Moles and the sun: what protection?
While everyone needs to protect themselves from the sun, there are skin types that are particularly vulnerable to UV rays. This is particularly the case of light phototypes, often strewn with moles. But should we particularly protect the latter? Responses with Doctor Bruno Sassolas, dermatologist and dermatologist-oncologist at the Brest CHRU, attached to Committee 29.
Summary
- What is a mole?
- Protect your skin from the sun, not just your moles
- The importance of self-monitoring
The moles, or nevi, are composed of cells melanocytic responsible for their coloring. " They appear on their own in the skin. The formation of moles is conditioned by several elements:
- Sun exposure especially during childhood;
- Skin color (very light);
- The immunosuppressed character of the patient.
Skin said to be normal at birth does not have a mole, with the exception of some babies who have congenital nevi. Then, their number increases over the course of life up to about 60 years, before decreasing ", explains Dr Bruno Sassolas, dermatologist and dermatologist-oncologist at the CHRU of Brest, attached to Committee 29.
Protect your skin from the sun, not just your moles
" When we go in the sun, it is all the skin that is exposed, not just moles ," warns the dermatologist.
“ Sometimes patients show their skin at the end of summer, and there are whiter areas around the moles, because they have strengthened the protection in that area. It is an illusion of protection . The toxic action of UV rays is exerted systemically, lesions are caused on the DNA of melanocytes, and melanoma can be developed in areas protected from the sun ", regrets the professional.
To protect your skin from the sun, " clothes remain the most effective solution. Failing that, cream must be applied . We choose an index adapted to the phototype, with the most global protection possible, which protects against UVB rays and sun rays. UVA ". Please note, Dr Sassolas reminds us that "sun protection should not allow you to increase your exposure time".
What about freckles
Moles and freckles correspond to two " completely different " phenomena , specifies the dermatologist. " Freckles are due to an accumulation of pigment, it is often a sign of very fair skin (phototypes II and IIIA), which is not able to protect itself from the sun. The more you have, the more we can say that the skin has received too much sun. The pigment is activated with UV rays to play its protective role ".
The importance of self-monitoring
There are different risk factors for skin cancer . " The skin color, the amount of sun exposure throughout life, and especially during childhood, the history of sunburn and the presence of moles are the main ones. The presence of nevi is particularly among the factors. risk factors for melanoma, the most serious form of these cancers ", specifies the specialist.
“ Anyone in the general population should be able to look at their skin. This self-monitoring should ideally be done 2 to 4 times a year, depending on the color of the skin and the number of moles ,” recommends Dr. Sassolas.
" You have to take the time to look at your skin as a whole, with the help of someone. For example, you can say to yourself that you do it at each change of season, that's a way of thinking about it. Then, if we notice something that is changing, we must seek medical advice, "he continues. He nevertheless specifies that patients with a family history, or at-risk skin, must be under regular surveillance in a medical circuit.
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