Researchers pushed for stronger standards in Australia after finding that wearing sun-protective clothing regularly throughout early childhood may significantly reduce the number of melanocytic nevi that form on the skin, according to a new study published by Harrison et al in Cancers. A previous study demonstrated that almost 50% of Australian children who participated in a survey had been sunburned—potentially doubling the likelihood of developing melanoma later in life. The researchers explained that having a greater number of melanocytic nevi could also be a risk factor for developing melanoma. In the new randomized controlled trial, the researchers assigned over 500 individuals under 4 years of age to wear hats, elbow-length shirts, knee-length shorts, and swimwear with a high Ultraviolet Protection Factor of 30 or greater for a period of 3.5 years. After comparing the outcomes with age-matched controls, the researchers discovered that children who wore the sun-protective clothing saw 24.3% and 31.6% reductions in new melanocytic nevi formation and total moles present on the skin in areas where clothing had provided ultraviolet protection, respectively. In a companion press release from the James Cook University, the study authors concluded that “Increased clothing cover is recommended for children exposed to high levels of ultraviolet radiation. [C]lothing should specify the minimum amount of the body the clothing must cover [to] constitute sun-protective clothing.”
June 22, 2023