Summer is the time we have the most skin on show, and you're probably already getting bored of the continued advice to slip/slap/slop! Nevertheless, protecting our skin from the suns rays is vital, and not just to avoid the pain and peeling of sun burn.
Most importantly, avoiding UV exposure is about preventing skin cancer. In this article we look at an easy way to remember some of the key concerning features when checking your moles. We also review self checking resources, and how technology might be able to help you keep track of the landscape of your skin.
Why should we check our skin?
Finding melanoma at an early stage is crucial; early detection can vastly increase your chances for cure. Whilst any of our GPs will be happy to check your skin, there's no denying that you see yourself semi-naked way more often than we do!
That's why it's well worth knowing what to look out for. In our wanderings over the internet, we found this great guide from the charity Melanoma UK. Do bookmark it for future reference. Their method can be summarised as follows:
A is for Asymmetry. Most melanomas are asymmetrical. If you draw a line through the middle of the lesion, the two halves don't match, so it looks different from a round to oval and symmetrical common mole.
B is for Border. Melanoma borders tend to be uneven and may have scalloped or notched edges, while common moles tend to have smoother, more even borders.
C is for Colour. Multiple colours are a warning sign. While benign moles are usually a single shade of brown, a melanoma may have different shades of brown, tan or black. As it grows, the colours red, white or blue may also appear.
D is for Diameter or Dark. While it's ideal to detect a melanoma when it is small, it's a warning sign if a lesion is 5mm across or bigger, or if it simply changes in size. And if your lesion is darker than all your other moles, this would be another reason to pay it further attention.
E is for Elevation - any mole that used to be flat and becomes raised should be checked by a doctor
Lastly but not least (and somewhat ruining our alphabet theme) any mole that starts to itch or become crusty should be investigated.
Can I use smart phones/apps to pick up on any concerning moles?
Given that skin cancer is one of the few cancers that we can actually see with a naked eye, it is quite logical to wonder whether our camera phones are yet equipped to identify any skin lesions of concern. Certainly this is the direction in which technology is headed. A brief search reveals a plethora of apps out there, and we have listed some examples below. One of them, SkinVision, is offering a free trial in partnership with the charity Melanoma UK.
Our view is that while the technology around this is always improving, and can certainly be part of your health toolkit, it should not override your own instincts or be used as a substitute for a doctor. If you have any concerns at all, a GP or dermatologist should be your next phone call, regardless of what your smart phone says. Even if your phone is not a substitute for a doctors eye, its HD camera still has a role to play in taking a visual record of your moles and spots - no additional apps required!
If you would like to book in with Winchester GP for a skin check, this can be conducted in a single 20 minute appointment. Call our friendly reception team to book! A skin check can also be conducted as part of an annual Wellness Screen, which also incorporates a broad range of laboratory tests, ECG and extended time with one of our doctors. For more details please visit our website here or call our friendly team.
We wish you many happy and safe hours enjoying the sunshine!
Wishing you well,
Winchester GP
Some Mole Tracking Apps to Try
UMSkinCheck
The University of Michigan launched a free app that guides users through a full home skin check exam. This app also offers the opportunity to create a mole library. This will enable people to compare and track any skin changes over time.
MoleMapper
The Oregon Health & Science University developed this app.
It allows users to take photos and gather measurements of any moles on their body. Similar to UMSkinCheck, the app allows users to take regular photos of their moles to facilitate change tracking over time.
Miiskin
This app also allows users to take pictures to track their moles over time.
Users can also pay for a version that lets them track large areas of skin. This may help them identify new marks and moles they might not otherwise have seen.
MoleScope
This is a high resolution camera compatible with many different smartphones. This camera uses high magnification and special lighting to take more detailed and better quality photos than other skin cancer apps. It also contains many features that other apps do, such as skin mapping, image management, and regular reminders.
SkinVision
This app helps users identify high risk moles that require further testing. The app classes each photo as either high or low risk. SkinVision also provides advice on the next steps to take. The charity Melanoma UK has a free trial offer for Skin vision, which you may want to check out here.