Sunburn leaves long-term marks: doctors warn of skin cancer risk

A sunburn is not simply a matter of a few days of red, stinging skin. Doctors warn that every instance of excessive sun exposure can cause damage to the DNA in skin cells, and these effects accumulate over time. According to specialists cited by Health Yahoo, five or more sunburns — regardless of how severe they were — can double the risk of developing melanoma, the most aggressive form of skin cancer.

Why every sunburn matters, even mild ones

Data from the Skin Cancer Foundation shows that it is not the severity of a single sunburn that is the determining factor, but rather the number of repeated episodes throughout a person's lifetime. Dr. Michelle Henry, a specialist in aesthetic and dermatological surgery, explains: "Every intense sunburn contributes to the cumulative damage of your skin's DNA over the course of your life." There is no precise threshold at which a sunburn becomes dangerous, but the risk increases with each severe episode or with repeated exposure to UV radiation without adequate protection.

Types of sunburn

• First degree – the most common type, affecting only the superficial layer of skin, causing redness, pain and sensitivity.
• Second degree – reaches the deeper layers of skin, can cause blistering and, according to the Cleveland Clinic, sometimes requires medical treatment or hospitalisation.
• Third degree – extremely rare, affects all layers of the skin, destroys nerve endings and constitutes a medical emergency.

Cumulative risk from childhood and adolescence

Specialists emphasise that severe sunburns sustained during childhood and adolescence can influence the risk of skin cancer much later in life, as the damage accumulated at that time may only become apparent many years afterwards. The American Cancer Society notes that severe sunburns in childhood are associated with an increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma, the second most common type of skin cancer. The American Academy of Dermatology likewise warns that five or more blistering sunburns between the ages of 15 and 20 can increase the risk of melanoma by up to 80%.

How common are sunburns

A national survey conducted in the United States in 2024 shows that more than 88 million adults suffer sunburns each year, with nearly 19 million experiencing at least four such episodes annually.

Protective measures recommended by specialists

To reduce risk, doctors recommend avoiding direct sun exposure during periods of intense UV radiation, wearing long-sleeved clothing, wide-brimmed hats and UV-protective sunglasses. They also recommend using a high-factor sunscreen, applied at least 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapplied every two hours.

Dr. Amanda Valdes, a family doctor cited by the Cleveland Clinic, cautions: "You will begin to notice when your skin no longer has the protection it needs. The key is to act. Do not ignore the signs."

Prevention: the safest course of action

Specialists stress that prevention remains the most effective method of reducing the risk of skin cancer. Prolonged sun exposure should be avoided particularly on days with high temperatures and elevated UV indices. Sun protection should not be used only during holidays or at the beach, but whenever skin is exposed to sunlight for extended periods, as the effects of sunburns can accumulate over time — even if the initial discomfort fades within a few days.