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Skin damage is caused by over exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays through direct and reflected light. Given the proximity of Queensland to the Equator, UV radiation is intense all year round, not just in summer.
Overexposure to Queensland’s tropical sun can give you severe sunburn, heatstroke and leave you with skin cancer years down the track.
Sun burn is extremely painful and can have the same result as fire or chemical burns.
The beach and reef are high risk areas because ultraviolet rays reflect off water and sand, but sunburn can occur just as easily when you’re mowing the lawn.
Remember it is just as easy to burn on a winter or cloudy day.
Children and sunburn
Children’s skin is more sensitive to the sun so long term sun damage occurs more easily. Early care reduces the risk of skin cancer later in life.
Children need to be protected every time they go outside - never expose infants to strong sunlight.
Avoiding sunburn
- Seek shade when you are out in the sun.
- Wear sun safe clothing including clothes that are dark coloured, tightly weaved and long-sleeved. Many stores carry lycra clothing that protect you from the sun while you're swimming or at the beach.
- Use sunscreen. Use a 30+ broad spectrum water resistant sunscreen. Apply sunscreen twenty minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours if you are in the sun. Use zinc cream for total block on lips and nose. Remember the tops of ears and feet and the back of your neck and legs.
- Wear a sun safe hat
- Wear sun safe sunglasses
These simple recommendations can protect you and your family from potentially lethal skin cancer.
Queensland has the highest skin cancer rate in the world, partly due to the proximity to the equator and a climate that entices people outside. The risk of developing skin cancer is related to the duration and intensity of sun exposure over time.
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