Experts urge community to protect their skin

Hundreds of Victorians are still presenting to hospital emergency departments with severe sunburn each year, with the majority of these visits occurring in January.

New data released by the Department of Health revealed that last year alone, 289 Victorians sought treatment at public hospitals across the state for extreme sunburn, including symptoms such as blistering, pain, headaches and nausea.

Teenagers and young adults aged under 25 represented almost 40 per cent of these hospital visits.

The figures have prompted warnings from experts about the risks of exposure to harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation levels and calls for the community to wear sunscreen, hats, long-sleeved clothing, sunglasses and seek shade over the coming months to protect themselves.

Head of SunSmart Emma Glassenbury said the data was a reminder of how serious sunburn, which increases the risk of skin cancer, can be.

“No one should wind up in hospital emergency departments purely from enjoying time outdoors.

“However, time outdoors also means exposure to extreme levels of ultraviolet radiation that in the peak of summer can cause the first signs of sunburn in as little as 11 minutes without sun protection.

“The good news is that skin cancer is one of the most preventable cancers and we can protect ourselves and our loved ones by using all five forms of sun protection.”

Lover of the outdoors Sarah Sheridan’s own experiences with severe sunburn and UV damage have led to her take sun protection more seriously.

“These days, it’s SPF 50+ every day,” the 33-year-old said.

“I remember a horrific sunburn where my entire back blistered and peeled. I was even partial to a 10-pass solarium special deal when I was in my late teens to early 20s.”

But a few years ago, she noticed a mole on her face begin changing shape.

“My GP suggested it be removed as a preventative measure. Then, testing showed damage to my eyes – and my optometrist suggested I work hard to limit sun exposure,” Ms Sheridan said.

“If I could go back and tell myself to avoid getting so sunburnt often, and to get out of that sunbed, I’d do it in a second.”

Director of the Victorian Melanoma Service at the Alfred Hospital, Professor Victoria Mar, remains hopeful the number of Victorians experiencing extreme sunburn will begin to fall in the coming years.

“Year on year, too many young Victorians continue to risk their skin when enjoying time outdoors over summer,” she said.

“While we will always be available to treat symptoms like blistering, headache and nausea, we cannot undo the patient’s UV damage.”