We all must be vigilant when it comes to our skin health and get anything unusual checked as soon as possible
In Ireland, we don’t get as much sunshine as we would like and when we do, the last thing we want to be thinking about is how to protect our skin from harmful UV rays.
However, that’s exactly what we have to do by applying a high SPF daily, wearing the necessary clothing and accessories, and staying in the shade where possible. Not only that, we need to know what to look out for in order to identify and treat the cancer before it spreads.
The fact is, skin cancer is largely preventable and, if caught in time, often curable. But the key is early detection.
4 February is World Cancer Day and leading skin cancer expert Dr Emily Alfonsi from Shade Skin is raising awareness of lesser-known signs of the disease. While many associate it with changes in moles, subtle symptoms elsewhere on the body can be just as significant.
“People often assume that skin cancer always presents as a dark, irregular mole. In reality, some of the most concerning cases appear in ways that are easy to dismiss,” says Dr Alfonsi. “If something on your skin looks or feels different, it is always worth getting checked.”
Warning signs that could indicate skin cancer
Dr Alfonsi explains that there are several ‘red flags’ people tend to overlook, including:
Persistent itching or tingling in one spot – Some skin cancers affect the nerves, leading to unusual sensations before visible changes appear.
A sore that keeps healing and reopening – Skin cancer lesions can look like small wounds that seem to improve but never fully go away.
Dimpling or waxy patches on the skin – Certain types of skin cancer create an area that appears tighter, shinier or slightly sunken.
Red streaks or dark bruising under the nails – A sign of nail bed melanoma, often mistaken for an injury that fails to heal.
Loss of eyebrow or eyelash hair – If skin cancer forms near a hair follicle, it may cause hair loss in a specific patch.
Lesser-known risks and gaps in protection
She also warns that while excessive sun exposure remains a leading cause, there are other risk factors people rarely consider:
UV exposure from gel manicures – The nail lamps used in salons emit UV rays that can increase the risk of skin damage on the hands.
Missed areas when applying sunscreen – Commonly forgotten spots include the scalp, eyelids, lips and tops of the ears.
Medications that heighten sun sensitivity – Some antibiotics, blood pressure tablets and acne treatments can make skin more vulnerable to damage.
Prolonged exposure to certain indoor lights – While not a primary cause, some high-intensity lighting may contribute to long-term UV exposure in high-risk individuals.
Genital skin cancer
While skin cancer is commonly associated with sun exposure, leading dermatologist Dr Emily Alfonsi from Shade Skin is urging the public to be aware of a lesser-discussed risk, genital skin cancer. Affecting both men and women, this rare but serious condition often goes undiagnosed due to a lack of awareness and its tendency to mimic other skin conditions.
Dr Alfonsi warns that delayed diagnosis is common, as people may feel embarrassed to seek medical advice or mistake symptoms for less serious issues like eczema, ingrown hairs, or genital warts.
Warning signs that could indicate genital skin cancer
- Non-healing sores or ulcers that persist for more than a few weeks.
- Skin changes, including dark patches, redness, or thickening of the skin.
- Unusual bleeding, discharge, or persistent itching.
- Lumps, warts, or growths that appear suddenly and do not go away.
- A new mole or changes in an existing mole in the genital area.
Dr Alfonsi stresses that awareness and regular self-checks are essential in catching genital skin cancer early. If you notice any unusual changes, don’t ignore them or feel embarrassed – see a doctor. The sooner skin cancer is diagnosed, the better the outcome.
