Mole checking is vital says London skin expert

Woman has her moles checked by a professional - Mole checking is essential says Sue Ibrahim the nurse consultant in dermatology from Elan Medical Clinics in central London and Essex

Mole checking is essential says Sue Ibrahim the nurse consultant in dermatology from Elan Medical Clinics in central London and Essex

Moles, brown spots and growths on the skin are usually harmless, but not always. If you have a certain type or large number of moles (more than 100), you are at greater risk of developing skin cancer.

The ABCDE method for checking moles is very useful but if in doubt, getting them professionally assessed is vital, says Sue Ibrahim. Sue, the nurse consultant in dermatology at Elan Medical Skin Clinics, has more than 30 years’ experience of assessing and removing moles using the latest advanced radio-wave technology. Click here to read reviews from her clients.

Asymmetry

If you draw a line through the middle of a mole, the two sides will match, meaning it is symmetrical. Anything asymmetrical is a warning sign for melanoma.

Have you noticed darker than normal patches on your face, asks London skin expert

The DermaActives hyperpigmentation programme from Elan Medical Skin Clinics

During the summer months, keep an eye out for patches of darker-than-normal skin that can develop on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, nose, chin and jaw, and sometimes the neck and forearms.

London skin expert, Sue Ibrahim from Elan Medical Skin Clinics in central London and Rayleigh, Essex explains that the condition is called melasma and it’s a common skin complaint that affects women and men.

Melasma is when brown or greyish pigmentation appears on the face, the exact cause of which is not known. But rest assured that it is not contagious, not due to an allergy and is not cancerous. It is not itchy or sore, so if you have a raised rash that is, please seek further advice immediately.

Essex skin expert explains how to stay safe in the sun

With the temperature hitting highs of 35 degrees in central London and Essex this week, it’s time to get out and enjoy this illusive summer sunshine but please stay safe.

Some sunshine is good for us and helps our bodies create vitamin D, not to mention the wellbeing and feel good factors it

Woman stays safe in the sun thanks to advice from Elan Medical Skin expert, Sue Ibrahim

induces. Essex skin expert, Sue Ibrahim at Elan Medical Skin Clinic says the best way to enjoy the sunshine safely is to use a daily, broad spectrum sunscreen of factor 30 + and remember to apply it frequently and liberally thoroughly the day.

Couple smiling safely in the sun after reading Elan Medical Skin Clinic's blog about sun spots

Essex skin expert talks sun spots and how to avoid them

Age spots, sun spots, actinic keratoses, senile lentigo or solar lentigines, call them what you like!

These flat, brown, gray or black spots are areas of sun-damaged skin found predominantly on sun-exposed parts of the body. These include the backs of the hands and forearms, the face, ears and lips, the scalp in balding men and the lower legs in women, says Essex nurse consultant in dermatology, Sue Ibrahim from Elan Medical Skin Clinics in Rayleigh and central London.

They are not contagious and are usually harmless but there is a very small risk of some sun spots developing into to a form of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma.

Seek professional help if you’re worried

Beach bodies at the ready

The drinks are chilling, the BBQ is scrubbed and ready for action, perhaps you’ve even got a music festival or two to look forward to. Now there’s just the small task of getting your body fit for the big reveal…

Get the strimmer out

Do you know your ABCs?

Exposure to the sun through work and play is a risk factor for skin cancer, as is a history of sunburn, especially in early life. So, while the sun is shining it is even more important than usual to slap on the sunscreen.

The use of a daily broad spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30+ has been clinically proven to prevent skin cancer and premature ageing of the skin if used throughout the year – yes, even when it’s cold and cloudy. Our fragrance free, oil free, preservative free, DermaProtect Day Cream is a daily moisturiser that contains a broad spectrum sunscreen SPF 30.

Moles – know the risks

Here comes the sun – so take care

Most of us love to feel the sun on our skin – and we can tend to go a bit crazy when the sun finally graces our shores. While we may remember to slap on the sunscreen when the sun is blazing, many people don’t realise that it should be worn 365 days a year. Skin cancer is caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, so even on a cloudy day we need to protect our skin from UV radiation.

The use of a daily broad spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30+ has been clinically proven to prevent skin cancer and premature ageing of the skin. Anything with a SPF of less than 15 is useless, as these moisturisers will not protect from UVA rays, which can penetrate through 4 inches of glass.