Can One Severe Sunburn Increase Your Cancer Risk?
Key Takeaways
- A severe or blistering sunburn can have lasting effects. Even a single severe sunburn can damage skin-cell DNA and increase the risk of skin cancer later in life.
- Children's skin is especially vulnerable. Sunburns during childhood and adolescence are linked to a higher lifetime risk of skin cancer, making sun protection especially important from an early age.
- Prevention is the best protection. Reduce UV exposure by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing and hats, seeking shade, and limiting time in direct sunlight during peak UV hours.
A severe sunburn can be painful and more serious than many people realize. But can one sunburn really be "life-changing"?
Unfortunately, the answer is yes.
What is a life-changing sunburn?
A “life-changing sunburn” is a phrase used to describe a severe sunburn, particularly one that causes blistering, because the damage it causes can have lifelong effects.
A sunburn occurs when ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun damages the DNA inside skin cells.
“When the body repairs that damage, mistakes can sometimes occur," explains Adrienne Victor, MD, MS, oncologist at University of Rochester Medicine Wilmot Cancer Institute. "Over time, these mutations can accumulate and contribute to the development of skin cancer.”
Research shows that blistering sunburns increase the risk of developing skin cancer later in life. For some types of skin cancer, even a single, severe, blistering sunburn can raise a person's lifetime risk.
Children and teens may be particularly vulnerable to the long-term effects of severe sunburns.
“Children are more susceptible due to multiple risk factors, including the biology of their pigment-producing skin cells, the higher likelihood of sun exposure, and inconsistent use of sun protection,” says Jinia El-Feghaly, MD, chief of Pediatric Dermatology at University of Rochester Medicine Golisano Children's.
“Additionally, studies show that a higher frequency of sunburns during childhood is associated with a higher risk of skin cancer, even if sunburns become less frequent in adulthood.”
How to Treat a Severe Sunburn
A mild sunburn may improve within a few days, while more severe burns can take a week or longer to heal. Cool compresses, plenty of fluids and appropriate moisturizers can help relieve discomfort.
Sunburn peeling is also common as damaged skin cells are shed. However, peeling does not mean the skin has fully recovered from the underlying damage.
Blistering is a sign of a more severe sunburn. Avoid popping blisters, which can increase the risk of infection. A healthcare provider should evaluate severe sunburn, especially when there is extensive blistering, severe pain, fever, or other concerning symptoms.
How To Prevent Sunburn and Reduce Skin Cancer Risk
The best way to prevent a life-changing sunburn is to protect skin from UV damage before it happens.
Protecting your skin doesn't rely on one strategy alone. Experts recommend using several forms of sun protection whenever you're outdoors, including:
- Broad-spectrum sunscreen
- Protective clothing
- Hats
- Shade
- Limiting time in direct sunlight, especially when UV levels are highest
The Fitzpatrick skin-type scale classifies skin based on how it typically responds to sun exposure, including how easily it burns or tans.
Although people with lower Fitzpatrick skin types are more likely to burn, skin cancer can affect people of every skin type. Everyone should take steps to protect their skin from UV exposure.
Did you know that Monroe County has one of the highest incidences of melanoma in New York state? To help reduce barriers to sun safety, University of Rochester Medicine partnered with community organizations to install free sunscreen dispensers at locations across Monroe County.
Should children get skin checks?
“Routine skin checks are not generally recommended for children,” says Dr. El-Feghaly. “However, some children may need specialized monitoring, including those with a strong family history of melanoma, certain genetic conditions, or specific high-risk birthmarks.”
A pediatrician may also recommend evaluation by a pediatric dermatologist for a changing skin lesion or non-healing wound.
A sunburn may fade within days or weeks, but the DNA damage caused by UV exposure lasts much longer. Protecting your child's skin today can help lower their risk of skin cancer for years to come.
Get care without leaving home
If you or your child has concerns about a sunburn, University of Rochester Medicine Virtual Urgent Care makes it easy to connect with a healthcare provider from home. Virtual urgent care is available every day for many minor illnesses and injuries, including sunburns.Connect with us!
