CA
A female asked:
Bad sunburn on back+stomach 10days ago. done peeling now have brown freckle like spots on back of shoulders where burn was worst. is this skin cancer?
4 doctor answers • 10 doctors weighed in

Dr. Ramji Rajendrananswered
Radiation Oncology 17 years experience
Sun protection: Sun exposure can cause skin cancer, but this happens over many years of exposure. It is important to have good sun protection at all times. However, for severe sunburns, it does take time to heal from the exposure. Please see your doctor if these spots do not clear up in 2weeks as he or she may have some recommendations for helping your skin heal.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Otto Placikanswered
Surgery - Plastics 35 years experience
Not acutely: Severe sun burns over a prolonged period will increase your risk is skin cancer but are not likely to do this from one acute episode especially within the first few days after the burn. However this should not be interpreted to proceed without caution. Tan responsibly using appropriate precautions to minimize burns or excessive exposure, .
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Michael Macrianswered
34 years experience
Probably not Skin Ca: You can develop hyperpigmentation ( dark spots) after sun burns. Best to protect you skin with a quality sun block to prevent this from happening. However, any spot should be checked out by a qualified doctor used to dealing with skin cancers either a dermatologist or experienced primary care doctor.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Michael Milleranswered
Wound care 37 years experience
Normal response: As injured skin heals, the body creates inflammation to do so which means fresh blood goes to the area and with it, many kinds of healing factors and cells. One type is called melanocytes which carry our skin pigment melanin. A healing occurs, these cells get deposited in the area and give it the brownish coloration you see. Over time, there will be some fading as the injury matures.
4.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Jan 5, 2019
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