Credits: Social Media
‘Sunburning’ trend for treating acne poses ‘immediate danger’ of melanoma, doctors say
Many of us know the debilitating effect acne can have on a teenagers self-confidence and self-image. But a social media trend known as sunburning is not the answer, say dermatology experts at Queen Victoria Hospital.�
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, says Sam Orkar, Consultant Plastic Surgeon and Clinical Director of the hospitals Plastics and Burns services. On August 12, 2024, TikTok confirmed that they have removed any videos that could contribute to the trend from the social media platform, according to the NHS hospitals press office.
So-called acne cure popular among TikTok users poses an immediate danger
Its hard to avoid bad advice on TikTok, or for that matter any social media site.
The latest comes in the form of sunburning, a popular trend dermatology experts are hoping to stop in its tracks. They appear to have had some success.
Social media influencers have been encouraging people to expose their skin to UV rays in direct sunlight as a method of intentionally burning their skin to heal acne.
They have reportedly been recommending people avoid using sunscreen.
Of course, not everyone on TikTok has been encouraging people to engage in such harmful practices. One skin cancer surgeon vocal on the platform has been urging young people to protect themselves against the suns harmful rays, saying it is the most important thing you can do to protect yourself in the future.
Researchers have found that being sunburned just five times can double your chances of getting melanoma, irrespective of age.
Social media trends like sunburning can cause lifelong health issues
The leader of Queen Victoria Hospitals burns division, based in the UK, warns against getting sucked into social media trends.�
After all, the goal of an influencer is to increase their follower count increase engagement with their content. Some may be interested in the long-term health of the people who follow them, but thats not a prerequisite of the role.
Social media trends such as [sunburning] not only pose an immediate danger, Sam Orkar says, 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, Orkar adds. In the UK, but also in the US. “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.
The hospital recently updated its news report to add that TikTok has heeded its warnings. The platform has confirmed that they have removed any videos which could contribute to the trend from their social platform, according to the hospital.
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