Sun Safety Warning After Warm Weather
The first weekend of the Easter holidays saw unseasonably warm weather, but sun experts are warning Brits not to risk their skin by exposing it to the sun without adequate protection.
Temperatures reached 25c in Cambridge on Sunday and 20c in many parts of England and Wales. The first good weather saw crowds flock to beaches and parks to make the most of the sunshine while others stayed in the garden to enjoy the warmth.
However, by the end of the day, many Brits noticed the flush of pink skin that means sunburn, which can have long term consequences.
Cancer Research UK say:
“Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or sunbeds is the main cause of skin cancer. In the UK more than 8 in 10 cases of melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, could be prevented through enjoying the sun safely and avoiding sunburn.”
It is very tempting to ‘grab a bit of sun’ thinking that sun protection isn’t needed because ‘it’s only April’, or else staying out for hours longer than recommended. Yet although it’s early in the year, the sun can be very damaging on hot spring days.
Many are tempted not to bother with sunscreen, thinking the suns rays are weaker than in summer – and after the winter under layers, skin has no natural tan defence against the rays. Once outside, the temptation to stay out is strong. The air is still cooler than in a stifling summer heatwave, so people are able to stay out for longer than they might otherwise without feeling their skin burn.
The forecast for the rest of the week is cooler, but for those outdoors over Easter the warning remains – use sun protection (even on cloudy days) to protect skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays; cover up with hat/sleeves and stay out of the midday sun.
Skin Checks
Sunburn can cause skin damage even years later. Experts warn that everybody should be vigilant for ‘suspicious’ moles using the ABCDE mole checking guide:
- Asymmetry: unequal shape
- Border: irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined
- Color: unusual colour or variations in hue
- Diameter: bigger than the size of a pencil eraser
- Evolving: uncharacteristic changes in size, shape, or colour
Even a hunch that something’s not right should not be dismissed. Earliest treatment is recommended for the best results, so anybody concerned about a mole or blemish is advised to see a GP as soon as possible.
Most will turn out to be benign (harmless) and in these cases will not be removed by the NHS. However, many patients prefer to have their moles removed for peace of mind. Private mole removal clinics offer fast service without waiting lists.
Private Mole Removal
Cosmedics’ Skin Surgery Laser Clinics offer mole checks and consultations with private mole removal at a selection of clinics based in London and Bristol. Moles are removed using the latest surgical techniques including laser mole removal; with trained doctors and surgeons.
For more information about moles, see:
For more information or to book a consultation, please complete the form on this web page or call 020 7386 0464.
