Sali Hughes on beauty: I make no apologies for repeating myself – keeping track of your moles is vital | Skincare

LThe year AST, a close friend found that a mole on the bottom of the leg had become darker than the others. A dermatologist said it looked good. Over time, the same mole has started to itch on a daily basis. Then he bleed a little, as if he was cut by shaving. She sent photos to her general practitioner and was called for a biopsy and, shortly after, surgery on what turned out to be a clever melanoma.

Her awareness and persistence mean that she will be fine. I say all this because – assuming time has not changed spectacular when you read this – you probably have more exposed skin than usual. I strongly urge you to pay attention to it.

The recent and continuous episode of my friend can be closer to my home, but it is similar to several emails that I have received from readers over the years, talking to me about their treatment against cancer triggered by columns that I have written on the verification of the moles. And so I do not apologize for repeating myself: you have to look carefully at the moles, marks and stains on your face and body, whether behind your ears or between your toes. And you need to save them so that you can spot the changes.

Take photos on your phone (burst a sovereign or a ribbon to measure next to them for the ladder), then store them in a dedicated album, which you can refer every month. This will allow you to better follow changes in size, color, shape or appearance.

You can notice a mole or a patch that has become shredded in the plan. Or maybe one who was brown but who is now pink or red in games. Or a brown place which has become high or in the shape of a dome. Any change is worthy of the attention of a doctor. Even if your doctor does not agree with your rational conviction that something is happening, stay in place.

Street skin clinics are a good and relatively affordable place (£ 50 to 60) to obtain a dedicated complete taupe check. The Londonian clinics of advanced like Onewelbeck offer a cartography of digital moles, where each brand of your body is followed for the smallest change. Another option, which is affordable.

But all the doctors and nurses working with the skin will say the same thing: you, the patient, are the expert in the knowledge of what seems normal to you. Your observation is vital for your health, because the messages of the readers have proven to be clearly and moving over the years.

As for my contribution, you know what I will say elsewhere: wear a sunscreen with a minimum SPF30 on your face and body. Wear a lot and reappear it frequently.