Sussex doctors issue warning about 'sunburning' TikTok trend
Experts say the practice could increase the risk of skin cancer
Experts at a Sussex hospital are warning the public against taking part in a new TikTok trend which could increase a person's risk of developing skin cancer.
'Sunburning' involves influencers encouraging people not to use sunscreen and instead expose their skin to the sun as a health boost or even intentionally burning their skin to ‘heal’ acne.
The Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead says forgoing using protection could increase the numbers of sunburns, increasing the risk of cancer such as melanoma and premature skin aging.
The hospital's burns unit sees around 700 patients a year from across Sussex, Surrey and Kent, with this number increasing year on year.
Although the hospital is yet to see any cases related to this new trend, the effects will last for many years meaning those who try it may well develop skin Cancer in years to come and need its specialist services. The impact of this trend could be far reaching.
Sam Orkar, Consultant Plastic Surgeon and Clinical Director of the hospital’s Plastics and Burns services, said:
"Social media trends such as this not only pose an immediate danger but have the potential to cause lifelong health issues for those that follow them.
"Melanoma is the 5th most common type of Cancer and nationally numbers are on the increase.
"Please can we encourage everyone to be safe in the sun and look after your skin and remember there are safer ways to treat acne than putting yourself at risk through unprotected sun exposure.”
TikTok has confirmed that they have removed any videos which could contribute to the trend from their social platform.