Cool summer temperatures in Otago over summer should not be used as an excuse to ignore sun protection.
Otago and Southland division of the Cancer Society health education co-ordinator Penelope Scott said people often associated feeling hot with the likelihood of sunburn, overlooking that on cloudy days sun protection was still needed.
The latest figures from the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (Niwa) showed Otago had a usual amount of sunshine hours last month, but cooler than average temperatures were expected for many parts of New Zealand over summer.
Ms Scott said it was easy for people to be unaware they were risking sunburn on a cloudy day and stay outside for hours without protection.
It was particularly important to be aware of this when at the beach with young children.
Seeking afternoon shade was one way to avoid sunburn, but if it was cold in the shade, people did not find that appealing.
Accordingly, covering up with a broad-brimmed hat, shirts with collars and long sleeves, and wearing sunglasses, were all important between the hours of 11 am and 4pm.
People should apply sunscreen lotions 15 minutes before going outside at that time and should ensure a sufficient amount was used - at least a teaspoonful for each limb.
Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours.
Research showed one or more episodes of sunburn in childhood and adolescence increased the risk of melanoma in later life.
In 2005, the most recent year for which statistics were available, 90 new cases of melanoma were reported in the Otago District Health board area.
