Does sunburn cause skin cancer?
- kimberlyannecv
- Sep 7
- 2 min read
Not directly but it can increase the risk of skin cancer.
A sunburn is defined as overexposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun. This can occur when you spend too much time under the sun with little to no sun protection. When you have a sunburn you may experience inflamed skin that is hot to the touch. Depending on the severity it can be extremely painful and impair movement.
Skin cancer is a sudden growth of cells that usually appear on the surface of the skin. There are many types of skin cancer some are malignant and can cause issues, and others are benign. The risk for these cancers increase with exposure to UV rays because skin damage makes your body more susceptible to infection.
A single bad sunburn wouldn't directly cause skin cancer, but if you suffer multiple episodes of sunburn it can cause problems. The best way to decrease risk of skin cancers is to do the following:
Avoid dietary fads such as "edible sunscreen" supplements. There is currently no research that shows vitamins or herbal uses that provide skin protection.
Use sunscreen and reapply frequently. Sunscreen may melt away because of our natural oils and sweat so it is important to reapply to maintain effectiveness.
Shade is more important than the SPF. It's more important to stay out of the sun than worry about the SPF, as it does not last on the skin for long, as mentioned in the previous bullet point. It is generally accepted that anything 30 SPF is sufficient for protection.
Store sunscreen in a cool area such as in your cooler or simply bringing the sunscreen with you in your bag. Heat can ruin the sunscreen.
Regularly check your skin for new spots such as moles or patches of skin. It's important to take pictures and measure patches of skin to monitor their growth or change in size. It's essential to meet with a Dermatologist if you find any concerning lesions.
At the end of the day, skin cancers are a result of multiple mutations over time. There is no single factor that causes it. If you're ever concerned about a skin lesion be sure to establish care with a dermatologist for further evaluation.
Citations:
Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board
