Experts warn public against “sunburn art”

From flowers to the Batman logo, sunburn art is making its way around social media outlets like Instagram and Twitter.

Designs are created by exposing certain parts of the skin to the sun without protection, leaving behind what some may consider as a temporary tattoo.

When we showed the photos found online to Daryl Baltimore, a Pennsylvania native visiting Ocean City, he told us he cannot believe some people actually did it.

“Yeah, it looks like it could be a new type of art but that’s different.” Says Baltimore, “I don’t know if I could get into that, I don’t know.”

This so-called new type of art isn’t sitting well with medical professionals, either. The Skin Cancer Foundation says in a statement it “strongly advises the public to avoid sunburns at all costs. A sunburn is not only painful – it’s dangerous, and comes with consequences.”

Arlene Schneider is a Senior Market Manager at the American Cancer Society. She says in 2015, 1,400 Marylanders are expected to be diagnosed with Melanoma which is the deadliest type of skin cancer.

According to Schneider, many skin cancers are caused by excessive exposure to UV rays whether from indoor tanning beds or the sun itself. It’s another reason why she’s urging folks on the eastern shore to protect themselves.

“We are blessed with a lot of activities that get us outside, this is an agricultural society too. People are out farming, play in the beach…we ride bicycles, we do a lot of things that are outside so really need to be protecting our skin.” She explains.

When it comes to intentionally burning yourself for the sake of art, Schneider’s advice is simple and direct.

“Don’t do it.” She says.

The Skin Cancer Foundation reports sustaining five or more sunburns during youth increases lifetime melanoma risk by 80 percent. As far as skin cancer itself, experts tell us the earlier it’s detected and treated, the better chance for a cure.