An Aussie mum has issued an urgent warning about the hidden dangers of ultraviolet rays after her newborn suffered second-degree burns on a grey, rainy day.
Courtney Goddard experienced every parent’s worst nightmare after a fun family day out with her 10-week-old daughter Lucy at Perth‘s Kelmscott Agricultural Show.
The family spent most of the day in the shade and as it was an overcast and rainy day, sun protection was the last thing on their mind.
But just hours later, Lucy was rushed to Perth Children’s Hospital’s burns unit with second-degree sunburn from reflective UV, which bounces off surrounding surfaces.
Harrowing photos show the infant’s red face covered in blisters, boils and peeling skin layers, which had to be removed by doctors.
‘Hearing your baby scream through the emergency department is screams you’re not going to forget,’ Ms Goddard told 7News.
On the rainy day that Lucy suffered sunburn, the UV level was nine.
‘The weather doesn’t mean anything for the UV levels. (That’s) something we learnt the hard way,’ the young mum said.
Courtney Goddard spoke out about the traumatising ordeal to warn other parents
Ten-week-old Lucy suffered second degree sunburn on an overcast and rainy day
Luckily, Lucy’s skin is healing well and is not expected to scar. Up to 20 babies are referred to Perth Children’s Hospital with serious sunburn every year.
‘The UV rays are reflecting off the surrounding environment, so the grass [and] the trees,’ clinical nurse consultant Tania McWilliams said.
‘Just because they’re in the shade doesn’t mean they are safe.’
It’s recommended that children under the age of 12 months are not exposed to direct sunlight when UV levels are three and above, according to the Cancer Council.
‘Exposure to UV radiation during the first 15 years of life greatly increases the risk of developing skin cancer later in life,’ the website states.
Parents are advised not to use sunscreen on babies under six months due to their hypersensitive skin.
Instead, outdoor activities should be planned early in the morning or late in the afternoon and babies should be covered with loose-fitting clothing and hats.
