Do I Need a Skin Check? Why Winter Is a Great Time to Book
Living near the coast is one of the wonderful things about life in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs – but it also means many of us have accumulated a fair amount of sun exposure over the years.
Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, and while we often think about our skin in summer, skin cancer is a year-round concern. Winter can actually be an ideal time to have your skin checked.
Who should consider a skin check?
There’s no single schedule that’s right for everyone. Your risk depends on factors including your skin type, sun exposure and personal and family history.
You may benefit from regular skin checks if you have:
- Fair skin or skin that burns easily
- Significant sun exposure or a history of sunburn
- Lots of moles or unusual-looking moles
- A personal history of skin cancer
- A family history of melanoma
- Previously used solariums
- A weakened immune system
Your GP can help assess your individual risk and advise how often you should have your skin checked.
Why is winter a good time?
There are a few practical advantages to having your skin checked during the cooler months.
Your skin may be easier to assess. With less of a summer tan and less recent UV exposure, changes in pigmentation can sometimes be easier to see.
Winter clothing can hide spots. Areas such as your back, shoulders and legs may be covered for months, making changes easier to miss.
It’s a convenient time for treatment. If a spot needs a biopsy or removal, healing during winter is less likely to interfere with swimming, beach visits and summer activities.
And most importantly, early detection matters. Finding a skin cancer early can make treatment simpler and improve outcomes.
What should I look for at home?
Getting to know your own skin is one of the best ways to notice when something has changed. We encourage regular self checks every 3 months.
Look out for a spot that:
- Is new or looks different from your other spots
- Changes in size, shape or colour
- Becomes itchy, painful or tender
- Bleeds or repeatedly crusts
- Looks like a sore that doesn’t heal
Skin cancers don’t always look like the classic pictures online. If you notice something that just doesn’t seem right, it’s worth having it checked.
What happens during a skin check?
Your doctor will systematically examine your skin and may use a dermatoscope, a specialised instrument that allows us to look more closely at structures within a skin lesion.
Most spots require no treatment. If we do find something concerning, we may recommend monitoring it, taking a biopsy, removing it or referring you to a dermatologist or other specialist where appropriate.
Skin checks are also a great opportunity to learn more about your own skin and discuss your individual risk and sun protection.
Book a skin check at Bronte Family Doctors
Dr Ben Carson, Dr Sarah Brewster and Dr May Tan offer skin checks at Bronte Family Doctors.
If it’s been a while since your last skin check, you’ve never had one, or you’ve noticed a new or changing spot, winter is a great time to book.
When booking online, please select “GP – Skin Check” as your appointment type to ensure you are directed to a doctor with the appropriate expertise, or call us on 9387 2000.
And remember, skin checks don’t replace sun protection. SPF50+ sunscreen, protective clothing, a hat, shade and avoiding excessive UV exposure remain important throughout the year.
