Here’s the fact (Image: Getty Images)

Yes, the British still need to monitor the condition of the carpet and monitor for possible signs of cancer.

We don’t live in hot climates, but the sun can still cause damage.

Dr. Sagar Patel, a dermatologist at MyHealthcare Clinic, points out that many of us don’t know what to pay attention to.

He states: “Unfortunately, when it comes to carpet awareness, the UK is far behind countries like Australia and the US.

“Regular carpet mapping is very common in other parts of the world, but many Britons simply ignore skin changes.

Of course, we don’t have the same hot weather, but we don’t need high temperatures to be exposed to harmful UV rays that can increase the chances of hair becoming cancerous.

“That’s why it’s important to understand the carpet and know everything that requires professional attention.”

With this in mind, Dr. Sagar shares his experience with a mole that busts the myth.

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Myth: Itching and bleeding must be present to be worth checking

It is important to know not only what the mole feels like, but also what it looks like.

“This is potentially dangerous. [to get wrong] Melanoma, the most common type of skin cancer, doesn’t always cause symptoms, Dr. Sagar said.

“Yes, it is worth checking for itching, bleeding or discharge, but it should be noted that so-called silent changes also occur.”

Myth: If the mole changes, it must be melanoma

That said, moles can change slightly over the years.

“Mole can change over time,” said Dr. Sagar. “It grows and changes color, shape and size. Some may even disappear completely.

Here are some important things to know about your skin: Changes that occur over months, not years (the mole darkens quickly), are definitely worth seeing right away.

“As with any medical issue, it’s always best to seek the professional advice of your GP if you’re concerned or unsure.”

Close-up details of the bare skin on a man's back with scattered moles and freckles

Changes in moles are not a sure sign of cancer (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Myth: Don’t worry if you have dark skin

Dr. Sagar called this an “important myth.”

“Yes,” he adds. “Dark-skinned people are a bit more protected from the sun than very light-skinned people.”

However, that doesn’t mean you aren’t exposed to enough ultraviolet light to damage your skin cells and make them more susceptible to melanoma.

“Whatever your skin type or color, be careful with your carpet and be careful outdoors all year long.”

Myth: Skin cancer only occurs in existing moles

Don’t ignore the overall health of your skin in favor of moles you already have.

“I’ve heard of people using sunscreen only on carpets,” explains Dr. Sagar. This is not a bad idea in and of itself, but what many don’t admit is that skin cancer can occur on all areas of the skin.

“The best approach is not just to pay attention to the mat, but to monitor all areas of the body and use a high sun protection factor when outside in the hot sun.”

Fact: The ABCDE checklist for melanoma is very helpful

Now that he’s dispelled some myths, Dr. Sagar has a handy acronym to help people remember about moles.

“This brief guide is used by skin professionals to help patients understand what to look for,” he said.

  • A – Asymmetric, if one half of the tree does not coincide with the other half
  • B: the edges, the contours of the particles are irregular, jagged or blurred
  • “C-Color if it changes overall and/or does not appear to be a uniform color
  • ‘Diameter above D-6mm
  • Development or modification of electronic carpets.

Checking the carpet at these five points will help you keep track of the problem.

“But there is no substitute for a promise to see a specialist to inspect your skin and address any areas of concern.”

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