Protect your skin: Essential steps to guard moles from melanoma

Are you going on holiday? Don't forget to take sunscreen with you. If you have many moles, ensure you protect them properly. It's essential because changes under the influence of sunlight can develop into melanoma.

Moles are minor pigmented marks that appear in various places on the skin. Their colour is due to melanin, a natural pigment in the human body.

Everyone has at least one mole on their body. We categorise them into two groups — congenital and acquired. Interestingly, they can be inherited. Although these marks are normal and natural, they must be protected from the sun.

Congenital moles develop during fetal life. Over time, they appear on the body, but their number is limited. On the other hand, acquired moles develop suddenly. The most significant "outbreak" of moles can be seen in the summer when the skin is exposed to intense sunlight.

An extensive outbreak of moles can indicate that the skin was not properly protected from the sun. Moles require protection from ultraviolet rays. This is the only way to avoid irritation or painful changes and to monitor the condition of your skin.

How should you guard your moles? Equip yourself with a good cream that protects against UVA and UVB radiation. Use it throughout the summer, half an hour before planning to go out and planning a relaxing time on the beach. Don't forget to reapply the cream. Depending on its strength, you should reapply it 2-3 hours after the initial application and after coming out of the water.

Regular use of sun protection prevents the formation of new moles. Monitoring the condition of your skin is crucial because some changes caused by carcinogenic factors can develop into skin cancer.

In the initial phase, it may resemble a mole-like any other discolouration on the body. Over time, the change starts to spread, and there may be alarming redness or painful irritation around it. Don't be deceived—it's not a scratched mole but a severe change that requires consultation with a specialist.

If you notice such a change, immediately see a doctor. Do not ignore it because melanoma is a hazardous disease that requires specialised treatment. If identified early, it is entirely curable. Don't delay — in this case, time works against you.