NHS Barnsley is currently campaigning for sun safety and raising the levels of sun awareness across the borough, with events and stalls giving advice and information on being safe in the sun.

Prevention 

Don’t allow yourself to be sun burnt. Sunburn is caused by overexposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV) either from the sun or sunbeds. It makes your skin look red, feel hot, tender and in some cases even peel. Sunburn during childhood can double a person’s risk of skin cancer. To prevent sunburn and reduce your risk of getting skin cancer, be sun safe by:

Protecting your skin with clothing and wearing a hat

Choose and wear sunglasses which have a 400UV label or a statement of 100% UV protection

Spend time in the shade between the hours of 11am-3pm

Use a sufficient amount of suncream on exposed skin and apply regularly.  Use at least factor 50 for children and 30+ for adults.

Signs and Symptoms 

It is important to check your skin regularly, look out for moles and patches on your skin changing in size, shape or colour by following the ABCD rule:

Asymmetry The two halves of your mole do not look the same

Border The edges of your mole are irregular, blurred or jagged 

Colour The colour of your mole is uneven, with more than one shade

Diameter Your mole is wider than 6mm  in diameter (the size of a pencil eraser)

Other signs may include:

A new growth or sore that won’t heal

A spot, mole or sore that itches or hurts

A mole or growth that bleeds, crusts or scabs

If you notice any of the above, see your doctor without delay. For more information visit www.barnsley.nhs.uk