A recent survey by the American Academy of Dermatology revealed a significant increase in both tanning and sunburn in 2021 compared to 2020.
The American Academy of Dermatology surveyed the public to find out how they tan during the summer and on holidays.
According to the survey, 63% of respondents reported getting tanned in 2021, an increase of 9 percentage points from 54% in 2020, and 33% reported being sunburned in 2021, an increase of 8 percentage points from 25% in 2020.
The survey also found that many still believe that there are many myths about tanning that, if followed, can cause major skin damage, with 45% of respondents believing one or more of the tanning myths that this:
22% think that a basic tan will prevent sunburn.
20% think tanning is safe as long as you don’t get burned.
18% believe that suntan oil reduces the risk of skin cancer.
13% think tanning is healthy.
53% of respondents believe that people with darker skin look healthier.
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Elizabeth Bahar Hochmand, “Tan is your body’s response to injury. When you tan, you are deliberately endangering your health. ”
Research also shows that it only takes sunburn bubbles during childhood or adolescence to double a person’s risk of developing skin cancer, the deadliest type of skin cancer, later in life.
And 28% reported that the sunburn was severe enough that their clothing was uncomfortable. Of those sunburned, the top four areas of sunburn were face (60%), arm (59%), shoulder (55%). and neck (41%).
Dr. said. Hochmand that some of the increase in sunburn can be attributed to a lack of knowledge about the risk of sunburn.
The survey found that 39% of respondents were unaware of one or more of the risks of sunburn:
24% are unaware that they can get sunburned on cloudy days.
15% are unaware that they can be burned from a car window.
9% are unaware that people with darker skin can get sunburned.
7% are unaware that sunburn increases the risk of skin cancer.
“The rise of this sunburn is very worrying,” said Dr. Hochmand. “Both tanning and sunburn can damage the skin. The more tanned you get and sunburn, the greater the damage over time, which increases your risk of premature skin aging, including age spots, sagging, and wrinkles. and skin cancer. ”
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends sun protection and lower risk of skin cancer:
looking for shadows
Sun exposure from 10 am to 2 pm, when the sun is less intense
Wear sunscreen such as a light long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-protective sunglasses.
Apply a broad spectrum, waterproof sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher for all skin types not covered by clothing.
It is estimated that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, and according to the study, an estimated 1,977,700 new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed in the United States by 2022.
sourcemedicalexpress
Source: Arabic RT
