President Biden’s recent trip to St. Croix for a seven-day vacation left him with an awkward mishap as he boarded Air Force One to return to the White House on Tuesday. The President, who is 81 years old, sported an evident sunburn from “forehead to neck,” caused by the island’s scorching sunrays. The President’s collar was opened in a deep V, thus exposing his neck, where the sunburn was most evident. As President Biden shook hands on the tarmac of Henry E. Rohlsen Airport, many spotted his crimson heat-hued skin.
The glaring redness is a significant worry for White House officials as the president had been diagnosed with a cancerous skin lesion, which was removed during his physical examination last February. Prior to this, he had been treated for a potentially precancerous lesion, which had worried some of his doctors.
Health professionals worldwide have widely cited that unprotected exposure to direct sunlight could cause skin cancer and other harmful effects. The American Cancer Society notes that more than a million skin cancers are diagnosed in the US every year, and a significant number of them are found to be sun-related.
The Food and Drug Administration notes that UV exposure causes long-term effects such as premature aging of the skin. Although sun damage may not be noticeable until some years down the line, early prevention is considered essential to achieving healthy skin. It is also important to note that UV exposure causes damage, even on days when the sun is not visible. This is because the sun emits harmful UV rays that travel through the clouds and other atmospheric elements. Health experts recommend the use of broad-spectrum sunscreen, long-sleeved clothing, and a wide-brimmed hat when going outside on sunny days.
The President’s sunburn is also a political issue at this moment. Many political contenders have raised concerns that President Biden will have to deal with escalating issues from his first year of presidency, and he now opens himself to more criticism through leaving the country during this delicate moment.
Additionally, questions have further emerged about the President’s safety as he is continuously putting himself at risk of getting skin cancer. This could also lead to questions about his overall health and the level of physical exertion the President is taking on amidst all his political duties.
