What Sunscreen should I use?
There are a lot of sunscreens on the market, and not all do what they claim. Read the label, and pick a sunscreen with: Broad spectrum sun protection (these protect against both UVA and UVB radiation) SPF 30, or higher Water resistant if you are swimming or boating. SPF 30 blocks 97% of UV and SPF 50 98%. There really isn’t much difference between factor 30 and 50 in terms of protection. Its far more important to put enough on and reapply it regularly. How much should you apply? Often more t...
June 4, 2020Can I get skin cancer if I have dark skin?
The short answer is yes, but a darker skin colour is associated with a reduced risk of developing skin cancers. Current statistics in NZ shows that there may well be a lower risk for Maori and Pacific peoples. One serious issue is that for Maori and Pacific people who do develop melanoma, often these cancers are thicker and more serious [Melanoma.org]. One type of melanoma tends to occur on the soles of the feet, palms of the hand and under the nails in those with darker skins. ...
June 4, 2020Why self-checks are important
Did you know that somewhere between one third and a half of melanomas are diagnosed by the patients themselves? Keeping an eye on your own skin, and knowing about changes early is invaluable. This should be done regularly, which is every 3-6 months for the general population, and in those at risk every 1-3 months. Any concerning lesions should be assessed by your GP or skin specialist. Assess lesions for changes in colour, size, thickness or outline. Get lesions assessed if they are itchy, ulcer...
June 4, 2020What is polarised light, and why is it useful to diagnose skin cancer?
Light from the sun, or a lamp or candle flame are all examples of unpolarised light. Put very simply, they emit electromagnetic waves that can vibrate in every direction (or plane). When these waves are limited to a singe plane by filtration this is termed polarised light. In dermoscopy this is done with the use of a polarised lens. This lens is a filter that has long chains of polymers orientated in a singe direction. All directions but one are filtered out. Why is this useful for looking at m...
June 4, 2020What’s my skin cancer risk level?
Anyone can develop skin cancer, but it is important to understand the factors that contribute to increased risk, and check your skin. You are at greater risk if answering yes to any of these questions below: Do you have fair skin, fair or red hair and blue eyes?Do you have a large number of moles?Do you work outdoors?Do you spend your weekends or holidays in the sun?Have you ever used solariums, sunlamps and sun bed?Is there a previous history of skin cancer is your family?As a child, did you sp...
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