AS the body’s largest single organ, the skin has multiple important roles and is one of the first things others notice about us. Despite this we are often guilty of ignoring its health.

Question – My 9-year-old son is a nightmare to put suntan lotion on. He creates a massive fuss which can often become as scene. He’s dark skinned like his mum’s side, and tans easily. Do I really need to bother? – Philip

Answer – It is vitally important that we protect our skin, arguably all year round, but especially in the summer period. As a nation without much sunshine, it may be easy to assume that we don’t need to use sun care products, or only if we go abroad.

Young children’s skin is still developing so it is vitally important that it is protected, with the regular application of a high factor (30 or greater) sunscreen. It is thought that short bursts of intense exposure, such as on holiday, may do more damage than that experienced year-round in warmer climes.

The amount of melanin, the product which determines skin pigmentation, varies very little between persons with the darkest and lightest skins, and black people are known to suffer with skin cancer, hence the importance of everyone using adequate protection, which not only involves sunscreen, but also staying out of the sun at its hottest point (usually between 11am to 3pm), adequate hydration, and never staring directly at the sun. On this point, good quality sunglasses should also be considered a part of sun safety.

Try to make applying sun protection fun. There are numerous products available including sprays which may make the whole process easier. If your son sees you applying sun cream to yourself, he may be more inclined to follow suit.

Question – I went to my doctor with something concerning on my nose. He advised me it was a basal cell carcinoma, but didn’t refer me through the two-week rule. I’m worried I am not going to be seen quick enough – Jean, 73.

Answer – although the terminology basal cell carcinoma (BCC) sounds concerning, these skin conditions, also colloquially referred to as rodent ulcers, do not spread to other parts of the body, in the way that other skin cancers do. Examples of skin cancers that have the potential to rapidly spread to other parts of the body include squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) and melanomas, hence the need to refer any skin lesion which resembles either of these under the two-week rule.

The classical appearance of a BCC is a round skin lesion, with a raised rolled edge, often with a central crater. The skin may appear pearly, with a middle portion that may keep bleeding, or just doesn’t heal.

A BCC may grow slowly over several months, perhaps longer, before you become aware of it. Typical areas are those that receive the greatest amount of sun exposure, i.e., the nose, ear lobes and the forehead and/or scalp, especially in men who have lost their hair.

Any skin lesion on the lips would warrant greater concern, especially in those who smoke, as this may be a more aggressive cancer.

BCCs can usually be confidently identified just on their appearance, as well as how long they have been present. If the diagnosis is uncertain, a magnifying glass, known as a dermatoscope, applied directly to the skin will demonstrate the features of the skin condition more clearly.

Identification and treatment of BCCs is important, as if left they have the potential to grow and damage surrounding structures. This is particularly relevant if they are on the nose, or close to the eye.

Treatment may involve medicines applied directly to the skin, cryotherapy involving liquid nitrogen, or surgical removal.

In selected cases, if the BCC is small, and in an area of less concern, some doctors may choose to watch it for a few months initially, rather than immediately offering treatment.

The important take home message is that if you have anything of concern on your skin, please seek prompt medical advice, rather than trying to diagnose it yourself from images on the internet, which can often be confusing to interpret, and may cause unnecessary distress, or worse false reassurance.

Dr. Uddin’s advice is provided in good faith and in line with current guidance. However, it cannot be used as a substitute for consulting with your own regular general practitioner.