PEOPLE with fake tan have been warned they could get a fatal disease.
Experts believe that artificially darkening the skin can lead to undetected skin cancer.
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Because dermatologists sometimes are unable to detect any new marks or changes that may have occurred on someone who uses bottled glows, this is why.
The University of Galway’s medical staff explained that fake tannin can build up in the moles and spots, making it appear like they have changed.
The UK has more than 2,500 skin-cancer deaths per year.Annual incidences of the illness are estimated at 140,000.
Around 15,000 of these tumours are melanoma, the most dangerous form.
Their AnalysisOne in ten women who visited appointments to treat new lesions showed a tan with a limited accurate pigment lesion assessment.
The appointment had to be rescheduled which further delayed any diagnosis.
This is why medics now include a line in their appointment letters urging patients to avoid artificial tanning six week prior to appointments.
They said that this would help to prevent delays in already long waiting list.
They cautioned that while false tan can be a healthier alternative to tanning, it can also interfere with the detection and treatment of cancer.
Brits are being urged to take better selfies to detect skin cancer.
Around one in three people never look for tell-tale signals such as a new mole or a change in colour or shape of an existing one.
Research from skin tracking app Miiskin found that just two in five Brits would check for skin cancer if an NHS screening was offered to them.
Figures shows that a quarter of Brits are concerned that tanning or sunburn in the past has damaged their skin, and many now regularly take skin ‘selfies’You can help identify signs that the disease is developing.
One in five people have taken photographs of their moles to monitor for changes, and one in ten now does it at least once per month.
British citizens take around 300 million potentially life-saving selfies each year in order to track molecular changes.
However, experts discovered that this is more common for younger people. Only 89 per cent of the 55-and-over population have never tried it.
Dr Anton Alexandroff, consultant dermatologist and British Skin Foundation spokesperson, said: “Skin cancer remains prevalent in the UK.
“It usually isn’t painful, so being aware of the visible warning signs and checking your skin is crucial, as most skin cancers can be cured if detected early.
“Look out for changes to the appearance of moles, such as the size, shape and colour, as well as new moles and marks – taking photos can help you notice changes over time.
“You should examine all of your body – including your nails, where melanoma can show as a dark line under the nail.”
He added that if you notice something concerning, then it’s key to get checked by your GP or a skin specialist.