Sunscreen patch may help stop sunburn

An Australian researcher has devised a new high-tech UV-sensitive patch that changes color when it is time to reapply sunscreen. Queensland University of Technology Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation lead researcher Dr Elke Hacker said on Monday that the research aims to help 75 percent of young Australians who get sunburned every year that possibly contract skin cancer.

"Sunscreen when applied at the correct concentration (2mg/cm2) is effective at blocking the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation. However, the concentration applied in real life conditions is usually less, which provides inadequate protection," Hacker said in a statement.

"Currently the most common way to assist people to determine how long they can safely stay in the sun after sunscreen application is time-based on the two hour reapply recommendation."