Dermatoscopy saves lives. In the summer, protect your skin from UV radiation.
In the summer, we expose our skin to the sun more often. However, it's worth remembering that UV radiation increases the risk of skin cancer, and one of the key preventative measures is dermatoscopy – a quick and painless examination of moles. Dr. Bogumiła Medyńska, a dermatologist at the Scanmed Medical Center in Wrocław, discusses what it involves and who should perform it.
In the summer, we tend to spend more time in the sun, but UV radiation isn't just about tans. It's also a real threat to skin health. Skin cancers, including melanoma, can develop on seemingly harmless moles. That's why prevention is so important – and a key part of it is dermatoscopy, a specialized examination of skin lesions.
"Dermatoscopy is one of the basic diagnostic methods in dermatology. It allows us to distinguish benign lesions from those that may require further diagnosis or surgical removal," explains Dr. Bogumiła Medyńska, a dermatologist at the Scanmed Medical Center in Wrocław.
Dermatoscopy is a non-invasive and painless procedure. The doctor places a special device – a dermatoscope – on the skin, resembling a magnifying glass, which allows for the assessment of the color, shape, and structure of the lesion at 10x magnification. The lens is previously coated with a special oil to better see the deeper layers of the skin without reflecting light.
The examination result is assessed according to the TDS (Total Dermatoscopic Score) scale – based on it, the doctor decides whether a given change is suspicious and requires further diagnosis or surgery.
Dermatoscopy is recommended for everyone, but it should be performed regularly by people in the high-risk group, i.e.:
fair-skinned,
with numerous birthmarks,
after sunburn in the past,
having loved ones with skin cancer.
Any lesion that suddenly changes color or shape, begins to itch, bleed, or enlarge should be consulted with a dermatologist, notes Dr. Medyńska.
The recommended frequency is once every 12 months for people without risk factors and every 3–6 months for patients at higher risk.
In summer, skin is particularly vulnerable to solar radiation, which not only accelerates aging but also damages cell DNA and can lead to the development of skin cancer. Sun protection is crucial—and not just at the beach.
"On sunny days, I recommend avoiding going outside during peak sunlight hours, which is between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. It's essential to use sunscreen with a high SPF 50+ protection, which protects against UVA and UVB radiation," the dermatologist reminds.
Sunscreens should be applied every 2–3 hours, as well as after each swim – even on cloudy days, because UV radiation reaches through the clouds.
Skin lesions can go undetected for a long time, so it's important to monitor your body and not ignore any alarming changes. Regular dermatoscopic examinations are a simple procedure that can be crucial to your health. Healthy skin is not just a matter of aesthetics, but above all, safety.
During the summer months, it's worth being especially vigilant and not postponing a visit to the dermatologist. Prevention is the most effective way to combat skin cancer – and it starts with taking a close look at your moles.
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