Skin Cancer & Melanoma

It wasn't that long ago, that as soon as the summer sunshine came along, we would all baste ourselves in Ambre Solair, which was pretty much just oil and roast ourselves at any given chance, all to get that much desired deep golden tan (and usually a good scattering of burnt raw skin, that would peel and itch for days!).

Little did we know the long term, irreversible damage it would do to our skin. Only years later this would appear as premature ageing skin and at worse nasty non malignant and malignant lesions.

A limited amount of sunlight on the skin is a good thing, as it helps our bodies produce Vitamin D, which we now also know, that a vast preportion of the population in the northern hemisphere is deficient. But that exposure should be very limited and if outside, exposed to direct sunshine that precautions, such as a good sunscreen, sunglasses and wide brimmed hats ideally should be used.

I've recently been topping up my Continued Professional Development (CPD) by extending my knowledge on the identification of melanoma and skin cancer detection. There are many different types, so it is not easy to identify any changes to skin markings and moles that might signify something of concern. It is always best to err on the side of caution, and if in doubt to consult your GP, as in the minority of skin changes, that are pre cancerous, early detection and treatment is crucial for a good long term outcome.

I now feel better informed at identifying any suspicious skin changes. So at each and every patient appointment, I will always be mindful at checking the skin on the lower legs, feet and nails and if I see anything of concern can advise and refer on.