Frequently asked questions
Question:
I have discovered a new mole on my back. Should I go to the dermatologist?
Answer:
New benign moles can develop until app. the age of 40. If the mole looks like all the others, you don’t have to worry. If however, for any reason it seems odd to you or if it looks strange you should consult your doctor.
Question:
An aunt of mine had a melanoma removed. What should I do now?
Answer:
Melanoma can occur more frequently in families. Especially if a relative of the first degree (parents, siblings, children) are affected, you should regularly examine yourself or have you examined.
Question:
My child has very fair skin, but likes to play out of doors. Do I have to apply sun cream every day?
Answer:
Better than the use of sun cream is the protection with clothes and staying in the shade or staying indoors around midday. Children need to be protected especially on holiday on the beach and in the mountains. In these cases it is recommended to use in addition to hats, caps and clothes a sun cream with high sun protection factor for the face, the back of the hands and other exposed areas of skin. Especially the ‘sun terraces’ (top of the nose, ears) should be well creamed up.
Question:
My grandfather has rough red patches on his bald head. What is that?
Answer:
This can be a so-called ‘field cancerization’. Over many years of exposure to the sun early forms of skin cancer have developed on the surface. He should consult a dermatologist to find a suitable therapy, possibly using a cream or abrasion of the skin surface. Special attention has to be paid to the possible development of a ‘Squamous cell carcinoma’.