spot the spots
Dots and spots pop up on our skin all the time, but some are far more sinister than others. Keep this little guide in mind to identify early warning signs.
Dots and spots pop up on our skin all the time, but some are far more sinister than others. Melanomas, the nastiest form of skin cancer, can be effectively treated if detected early on – so, keep the following in mind to identify early warning signs.
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Assymmetry If you draw a line through the centre of a spot and the two halves don’t match, it’s worth getting a professional to check it out – melanomas tend to be asymmetrical. |
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Border The edges of a suspect sun spot will often be uneven, scalloped or notched rather than smooth and round, so keep an eye on the border. |
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Colour Is the colour of your spot varied across the surface? Are there different shades of brown, tan or black? Be alert, but not alarmed – and perhaps hit up a doctoror skin specialist, just in case. |
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Diameter Melanomas tend to be larger in diameter than the eraser on the end of a pencil (around 6mm), though they may sometimes be smaller when they’re first detected. |
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Evolution If you notice a spot is evolving over time, head to the GP, stat. Maybe it’s become more raised, or its size, shape or colour has changed. A new symptom can point to danger, so get it tested for peace of mind. |
This important guide was created in collaboration with Invisible Zinc, who make naturally sourced mineral sun protection without chemical UV filters. Zinc oxide creates a protective shield on the surface of your skin, reflecting both UVA and UVB rays. To read more and see their full range of products, visit invisiblezinc.com
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