SA Health has reminded South Australia’s parents and carers about the risks of sun damage on young patients as the extent of severe sunburn cases increase.
According to SA Health, the Burns Unit at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital has seen a spike in children admitted for severe sunburn recently.
According to the Hospital’s Advanced Nurse Consultant, Linda Quinn, young children are susceptible to sunburns.
“Infants and young children have very sensitive skin and poor temperature control, so they can burn easily,” Ms Quinn said.
“Babies less than 12 months of age should not be exposed to the sun at any time, and they can even burn through light cloud cover,” she said.
“The majority of patients we treat for sunburn are often in a lot of pain and have first-degree burns, which require ongoing frequent painful dressing changes.”
SA Health said prevention was always the best cure and with the weather heating up it’s vital for adults to protect themselves and keep their children safe in the sun.
The Department encourages members of the community to wear a hat, loose clothing and sunglasses, seek shade or shelter and apply 30+ sunscreen regularly.
“The best protection is to avoid exposure to the sun during the hottest part of the day between 10 am and 4 pm,” SA Health said.
“If your child does suffer a mild sunburn, keep fluids up to prevent dehydration and heat-related illness, have a cool bath or shower, use a non-irritant moisturiser, wear loose, light clothing which won’t irritate the skin or take a mild pain relief like Panadol or Nurofen,” it said.
“Seek medical attention immediately if a sunburn is badly blistered, a child is showing signs of dehydration, or pain is unable to be managed with mild pain relief.” SA Health said.
