Doctors are raising the alarm that young people are turning to a new kind of body art, where sun tan lotion is strategically applied to create patterns through sunburns – and it’s a practice with potentially deadly consequences.
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Many have taken to social media to show off their skin using #sunburnart and #tantattoo.
But sunburns are not benign: they are the result of the sun’s rays literally burning your skin, which can result in the development of skin cancers, like the deadly melanoma.
“This is where popular culture is clashing with medical advice”, said Dr. Barney Kenet, a New York dermatologist.
“The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends adopting a complete sun protection regimen that includes seeking shade, covering up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV blocking sunglasses, in addition to daily sunscreen use.”
The risk is increased by the fact that many people looking to create an impressive example of such sunburn “art” might stay out in the sun longer than they would otherwise, he noted.
According to current estimates, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, making it the most common form of cancer in the United States.
It may not be trending yet but doctors are concerned about it becoming a hot topic.
Mueller said she had a few bad sunburns in her lifetime. It’s basically like our body trying to mount a response to the damage that it’s taking in.
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“The Skin Cancer Foundation strongly advises the public to avoid sunburns at all costs”.
