Moles can develop at any stage of life due to sun exposure, hormonal changes, and genetics and should be monitored for any changes.
How Often Should You Get A Skin Check?
It’s so important to always put our health first, but it’s easy to get stuck in the trap of waiting until you notice a problem before getting it checked out. When it comes to skin cancer, a regular skin check is one of the best preventive measures you can take. Skin cancer, including melanoma, can develop quickly and silently, making early detection essential in providing the best chance for effective treatment. Regular skin checks offer a proactive way to stay ahead of potential issues, ensuring any abnormalities are detected and addressed early on. Prevention and early diagnosis can save lives. Why Skin Checks are Important Did you know? Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in Australia, with over two-thirds of Australians diagnosed in their lifetime. There are three main types of skin cancer and each one varies in terms of aggressiveness and treatment outcomes: Melanoma accounts for only about 1-2% of cases, but it is the most dangerous. It often develops in existing moles or as a new dark spot on the skin. The five-year survival rate for melanoma is over 90% when detected early, but it drops significantly if the cancer has spread. Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer, but it’s also the least aggressive. BCCs usually appear as small, shiny bumps or patches on the skin. Although BCC grows slowly, it can still cause plenty of damage if left untreated. Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common type of skin cancer and often appears as scaly, red patches or open sores. With early detection, most cases of SCC can be treated successfully. Early Detection Saves Lives If you’re ever on the fence and wondering whether it’s worth getting a new spot checked out, just remember, early detection saves lives. When skin cancer is caught in its early stages, it can often be treated with minimal intervention, such as a simple excision, which leaves little to no scarring. Later-stage skin cancer often requires more invasive treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. Studies show that the survival rate for melanoma, for example, is above 90% when caught early, but this drops dramatically as the cancer progresses. Self-Examination vs. Professional Skin Checks It’s good to be aware of your skin and to do regular checks for any changes. By standing in front of a full-length mirror, you can spot new moles or changes to existing spots. This self-examination is an important first step in skin cancer prevention, but it’s not enough on its own. It works alongside a professional skin check, allowing you to become familiar with your skin. However, skin cancer can develop in areas that are hard to see on your own, such as your scalp, back, or behind the ears. Along with this, subtle changes in moles or lesions may go unnoticed by untrained eyes. A professional skin check, performed by an experienced doctor, involves a thorough examination using specialised equipment like dermatoscopes, which provide a magnified view of your skin. This technology allows the doctor to detect abnormalities that might not be visible during a self-check. With regular professional exams, any suspicious areas are closely monitored, and early intervention is possible. Factors that Influence How Often You Should Get a Skin Check Knowing how often you need to get a skin cancer check is half the battle. A yearly check is a general recommendation for most adults, however, some people may need more frequent visits due to different risk factors. Personal and Family History of Skin Cancer If you have had skin cancer in the past, it is important to have regular skin checks every 3 to 6 months. Skin cancer survivors are at a higher risk of recurrence, and early detection of any new lesions is essential for successful treatment. Similarly, a family history of skin cancer, particularly melanoma, increases your risk. Your doctor may recommend you visit more regularly than once a year. Skin Type and Features Your skin type can play a role in your risk of skin cancer. People with fair skin, freckles, and light hair or light eyes are more susceptible to sun damage, putting them at a higher risk of developing skin cancer. Those with multiple moles, especially if they are large or atypical, also need to be particularly vigilant. Geographic Location and UV Exposure If you live in areas with high levels of UV radiation, like Australia, your risk of skin cancer is much higher. While sun protection and making sure you cover up when outdoors is your best bet, it’s just as important to follow up with a whole-body skin check. Those who work outdoors in the harsh Australian sun, such as those in construction, landscaping, or farming, are exposed to the sun for extended periods and should be extra cautious, perhaps going for checks more often than once a year. Age Age is another significant factor, as the risk of skin cancer increases as we grow older. In fact, most skin cancers appear after the age of 50, but the damage leading to these cancers can occur much earlier. As a result, older adults should consider more frequent skin checks. Immunocompromised Individuals People with a weakened immune system, such as those who have undergone organ transplants, are receiving treatment for HIV, or are taking immunosuppressive medications, are at a much higher risk of developing skin cancer. Their immune systems are less able to repair the damage caused by UV radiation, leading to a greater chance of cancer. A professional skin cancer check every 3 to 6 months is strongly recommended to catch any changes early. General Guidelines for Skin Checks Annual Skin Check For most adults, a yearly skin check at a skin cancer clinic is needed. A dermatologist can carry out a full skin check to spot any signs of skin cancer, giving you peace of mind or taking action straight away so any suspicious moles can be successfully treated. High-Risk Individuals If you fall into
