Sun damaged lips are vulnerable to skin cancer. Sunburns can occur in less than 15 minutes and it is the repeated sun exposure that can cause long lasting damage.

Signs

Sun damaged lips

• Lips that feel chronically dry
• White patches on the lip
• Areas of redness or scaling

Early lip cancer

• An isolated, thickened area
• Considerable scaling in one area
• An ulcer that does not heal

Prevention - what you can do

• Limit sun exposure
• Use lip balm containing SPF 30 sunscreen
• Wear a broad-brimmed hat
• Seek shade