Checking your skin is essential. It’s non-negotiable: early detection of skin cancer can save lives.
I follow and have taken training with MASCED, a skin cancer charity that offers advice for checking skin to both the public and professionals.
In addition I use an organisation called Map my Mole who allow me access directly to a dermatologist so when clients visit me with any blemish or mole concerns, I can create a report using photographic images, dermatascope images and video including history and details of the blemish to send to them and will receive a report back with 72 hours advising what the blemish is, is this blemish of concern, is it a blemish just to keep an eye on or is it something that should get checked immediately and potentially will then be biopsied or removed.
This service is invaluable, and over my time as a practitioner, I have come across many blemishes that I have been able to offer reassurance about as they are absolutely fine or I have been able to advise from the report which the client will also receive that it should be immediately referred, and I have no doubt in my mind that this has been life-saving.
One I had recently, I wanted to share with you so you can see the process and the outcome.
This client of mine came in with a blemish on her shin that she was concerned about; it had developed quite quickly, and therefore, it was certainly worth checking. This lovely client of mine has lived in a hot climate for a large chunk of her childhood and has, in the past, been a sun worshipper.
No, this image doesn’t look much, but that is why it is key to keep an eye on your skin: even the smallest changes can require a check.
This is the blemish image through the dermatascope:
The report came back advising that it was likely Bowen’s disease, an early, superficial form of skin cancer, which, if left untreated, can develop into invasive skin cancer, so to seek GP input with the potential of using Efudix as an option to stop it in its tracks.
My client followed the recommendation and came back to see me to show me what it looked like after using the cream for around 3 weeks. This is something to be prepared for: that it will look worse before it looks better.
About 8 weeks down the line, my client returned so I could take pictures and keep them on record for her. This is not a typical service, but she wanted me to do it for peace of mind and to have a record. This is what the blemish looked like. She will, of course, need to continue to keep an eye on this blemish and her skin overall, as I would recommend for any client.
