Skin Changes You Shouldn’t Ignore 

By Dr Kwan Zhenli, Consultant Dermatologist and Dermatologic Surgeon, Subang Jaya Medical Centre 

Whether you are strolling on a beach in Penang, hiking up Mount Kinabalu or enjoying a café terrace in Kuala Lumpur, spending time outdoors is part of a healthy and active lifestyle. While enjoying the sun can lift your spirits, too much exposure can take a serious toll on your skin.

According to the World Cancer Research Fund, skin cancer is the 17th most common cancer globally, with over 330,000 new cases diagnosed in 2022 alone. The highest numbers were reported in the US, Germany, and the UK, but when it comes to rate per capita, Australia tops the list with an average of 37 new cases per 100,000 people.

The Three Main Types of Skin Cancer

There are three main types of skin cancer, with melanoma being the most dangerous. Basal cell carcinoma, on the other hand, is the most common type but usually does not spread nor causes death. While squamous cell carcinoma is not as aggressive as melanoma, it may be dangerous if left untreated.

If you have the following skin changes, you should consult a doctor:

• A new lump on the skin which may look like a mole, bump of scab
• A sore that would not heal
• A rough patch on the skin
• A mole or spot that is growing larger or changing colour
• Itch, pain or tingling around a skin growth
• A mole with an outline that is becoming irregular
• Moles that bleed or discharge a yellowish fluid
• Spots that look different from the others (‘ugly duckling’ sign)

Most people develop 10 to 45 moles in childhood or adolescence, which may change or fade over time. While usually harmless, some moles can become cancerous. Monitoring changes is key to early detection of skin cancer, particularly melanoma. Here’s a guide to spot suspicious moles:

A – Asymmetry: Both halves do not match

B – Border: Blurry or jagged edges

C – Colour: More than one colour

D – Diameter: Larger than 6 mm

E – Evolution: Changes over time in size, shape or colour

What You Should Know About Sun Exposure

Sun exposure causes DNA damage and mutations. Melanoma is more likely to develop from occasional intense sun exposure, such as sunburns in early life, while regular, long-term sun exposure is linked to basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers.

There are two main types of UV radiation that affect your skin. UVA causes tanning and skin ageing while UVB is mostly associated with sun burn. While both types of UV radiation damage the skin, UVB is thought to be the type that is primarily linked to skin cancer.

Six Simple Ways to Protect Your Skin

Whether you are living in a sun-soaked country like Malaysia or just travelling through, these practical tips can go a long way toward keeping your skin safe:

1. Seek shade—especially between 10 am and 4 pm, when UV rays are strongest
2. Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face, ears and neck
3. Use sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays
4. Apply sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) 15 minutes before going outside, and reapply every 2 hours
5. Cover up with long sleeves and protective clothing when outdoors
6. Avoid tanning beds—they are not a safe alternative to sunbathing

Your skin remembers every sunburn. Take the time to check your skin regularly, protect it from the sun, and don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare provider if something doesn’t look right. After all, healthy skin is always in style—wherever in the world you are.

Source: The Expat