My boyfriend has big brown freckles all over his back and shoulders. He says its from the sun. Is this bad?

Question

He wants to go out and tan this summer, but I'm worried about his back.

Answer 1

Freckles and sun spots are frequently found on face, legs and back of hands. Individuals who sunbathe regularly may develop freckles and sun spots all over their skin. Paler skins types are more prone. As long as he applies a more generous amount of high SPF sunscreen onto the back, he'll be fine.

Answer 2

If the freckles are big, swollen or hurt he should have a doctor look at them. Use lots of sunscreen when outside in the sun. Also, its probably not a good idea to tan in the sun for hours. And if he has been in the sun and the freckles change shape or turn a different colour, also see a skin specialist!

Answer 3

I also have freckles all over my back and shoulders from the sun. All it means is that you have received a bad sunburn when you were younger. (bad= blisters along with severe red skin)

Answer 4

It could be. He should see a dermatologist. They will be able to tell him if sunbathing is right for him and will also check out those spots. If he got them from the sun they could cause, or be, skin cancer. If they are he needs to have them looked at. Tanning may be a bad idea. If he has spots- he should be wearing his SPF everyday!

--JC

Answer 5

Hi there,

Yes, it is bad but don't worry, that does not mean he has skin cancer either. Tanning is not "healthy" per se; tanning is the result of skin damage due to ultra violet rays. Does that mean cancerous cells? Only a professionally trained health care provider can make such diagnoses.

Cheers.

Answer 6

My husband is the same way. It is from the sun and now that he is 55 years old, a few of the spots are a bit 'raised' and black. He's already had 2 spots removed from his face that were pre-cancerous.