Over-use of sun lotions linked with rickets rise in children

Sun lotions blamed for rise in rickets - 20 February 2011
Over-use of sun lotions linked with rickets rise in children

A sudden rise in the rate of rickets in children, caused by a Vitamin D deficiency, has been linked with over-use of sunscreen.

Advice in recent years has seen more parents making sure that their children’s skin is protected from the sun’s rays by using sunscreen every day.

Sunscreen greatly reduces the effect the rays have on the skin by either blocking it from its surface or reacting with them, rendering them inert.  This is very beneficial in terms of protection against the damaging impact of UVA and UVB rays, which cause skin cancer and cause the skin to age faster.

However, sunlight also has a beneficial aspect to it, in that UVB rays trigger the production of Vitamin D.  Vitamin D helps to keep bones healthy and strong but when there is not enough, the condition rickets can develop, where bones become thin or misshapen.

It is thought that in some children where sun lotions are constantly applied, their skin is not getting enough sunlight and thus not creating enough Vitamin D.

On its website the UK’s national skin cancer prevention campaign, SunSmart, advises “Don’t let sunburn catch you out. Whether your at home or abroad, use shade, clothing and at least SPF15 sunscreen to protect yourself and be SunSmart.”

In spring and summer, it only takes 10 to 15 minutes of sun exposure twice a week to produce enough Vitamin D for the body.  However, parents’ strict adherence to official sun advice could mean that some children are not getting even this short amount.

Doctors recommend spending short periods in sunlight, although some types of food are also rich sources of Vitamin D.  These include fatty fish, eggs and meat, and are recommended for those suffering a Vitamin D deficiency.