How to treat sunburn
While enjoying the great outdoors is a common part of our Australian lifestyle, it’s essential to recognise that the increased chance of sunburn can pose a very serious risk to your body. From immediate discomfort to the more severe long-term consequences of skin cancer and rapidly ageing skin, it’s important to understand the effects of sunburn so it can be appropriately remedied. That’s why we’ve created this guide, to help you recognise, treat, and, most importantly, prevent any sunburn you or someone you know may receive. Why is sunburn dangerous? When UV rays from the sun hit our skin, they can damage the skin’s surface. This damage can lead to what we know as sunburn. The science behind this is straightforward but concerning. UV rays can alter the DNA in our skin cells, which causes different degrees of sunburn. Mild sunburn typically involves slight redness and some discomfort, while moderate sunburn can cause more intense redness and swelling. Severe sunburn, however, is a more serious condition where the skin blisters, and this can result in severe pain. As well as causing immediate pain and discomfort, sunburn accelerates skin ageing and can result in peeling, itchy skin. Repeated or too much sun exposure that results in sunburn increases the risk of skin cancer — the most common type of cancer. Immediate actions: First aid for sunburn If you find yourself with a sunburn, the first thing you should do is give it the proper care and attention it requires to heal properly. This is especially important in cases of extreme sunburn. Treating your burn as soon as possible helps prevent further damage to your skin, and prevents more severe symptoms. Start by cooling the affected area. You can do this with cold compresses or by taking a cool bath. This helps alleviate the heat and reduces pain and swelling. Staying hydrated is also crucial. Sunburn draws fluid to the skin’s surface and away from the rest of the body. Drinking plenty of water helps prevent dehydration and assists in the healing process. When it comes to treating your sunburn, be cautious about the products you use. Avoid petroleum jelly or creams with “caine” in their names, like benzocaine or lidocaine, as they can trap heat in your skin and cause further irritation. As your sunburn heals, it’s important to treat any peeling skin gently. Remember that proper care will help you avoid skin irritation and further damage to the burn site. Too much abrasion or aggressive movement may prolong pain and significantly delay your burn’s healing process. Home remedies and over-the-counter solutions For a soothing home remedy, use aloe vera. A good quality aloe vera lotion or gel can act as a cooling agent and help your skin heal. It’s gentle and provides a protective, moisturising layer without trapping heat within your skin. When shopping for other kinds of moisturisers, look for products that are free from alcohol and fragrances, as these can further dry out and irritate your skin. Body soaps that are unscented and made for sensitive skin are the best kinds to use if you need to clean the burn site. Over-the-counter pain relief can be helpful in managing the discomfort that comes with sunburn. Ibuprofen or paracetamol are commonly used to reduce pain and swelling. However, be cautious with topical steroids like hydrocortisone. While they can reduce inflammation, they should only be used for mild sunburns and not on young skin or over large areas. Recognising signs of severe sunburn It’s crucial for us to recognise the signs of severe sunburn, as they often require medical attention. Severe sunburns can cause the body to lose fluids, leading to dehydration, and if the skin is broken, there’s a risk of infection. If you notice signs of either, it’s important you seek medical attention as soon as possible. Symptoms such as blisters on the skin, a high fever, or severe pain are also indicators of poor healing, and should be checked by a professional immediately. Long-term treatment and care After a sunburn, your skin goes through a healing and regeneration process. During this time, it’s important to support your skin’s recovery. Moisturising plays a key role here. Use gentle skincare products that hydrate and soothe the skin without causing further irritation. Products containing aloe vera or soy are often recommended. Also, be gentle with your skin; avoid picking at peeling skin or popping blisters, as this can lead to infection and slow down the healing process. As for the long-term, be sure to monitor your skin for any changes or signs of damage. Sometimes, sunburn can cause more than just temporary discomfort; it can lead to long-term skin changes like dark spots, wrinkles, or even increase the risk of skin cancer. Given these risks, regular skin checks are essential. They help in the early detection of any skin changes or abnormalities that might indicate skin damage or the early stages of skin cancer. If you notice any unusual changes in your skin, such as new or changing moles, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible. Remember: the earlier skin cancer is detected, the easier it is to treat. Children and sunburn Children’s skin requires special attention when it comes to sunburn. Their skin is more delicate and vulnerable to UV damage than adult skin. As a result, sunburn in children can be more severe and the effects of UV exposure can be more damaging in the long run. Preventing sunburn in children is key. Always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an appropriate SPF for children, and reapply it every two hours, or more often if they are swimming or sweating. Dressing children in sun-protective clothing, including hats and sunglasses, and encouraging playtime in the shade, especially during peak sun hours, can significantly reduce their risk of sunburn. If your child does get sunburned, it’s important to treat the burn gently. Use cool compresses and soothing lotions like aloe vera to relieve discomfort. Remember to