With summer upon us we’re all beginning to enjoy catching up with friends, hitting the beach or soaking up the sun in our garden. However, it’s important to make sure we’re prepared and keep our skin covered and protected.

Melanoma is the 5th most common cancer in the UK, but if you’re careful, the risk of developing the disease can be dramatically reduced.

SPF blind spots

The most common areas that people neglect when applying SPF protection are the backs of the hands, ears and in cases of baldness, the scalp. All of which are common areas for skin damage and skin cancer.

It’s crucial that we’re not missing these areas and we cover all our exposed skin. There are spray SPF sunscreens that can help reach those blind spot areas such as the ears, or you can ask a friend to apply it for you. When it comes to the scalp, SPF protection is a must for areas not covered with a thick layer of hair. A brimmed hat is also a great solution, especially for those people with a history of skin damage or who are at risk of skin cancer.

Moles Matter – what to look out for

In western countries like the UK, where there is a greater population of fair-skinned people and increasing levels of UV light, people should be vigilant with regards to the risks associated with the sun.

Firstly, everyone should watch out for any change in existing moles. The ABCD acronym is a good way of remembering how to check for any changes and when to be concerned:

• A – Asymmetry – the two halves of the area may differ in shape.
• B – Border Irregularities – the edges of the area may be irregular or blurred, and sometimes show notches.
• C – Colour Change (particularly blue, grey or black) – this may be uneven. Different shades of black, brown and pink may be seen.
• D – Diameter – most melanomas are at least 6mm in diameter. Report any change in size, shape or diameter to your doctor.

If in doubt, we always recommend consulting an expert with any changes to your moles. It’s also important to be aware of any new lesions, such as a new freckle or mole, particularly if this is accompanied by changing colours or rapid growth.

If after exposing your skin to the sun you spot any of these changes or new legions, consult a dermatologist.