Check Your Moles After Going Out in the Sun

sun and moles

Summer is a fantastic time to enjoy the great outdoors, but it’s also a season when your skin needs extra protection. It’s important to safeguard your skin from harmful UV rays and regularly check your moles for any changes.

In this blog, we’ll explore how you can protect your skin, the importance of monitoring moles, and the treatment options available for suspicious skin lesions.

Protecting the skin

The sun’s UV rays can cause significant damage to your skin, leading to premature ageing, sunburns, and an increased risk of skin cancer. According to Cancer Research, there are around 17,500 new melanoma skin cancer cases in the UK every year. That’s 48 every day.

To protect your skin it’s recommend you:

Use sunscreen: Applying sunscreen is one of the simplest and most effective ways to shield your skin from UV damage. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Apply it generously to all exposed skin, and don’t forget often-missed spots like the ears, back of the neck, and tops of your feet. Reapply every two hours, or more frequently if you’re swimming or sweating.

Cover up: Wearing protective clothing can reduce your skin’s exposure to the sun. Choose long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses. Special clothing with built-in UV protection is also available and can be a great addition to your sun protection arsenal.

Stay out of the sun: The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 am and 4 pm. During these hours, seek shade whenever possible. Planning outdoor activities for the early morning or late afternoon can help minimise your exposure to harmful UV rays.

Check your moles

Regularly checking your moles is crucial for early detection of skin cancer. Here’s some of the signs to look for – easy to remember as they start ‘A, B, C, D, E’:

  • Asymmetry: One half of the mole does not match the other half
  • Border: The edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred
  • Colour: The colour of the mole may include shades of brown or black, sometimes with patches of pink, red, white, or blue
  • Diameter: The mole is larger than 6mm across (about the size of a pencil eraser), although melanomas can be smaller
  • Evolving: The mole changes in size, shape, or colour over time

If you notice any of these changes, or if a mole looks significantly different from your other moles, it’s essential to have it looked at. Early detection is key in treating skin cancer effectively.

Mole and skin lesion removal

The good news is that almost 9 in 10 (87.4%) people diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer in England survive their disease for ten years or more. With early detection, there are effective treatments available.

If you are concerned about a mole, or have a suspicious looking skin lesion, get in touch with Mr Paul Tulley. He can assess any suspicious looking moles or skin lesions and he provides a range of treatments. Find out more about skin lesion treatments here.

Taking care of your skin in the sun and being vigilant about changes in your moles can significantly reduce your risk of developing skin cancer. By following these protective measures and seeking professional advice if you notice any changes, you can enjoy the sun safely and maintain healthy skin.

Schedule an appointment with Mr Paul Tulley today to book an appointment for an assessment and to discuss the most suitable treatment options.

 

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