Stay sun safe this summer

One of the things we all love about living in Spain is the fabulous sunny weather. And we should enjoy it. Being out in the sunshine is not only a great mood booster, it is also a good source of vitamin D. However, beware – when it comes to the sun, too much of a good thing is a very bad thing.

The sun causes wrinkling, dry skin, blotches and premature ageing. Worse still, it causes skin cancer – a disease that can kill. Skin cancer is on the increase and the main reason for this is that people are spending too much time in the sun without taking the proper precautions.

So who is at risk of developing skin cancer? The short answer is everyone. Nobody is immune and all skin types can develop skin cancers. However, some people are more vulnerable than others and should take extra care. People with fair hair and skin who burn or freckle easily are more prone to skin cancers. Outdoor workers should be vigilant as years spent working in the sun may appear to toughen the skin but long-term overexposure can cause skin cancers to develop. People with a family history of the disease may also be extra vulnerable, and all children are vulnerable. Children's skin is extremely sensitive so take care to ensure children are protected in the sun.

Skin cancers often first appear as a change in a mole or a patch of normal skin. If a normal patch of skin darkens or changes colour, or if a mole changes colour or shape, becomes inflamed or itchy, bleeds or weeps, see your doctor immediately. The change may be harmless, but it may not – so it is important to get it checked as quickly as possible. As with most cancers, your best chance of surviving skin cancer is to catch it early. Most skin cancers are curable if diagnosed and treated early.

But even better than early diagnosis is prevention. Always protect yourself when you are out in the sun. Use a high factor sunscreen at all times and cover up as much as possible. Stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day between 11am and 3pm. Don't ever let your skin burn as burning damages the skin. Be extra careful to make sure children don't burn. And, never, never use a tanning bed. There is no such thing as safe exposure to tanning beds.

If you have a mole or patch of skin that you are worried about, Medcare British medical practice can check it out for free at its clinics in Benijofar and Alfaz del Pi. Medcare is offering this free service because it believes skin cancer awareness is so important and because it knows early diagnosis saves lives. To book your free mole check contact Medcare on 96 686 0258 or email doctors@medcarespain.com

Call 966 860 258

for quality healthcare advice at affordable prices

Calle Oslo 24, Alfaz del Pi 03580 • Calle El Sol No.2, Benijófar 03178

Email doctors@medcarespain.com or use our online contact form