ENSURING A SUN SAFE SUMMER AND FUTURE FOR OUR LITTLE SUNBEAMS

By national melanoma and skin cancer charity, Skcin.

Young skin is very delicate and easily damaged by the sun and whilst some sun is definitely good for us, over-exposure to UVR (ultraviolet radiation) is a serious health risk and the primary cause of the UK’s most common and fastest rising cancer.

Damage from UVR is cumulative and irreparable. We experience about one quarter of our total lifetime exposure to sun before we are 18 and studies have shown that just one severe sunburn in childhood or adolescence can double the risk of developing melanoma in later life.

Current statistics from Cancer Research UK indicate 1 in 36 UK males and 1 in 47 UK females will be diagnosed with melanoma during their lifetime - yet a massive 86% of all cases are PREVENTABLE. These compelling statistics that are rapidly increasing, puts into perspective just how important sun safety is.

Making sure our little sunbeams are protected when outdoors is just one element to combating the soaring rates of skin cancer in the UK, but further crucial work can be done by parents / carers and those responsible for looking after our children like nurseries and primary school settings, to educate children by embedding key messaging from a young age. Education, good practice and good role modelling are key to creating good habits that will last a lifetime and in ensuring a sun safe, skin cancer free future, for our future generations and those to come. Skcin operate national intervention programmes for both primary and pre-school settings, to assist them in their duty of care and prevent skin cancer through education:

Free Resources For Nurseries And Primary Schools

WHEN UV LEVELS REACH 3 OR ABOVE, SKCIN RECOMMEND FIVE SIMPLE STEPS TO SUN SAFETY. These recommendations not only apply to babies, children and toddlers, but to the whole family!

1.SLIP on clothing to keep skin covered

• Clothing can be one of the most effective barriers between our skin and the sun.

• Clothing should cover as much skin as possible.

• Always keep shoulders covered, they can easily burn.

• A closer weave fabric will provide better protection.

• A high UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rated fabric provides best protection.

• Use UV protective sun suits, particularly when abroad.

2. SLOP on sunscreen to all exposed skin

• Use a minimum SPF 30 (ideally SPF 50) sunscreen.

• Ensure it is broad-spectrum, to provide both UVA and UVB protection

- ideally UVA rated 5 or 4 star.

• Apply liberally, ensuring good coverage.

• Don’t forget shoulders, ears, nose, cheeks and feet.

• Apply 20 minutes before children go outdoors.

• Reapply AT LEAST every 2 hours and immediately after swimming / towelling.

3. SLAP on a broad brimmed hat.

• Children should wear a wide brimmed hat to shade the face, neck, ears and cheeks.

• Legionnaire hats (with a flap that covers the neck and joins the front peak) or a hat with a minimum 7.5cm brim are the most effective, whilst baseball caps fail to shade the neck, ears and cheeks. A close weave or UPF rated fabric provides best protection.

4. SLIDE on sunglasses.

• Solar UV radiation can be damaging to the eyes, so wear quality sunglasses.

• Look for the European CE mark, which indicates a safe level of protection.

• Those labelled with a high EPF (which ranges from 1-10) will provide best protection.

• Ensure they are close fitting and wrap around to stop UVR entering the sides and top.

5. SHADE from the sun when possible

• Shade can provide a good barrier from UV rays.

• Seek shade whenever possible, particularly at the hottest times of the day between 11am and 3pm when UV penetration is strongest.

• Keep toddlers and babies in the shade at all times.

• Never rely on shade alone, always combine with personal protection measures.