Safeguarding Your Skin
Dr Bláthnaid Carlin, from Duality Healthcare, advises on sun protection, vitamin D, and when to seek medical advice.
As spring turns to summer and the sun begins to make its long-awaited appearance over Northern Ireland, it’s the perfect time to talk about skin health. For many of us, especially busy mums and grandmothers, skin care can fall to the bottom of the priority list. But as a GP, I see time and again how important it is to pay close attention to our skin, not only for cosmetic reasons, but to detect early warning signs of more serious conditions.
Skin is your body’s largest organ, and it’s constantly exposed to the environment. It plays a vital role in protecting you from infection, regulating your temperature, and even supporting your immune system. So, it makes sense that we should protect and monitor it carefully – especially when it comes to sun exposure.
SUN EXPOSURE: FRIEND AND FOE
Northern Ireland doesn’t get a lot of sunshine, but even on overcast days, up to 80% of harmful UV rays still reach our skin. These rays can cause long-term damage, accelerating ageing and significantly increasing the risk of skin cancers such as melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.
The most effective way to protect yourself is through daily use of broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, reapplying regularly when outdoors, especially after swimming or sweating. This is particularly important for children, whose skin is more delicate and vulnerable to sun damage. Wearing wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and seeking shade during the hottest part of the day (11am–3pm) also goes a long way in reducing UV exposure.
VITAMIN D: STRIKING THE RIGHT BALANCE
Here in NI, our limited sunlight hours mean vitamin D deficiency is extremely common, particularly in autumn and winter months when UVB rays are too weak for vitamin D production.
Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones, teeth, muscle function, and even mood regulation. It’s important we look after our own levels of vitamin D while ensuring children are getting enough, too. The NHS recommends daily supplementation of vitamin D, especially from October to March. Some people may require higher doses based on blood levels, and I encourage anyone feeling persistently tired, achy or low in mood to consider getting in touch and we can discuss your symptoms and consider checking blood levels at Duality Healthcare.
SKIN CHECKS: WHAT TO LOOK FOR
One of the most important things you can do for your health is regularly check your skin for new or changing moles or lesions. Early detection of skin cancer saves lives, and it starts with knowing what to look for.
Use the ABCDE method to assess any suspicious skin changes:
A – Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn’t match the other.
B – Border: Irregular, blurred, or jagged edges.
C – Colour: Multiple colours or uneven distribution.
D – Diameter: Greater than 6mm, although smaller lesions can still be concerning.
E – Evolving: Any change in size, shape, colour, itching, bleeding or crusting.
If you notice any of these features – or simply feel something “isn’t quite right” – please don’t ignore it. Early diagnosis is key. At Duality Healthcare, we’re proud to offer expert skin assessments and minor surgery for suspicious or bothersome skin lesions.
Whether it’s a mole, cyst, lipoma, or skin tag, our clinicians can assess and, where appropriate, safely remove these under local anaesthetic. If needed we can send off to the laboratory to check if the lesion is suspicious or benign.
OUTDOOR TIME FOR MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH
While we do encourage safe sun practices, let’s not forget the wider health benefits of spending time outdoors. Movement, fresh air, and daylight play a powerful role in managing stress, improving sleep, and boosting overall wellbeing – for both adults and children. Even a short walk in the garden, a trip to the park, or a cuppa in the backyard can make a positive difference to our mood and mental health.
Encouraging children to spend less time on screens and more time in nature helps regulate their sleep, improves concentration, and strengthens social skills. For us adults, it can be a much-needed mental reset and a moment to connect with others or ourselves.
WE’RE HERE TO HELP
At Duality Healthcare, we believe in a proactive approach to health – not just treating illness but supporting people in maintaining wellness. If you have any concerns about your skin, or simply want reassurance about a mole or mark, we’re here to support you. We also offer quick access to minor surgical procedures to remove lumps and bumps that are causing concern, pain, or embarrassment.
As always, listen to your body – and look at your skin. It’s often the first place your health gives us clues. Whether it’s protection in the sun, hydration, supplementing vitamin D, or booking the check-up you’ve been putting off, small actions today can prevent big problems tomorrow.
Wishing you all a happy, healthy summer – protected and glowing for all the right reasons.
Duality Healthcare Newry
6a Savages Terrace, Edward Street,
Newry, BT 35 6AT.
Tel: 028 3083 3666
Duality Healthcare Galgorm
Units 21 & 22, The Courtyard,
Galgorm Castle Estate, Ballymena, BT42 1HL.
Tel: 028 3083 3666
Duality Healthcare Omagh
27 Campsie Road,
Omagh
Tel: 028 3083 3666
