May 2023 is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. As we head into summer, clearly, it is essential that you take steps to protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun in order to minimise any risk of skin cancer.

 

What causes Skin Cancer?

 

The large majority of skin cancers are caused by damage to your skin by the ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun. This damage can occur if you have been frequently sunburnt, or it can be caused by long-term exposure to the sun over a lifetime. It can also be caused by the UV light emitted from sunbeds or sunlamps. However, people who have never been sunburnt or have never used a sunbed can also be at risk of developing skin cancer. Your skin type can also increase your risk of developing skin cancer. If you are freckled or fair-skinned and often burn easily, your risk is higher than someone with darker skin

 

Skin Cancer Types and Symptoms

 

There are three principal types of skin cancer:

 

- Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is not only the most commonly encountered form of skin cancer but the most common human cancer. This is a slow-growing cancer which occurs in the bottom layer of skin, the epidermis.

- Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common type of skin cancer, which develops in the outer layers of the skin.

- Melanoma is a less common form of skin cancer which develops from the melanocyte skin cells which give our skin its colour.

 

 

The different types of skin cancer have different symptoms and signs. These signs are more likely to appear on the face and neck as those areas are more frequently exposed to the sun, but skin cancer can happen in any area of the body. BCC and SCC cancer symptoms can include skin changes such as firm, red lumps, waxy or white patches of skin, brown or black lumps if you have darker skin or a red, flat lump which is scaly or crusty. Also, be aware of skin that will not heal after sustaining damage or which turns into a painless ulcer. Melanoma usually begins in a mole that becomes asymmetrical, changes colour or has an irregular border. It can also occur in a new, unusual-looking mole which suddenly appears. It is very important to check your skin for any changes or irregularities frequently and to monitor any moles for changes in shape or size.

 

How You Can Prevent Skin Cancer

 

The best thing you can do to prevent skin cancer is to cover your skin in the sun and always wear a hat. It is also important to wear sun protection lotions with an SPF of at least 30 and remember also to apply lotion to frequently forgotten places such as your scalp, the tops of your ears, your feet and your lips. Sun protection should also be reapplied every two hours, especially when in water, sand or if you are sweating. Here at Dermacaredirect, we have a wide range of sun protection products and recommend using a high SPF full spectrum sun cream as part of your daily skincare routine.