Some social media influencers are encouraging sunbathers to skip sunscreen in an attempt to “cure” acne. But doctors say the consequences can be devastating.
Health experts are warning of a dangerous trend spreading on social media that encourages people not to use sunscreen.
A growing number of videos on the popular social media platform TikTok suggest that getting sunburned can be a recovery.to Health or evenHelps eliminate acne.
Doctors at Queen Victoria Hospital in the UK were quick to denounce the viral trend, explaining that it could Increased risk of skin cancer.
“Although there are health benefits associated with adequate sun exposure, sunscreen should be used to help reduce the risk of skin cancer,” they said in a statement.
“The more sunburns you have throughout your life, the greater your risk of skin cancer, as well as premature skin aging.”
“The impact of this trend could be far-reaching,” they added.
The hospital treats about 700 patients annually for sunburn, adding that “the number is increasing year after year.”
Doctors fear the effects of this trend could last for years, meaning “TikTok followers could develop skin cancer in the years to come.”
Skin cancer is the fifth most common cancer and numbers in the UK are on the rise, says Sam Orcar, clinical director of cosmetic and burns services at Queen Victoria.
“There are safer ways to treat acne than putting yourself at risk by exposing yourself to the sun without protection,” he said.
What is melanoma and what are the most common symptoms?
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that can spread to other organs. Ultraviolet light—which comes from sunlight but is also used in tanning booths—is the most common cause.
The risk is higher for people with fair skin or a large number of moles, as well as those with a history of skin cancer.
Moles are the best indicator of the potential development of melanoma.
The most common symptoms are moles with irregular shapes or borders, or even a mixture of two or more colors.
Moles are also usually small, while melanomas tend to be larger, often more than 6 mm across. A wart that changes in size, shape or color could also be skin cancer. According to the UK’s National Health Service.
propagandaDoctors recommend having your moles checked at least once a year.
Which EU countries have the highest rate of melanoma?
The International Agency for Research on Cancer calculated that in 2022, there wereMore than 1.5 cases of skin cancer In the world.
Among EU countries, Denmark has the highest estimated incidence of melanoma (number of cases per 100,000 people), with a rate of Highest infection rate in Northern European countries.
- Denmark 50.3
- Netherlands 48.0
- Sweden 42.4
- Finland 35.7
- Germany 34.8
- Slovakia 33.6
- Ireland 33.9
- Belgium 29.2
- Luxembourg 24.8
- France 24.7
The EU average is 22.8.
propagandaTikTok Dermatologists Debunk Sunburn Misinformation
The rise in misinformation about sunburn has led some dermatologists to turn to TikTok to debunk myths.
Dermatologist Katie Belzinay In his video posted to the social media platform, he stated that “although there may be potential short-term benefits to tanning with acne,” such as having less oily skin and better concealing of acne blemishes, “the risks of UV exposure outweigh any potential benefits.”
The risks aren’t just melanoma, she says. Prolonged, intense sun exposure can also cause hyperpigmentation (a condition that makes some areas of skin darker than others) and erythema (skin redness), as well as worsen post-acne marks.
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