There is limited research into whether spending time around a campfire can increase a person’s risk of skin cancer.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration explains that heat from a campfire transfers through radiation. Radiation can harm the skin, lead to sunburn, and increase the risk of skin cancer.

However, it is unclear how much time a person would need to spend around a campfire for the radiation to damage the skin or increase the likelihood of developing skin cancer.

A person may develop erythema ab igne, or “toasted skin syndrome,” which is a rash that can happen in response to repeated exposure to infrared radiation or direct heat. The condition usually develops over a number of weeks or years, so a person would need to frequently spend time around a campfire for the rash to appear.

Erythema ab igne is typically benign, or noncancerous, but it may lead to premalignant or malignant skin lesions after continued exposure to the campfire.

A person who receives a thermal burn from the campfire or elsewhere may be at an increased risk of some types of skin cancer later. According to a 2019 article, burn scars where initial treatment involved leaving the wound open (rather than being stitched together) and leaving it to heal by itself are a potential risk factor for various skin cancers. Always seek immediate medical advice for a burn.

Some research into the risks of fire on the development of cancer focuses on firefighters. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), there is limited evidence that occupational exposure to fire and other risks during firefighting can cause skin cancer. However, the ACS indicates there is sufficient evidence to show that bladder cancer and mesothelioma are more likely in humans.

More research is necessary to determine the risk of skin cancer when spending time around a campfire. A person should contact their doctor if they have concerns about skin cancer or an injury from a campfire or other fire.