Dermatologists warn teenagers: "Don't believe everything you see on the Internet!”

The Romanian Society of Dermatology is launching a new national campaign to prevent and combat skin cancer, under the message "Don't get burned for the sake of a trend! Don't believe everything you see on the Internet!”, as part of the Euromelanoma program. The initiative is dedicated especially to teenagers and aims to combat medical misinformation on social networks, where advice on tanning, sun exposure and sun protection is often offered by influencers without medical training.

• Internet myths can increase the risk of skin cancer

According to the Romanian Society of Dermatology, social media platforms have become the main source of information for many teenagers, but some messages promoted online can encourage dangerous behaviors. Dermatologists point out that myths about "healthy” tanning, using tanning beds or not using sunscreen can have direct consequences on skin health and increase the risk of skin cancer. This year's campaign aims to convey accurate medical information in a language adapted to the new generation and to encourage the prevention and early detection of oncological skin diseases.

• Free screening and educational activities throughout the country

The activities within Euromelanoma 2026 in Romania will be presented today, at Ramada Plaza Bucharest, during a conference held by Alin Codruţ Nicolescu, president of SRD and national coordinator of the campaign, and Magda Constantin, from Colentina Clinical Hospital. The program includes: active campaigns on social networks dedicated to adolescents; distribution of educational materials in schools; interactive workshops; free dermatological screening consultations in the main university centers in Romania. Through this initiative, Romanian dermatologists are trying to convey a simple but essential message: internet trends change quickly, but the effects of unprotected sun exposure can last a lifetime.