Sun protection at home

Creating a new SunSmart generation is important, and skin cancer is one of the most preventable cancers.

Research shows that childhood is a particularly vulnerable time when sun damage can increase the risk of developing skin cancer later in life. Exposure to too much of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause sunburn, skin and eye damage and skin cancer.

Cancer Council’s free SunSmart Global UV app shows daily sun protection times and local UV levels. The sun protection times are a forecast from the Bureau of Meteorology for the time of day that UV levels are forecast to reach three or above –. Cancer Council recommends using sun protection measures whenever the UV is 3 or above.

Sun protection times are also available via the Bureau of Meteorology website http://www.bom.gov.au/uv/index.shtml, in the weather section of the newspaper, at cancer.org.au and myuv.com.au. UV can’t be seen or felt, so don’t just wait for hot and sunny days to use sun protection, UV can be just as high on cool and cloudy days as it is on hot sunny days.

Use a combination of sun protection measures (hat, clothing, sunscreen, shade and sunglasses) whenever UV Index levels reach three or above, or when outside for extended periods of time.

Whatever the weather, during the sun protection times, encourage the whole family to use these 5 sun protection measures.

SLIP on clothing that covers as much skin as possible.
Cool, loose-fitting clothing made from densely woven fabric is best. Help your child choose tops that cover the torso with higher necklines and three-quarter length sleeves and longer style shorts and dresses/skirts that at least reach the knee. Try layering – a favourite singlet top with a shirt over it, or a favourite singlet dress with a t-shirt underneath. Look for clothing which helps provide the best possible protection and don’t forget rashies for swimming.

SLOP on SPF50 or 50+, broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen.

Apply sunscreen to any parts of skin not covered with clothing about 20 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours or more often when sweating or playing with water. Remember sunscreen is not a suit of armour and should only ever be used with other sun protection measures. Store sunscreen in a supervised location, below 30 degrees and monitor the expiry date. Make sure the sunscreen has an Australian Licence (Aust L) number.

If you are concerned about reactions to sunscreen, do a usage test before applying a new sunscreen, where a small amount of the product is applied on the inside of the forearm for a few days to check if the skin reacts. If there’s no reaction, apply sunscreen to other parts of the skin.

To help develop independent skills ready for school, teach your child from about three years how to apply their own sunscreen. Set up a sunscreen station with a pump pack and mirror in the bathroom or near the back door. Make sunscreen application a bit of fun and put a big dot of sunscreen on each cheek, nose and their chin and carefully rub it in (avoiding the eye area). Add sunscreen squiggles or the first letter of their name to rub on any part of their arms and legs not covered with clothing. Apply your sunscreen at the same time so your child can watch how you do it and follow your example.

The widespread use of sunscreen on babies under six months is not generally recommended due to their sensitive skin.

SLAP on a hat that shades the face, neck and ears such as a wide-brimmed, bucket or legionnaire hat. Caps and visors do not provide enough protection and are not suitable alternative.

For young babies, choose a hat with fabric that will crumple easily when they put their head down. Consider the hat’s size and comfort, the amount of shade it provides to the face, if it will obstruct vision, hearing or safety. Hats that can be adjusted at the crown are best. If the hat is secured with a long strap and toggle, ensure it has a safety snap, place the strap at the back of the head or trim the length so it doesn’t become a choking hazard.

Help make hat-wearing a regular part of the outdoor routine. Help your child find a favourite sun hat they like to wear and can easily find. Perhaps have a special basket or hook to store hats. Don’t forget to grab your hat too.

Wearing a hat with a brim that shades the eyes can reduce UV radiation to the eyes by 50%.

SEEK

It is recommended that babies under 12 months are kept away from direct sunlight when UV levels reach 3 or above. Keep them in dense shade or when moving about, choose a pram cover that combines a mesh section for visibility and air circulation with a shade fabric section. The fabric section should block close to 100% of UV radiation (UPF50+) and the mesh section should block at least 70% of UV radiation (UPF3.3).

Find shady spots for outdoor play. Encourage your child to help you move activities to follow the shade. Create shady play spaces by laying a blanket under the tree, choosing a good spot for the shade umbrella or helping to drape thick fabric such as canvas over the clothes line for a built-in shade tent. You may need to take shade with you for family outings or choose places that already have shade.

SLIDE on a wrap-around sunglasses (labelled AS1067).

Look at the swing tag to make sure they meet the Australian Standard 1067 for eye protection. Look for a pair of sunglasses that are wrap around style. For babies and toddlers look for sunglasses that come with a soft elastic band that can be adjusted for comfort.

Toy or fashion-labelled sunglasses do not meet the requirements for sunglasses under the Australian Standard and should not be used for sun protection.

 Wearing a hat and sunglasses can reduce up to 98% of UV reaching the eyes.

For further information on sun protection, head to cancer.org.au/ or call on 13 11 20. Should you need information in another language, call 13 14 50 and ask to be connected to Cancer Council in your language.