Fact sheet - Sun protection and babies (0-12 months)
This fact sheet is endorsed by the Australasian College of Dermatologists
Summary statement
Too much ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause sunburn, skin and eye damage, and skin cancer. Overexposure to UV during childhood and adolescence is a major factor in determining future skin cancer risk[1][2][3][4].
A baby’s skin is sensitive and can burn easily[5]. The mechanisms are unclear, but the skin is particularly susceptible to the harmful effects of solar UV during childhood. The possibility that sun exposure during childhood stimulates the initial mutational step in the development of melanoma is supported by epidemiological research[6]. The cumulative nature of sun damage indicates that babies should be protected from exposure to UV from the day they are born[7]. It is recommended that babies under 12 months are kept away from direct sunlight when UV levels reach 3 or above.
When UV levels are below 3, sun protection is generally not required and a few minutes of direct UV exposure is considered safe and healthy for babies. However, if spending longer periods of time outdoors during low UV periods, it is recommended that your baby is wrapped or dressed in clothing that covers as much skin as possible, wears a hat and is kept in the shade.
Parents and care providers are encouraged to access UV levels and the daily sun protection times for their location which are available in the weather section of the newspaper, at Cancer Council's website www.myuv.com.au, on the free SunSmart app, and at the Bureau of Meteorology website.
Recommendations |
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To protect babies from solar UV, Cancer Council Australia recommends using a combination of sun protection measures whenever UV Index levels reach 3 or above as shown by the daily sun protection times. Plan daily activities to ensure the baby is well protected from the sun. Aim to minimise time (or take particular care) outside during the middle hours of the day during the summer period when UV levels are at their strongest. These vary depending on your location in Australia, so checking the UV index is recommended. Children often copy those around them and learn by imitation. Research shows that if adults adopt sun protection behaviours, the children in their care are more likely to do the same[8].
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Vitamin D
A lack of UV exposure can lead to low vitamin D levels. Vitamin D is produced when the skin is exposed to UV radiation and is necessary for the development and maintenance of healthy bones and muscles.
There is no evidence to indicate Australian children are low in vitamin D and most babies and children will get enough vitamin D from their daily exposure. Babies with darker skin types may produce less vitamin D[11]. Vitamin D deficiency can also be a problem in chronically ill, or institutionalised children[12] and in babies of vitamin D deficient mothers[13]. However, because Vitamin D is only produced for the first few minutes of sun exposure each day[14], extended and deliberate sun exposure without any form of sun protection is not recommended, even for those diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency.
If you are concerned about a baby’s vitamin D levels, it is best to speak with a doctor.
Nappy rash
Nappy rash includes a number of inflammatory skin conditions of the groin and buttock area that are direct or indirect result of wearing nappies. Nappy rash is extremely common and generally results from a combination of factors that begin with prolonged exposure to moisture from urine and faeces. Appropriate recommendations include frequent nappy changing, applying barrier creams to the affected areas and exposing the inflamed area to the open air as much as possible[15]. The practice of exposing a naked baby to direct or indirect sun puts them at high risk of sunburn and skin damage and therefore is not recommended.
Jaundice
Neonatal jaundice generally only causes concerns in about 10% of babies[7]. Treatment for jaundice should be under medical supervision in a controlled environment. Exposing babies to direct sun is inappropriate to treat neonatal jaundice.
Fact sheet details
This fact sheet was developed by Cancer Council Australia's National Skin Cancer Committee. The fact sheet was externally reviewed by Dr. Vanessa Morgan, Dermatologist. It was endorsed by Cancer Council Australia's principal Public Health Committee and published in April 2017 and updated in December 2017.
References
- ↑ Armstrong B. How sun exposure causes skin cancer: An epidemiological perspective. In: Hill D, Elwood JM, English DR. Prevention of Skin Cancer. Dordrecht, Netherlands: Kluwer Academic Publishers; 2004. p. 89-116.
- ↑ Whiteman DC, Whiteman CA, Green AC. Childhood sun exposure as a risk factor for melanoma: a systematic review of epidemiologic studies. Cancer Causes Control 2001 Jan;12(1):69-82 Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11227927.
- ↑ Khlat M, Vail A, Parkin M, Green A. Mortality from melanoma in migrants to Australia: variation by age at arrival and duration of stay. Am J Epidemiol 1992 May 15;135(10):1103-13 Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1632422.
- ↑ Autier P, Boyle P. Artificial ultraviolet sources and skin cancers: rationale for restricting access to sunbed use before 18 years of age. Nat Clin Pract Oncol 2008 Apr;5(4):178-9 Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18268545.
- ↑ Seidenari S, Giusti G, Bertoni L, Magnoni C, Pellacani G. Thickness and echogenicity of the skin in children as assessed by 20-MHz ultrasound. Dermatology 2000;201(3):218-22 Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11096192.
- ↑ Armstrong BK. Epidemiology, causes and prevention of skin diseases. In: Grob JJ, Stern RS, MacKie RM, Weinstock WA. Melanoma: childhood or lifelong sun exposure. Carlton: Blackwell Science; 1997 Available from: http://ebookscentral.com/book/67645/epidemiology-causes-prevention-skin-diseases#.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Hurwitz S. The sun and sunscreen protection: recommendations for children. J Dermatol Surg Oncol 1988 Jun;14(6):657-60 Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3372848.
- ↑ Dobbinson S, Fairthorne A, Bowles K-A, Sambell N, Spittal M, Wakefield M. Sun protection and sunburn incidence of Australian children: summer 2003–04. Melbourne: Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer, Cancer Council Victoria; 2005 Jul.
- ↑ Bernstein EF, Schwartz M, Viehmeyer R, Arocena MS, Sambuco CP, Ksenzenko SM. Measurement of protection afforded by ultraviolet-absorbing window film using an in vitro model of photodamage. Lasers Surg Med 2006 Apr;38(4):337-42 Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16596658.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 Australasian College of Dermatologists. A-Z of skin: Sun Protection & Sunscreens. [homepage on the internet] ACD; 2016 [cited 2017 Jan 10]. Available from: https://www.dermcoll.edu.au/atoz/sun-protection-sunscreens/.
- ↑ Dawson-Hughes B. Racial/ethnic considerations in making recommendations for vitamin D for adult and elderly men and women. Am J Clin Nutr 2004 Dec;80(6 Suppl):1763S-6S Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15585802.
- ↑ Riggs BL. Role of the vitamin D-endocrine system in the pathophysiology of postmenopausal osteoporosis. J Cell Biochem 2003 Feb 1;88(2):209-15 Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12520516.
- ↑ Wagner CL, Greer FR, American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Breastfeeding., American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Nutrition.. Prevention of rickets and vitamin D deficiency in infants, children, and adolescents. Pediatrics 2008 Nov;122(5):1142-52 Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18977996.
- ↑ Nowson CA, McGrath JJ, Ebeling PR, Haikerwal A, Daly RM, Sanders KM, et al. Vitamin D and health in adults in Australia and New Zealand: a position statement. Med J Aust 2012 Jun 18;196(11):686-7 Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22708765.
- ↑ Harrison SL, Buettner PG, MacLennan R. Why do mothers still sun their infants? J Paediatr Child Health 1999 Jun;35(3):296-9 Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10404454.