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Get a Skin Check this Winter
It’s easy to be mindful of skin
care in the warmer months, when
you are most aware of sunscreen,
hats, sarongs and being generally sun-smart.
The cooler months are the perfect time
for skin checks and skin cancer consultations, as skin cancers don’t develop overnight, so any damage that may
have occurred over summer may not be
noticeable until later in the year. In addition, sun exposure can temporarily transform moles, distorting their appearance,
so in winter when your skin hasn’t been
exposed to the sun as much it can actually be easier for a Doctor to perform a skin
check.
The temperature may be cooler, but the
sun still emits harmful UV rays that can
be damaging to your skin when outdoors.
Remember to apply 30+ sunscreen to all
exposed areas of your body (such as your
face, back of the neck, and hands) and
remember to wear sunglasses to protect
your eyes when out in the sun.
When people are less tanned it is also easier to recognise lesions. People often have
the misconception that skin cancer is less
common in winter - it is just as common,
as cancers and lesions occur from sun
exposure in childhood and early life rather than last week or last month. Also, our
clinics are traditionally quieter in the cooler months so it is easier to get an appointment quickly.
The doctors in our clinics know the
importance of year-round skin cancer
checks, particularly in the winter season.
They believe that aftercare is easier in
winter because a potential wound is often
covered by long sleeves or long pants.
During winter people generally sweat less
and there is less need for bathing, thereby
aiding aftercare.
The friendly, experienced staff at Australian Skin Cancer Clinics make it easy for
you to come and get your skin checked.
It’s never too late to start looking after
your skin. Call 1300 SKIN DOC
(that’s 1300 7546 362) to speak to
your nearest clinic, or visit
www.ausskinclinics.com.au
18 – winter IssuE surfingqueensland.com.au