When to Consult a Dermatologist

We know that some of you are unsure about when to consult a Dermatologist but the most important time is when you suspect you may have a mole that has changed or you detect a new mole or skin lesion.

Pre-skin cancers and skin cancer are eminently treatable if caught at an early stage. It is important to have a thorough regular skin check-up with your Dermatologist. Especially if you see new moles or moles that have changed in size, shape and character i.e. itching, or bleeding.

Many Dermatologists use a technology called digital dermoscopy or mole mapping to photograph suspicious naevi (moles). These digital images are stored on a computer which can be compared with images taken at a follow-up consultation.

Malignant Melanoma

• Is the most dangerous skin cancer
• Approximately one in every fifty white South Africans will develop malignant melanoma in their lifetime
• Approximately 50% of malignant melanomas arise from an existing mole that changes and the other 50% arise from normal skin
• The problem with malignant melanoma is that in the earlier stages, it gives no symptoms at all. The earliest signs of a malignant melanoma may be very subtle changes in the shape and colour of an existing mole.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

• This may arise from an existing pre-cancerous spot called a solar keratosis
• These tend to be in sun-exposed areas and they usually present with a wart-like growth that may grow rapidly in a couple of weeks

Basal Cell Carcinoma

• Also known as a rodent ulcer is the least dangerous skin cancer
• These also tend to occur in sun-exposed areas and are generally slow-growing
• They will often present with slight bleeding and have a pink pearly appearance
• If these cancers are left untreated for too long they can have a local destructive effect, hence the name rodent ulcer

General advice

• Get to know your skin – do regular skin checks after a shower or bath
• Ask your partner, friend or skin therapist to check in hard-to-see places – your back, your ears and your scalp. Dr Webster has a saying “Partners can save lives”.
• Remove your makeup and nail polish before your examination so your Dermatologist can do a thorough skin check. Melanomas can appear in strange places – even under the nail and on the soles of the feet
• Make your next appointment before you leave so that you don’t forget or delay an appointment

Skincare products that can help prevent skin cancers

Clinical studies have shown that the regular use of high factor broad spectrum sunscreens can significantly reduce the risk of skin cancer. However, it’s important to remember that no sunscreen can provide 100% protection, so other protective measures such as seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding peak sun hours are also crucial. Dr Webster recommends:

• La Roche-Posay Anthelios 100 KA+ Cream

Sunscreens that contain antioxidants and DNA repair enzymes. Dr Webster recommends:

• Heliocare 360° MD AK Fluid SPF 100+

Clinical studies have shown that Nicotinamide at a dosage of 1 gram a day can significantly reduce the incidence of Actinic Keratosis (AK) as well as non-melanoma skin cancer. Dr Webster recommends:

• Dermastore® Nicotinamide Capsules 500mg