Entries by andrea

More Skin Cancers than all Others Combined

Skin Cancer Foundation Statistics Figures from the Skin Cancer Foundation show just to what extent that melanoma eclipses all other cancers, saying: Over the past three decades, more people have had skin cancer than all other cancers combined. More information at: http://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-facts#melanoma. The World Health Organisation says that 132,000 melanoma skin cancers occur globally each year. […]

Fewer Moles Could Mean Higher Risk

Research Study American Academy of Dermatology 2015 Summer Academy Meeting A new study has shown that those who have fewer moles on their skin might actually be considered a higher risk for aggressive melanoma than those who have more moles. The Boston-based study is based on reviewing patient charts for people with a diagnosed melanoma. Of […]

Apple Cider Vinegar – Treatment for Skin Tags?

One interesting use of apple cider vinegar to hit the internet is for treating skin tags. Skin tags are those little raised protrusions that can appear on the skin. They are especially prevalent in people who are diabetic or overweight and can be a hereditary problem. They are more likely to occur in middle age […]

Facebook Post Promotes Awareness of Unusual Moles

A Facebook post which has now been shared over 100,000 times and liked over 25,000 times has helped to raise awareness worldwide of the strange places that skin cancer can occur. Melanie Williams first noticed an unusual black mark on her thumb and initially assumed it was some kind of wart or fungal infection. However, on seeing a […]

Dark Skin and Melanoma – Fact and Fiction

It is commonly thought that those with darker skin are better protected from the sun and less susceptible to skin cancer.  To a certain extent that is true. The additional melanin (pigment) in the skin means that those with dark skin are less likely to burn and this directly reduces the overall risk of them experiencing the […]

The Dangers of Sunburn Art

With a heatwave forecast for this week, there are plenty of warnings about the dangers of sun exposure, yet an emerging trend on social media could undo all the good work for those who choose to try Sunburn Art. The concept is to intentionally create quirky suntan marks on the body by using high factor […]

Mole Maps

What is a Mole Map? A Mole Map is the term for a medical record which catalogues or ‘maps’ a person’s moles including dark spots and other lesions in detail, illustrating the location of each mole and an image of it. The purpose of a mole map is to provide a comprehensive record of images in the future, […]

What is a Verruca?

Plantar Warts A verruca is a kind of wart which is found on the sole of the foot; medically known as a ‘plantar wart’. Verrucae are very contagious. They’re associated with swimming pools, as the virus can spread quickly, usually entering through a tiny scratch. They can also be spread through skin to skin contact. The […]

New Hope for Skin Cancer

Revolutionary Immunotherapy Treatment Positive news in the fight against cancer was announced by researchers who believe that immunotherapy treatment could replace chemotherapy in as little as 5 years. Treatments are given in a drip every few weeks and typically cost around £100,000 per patient a year. Some types are already available on the NHS but […]

Hugh Jackman Speaks Out on Skin Cancer

Australian actor Hugh Jackman (Wolverine) was first diagnosed with Basal Cell Carcinoma (a form of skin cancer) on his nose in 2013. He has since been open about his struggles with skin cancer and vocal about raising awareness of the disease.  Hugh’s makeup artist first mentioned the ‘little spot of blood’ and encouraged him to get it checked, […]

Warts and HPV Virus

Warts on the skin are caused by the human papilloma wart virus (HPV virus). Some will disappear on their own after some time, while others will require treatment to clear them up. Knowing that the wart is caused by HPV, many patients wonder whether the virus remains in the system. Some are concerned that this may […]

Sun Awareness Week 2015

The British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) currently runs a national campaign around skin cancer called Sun Awareness, which includes national Sun Awareness Week in May.  This annual campaign is designed to raise awareness of skin cancer through prevention and detection advice. Encouraging people to regularly self-examine for skin cancer Teaching people about the dangers of sunburn and excessive tanning, […]