Every year, hospitals in Victoria see a surge of patients with severe sunburn, particularly during January. According to recent data from the Department of Health,289 individuals sought emergency treatment for extreme sunburn last year alone. symptoms ranged from blistering and pain to headaches and nausea, with nearly 40% of those affected being teenagers and young adults under 25.
Experts are urging the public to take precautions against harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. They reccommend using sunscreen,wearing hats,long-sleeved clothing,and sunglasses,and seeking shade during peak sun hours. Emma Glassenbury, Head of SunSmart, emphasized the seriousness of sunburn, which can considerably increase the risk of skin cancer.
“No one should wind up in hospital emergency departments purely from enjoying time outdoors,” Glassenbury said. “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.”
Sarah Sheridan, a 33-year-old outdoor enthusiast, knows the dangers of UV exposure all too well. “These days, it’s SPF 50+ every day,” she shared. “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.” A few years ago, she noticed a mole on her face changing shape, prompting her GP to recommend its removal. Tests also revealed UV damage to her eyes, leading her optometrist to advise limiting sun exposure. “If I could go back and tell myself to avoid getting so sunburnt frequently enough, and to get out of that sunbed, I’d do it in a second,” she said.
Professor Victoria Mar, Director of the Victorian Melanoma Service at the Alfred Hospital, remains hopeful that the number of severe sunburn cases will decline in the coming years. “Year on year, too many young Victorians continue to risk their skin when enjoying time outdoors over summer,” she noted. “While we will always be available to treat symptoms like blistering, headache and nausea, we cannot undo the patient’s UV damage.”
As summer approaches, the message is clear: protecting your skin from UV radiation is not just about comfort—it’s a critical step in preventing long-term health issues. Simple measures like applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and staying in the shade can make all the difference.
