Are redheads at greater risk of developing Melanoma? We have always known that those with fair hair and fair skin are at increased risk of damage from the sun’s harmful rays. Recently though, a study in mice with ginger hair and fair skin revealed an even higher risk of sun damage compared to all other skin and hair types, including those with blonde hair.
That means that redheads face a much higher risk of developing melanoma (deadly skin cancer) from sun exposure than other fair haired people or those with darker skin.
Even if you are good about avoiding UV rays, it’s still possible that the red pigment in red heads is related to carcinogenic activity, says Dr. David Fischer, Director of the Melanoma Program as Massachusetts General Hospital and a senior author of the study.
UV rays can damage the skin no matter the season. People tend to take more precautions in the Summer months, however, the Winter sun can be just as damaging, if not more damaging, to unprotected skin. We recently discussed the possibility of sun damage in the winter in our article on Sun Poisoning.
Did you Know?
The National Cancer Institute estimates that more than 76,000 people will be diagnosed with Melanoma each year and that more than 9,000 will die from it!
For more on protecting yourself from the sun, please read our related articles below – and remember to protect your skin every time you venture outdoors.
- Sunscreen: New Guidelines this Summer (healthyskinsolutions.com)
- Frequently Asked Questions About Sunscreen (healthyskinsolutions.com)
- Signs of Sun Damage & How to Prevent Sun Damage (healthyskinsolutions.com)
- Sun Damaged Skin (healthyskinsolutions.com)
- Professional Treatment of Sun Damaged Skin (healthyskinsolutions.com)
- Repairing Sun Damaged Skin (healthyskinsolutions.com)
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