All articles tagged with #melanoma risk
Live Science debunks the extinction myth: red hair stems from a recessive MC1R variant that can persist in the population through carriers who don’t display red hair themselves. While redheads are a small minority (under 2% globally) and have higher melanoma risk, there’s no evidence the trait is disappearing; frequency may fluctuate with migration, but as long as MC1R variants exist in the gene pool, redheads aren’t going extinct.
Dermatologists warn that melanotan II, a banned injectable/nasal tanning drug sold online and promoted by TikTok influencers, poses serious risks (including priapism), offers no proven sun-protection, can darken or alter moles, and may be linked to melanoma; experts urge regulation and caution amid widespread misinformation.
The FDA has withdrawn its 2015 proposal to restrict tanning bed sales and use by minors after more than 8,000 public comments, indicating it will study alternatives and potential unintended consequences before possibly restarting rulemaking. The move drew pushback from dermatology groups emphasizing the melanoma risk associated with UV exposure in youth, while noting prior steps in 2014 requiring warning labels and premarket review for sunlamp products.