Summer, sun and vacations often mean increased exposure to UV radiation for our skin. Even with consistent sun protection, the skin accumulates sun exposure over the warm months. The start of autumn is therefore a good opportunity to take a fresh look at your skin and have any conspicuous or changed moles checked by a dermatologist.

Regular mole checks and skin cancer screening can help detect suspicious skin changes at an early stage. At JUVENIS in Vienna, moles are professionally examined and, if necessary, assessed more closely using modern dermatoscopy.

Why is a mole check after the summer advisable?

UV radiation is one of the most important avoidable risk factors for skin cancer. Especially intense sun exposure and repeated sunburns can damage the skin in the long term.

After the summer it is therefore particularly worthwhile to watch for changes. This applies especially after:

  • a holiday with intense sun exposure
  • frequent time spent outdoors
  • one or more sunburns
  • longer stays in southern countries
  • regular outdoor activities
  • intense UV exposure during the summer months

Important: A check in the autumn does not replace regular skin cancer screening. However, it provides a good opportunity to consciously check your own skin condition.

Which moles should be monitored more closely?

Most moles are harmless. If an existing mole changes or a noticeable new skin lesion appears, it should be examined by a dermatologist.

Moles that deserve special attention:

  • grow larger
  • change their shape
  • develop different colors
  • have irregular borders
  • suddenly itch
  • bleed or ooze
  • stand out clearly from your other moles

Not every change automatically means skin cancer. However, a professional examination can provide clarity.

The ABCDE rule: Check moles yourself

The so-called ABCDE rule can serve as a guide for self-examination:

A – Asymmetry

Is the mole unevenly shaped, or do its two halves differ markedly from each other?

B – Border

Do the borders appear blurred, frayed, or irregular?

C – Color

Does the mole have different color tones or noticeable color changes?

D – Diameter

The size of a mole can also play a role in the assessment. Larger or growing skin changes should be monitored particularly closely.

E – Evolution

Changes over time are particularly important. If a mole grows, changes color or shape, or new symptoms appear, a dermatological examination should be carried out.

The "Ugly-Duckling" sign

In addition to the ABCDE rule, there is another helpful approach: the so-called "Ugly-Duckling" sign. Many of a person's moles are similar in size, shape and color. A mole that looks noticeably different from all the others should therefore receive special attention. Again: being conspicuous does not automatically mean dangerous — however, a medical assessment is advisable.

Self-examination does not replace a dermatologist

Regular observation of your own skin is important, but it has its limits. Some conspicuous changes are difficult to assess with the naked eye.

There are also body areas that are hard to see yourself, for example:

  • Back
  • Scalp
  • Back of the legs
  • Soles of feet
  • Areas behind the ears

A professional mole check therefore complements regular self-examination.

How is a mole check at JUVENIS conducted?

During a dermatological skin check, the skin is systematically examined for noticeable changes. With a dermatoscope, moles can be viewed at high magnification and structures assessed that are not sufficiently visible to the naked eye. If suspicious skin changes are found, a decision can then be made as to whether further observation, documentation, or medical treatment is necessary.

Digital dermatoscopy: detecting changes over time

For patients with numerous moles or an increased individual risk, digital documentation can be particularly helpful. Suspicious moles can be photographed and compared during later examinations.

This allows changes in:

  • Size
  • Shape
  • Color
  • Structure

assess more precisely over time.

Who should pay particular attention to regular skin checks?

Regular dermatological check-ups are particularly advisable for:

  • a very large number of moles
  • fair skin and high sun sensitivity
  • suspicious or unusual moles
  • a history of frequent sunburns
  • high occupational or personal UV exposure
  • a personal or family history of skin cancer

How often a check-up is advisable should be discussed individually with a dermatologist.

Sun damage is not always immediately apparent

An important point about UV radiation: damage to the skin is not always immediately visible. The skin does not "forget" intense UV exposure. Effects may only become apparent years later as pigment changes, premature skin aging, or certain skin alterations. For this reason, sun protection should be a long-term part of daily skincare — regardless of whether it is summer.

Remember sun protection in autumn, too

With the end of summer, UV radiation does not disappear completely. Especially during longer stays outdoors, when hiking, or on vacation, appropriate sun protection should still be used.

These include:

  • Sun protection with an appropriate SPF
  • protective clothing
  • head covering
  • Avoiding intense midday sun

Mole check and skin cancer screening at JUVENIS in Vienna

After a sun-filled summer, it is a good time to pay special attention to your skin again. At JUVENIS in Vienna, moles and noticeable skin changes are examined dermatologically. Modern diagnostic methods help detect suspicious changes early and, if necessary, initiate further steps.

Especially if you have many moles, noticeable changes, or intense UV exposure, a regular professional skin check may be advisable.

Conclusion: After summer it's time for a skin check.

Autumn provides a good opportunity for a mindful check of your skin. If you discover new or changed moles, you shouldn't wait until the next routine examination but should have them examined by a dermatologist promptly.

Regular self-examinations, consistent sun protection, and professional skin cancer screening together form an important foundation for detecting suspicious skin changes as early as possible.

Find more information about mole checks at JUVENIS here:Skin cancer screening and mole check

JUVENIS in Vienna offers services related to Health & preventive care, Radiance & posture as well as Outer beauty that make you outwardly radiant and enhance your well-being.

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