Experts issue warning over 'dangerous' TikTok trend linked to increasing cancer-risk
TikTok is a lot of people's go-to for general life tips, new recipes or just good memes.
But sometimes online trends can go too far - as horror stories in the news have shown - especially when they involve bodily harm or hazardous substances.
Now, a new 'dangerous' trend has emerged on TikTok that has health experts worried.
NHS experts at The Queen Victoria Hospital Foundation Trust, in East Grinstead, have warned the public that the new 'sunburning' trend could increase the chances of developing cancer.
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Promoted by social media influencers, the reckless trend involves avoiding sunscreen when going outside in the sun.
Content creators are trying to convince people that doing so will give their skin a 'healthy boost' or 'burn off' acne.
Now, it's basic common sense not to go outside in the sun without protection. But it's young and impressionable people who are most at risk.
'Trends such as this not only pose an immediate danger but have the potential to cause lifelong health issues,' said Sam Orkar, clinical director of the hospital’s plastics and burns services.
TikTok has responded by removing several videos related to this trend for violating its community guidelines.
'This is yet another TikTok trend that is incredibly dangerous and misleading,' warned Dr. Claire Merrifield, GP and medical director at Selph.
'It is completely false that exposing acne to sunlight 'burns' spots away. UV rays directly damage the DNA in skin cells, which can lead to mutations that cause skin cancer.'
She stresses that 'if you expose the skin without protecting it with SPF, then you automatically increase the risk of skin cancer. Not to mention premature skin ageing.'
Although the hospital hasn’t seen cases linked to this specific trend yet, they're concerned about the potential influx of cases to come.
A similar trend occurred a few years back where influencers would intentionally draw out images in suntan lotion on their skin. And then give themselves a sunburn as a way to test out tattoo designs.
Dermatologists were quick to raise the flag on this trend and point out its risks.
According to the health authority, repeated sunburns over time increase the risk of developing skin cancer and can lead to premature ageing.
Skin cancer, or melanoma, is the 5th most common type of cancer in the UK.
Cancer Research UK predicts there will be a record 20,800 new melanoma cases this year alone - up from the average of 19,300 between 2020-2022.