How to do a post-summer skin check

No matter how diligent you were with the sunscreen application over summer, regular exposure to the sun's rays can cause subtle changes to your skin's condition. When you know your skin, you're equipped to identify anything that's worth getting checked.

Often, skin cancer doesn't hurt or cause bothersome symptoms, which means it's up to you to look for it. The sooner you catch a potential issue, the more likely you are to manage the problem with minimal intervention.

It can be a good idea to mark regular dates on your calendar or set reminders in your phone to ensure you're checking your skin at set intervals throughout the year, too.

While it's true that people with fair skin, red, blonde or light brown hair, and an excess of freckles and moles are more susceptible to sun damage, all skin types can be affected by excess exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Even if you don't fall into the 'riskiest' category, the message from The Cancer Council is clear: anyone can get skin cancer, and everyone should be aware of their skin.

Changes can occur in any area of your skin, including parts that don't regularly see the sun, so make sure you take the time to do more than a cursory glance. That means undressing completely, checking in decent lighting, and looking from your scalp, right through to the soles of your feet and in between your toes.

The best way to do a full body check is to use a full-length mirror so you can see your back as well. It can also be helpful to ask a family member, friend or partner to help you with areas that are tricky to see.

According to the Melanoma Institute Australia, there's an easy way to remember the key changes you're looking for. They suggest following the ABCDE guidelines. Here's how they work:

• A = asymmetry This means one side of the mole looks different to the other.
• B = border irregularity Here you're looking for edges of a mole that are irregular, discoloured or blurring into the surrounding skin
• C = colour variation These moles or birthmarks may be more than one colour. They can be a mix of brown and black shades. They may also have red, blue or white components.
• D = diameter Keep an eye out for size changes. If the mole or birthmark is larger than six millimetres or it has grown, get it checked.
• E = evolving Overall, keep an eye out for any general change, which will be easier to see when you look at your skin regularly. Look for changes to the size, colour, raised skin, itching, bleeding and crusting. If a skin spot is bleeding or crusting, book an appointment with your GP as soon as you can.

Moles are very common. Australian kids have an average of more than 50 moles by the time they're 15-years-old, according to the Cancer Council Australia. A change to one of your moles isn't necessarily cause for panic, but it's important to get a doctor to assess it.

And, of course, prevention is always better than a cure. Make smart fashion choices in the sun (invest in a broad-brimmed hat, sunglasses, good-quality sunscreen and protective clothing that covers your skin) and limit your exposure to harmful rays by seeking shade.

Knowing you're doing the right thing by your skin will allow you to enjoy the great Australian outdoors all year-round without worrying.

Are you an AIA Vitality member? Earn up to 1,000 Vitality points by completing a self-skin check in the app.

Staff writers come from a range of backgrounds including health, wellbeing, music, tech, culture and the arts. They spend their time researching the latest data and trends in the health market to deliver up-to-date information, helping everyday Australians live healthier lives. This is general information only and is not intended as medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances. The information in this article is general information only and is not intended as medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances 

Disclaimer:
The information in this article is general information only and is not intended as financial, medical, health, nutritional, tax or other advice. It does not take into account any individual’s personal situation or needs. You should consider obtaining professional advice from a financial adviser and/or tax specialist, or medical or health practitioner, in relation to your own circumstances and before acting on this information.