Sun awareness – top tips from a top cosmetic surgeon

With spring finally underway and the long lazy days of summer tantalizingly close we all look forward to packing away our winter coats and soaking up some well deserved sunshine.

But this year, please take a few moments to apply the advice given below by Leading Skin Cancer Surgeon Paul Banwell from McIndoe Surgical centre in East Grinstead before you step outside.

Summer isn't just about shedding the layers of clothes and basking in the longed for heat - it's also about protection. Everyone should be aware of the simple ways in which to protect themselves and their family from the damage sunrays can cause if we expose ourselves with no protection. Skin cancer is on the increase and is no respecter of age or culture.

Tips from Paul Banwell:

- Sun awareness is vital and really does have an effect.
- Avoid the midday sun (between 11am and 3pm).
- Apply liberal amounts of sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30+.
- Wear a hat, loose clothes (tightly woven) and sunglasses.
- The face and neck are the areas most commonly affected by sun damage, so be sure to apply sunscreen to lips, ears, around eyes, neck and scalp if your hair is thinning.

What should we look out for?

Look out for new or existing moles that are darkly pigmented, change in colour and/or size, have an irregular outline and itch, bleed or crust. If you are unsure or concerned that you may have one or more of these symptoms, visit your GP. He or she will examine your skin and would be able to refer you to a Plastic Surgeon with a specialist interest in skin cancer.

If you would like to book a consultation or a Mole Check, please visit: mcindoesurgical.co.uk