Teenagers are increasing their chances of cancer with 'sunburn art' tattoos, doctors say
The internet trend of sunburn tatoos has been criticised by healthcare professionals who have called the practice 'dangerous'
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People are now *apparently* giving themselves sunburn in an attempt to get tattoos and share the excruciating results on Instagram.
Using sunblock or even plasters, people have been making designs on their skin and then leaving the areas surrounding the “art” unprotected from the sun’s rays, at least according to the world's media, which has perpetuated the trend despite there being fairly little evidence of it on Instagram.
Medical professionals from the US Skin Cancer Foundation have warned that the reckless practice of sunburn art will lead to skin peeling and damage and potentially even skin cancer.
They advised the public to avoid sunburns at all costs and said, “A sunburn is not only painful – it’s dangerous, and comes with consequences.”
“Sunburns cause DNA damage to the skin, accelerate skin aging, and increase your lifetime skin cancer risk.”
According to the Foundation, sustaining five or more sunburns as a child increases your lifetime risk of melanoma by 80 per cent.
The NHS warns that the long-term effects of sunburn can include rough and scaly pre-cancerous spots, skin cancer – including melanoma, eye problems such as cataracts, and premature skin ageing and wrinkling.
The health service advises that while in the sun people should seek shade, cover up with clothing, wear a hat and sunglasses and use high-protection sunblock.
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