New research has revealed the areas of the UK which have seen the most cases of sunburn between January 2021 and May 2024.

Online retailer Perfume Oasis analysed the results of a freedom of information request sent to NHS trusts around the UK, and found which areas saw the most A&E admissions that involved sunburn.

Overall, the NHS saw 8121 patients with complaints of sunburn in A&E departments with 405 taking place in hospitals throughout London.

North Middlesex University Hospital Trust took the top spot in London, recording 70 of the 405 total cases. This was followed by University College London Hospitals Trust with 60 cases and Chelsea and Westminster Hospital Trust with 50 overall incidents recorded.

 

  • North Middlesex University Hospital Trust: 70
  • University College London Hospitals Trust: 60
  • Chelsea and Westminster Hospital Trust: 50
  • Lewisham and Greenwich Trust: 40
  • King’s College Hospital Trust: 35

 

Nationally, Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust saw the highest count, totalling 400 A&E visits for sunburn, This was followed by Northumbria Healthcare Trust with 355 cases.

Tamas Bozsar of Perfume Oasis gave his tips:

“Although the accepted logic is that you can only get sunburn in the Summer, it’s unfortunately not the case and it’s just as important to make sure you’re protected in Autumn and Winter as you are in the hotter parts of year.

“Any prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause sunburn, regardless of the temperature outside, but luckily there are some simple things you can do to help prevent any issues.

“Keeping your skin safe doesn’t have to be complicated. It could be as simple as using a moisturiser that has a sun protection factor of at least 30spf. While it’s easier to do when it’s cold outside, make sure wherever possible that your clothing covers as much skin as possible.

“Additionally, it helps to be aware of the level of risk as not all times of the day or all areas will carry the same level of sunlight. Cloud cover will affect the amount your exposed to, but you can also consult the UV index to see what measures you need to take. Skin Cancer UK recommends that if the UV index is above a 3 in your area, you begin to take some precautions.”