Sun safety and checking your skin: what the NHS and Cancer Research UK say

What does the NHS say about sunscreen?

The NHS says the label should show an SPF of at least 30 and at least 4-star UVA protection. SPF measures protection against UVB, and the star rating, up to five stars on UK sunscreens, shows UVA protection; the higher the star rating, the better. The NHS says sunscreen should not be relied on alone, and that suitable clothing and time in the shade when the sun is hottest also matter. Cancer Research UK recommends SPF 30 or higher with a 4 or 5 star UVA rating, used together with shade and clothing.

What about shade, clothing and cloud?

Cancer Research UK advises seeking shade, especially between 11am and 3pm in the UK. It recommends covering up with clothes, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection. It says tightly woven fabrics are generally better than thin or loosely woven ones. It also says that more than 90 per cent of UV rays can pass through cloud.

Are sunbeds a safer way to tan?

The NHS says sunbeds and lamps can be more dangerous than natural sunlight because they use a concentrated source of UV radiation. Cancer Research UK says sunbed use increases the risk of skin cancer whatever the skin tone, and that any level of use adds to the risk. It names fake tan from a bottle and spray tans as alternatives. It says up to 9 in 10 cases of melanoma skin cancer in the UK could be prevented by staying safe in the sun and avoiding sunbeds.

How can skin be checked for changes?

The NHS says a new mole, or a change in an existing one, may be a sign of melanoma. It lists changes in size, shape or colour as the key signs, along with a mole that is swollen, sore, bleeding, itchy or crusty. Normal moles are usually round with smooth edges, whereas melanomas are often an uneven shape and may be more than one colour. Cancer Research UK and the Royal Marsden describe an ABCDE checklist covering asymmetry, border, colour, diameter and evolving change; sources give different size thresholds, so none is given here. Some melanomas do not arise from an existing mole; nodular melanoma can appear as a raised dark lump. A mirror or a helper can be used to look at hard-to-see areas.

When should a skin change be seen by a GP?

The NHS advises seeing a GP about a mole that has changed in size, shape or colour, that is painful or itchy, or that is inflamed, bleeding or crusty. It also advises seeing a GP about a new or unusual mark on the skin that has not gone away after a few weeks, including on the palms or soles. NHS 111 Wales also lists a dark area under a nail that was not caused by an injury. The route for a routine skin concern is a GP appointment.