As the summers get hotter, many of us will flock outside to make the most of the sunshine. Especially when our age and health don’t typically predispose us to serious skin conditions and cancers, we may not be all that concerned about the odd sunburn. After all, what difference can one instance of red sore skin really make? Turns out… potentially a lot!

Here we debunk some of the myths surrounding sunburn, and shine a light on the importance of regularly applying SPF during summer months and periods of high heat. 

Myth 1

I rarely get sunburn. Surely one burn now and then won’t make a difference.

Truth

According to Cancer Research UK, “Getting sunburnt just once every two years can triple your risk of melanoma skin cancer, compared to never being burnt.” Their senior health information manager reminded readers during an interview that “skin damage from the sun builds up over time – it doesn’t go away after the burn fades. Every burn counts, but this also means every time you protect yourself also counts.” This stands true even from childhood, as experiencing sunburn in your early years can drastically increase your risk of developing melanoma later on in your life. 

Myth 2

Cancer can be caused by all types of things, many of which are out of our control. Surely sun exposure can’t be that much of a factor.

Truth

Excessive sun exposure is the leading factor contributing to the development of skin cancer, with UV rays damaging the DNA in our skin if we fail to protect ourselves. Cancer Research UK states that a whopping 9 out of 10 cases of melanoma in the UK “could be prevented by staying safe in the sun and avoiding sunbeds.”

Myth 5

At least when summer is over I won’t have to worry about this sort of thing.

Truth

Usually in the UK, from April to September, the sunshine can be strong enough to potentially cause our skin harm. In order to keep track of this risk, you can check the UV index using weather forecasts and platforms such as the Met Office. This image below provided by Cancer Research UK shows how the UV index ought to be interpreted.

Myth 6

Sunburn is always visible as a peeling, red patch

Truth

Sunburn isn’t always visible, full stop! Especially for people with darker skin tones, sunburn may merely manifest as a sore or itchy spot. Otherwise, a slight pink tinge appearing after sun exposure can mean a burn, even if it never becomes noticeably red. 

Myth 7

If my natural skin tone is darker, then that mean’s my skin is safe from sunburn.

Truth

Though it’s true that those with darker natural skin tones are less likely to develop sunburn, due to higher levels of melanin, the risk is still very much there. What is more, burns may not be as easily identifiable to the naked eye if occurring on someone of colour, who may instead notice sensations of heat sensitivity, tenderness, itchiness, and soreness. Although skin cancer is widely thought to be less likely to develop the darker your skin tone, a 2016 study found that the rate of death from skin cancer was actually higher for people with darker skin, due to later diagnosis, often causes by factors such as medical bias, lack of confidence in medical care, and not noticing sunburn symptoms. 

As well as the common signs of skin cancer that we are usually made aware of, people of darker skin are also encouraged to look out for symptoms of acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM), which manifests as spots typically found on the hands, soles of the feet, and underneath the nails. It’s also important to keep track of any changes in pre-existing dark spots/growths, rough and dry patches, and abnormalities inside of the mouth.