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Moles are discolorations of the skin, which every person has. They can exist from birth or develop new, for example from over exposure to the sun. Most moles are harmless changes to the skin. They can however be the source of skin cancer (Melanoma). The number of people, which are diagnosed with melanoma doubles every 15 years. Between 1500 - 2000 people are diagnosed yearly with a melanoma in Austria, with a sharply rising tendency. The reason for this increase of skin cancer is our leisure time, with a momentary but high exposure to sun light. Main reason for the development of skin cancer is the exposure to the sun - not everyone tolerates the sun equally.
Which type are you?
Skin type I: extremely sun sensitive: red hair, freckles, light eyes, light skin, skin doesn’t tan, instead becomes red and burns easily
Skin type II: very sun sensitive: blond hair, blue eyes, light skin, skin tans very slowly and little, becomes red quickly, burns often without sun protection
Skin type III: normal sun sensitivity: brunette, light brown eyes, tans relatively fast and good, sometimes has sun burns
Skin type IV: relatively not sensitive to the sun: dark hair, dark eyes, brown skin, tans quickly and intensively, very rarely suffers from sun burns
How do I protect myself?
As a general rule: skin type 1 should always use sun cream with the highest sun protection factor, so 50 or more. For type 2, I recommend sun protection factor 30-40, type 3 factor 20-30 and type 4 should use sun protection factor 20. Sun cream should be applied in the morning, and definitely at least 30 minutes before sun bathing or winter sports. Avoid the midday sun and seek shade between 11-3 o’clock. Please be advised that the closer you are to the equator, the higher the UV intensity. Water, sand and snow also reflect UV rays and increase the damaging impact of the sun rays on the skin. Therefore, when in doubt use a sun cream with a higher protection factor.
Please keep in mind, that during your well deserved winter holidays, in the shade or when it is overcast, UV rays are hitting your skin. Protect yourself additionally with light clothing made of tightly woven material, headgear and sunglasses.
Early signs of skin cancer
As well as the right sun protection, regular skin checks are the best protection against skin cancer. It is crucial to recognise and treat skin cancer early. The sooner a melanoma is diagnosed and removed, the better the chances of a complete healing. To recognise these critical changes early and easily, a regular control of moles by a experienced skin doctor is recommended. Regular check ups of moles is therefore an important protection against skin cancer and its preliminary stages. In fact, melanoma is a type of cancer, which can be avoided by targeted measures.
Factors that increase the risk of an individual: - Lighter and therefore a more sensitive skin type
- Frequent sun burns, especially in child hood
- Skin cancer in the family
- Great number of moles
- Repeated UV-exposure (sun bed)
Self assessment with the ABCDE-rule
You can learn to check moles yourself and help recognise skin cancer early. For that, follow the so called ABCDE rules:
A: Asymmetry
Moles are round and symmetric. Melanoma grow in one direction faster then in the other, therefore they are asymmetric
B: Boundaries
Moles have sharp boundaries against the skin
Melanoma are jagged, irregular and unclear against the normal skin
C: Colour
Moles are consistently coloured (light to dark brown)
Melanoma are multi coloured (brown/black/grey/white/red/blue)
D: Diameter
Moles are regularly under 5mm in diameter, melanoma are over 5mm and grow in size.
E: Expansion
Melanoma grow fast
Additional warning signs are inflammations, itchiness or bleeding.
Every person, that watches their health, should let a skin doctor check melanoma once a year.
Please note, that these rules only provide a guideline and should never replace a check up by a skin doctor.
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