Sun smart summer key for young people and children
Amongst all the hustle and bustle of end-of-year festivities, there’s one thing Alfred specialists are urging Victorians to remember – the importance of sun safety.
While sun exposure in the summer holiday season is inevitable, UV damage and sunburn can have long term and potentially deadly consequences, says Director of the Victorian Melanoma Service at The Alfred, Associate Professor Victoria Mar.
“The latest data shows too many young Victorians continue to risk their skin when enjoying the outdoors over summer,” A/Prof Mar said, as part of a summer reminder with SunSmart and the Cancer Council Victoria.
“While we can treat the immediate symptoms, we cannot undo the UV damage that’s been done.”
“UV damage during childhood and adolescence significantly increases the risk of skin cancer.”
High numbers of teenagers and young adults are presenting to emergency departments with severe sunburn requiring urgent medical attention to treat symptoms such as extensive blistering and pain, headache, nausea and vomiting, fever, or dizziness, said A/Prof Mar.
“The good news is that skin cancer is one of the most preventable cancers and you can protect yourself and your family by using sun protection.”
“There’s no reason why you can’t enjoy fun in the sun, while still being sun smart by applying sunscreen regularly from the start of the day, seeking out shade, wearing a hat and protective clothing, and avoiding sun exposure during the peak UV hours between 11am-3pm,” A/Prof Mar said.
“We want all Victorians to enjoy a sunburn-free summer and to see a noticeable decline in the numbers of young people presenting to emergency departments for severe, and preventable, sunburn.”
