sun burnt - Cancer: Skin Message Board

catr001 · 07-24-2007, 12:37 PM

I know this might seem i stupid question but im getting really worried. I am a fair skinned person. Once i got so severy sun burnt that the following day i suffered a sun stroke. the areas that got sun burnt are my chest tummy and legs. this happened three years ago. Now on my back i have large moles which are not changing in shape. 6months ago i had a sort of mole on my back with a scab on it and some how it peeled off leaving a very white patch on my back. this morning i got sunburnt on my shoulder. Am i risking a skin cancer?

Fiadh · 08-02-2007, 04:51 PM

Yes. Your risk of developing skin cancer increases significantly with each sunburn you acquire, and every severe, blistering sunburn doubles your risk of malignant melanoma. Keep an eye on those moles; if you see a sudden change in any of them, go to a dermatologist to see if it should be biopsied. And DEFINITELY protect yourself from sun damage in the future. If you're going to be out in the sun, wear lots of sunscreen, a hat, clothing that shields your skin, etc.

kevin113 · 08-09-2007, 07:21 PM

Having had a huge chunk of carcinoma (not deadly) removed from my shoulder 3 yrs ago, I woul only suggest you get very serious about taking care of your skin. I was 34 when first treated and now I am at a very high risk of getting it again because of my age. Kevin

Ladypepper · 08-13-2007, 02:36 PM

Yes, you are raising your risk with every sun burn. At this point, you should be seen by a derm and let them check your skin and moles out. If anything changes (follow the ABCD's of skin cancer) get it checked asap.

From now on, use sunscreen, avoid peak sun hours, wear a hat and clothes that cover you in the sun. Be aware of the dangers and avoid them.

Wishing you the best!