New research reveals many Australians still believe the misconception that sunburn happens mostly on hot, sunny days and more than a third did not think sun protection was necessary on cloudy days.

The Skin Health Australia Report Card, released by not-for-profit organisation the Skin and Cancer Foundation, also found nearly one-third of adults did not check their skin for signs of skin disease.

In the ACT, nearly nine out of 10 respondents with skin issues regarded them as a cosmetic problem. The report card said one of the biggest misconceptions was that skin health was a cosmetic problem and one that did not require medical attention.

"In reality, inflammatory skin diseases often disguise other underlying health factors that need further investigation to achieve full health," the report said.

In the ACT, 55 per cent of people were worried about arthritis, but just one in five was worried about unhealthy skin.

The research also found that 35 per cent of people in the territory did not check their skin for signs of skin disease and just one-third did monthly skin checks.

Nearly one in five respondents from the ACT were not confident in checking their skin.

Skin and Cancer Foundation president Associate Professor Chris Baker said skin disease included skin cancer and sun damage, as well as eczema, psoriasis, occupational skin diseases and hair and nail diseases.

"The report highlighted that up to 4.6 million people are affected or have been affected in some way by skin disease, so that indicates how common skin problems are," he said.

The pleasing news was that more than 80 per cent of 45 to 55-year-olds checked their skin regularly, but for younger groups regular skin checks were not as common, he said.

"Unfortunately the awareness of sun protection and the need to check their skin was not high in the younger groups, the 19 to 24-year-olds, which was a bit alarming."

People needed to be aware of their skin and signs of skin disease such as moles, skin cancer or rashes, he said.

"It's certainly advisable that self-examination be performed several times a year. We recommend at the start of each season.

"People should have a look at themselves in front of the mirror and perhaps have a partner check their back and utilise their visits to their GP as part of their skin surveillance."

Skin problems were common and often overlooked, he said.

"The ability to treat them or seek help for them (skin problems) is not recognised. With regard to sun protection and sun surveillance, we can do a lot better."

Many people still did not understand the effects of UV and there was still a belief that the risk of sunburn or skin cancer was confined to hot, sunny days only, he said.

"You can get sunburnt on a sunny day if the temperature is cool."

Sunburn is caused by UV radiation, not temperature, and the SunSmart program recommends avoiding the sun or using sun protection when UV levels are at three or higher, even if in the sun for only a short time.