About 15% of my work as a GP is skin related, with the holiday season upon us skin care and sun damage are hot topics. We all need sunlight as part of a healthy wellbeing and to produce vitamin D.

But, exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun accounts for 90% of the symptoms of premature ageing, with other effects on the skin such as wrinkles, discoloration, freckles, age spots, benign (non-cancerous) growths such as moles and more rarely, one of the three forms of skin cancer. Most skin cancers are sun related and therefore preventable.

So, what advice can we offer?

The best way to avoid sunburn is to limit time in the sun, especially between peak sunlight hours of 10 and 3. Covering up with a broad-brimmed hat, a shirt with sleeves, and a long skirt or trousers all helps, I’m no fashion expert but pale cotton fabrics are more effective than dark synthetics. Apply sunscreen lotion everyday before starting from home, after washing with a sun protection factor of 15 or higher. People with sensitive skin, children, or outdoor workers should always apply a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more. Those taking prescription medicines such as, antibiotics, diuretics, non steroidals and statins need to avoid sunlight exposure to because of potential drug reactions.

When to see your doctor?

Most patients who come to see me about a mole usually start by apologising, “Sorry to bother you doctor but I’m worried about this mole,” sound familiar? No doctor dislikes giving preventative advice, offering reassurance or advising treatment for an early diagnosis because this is when medicine is at its most effective. There are definite flags when a mole or skin lesion should be seen; particularly if it is getting bigger, changing shape or with an irregular edge, changing colour or becoming patchy, itching, looking inflamed, bleeding, crusting or causing pain. Remember many skin lesions can usually be treated simply or removed under local anaesthetic.

Prevention is always better than a cure, so if nothing else to enjoy the summer, cover up and protect your children and family with sun cream.

Dr. Andrew Jones is Group Medical Director of Nuffield Health, the leading not for profit group of hospitals and gyms in the UK, including the Nuffield Health Bournemouth Hospital on Lansdowne Road. For more information call 01202 702830 or visit nuffieldhealth.com