Solbari Skin Health Blog

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Your Story Series: Meet Anne

It wasn't until I retired and relocated to Queensland from Victoria that I discovered that yearly skin checks were important. Queensland has the highest rate of skin cancer in Australia. I was shocked to be diagnosed with a squamous cell cancer on my forearm and shortly after, a Basal Cell on my throat.

Raising awareness about sun protection on Skin Cancer Action Week 2019

Over the coming weeks, we will be publishing some stories from the Solbari Community to help raise awareness about skin cancer, melanoma, skin conditions and sun protection. If you are interested in sharing your story, please answer the following questions from the relevant questionnaire and send us a picture of yourself being sun safe in the outdoors.

Who should I talk to if I am concerned about skin cancer?

This blog explains who you should talk to if you have concerns about skin cancer or melanoma. In the first instance your GP should be able to address your skin concerns. If the mole or skin lesion in question is suspicious or needs more specialist attention you are likely to be referred to a dermatologist.

Keep skin cancer at bay and avoid tanning

Protect your skin from skin cancer and melanoma If you're one of our Northern Hemisphere friends and ready to soak up the summer sun, consider this... Health officials estimate more than 10,000 Americans will die this year from melanoma. The sad reality is that this is more more than one person every hour.

Is skin cancer reversible?

This blog confirms that the vast majority of melanomas and skin cancers are treatable if caught at an early stage. Skin cancer death rates increase materially if detected at more advanced stages particularly in the case of melanoma. Wearing UPF 50+ sun protective clothing will allow you to lead a sun safe lifestyle.

Can a tan protect against skin cancer?

Associate Professor Rosemary Nixon says, “don’t be lured by the prospect of the ‘healthy tan’ this summer – there’s no such thing. Overexposure to the sun has been identified as the cause of around 99% of non-melanoma skin cancers and 95% of melanoma in Australia.” There is no such thing as a healthy tan!

Skin Health Series: Pam's Story

I suffer from sun poisoning. I've also heard it called solar urticaria. I've had this since I was 10 years old. When I go in the sun I break out in painful hives, have headaches and feel nauseous and generally unwell. When this condition first appeared, the doctors did not know what it was or how to effectively treat it.

Skin Health Series: Veronica's Story

I have an autoimmune skin condition called vitiligo. It began when I was in my late teens, in small stages at first, around eyes, mouth, and joints. It was very damaging psychologically, as my skin, which was olive in tone, began to show pure white patches. It was quite dramatic, very frightening, and often these patches appeared overnight. This condition affects my day-to-day living in that my skin will burn with just a few minutes of sunlight. I could wear sunblock, but do not appreciate the way it feels, and it doesn’t always work well.

Skin Health Series: Maralyn's Story

Disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis (DSAP) is a skin condition that causes dry, scaly patches. It is characterized by a large number of small, brownish patches with a distinctive border, found most commonly on sun-exposed areas of the skin (particularly the lower arms and legs). I suffer from this condition and have found that keeping my skin covered with UV protective clothing has made a huge difference.

Skin Health Series: Madeleine's Story

I live with a condition called erythropoietic protoporphyria or EPP. When I am in sunlight (direct or reflected) for varying amounts of time (can be as little as five minutes) I will develop an excruciating burning pain, swelling, redness or blistering on the skin that is exposed to the sun.

Skin Health Series: Michele's Story

I was diagnosed with melanoma one year ago, although I have had always been careful with sunscreen 50+ and I have never sunbathed (but I am fair-skinned and with many moles). Life has changed a lot. I take less 'exotic' trips, and do less walking in the sun and sitting in the park when I'm in the city on the weekends.

Skin Health Series: Rowena's Story

My skin condition is vitiligo, which I have had since an early age of a few months old. My skin is very sun sensitive and is prone to burning quickly and easily.

Your Story Series: Meet Kate

About 15 years ago I came up in a rash all over my body after being at the beach. After several months I was diagnosed with Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE). At first I avoided the sun like a vampire, but that meant missing out on activities I enjoy, like horse riding, swimming, playing outside with the dog. I now do lots of outside activities but I cover myself head to toe with sun protective clothing and sunscreen.

Your Story Series: Meet Kamil

I moved to Australia over 10 years ago. I grew up in northern Europe and it took me a few years to re-calibrate my inner compass and my approach to sun protection! At first I was not paying any attention to Australian sun at all. Once I learned about the risks, my attitude change 180 degrees.

Your Story Series: Meet Venetia

My level of sun exposure as a child was relatively low however I did use a sunbed from time to time back in the 1980's when it was recommended that you prepare your skin before heading over to Europe! How wrong was that advice!

Content Disclaimer: All content on the Solbari website is for informational purposes only. It does not consitute and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website. Reliance on any information provided on this website is solely at your own risk. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions about your health or a medical condition.

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