If you are lacking in vitamin D for a long time then your bones may soften. In serious cases this leads to rickets in children and a condition called osteomalacia in adults. A little sunlight can go a long way. By enjoying the sun sensibly, everyone can make enough vitamin D while not increasing their risk of skin cancer. The amount of time you need in the sun to make enough vitamin D changes from person to person. It also depends on things like skin type, time of day, time of year, and where you are in the world. But the amount of sun needed to make enough vitamin D is always less than the higher amounts that cause tanning or sunburn. These high amounts can increase the risk of skin cancer. By taking steps to avoid burning, people can achieve a balance between reducing the risk of skin cancer and enjoying the beneficial effects of the sun.

If you are fair-skinned, have lots of moles and freckles or have a family history of skin cancer, it is important to use sun protection in summer to reduce your risk of skin cancer. Sensible sun protection shouldn’t prevent you producing enough vitamin D.

• et good habits for the future Teaching children safe sun habits while they are young sets a good pattern for later life.
• Remember you can burn in the UK The Great British sun is quite capable of burning your child! Take extra care at home as well as abroad.
• Use shade Keep babies in complete shade: under trees, umbrellas, canopies or indoors.
• Provide shade for prams and buggies, if possible.
• Cover them up When outdoors, protect a baby’s skin with loose-fitting clothes, and a wide-brimmed hat that shades their face, neck and ears.
• Wear sunglasses Buy good quality, wraparound sunglasses for children, as soon as they can wear them. Sunglasses don’t have to be expensive brands.
• Find hats they like Encourage children to wear hats with brims, especially if they are not wearing sunglasses. The wider the brim, the more skin will be shaded from the sun.
• Use sunscreen wisely Use at least a factor 15 sunscreen and choose a “broad-spectrum” brand that has a four or five-star rating. Apply to areas that cannot be protected by clothing, such as the face, ears, feet and backs of hands. Choose sunscreens that are formulated for children and babies’ skin. These products are less likely to contain alcohol or fragrances that might irritate the skin and cause allergic reactions.
• Apply sunscreen regularly Put some on before children go outdoors, then reapply often to be sure of good coverage. Use waterproof brands if children are swimming or playing outdoors with water, and reapply after towelling.
• Don’t forget school times Remember play times and lunch breaks on summer school days too. Give children a hat to wear and, if they can’t apply sunscreen at school, cover their exposed skin before they go.

• We all need some sunlight to make enough vitamin D, but most of us get enough through casual exposure to the sun. Parents should not worry too much about short periods when their children might be out in the sun. But for longer times, the tips above will help to protect a child from burning in the sun. Infants and toddlers may need more protection. Indirect sun exposure may help a baby’s vitamin D levels. But if mothers have enough vitamin D while they are pregnant, then the chances are that their babies with do too. It is best to speak with your doctor if you are concerned about your baby’s vitamin D levels.

• Why is it so important for parents to protect children from the sun? We know that children’s skin is naturally more delicate and prone to damage from the sun’s rays. Children also spend time outdoors in the strong midday sun during school lunch breaks and over the summer holidays.

• Children don’t get skin cancer, so why is it such a concern? It’s true that skin cancer is rare in children. But many skin cancers take years to develop. Damage to the DNA of our skin cells when young, may develop into skin cancer 15-30 years on. The most serious type of skin cancer – melanoma – is the most common cancer in 15 to 34 year olds.

• The way we treat our skin in the first 21 years is crucial. If we spend this time in the sun, constantly trying to get a tan, or worse still getting sunburn, then we significantly increase our risk of developing skin cancer. A tan is a response to genetic damage caused by UV rays. Even a light tan is a sign that your skin has been exposed to too much sun. Experts agree that reducing the amount of sun we are exposed to as children and teenagers, has a far greater impact on melanoma risk than a reduction as adults.

• Young people’s skin is thinner and more sensitive; it can be damaged more easily. Sun exposure in the first 10 years of life largely determines your child’s lifetime potential for skin cancer. Melanoma, the most dangerous skin cancer, is the most common cancer in young people aged 12–24. Children whose parents model sun protective behaviours are more likely to practice sun protection themselves. So remember the five steps to sun protection: Slip, Slop Slap, Seek, Slide and protect your family from skin cancer.

• Teenagers aren’t great at protecting themselves. They worry about their image, feel covering up is a ‘hassle’ and, most of the time, just forget.

  Parental insistence and role modelling can improve their sun protection. They are also motivated by:

  • The need to prevent the embarrassment of sunburn
  • The need to prevent ageing such as wrinkles and sun damage
  • Health knowledge regarding skin cancer.

   

  Here are some hints:

  • Model good sun protection yourself by wearing hats, protective clothing and sunglasses, using sunscreen and seeking shade.
  • Remind your teenager to protect themselves.
  • Leave sunscreen and hats at the door.
  • Allow them to choose their own hat, sunscreen, clothing, rash vests and board shorts, so the brand and style is acceptable to them.
  • Time outings for early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
  • Take shade to the beach.

• Skin cancer found early can be treated early. When treated early, most skin cancers can be cured. If left untreated, skin cancer can be fatal. It’s important to get to know your skin and what is normal for you so changes will be quickly noticed. Skin cancer is often visible (but rarely painful) making it easier to detect in the early stages. All Australians, particularly those aged 40 and over, should check their skin regularly, at least with each change of season. Check all of your skin, not just sun-exposed areas. If you notice anything unusual, visit your doctor.

• Almost all of us have moles. Moles are not normally present at birth, but appear in childhood and early teenage years. By the age of 15, Australian children have an average of more than 50 moles. Normal moles usually look alike. See your doctor if a mole looks different or if a new mole appears after the age of 25 – the more moles, the higher the risk of melanoma.

  Visit http://www.sunsmart.com.au/skin_cancer/checking_for_skin_cancer for pictures on spots to watch and spots to see your doctor about.