Latest news with #TheDevonshireClinic
Daily Mirror
01-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
UK temperatures soar to 30 degrees - how to stay sun safe while enjoying the weather
Finally the UK has been blessed with some warm weather and sunshine. With temperatures reaching 30 degrees in some areas, it's important to stay sun safe and we have you covered with these top tips Love it or loathe it, temperatures have risen to a staggering 30 degrees across the UK. And now, more than ever, sun safety is essential for protecting you and your body from excessive sun exposure. While it may seem objectively simple, it is essential to take the proper measures to avoid lifelong damage to your health and accelerated superficial ageing from harmful ultraviolet rays (UV). Melanoma Focus ' latest survey of 2,000 individuals in the UK revealed that 19% reported they 'rarely' apply sun cream from May to September, while 8% indicated they 'never' use it during these months, and shockingly 9% stated they never wear sun cream at all. Sunscreen is a proven way to prevent sunburn, and every instance of sunburn further increases the risk of developing melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Unfortunately, 2,000 deaths a year are caused by skin cancer in the UK, but by making some simple changes to the way you enjoy the sun, you can lessen the risks. Dr. Conal Perrett, London's leading dermatologist at The Devonshire Clinic, explains: 'It is essential that people understand that skin cancer is preventable by being skin conscious all year round.' He adds: 'The risks associated with sunburn and excessive sun exposure far outweigh the appeal of a temporary tan.' A sunburn is a skin reaction most commonly caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation and is distinguished by redness, pain, and sometimes blisters and peeling. Dr Perret emphasises the significance our skin has on our overall health, stating: 'With the skin being the largest organ of the body, sun exposure can cause thinning over time, making it more susceptible to skin conditions and cancer.' So, as you enjoy a weekend basking in the sunshine, here are five tips to stay sun smart which don't involve sitting at home all day. Sunscreen While it may seem like a tired conversation, there is a reason that sunscreen is the first suggestion for sun safety. Using sunscreen daily is undoubtedly the most effective way to guard your body from damaging UV rays. It's essential to invest in a good sunscreen. When choosing a sunscreen, opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 50. However, there's no benefit in having a good sunscreen if you don't use it correctly. Apply the lotion generously at least 30 minutes before exposure to UV rays. Additionally, it's essential to reapply every two hours, or even more frequently if swimming or sweating. Last but not least, cover any exposed areas that are not protected by a hat or clothing. The ears, neck, scalp, tops of the feet, and the backs of the hands are often overlooked and are prone to intense sunburns. Hats Hair does not protect our scalps from the harsh UV rays, so wearing a hat is vital. Hats provide ample protection against sunburn, shading your face, neck, ears, and scalp. While they're not always the most flattering, a wide-brim or bucket hat offers the most protection compared to other styles. Wearing a hat also helps prevent premature ageing, as prolonged sun exposure is one of the leading causes of wrinkles, age spots and hyperpigmentation. Lightweight layers On hot days, lighter clothing is essential, so it's no surprise to pull out your denim shorts that were tucked away in your cupboard during winter. However, a great way to protect your skin from sun damage is by creating a physical barrier that either blocks or absorbs harmful UV rays before they reach your skin. By wearing a lightweight, long-sleeved shirt instead of a vest, you reduce the amount of direct sun exposure. Although, this depends entirely on the type of fabric, so opt for cotton, wool, silk, or synthetic materials and avoid linens and more opaque garments. Avoid outdoor activities during high UV hours Certain times of the day have a higher UV rating. It's essential to check the daily UV index before heading outside. This information is typically found on weather apps or websites. The rule of thumb is that a UV rating of 3 or above requires sun safety precautions, which include wearing sunscreen, seeking shade, and wearing protective clothing as mentioned above. By keeping informed of the UV index throughout the day, you can plan and protect your skin accordingly. On average, UV rays are most powerful between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm, so try to stay in the shade or indoors during these hours. Simply reducing exposure during peak times can greatly reduce your risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. Wear Sunglasses Last but not least, wear sunglasses. Sunglasses are not just for comfort; they also protect your eyes from sun damage. Your eyes can also get sunburned, and unfortunately, it's not as simple as applying sunscreen to them. Sunglasses can help reduce glare and overall eye strain while protecting the eyes from UV rays. Prolonged sun exposure can lead to eye diseases such as cataracts and macular degeneration. Wearing UV-protected glasses can significantly reduce the risk of developing one of these conditions.
Daily Mirror
30-04-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Key melanoma signs to look out for as cases surge during heatwave after Katherine Ryan's shock diagnosis
With around 17,500 diagnoses of melanoma skin cancer a year in the UK, it is the fifth most common type of cancer. With temperatures set to soar to 30C in some areas of the country, it's important to keep your skin safe in the sun. Data analysed by leading expert dermatologists at The Devonshire Clinic revealed searches for skin cancer have rocketed. It comes after comedian Katherine Ryan shared the news of her second melanoma diagnosis last week in an episode of her podcast Telling Everybody Everything, following a shocking misdiagnosis. "Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, responsible for over 2000 deaths a year in the UK. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent it from spreading to other organs," Dr Conal Perrett, leading consultant dermatologist at The Devonshire Clinic noted. He urges people to take melanoma scares seriously, as melanoma can spread to other parts of the body. The doctor further noted: "While new therapies and treatments have significantly improved how we manage patients with melanoma that has spread to other parts of the body, it's still crucial to identify and diagnose melanoma early before it starts to spread. "Once melanoma has spread to other organs, the outcomes for patients are significantly worse. If you are worried about any skin lesions, you should see you a consultant dermatologist urgently." So to be safe, Dr Perrett advises checking your skin regularly for the following: Rapidly growing moles "If you notice a mole increasing in size over a few weeks, it's important to get it checked. Rapid growth can be a sign of melanoma or other types of skin cancer," he explained. Colour changes in moles Dr Perrett said if a mole changes its colour or develops multiple colours such as shades of brown, black, red, white, or blue "should be examined by a healthcare professional. Uneven colouring can be a warning sign." Alterations in shape Moles that change shape, especially if they become irregular or asymmetrical, may "indicate skin cancer," according to the expert, who said "it's important to monitor moles for any changes in their borders or overall symmetry." Large moles While moles can be any shape or size, those larger than 7mm should always be looked over by an expert as "larger moles have a higher risk of becoming cancerous," according to Dr Perrett. Bleeding or oozing moles If you notice your mole is starting to become sore or even starts to weep fluid, Dr Perrett urged to get it "evaluated promptly" as these symptoms could "indicate that the mole is undergoing malignant changes." Itching or painful moles "If a mole begins to hurt or becomes itchy, it could signify a change that warrants professional attention," the doctor said. "Persistent itching or tenderness in a mole should not be ignored." If you have any skin or mole concerns it's advised to contact your GP or health advisor. More information on Melanoma can be found on the NHS website here.
