Research released this week shows that only 44% of Australian adults are wearing hats when exposed to UV rays, and we’re not seeking the shade during peak UV times. On a positive note we are more likely to use sunscreen.

 

In light of the findings the Cancer Council and the Australasian College of Dermatologists are reminding Australians to Slip Slop Slap Seek and Slide.

Only 1 in 5 Adults are using three or more sun protective measures. There is a tendency towards applying sunscreen in the morning and thinking you are protected all day, but sunscreen should be the last line of defence.

The most common places that get burnt are the face, head, nose and ears, along with hands and arms. By neglecting to wear a broadbrim hat Aussies are putting themselves at risk.

Dermatologists are regularly treating skin cancers that could have been prevented by using sun protective measures:

  Wear a broadbrim hat

  Choose clothing that covers your arms and shoulders

  Use sunscreen with an SPF 30 or above

  Slip on some sunglasses

  Stay in the shade

Unfortunately living in this lovely country means that two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of 70, and we spend more than $1 billion per year treating skin cancer.

Early detection is important, skin cancers can often be treated successfully if spotted early enough. Get to know your skin, what is normal for you and keep an eye out for changes. If you get a new spot or something changes in size, shape or colour get it checked out by your General Practitioner or Dermatologist.

Whether you ration them out over a couple of weeks or eat all your chocolate eggs before Easter Monday, don’t worry too much about the chocolate binge ruining your skin. Chocolate has an undeservedly bad reputation as a cause of acne but evidence still appears mixed when deciding if it really is bad for our skin.

All About Acne co-chair Dr JoAnn See said there is growing evidence of some links between diet and acne but surprisingly, chocolate isn’t high on the naughty list yet.

 

A/Prof Stephen Shumack and Dr Jo-Ann See will attend the World Congress of Dermatology in Vancouver (8-13 June).  Dr See is presenting on the latest Non-surgical treatments of skin cancers, Metvix Daylight Phototherapy.

 

A/Prof Stephen Shumack and Dr Jo-Ann See will be attending the American Academy of Dermatology 73^rd Annual meeting in San Francisco in late March 2015. Both A/ Prof Shumack and Dr See are members of the Academy.

Dr See is attending lectures on acne, rosacea, skin cancer and recent updates.