Sun skin care chat with Dr Sarah Brewer

Should you put sunblock on moles? I've a few moles, which I keep an eye on, but are there any tips for mole-safety!
Tara

Always use a high SPF to protect all skin - for added protection you can apply sunblock to moles if you wish. Covering up with clothing is also a good idea. If you have lots of moles this is not always practical, however. Keep an eye on them and report any changes such as turning darker, itching, scabbing, bleeding or ulcerating.

I suffer from polymorphic light eruption. My GP just says stay covered up and out of the sun...is there nothing else that can be done?
Trix

Allergy to sunlight is increasingly common and thought to affect up to 20 per cent of people. The form known as polymorphic light eruption (PLE) produces an itchy, raised red rash several hours after sun exposure. Small lumps, blisters and scaly areas known as plaques can also occur. Symptoms start within hours of sun exposure and last between several hours and several days. Only skin exposed to the sun is affected, such as the backs of hands, lower arms, face and the V of the neck. Sufferers first notice eruptions in the spring and it often improves in summer as skin becomes harder and more tanned. Each year, the rash returns in the same place once the sun starts coming out regularly - usually in May.

The exact cause of polymorphic light eruption is not fully understood, but it is thought to be an allergy to ultraviolet light - specifically UVA - which is also responsible for the ageing effects of sunlight. The only effective treatment is a broad spectrum sunscreen that filters out UVA light as well as UVB. Check with your pharmacist for advice before buying a sunblock as some preparations only filter out UVB rays.

As UVA light is not screened out by glass (although UVB is), bear in mind that you can still develop PLE while sitting by a window; you may therefore need to screen house and car windows.

I've heard a lot about the increased risk of developing skin cancer in adulthood when you were sunburnt as a child. As a child I was forever getting burnt and now that I am a bit older and wiser I am concerned about what harm I may have done to my skin.

Is the risk high and now I use at least an SPF 30 when in the sun will this protect me enough?
Fiona

Getting severely burnt in childhood does seem to double the risk of skin cancer in later life. Damage is additive, however, so any protection you use now will help to reduce your overall risk - a high SPF is therefore a good idea. As well as covering up, avoid exposure during the hottest times (e.g. 11am-3pm). Taking an antioxidant supplement that helps to reduce free radical damage (e.g. containing selenium, vitamins C and E and carotenoids) is also worthwhile.

Are there different rules or products to protect your scalp from the sun than there are for skin, and without damaging your hair?
Sue

A number of products are available that you apply to hair to absorb UV rays and reduce hair damage - these are widely available. Wearing a wide-brimmed sun hat is a good idea to protect your scalp.