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Hospital admissions for sunburn in children rising
The number of children under the age of 12 admitted to South Australian public hospitals suffering from sunburn is more than double the rate of twelve years ago, according to Department of Health figures.
The Cancer Council South Australia’s SunSmart Coordinator, Joanne Rayner, described this trend as “concerning” particularly as many of the children admitted were under the age of five.
High UV radiation levels over summer mean that unprotected skin can be burnt in as little as 15 minutes.
“ We recommend that skin is protected when the UV radiation levels are three and above. At this time of year, UV radiation levels are often very high to extreme with levels reaching 10, 11 and 12. As children’s skin is much more sensitive and delicate than that of adults, irreparable damage can occur within a very short time,” Ms Rayner said.
Department of Health records show that the number of children aged 0-12 years admitted to public hospitals with sunburn in the past 12 years has risen from four in the summer of 1993/94 to 11 children in the summer of 2004/2005.
“Skin protection during the first 15 years of life can significantly reduce the lifetime risk of skin cancer,” she said.
“Protecting children’s young and delicate skin from the irreversible damage caused by suntans, and the more extreme sunburn, is vital in preventing skin damage that may lead to skin cancer - melanoma being the most dangerous.”
It was encouraging that the number of children treated for sunburn in the Paediatric Emergency Department at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital had fallen over the past year. Thirteen children aged 0-12 years were treated for sunburn during the summer of 2004/05, compared to 27 children the previous summer (2003/04).
According to WCH Burns Coordinator Sarah McRae, as well as being very painful, sunburn can require numerous visits to hospital for dressing changes. “In some cases, children may even need to be admitted for rehydration and pain relief,” she said. “The WCH advises that parents seek medical attention for their children’s sunburn early, rather than waiting to determine the seriousness of the burn.”
Of the 380,000 Australians treated for skin cancer every year, over 1300 will die as a result of the disease. It is estimated that 90% of all skin cancers are preventable through protecting the skin from damaging UV radiation.
While sunburn is an extreme form of UV radiation damage, even tanning without burning can cause skin cell damage that can lead to premature aging and potentially, skin cancer. The Cancer Council South Australia encourages parents and caregivers to ensure that young children are well protected with clothing, hats and sunscreen when outdoors, when UV radiation levels are 3 and above.
Older children should be encouraged to wear clothing that covers their shoulders, arms, legs and midriffs from damage, as well as a hat that protects the face, neck and ears. Sunscreen should be applied to areas of the skin not covered by clothing - but shouldn’t be relied on as the only form of protection. The use of shade when outdoors is also recommended.
“Parents and carers play a vital role in establishing SunSmart behaviour in young children. We must continue to be vigilant if we are to make any significant impact on the 380,000 Australians treated for skin cancer every year,” Ms Rayner said.
For more information about skin cancer prevention call The Cancer Council Helpline on 13 11 20.
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