be exposed to the Sun.

Sunscreens labelled " SPF 30+, broad spectrum (blocks out UVA and UVB) and water resistant " will provide the best protection. Water-resistant sunscreens should be used for swimming, outdoor activities and in humid climates.

Make sure a bottle of sunscreen is easily available all year round, it's not just for days at the beach.

It is vital to apply sunscreens to dry skin at least 20 minutes prior to sun exposure and to reapply after swimming. Leave a light film of sunscreen on the skin - don't rub it in.