Scorched Brits ignoring sun safety warnings
June 23, 2009Millions of British holidaymakers continue to ignore government advice about sun protection, according to a new survey by Superdrug.
Up to nine million Brits admit to getting sunburnt every single time they go abroad, while a further one in ten say they get burnt twice in the same trip.
Falling asleep appears to be the number-one cause of sunburn, but a worrying number of respondents simply forget to apply suntan lotion.
Martin Crisp, superintendent pharmacist for Superdrug, argued that holidaymakers have scant excuse given the multitude of awareness campaigns.
"Every person who gets a lobster face from the sun should really be blushing with shame," he said.
"A burn from the sun can be more harmful than a burn from a hot pan or a fire. Not only is there the immediate discomfort and pain, sunburn is known to lead to skin cancer."
Studies by Cancer Research UK shows that 10,000 new cases of malignant melanoma skin cancer are reported each year in Britain - one in five of which is fatal.
However, medical experts also stress that moderate exposure to the sun actually carries significant health benefits as it spurs Vitamin D production.
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