Sun Awareness - Protect Your Skin From the Sun | ExpatWoman.com
 

Sun Awareness - Protect Your Skin From the Sun

It’s time to get out your shades and your suntan lotion and get ready for a summer of safe fun in the sun.

Posted on

19 September 2013

Last updated on 31 December 2017
Sun Awareness - Protect Your Skin From the Sun
The sun is to be enjoyed, but at Mediclinic City Hospital we want to make sure you are aware of the risks associated with exposure to the sun and how you can help minimise those risks.

There are three main types of skin cancer. The most common and least dangerous is called basal cell carcinoma (rodent ulcer). The rarest and deadliest is called melanoma (cancerous mole).

Most skin cancers can be cured if detected and treated early. The best way to detect skin cancer is to examine your skin regularly (at least once a month).

You need to examine all your skin from top to toe. You may need to ask a friend or a family member to examine the areas you cannot see such as the scalp and back. Do not forget to examine the ears, under the arms, private areas and soles of your feet.

Skin cancer is usually asymptomatic but symptoms can include itchiness, bleeding, crusting and inflammation. You need to look for changes of any type including colour, shape and size.

People with pale, fair skin who burn easily are at higher risk of skin cancer, especially after repeated sunbathing and sunburn however people with any skin type are at risk of skin cancer if they have suffered overexposure to the sun.

The ABCDE Way to check moles

  • ASYMMETRY; The two halves of the mole differ in shape.
  • BORDER; The outside of the mole looks uneven or look ragged.
  • COLOUR; You may see different shades of black, brown and pink.
  • DIAMETER; Most but not all melanoma are larger 5 mm. If any mole gets bigger, you need to see a skin specialist.
  • EXPERT; Look out for any changes. IF IN DOUBT, CHECK IT OUT. You need to see a consultant dermatologist with a specialist interest in treating skin cancer/melanoma.

PROTECT YOUR SKIN

SLIP ON A SHIRT; Cover up as much as you can. Wear a hat and sunglasses.

SEEK THE SHADE; Avoid the sun between 10 am and 5 pm. Never get sunburnt. Keep babies and children out of direct sunlight.

SLAP ON SUNSCREEN; Apply plenty of sun cream on the uncovered skin at least 15 -20 minutes before going out in the sun and reapply every two hours and straight after swimming. Use a high protection SPF 30 or more to protect against UVB and 4 or 5 UVA stars.

IF IN DOUBT, CHECK IT OUT; you should see the consultant dermatologist for any changes to a mole or a patch of skin.

Dr. Anwar Al Hammadi - AMERICAN BOARD CERTIFIED, Consultant DERMATOLOGIST, Associate Professor of Dermatology

Dr. Mohamed Bazza - Consultant Dermatologist, Member of the British Association of Dermatologists

 
 

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