Sun Awareness Week is an opportunity to think about how we protect our skin.
Getting out in the fresh air, particularly when the weather is good, is important for our physical and mental wellbeing, but we also need to be mindful about exposing our skin to the sun. While some sun exposure helps our bodies produce vitamin D, too much can lead to skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer. It’s all about finding the right balance.
We caught up with Suparna Behura, GP and clinical lead for our Primary Care Dermatology Service, for some guidance on what to consider.
What are the main things people should be aware of when it comes to sun exposure? Sun exposure builds up over time, even in the UK and on cloudy days. While we do need some sunlight for vitamin D, too much can damage the skin, causing it to age more quickly, with wrinkles and dark spots becoming more common. Sun damage also increases the risk of skin cancer. Protecting your skin should be part of everyday life, not just when you’re on holiday.
Do you see many cases linked to sun damage? A significant number of referrals into dermatology relate to skin lesions, including benign lesions and conditions such as basal cell carcinoma (BCC), a common and treatable form of skin cancer which is typically linked to long-term sun exposure. Early assessment is really important to make sure patients are directed to the right care.
What should people look out for? It’s important to keep an eye on any new or changing moles or skin lesions. Changes in size, shape, colour, or anything unusual like itching or bleeding should be checked by a healthcare professional.
What’s your top advice for protecting your skin? Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or above) which includes protection from both ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B rays (UVA & UVB), apply it generously and reapply regularly. Even if your moisturiser or makeup contains SPF, it usually isn’t enough on its own to fully protect your skin.
🧴Quick reminders for staying safe in the sun
- Apply sunscreen regularly, especially if outdoors for long periods. Don’t forget areas like ears, neck, and hands
- Check the back of your sunscreen for its expiry – most will only last 12 months after opening
- Seek shade during peak hours (11am to 3pm)
- Wear protective clothing, hats and sunglasses
📱Did you know?
If you’re concerned about a mole or skin change, many GP practices now offer online consultation forms where you can securely submit photos. If needed, your GP will refer you for more specialist assessment and treatment.
💬About our service
Our Primary Care Dermatology Service supports patients across Coventry and Warwickshire by providing specialist advice at local clinics and offering treatment where appropriate. Access to our service is via GP referral.
In our first full year of running the service, 20% of referrals (660 cases) were for benign skin lesions, with a further 7% (243 cases) relating to suspected basal cell carcinomas (BCCs). We also see a significant number of referrals linked to sun damage, including conditions such as actinic keratosis, highlighting the importance of early assessment and protection.
Our service helps patients to be seen more quickly, with appointments typically taking place within 6-8 weeks, compared to 20-52 weeks in secondary care. Our GPs have additional training and experience in dermatology, enabling them to diagnose and manage skin conditions efficiently, with any suspected skin cancers escalated promptly via the Urgent Suspected Cancer Pathway.
🔗Find out more about Primary Care Dermatology
