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Sun Safety

Australia has the highest incidence of skin cancer in the world. It accounts for 83% of all new cancers diagnosed each year in Australia.

Over 374,000 Australians are diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer each year. More then 8,800 Australians are fiagnosed with melanoma each year.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer occurring in humans with over 1,600 Australians dying from skin cancer every year.

There are 3 main types of skin cancer:

1. Basal Cell Carcimona (BCC)

    • Appears as a lump or scaling area
    • Re, pale or pearly in colour
    • As it grows it may become ulcerated, a sore that doesn't heal or one that heals then breaks down again
    • Grows slowly, usually on the head, neck & upper torso

2. Squamous Cell Carcimon (SCC)

    • Not as dangerous as a melanoma but it may spread to other parts of the body if not treated
    • A thickened, red, scaly spot
    • Later it may bleed easily or ulcerate
    • Appears on sites most often exposed to the sun
    • Grows over some months

3. Melanoma

    • The deadliest form of skin cancer
    • There are different forms of melanoma and these may appear as a new spot, an existing spot, freckle or mole that chacnges, colour, size and shape
    • If untreated, cancer cells spread wuickly to other parts of the body and form secondary cancers
    • Grows over weeks to months, anywhere on the body *not just places that get alot of sun)

Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma are also known as non-melanoma skin cancers. They are the most frequently occurring cancer in Australia, but the least life threatening. Melanoma is the least common, but the most dangerous type of skin cancer.

The success rate of melanoma patients is high, if early referral to a specialist is made and immediate treatment obtained.

Radiation from the sun is divided into three different bands

  1. Ultraviolet (UVA, UVB & UVC)
  2. Visible Light
  3. Infra-Red (Heat)

The band of radiation we are most concerned about is ultraviolet or UV radiation. We can't see the suns ultraviolet rays, but they ahve a major impact on our bodies. Over exposure to UV rays can damage the skin irreparable and could potentially lead to skin cancer.

Ultraviolet Radiation is divided into UVA, UVB and UVC Rays

UVA Rays

  •  Account for about 90% of all ultraviolet radiation
  • They penetrate deeply to the dermal layer of teh skin causing a breakdown of collagen and elastin, leading to skin ageing
  • Researchers have also implicated UVA radiation to contributing to sunburn, premature ageing, suppression of the immune system and skin cancer

UVB Rays

  • Constitutes less then 10% of all ultraviolet radiation
  • They are responsible for sunburn, blistering of the skin, suppression of the immune system and skin cancer

UVC Rays

  • Are the most damaging of the there, but fortunately are filterted out by the ozone layer so preventing them from reaching the earths surface
  • UVC rays can still be emitted by welding equipment and from other artifical sources

SUN PROTECTION AND SUNSCREEN

The importance of using sunscreen during childhood has been demonstrtated in a study, which estimated that regular use of sunscreen for the first 18 years of life could reduce the lifetime incidence of non-melanoma skin caners by 78%.

Damage to the skin is cumulative. Even small amounts of exposure tot he sun caould cause harm to the skin.

You don't need to be sun burnt to have skin damage from the sun. The dmaage done to the skin from even one episode of overexposure to the sun can never be repaired. That is why it is so important to make sun protection a routine part of life from childhood.

Baby and toddler skin is more vulnerable to damage caused by the sun then adult skin.

The first principle for protecting a young chil'd skin from the sun is to never deliberately expose them to the direct sunlight. Always try and keep babies and children in the shafe and dress them appropriately, but remember the suns's rays can penetrated cloud cover and even glass and cause damage. 

However taking this into consideration, the Australian outdoors lifestyle can still be be enjoyed providing sensible pre-cautions are taken:

  1. Ensure children wear a wide brimmed hat and shirt with collar and sleeves
  2. Use a 30+ broad spectrum water resistant sunscreen on all exposed areas of skin and
  3. Re-apply sunscreen at least every two hours

The Sun and Your Family

The best way to teach toddlers and children good lifelong habits is to provide a good example for them to follow

  • Avoid the sun between 10am and 2pm (or 11am and 3 pm in daylight saving time)
  • Wear a protective hat and shirt with a collar and sleeves

Babies and Sunscreens

Earlier reports that babies should not use sunscreen has been discredited.

Sunscreens are safe to use on babies. The Australiasian College of Dermatologists recommended the use of a sunscreen at any age when there is exposure to the sun. Shade, clothing and broad rimmed hats are the best sun protection measures for babies. Sunscreens should be applied to areas of the skin not protected by clothing.

Selecting a sunscreen suitable for children

  • Choose a 30+ broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen
  • Chooses a sunscreen that offers 4 hours of water resistant protection if children are swimming or perspiring heavily

A sunscreen like the Hamilton Toddler is formulated to have a low level of active ingredients to minimise the chances of any skin reactions, while still maintaining a high level of sun protection. Hamilton toddler sunscreen is recommended for babies and children.

Hamilton Toddlers 30+

  • Specifically formulated for toddlers delicate skin
  • Gentle formulation that contains minimal active ingredients
  • Greater UVA & UVB protection
  • Low irritant
  • Fragrance Free
  • 4 hour water resistance
  • Easy to apply to toddlers and childrens skin
  • 50ml rol on, 125mL and 250mL lotion

This product is available from Pharmacies

What does SPF Mean?

 SPF stands for SUn Protection Factor. For example, if it takes 10 minutes for unprotected skin to receive a sun dose that causes a very slight reddening, then the same skin with an SPF 15 sunscreen correctly applied will take 15 times as long or 150 minutes to reaceive the same level of reddening. Always err on the side of caution and use a higher SPF sunscreen if prolonged exposure cannot be avoided.

Why buy a sunscreen from a Pharmacy?

The right selection is very important. Pharmacy staff are specifically trained to advise on the most effective protection for your skin. Pharmacies also stock a wide range of sunscreens for most uses. Ask Pharmacy staff for more advice.