In New Zealand we have one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Caused mainly by over exposure to the sun’s UV rays and also because our clear air and sky means higher levels of UV radiation than in countries with more pollution. As well, the ozone layer is thinner over New Zealand than other countries. The ozone layer blocks UV rays. A sunspot may appear anywhere the skin has been exposed to the sun. Particularly on the hands, scalp, face, back, ears and chest. Sunspots are brown, flat patches that result from melanin. Melanin is a pigment that is produced by cells called melanocytes in response to UV radiation. Melanocytes also cause moles and other pigmented skin lesions. When they become cancerous, they cause melanoma. Another term for sun spots is age spots.

 

Sunspots can be treated with creams, liquid Nitrogen or intense pulsed light (IPL) to reduce their appearance. We recommend these treatments by a qualified nurse therapist. It is important that your therapist can identify when your spot is a sunspot and not something more serious.

What to do if your sunspot becomes active or bleeds

Sunspots are benign. If they begin to change, it is important to get them checked. Complete our online enquiry for a consultation. Include photos. All to put your mind at ease.

Please check your sunspots regularly

Check your sunspot regularly for any changes in appearance like:

• rapid growth in size
• increased redness
• any tenderness
• ulceration, where a wound forms that won’t heal
• pain or bleeding
• anything else that makes you aware it is different.

It is important to look for these warning signs and any changes in size, shape or colour, the development of irregular borders, itching or if the spot becomes raised or more scaly. There may have been a reason why you suddenly scratched it or caused it to bleed.

 

Changes in your sunspot could indicate signs of progression to skin cancer, such as melanoma or lentigo maligna (a condition that can transform onto invasive melanoma). If you have any questions or doubt, if you have a family history of skin cancers, please get in touch.

What to do if your sunspot is bleeding

If you accidentally catch or scratch your sunspot and it begins to bleed:

1. Gently wash the area with mild soap and water to reduce the risk of infection.
2. Apply gentle pressure with a clean tissue or sterile gauze for several minutes until the bleeding stops.
3. Once the bleeding has stopped, you can use an antiseptic ointment to further protect against infection.
4. Place a clean bandage or plaster over the area to keep it protected while it heals.
5. Keep an eye on it for signs of infection (increased redness, swelling, warmth, pus or pain).

We recommend sun protection

It’s never too late to become more sun savvy. Along with applying a high-rating SPF sunscreen all year round, we recommend covering up when out in the sun, especially in the hottest parts of the day. Wear sunglasses, a sunhat and reapply sunscreen regularly, even on cloudy days and in winter.