The Importance Of Skin Checks: Bob’s Story And Why You Should Never Ignore A Suspicious Spot

Let’s talk about something serious today. It’s a little story about Bob – Roz’s dad and one of our beloved regulars here at Enchanted. If you’re a regular client, you probably know Bob. He’s been popping into the salon for weekly LED light therapy sessions for a while now, and we’ve seen some fantastic improvements in his skin. But one of those sessions led to a discovery that none of us were expecting, and it’s a story that might make you think twice about skipping your next skin check.

Bob’s journey with LED light therapy started when we noticed that the skin on his forearms had become quite fragile – bruising easily and thinning over time. Weekly LED sessions were the plan to help strengthen and heal the skin, and the results were impressive. The quality of Bob’s skin visibly improved; it was a huge win!

But it was during one of these routine sessions that Tara noticed something concerning. While preparing Bob for his LED treatment, she spotted a small, raised bump on his arm that just didn’t seem right. Tara made the call not to proceed with the session until Bob had it checked out. Sometimes, those tiny, almost unnoticeable things turn out to be the most significant.

Now, like many of us (especially regarding health checks), Bob didn’t book his appointment straight away. It took a bit of a nudge from Roz to make him realise the importance of getting it checked. After a bit of back and forth, Bob finally made an appointment with a skin specialist. The results, however, were not what anyone wanted to hear: Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC).

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is one of the most common forms of skin cancer. It starts in the squamous cells, which make up the middle and outer layers of the skin. While it’s usually not as aggressive as melanoma, SCC can still spread to other parts of the body if left untreated, leading to more severe complications.
Symptoms to watch out for include:
 A firm bump on the skin that could be the same colour as your skin or a different shade (pink, red, black, or brown)
 A flat sore with a scaly crust
 A new sore or raised area on an old scar
 A rough, scaly patch on your lip that could develop into an open sore
 A sore or rough patch inside your mouth

The good news? Bob’s SCC was caught early, and he’s on track to have it removed. But it’s a stark reminder that these things can easily be missed if you’re not paying attention.

The takeaway? Protect your skin – ALL of it! Here’s the thing: Bob was diligent about applying SPF to his face, but he often neglected other areas like his ears, arms, and neck – areas that are highly exposed, especially when you’re spending a lot of time outdoors. And Bob isn’t alone. This is a common oversight, particularly among men who work outside, drive for a living, or spend time in spaces with a lot of natural light.
You see, even if you’re indoors, UV rays can reach you if there’s natural light in the room. This means that regular exposure, even through a window if you’re someone who works from home, can be enough to cause skin damage over time. Don’t just slap on SPF for your face and call it a day – your whole body needs protection!

Bob’s story didn’t end there. At his follow-up appointment, another suspicious spot was found, whichwill be checked out soon. The lesson? Annual skin checks are a must, and if you notice anything unusual, don’t second guess; get it checked immediately.

Our sun is no joke here in Australia, which is why it shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone that skin cancer is a serious issue, with the National Cancer Council reporting that two in three Australians will receive some kind of skin cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. Yikes.

They also reported that despite higher melanoma rates among men, only 29% of Australian men use sunscreen regularly. That’s a worrying statistic, especially when skin cancer claims over 2,000 lives in Australia each year – deaths that are largely preventable.

Here’s what you can do to protect yourself:
 Slip on protective clothing that covers as much skin as possible
 Slop on broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF (30 or higher) every two hours when you’re outdoors
 Slap on a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face, head, neck, and ears.
 Seek shade whenever possible
 Slide on sunglasses that meet Australian standards to protect your eyes

A complete skin check each year takes just 15-20 minutes out of your day and could potentially save your life. If you’ve noticed any changes in your skin, new spots, or something that just doesn’t feel right, book an appointment with a skin specialist. For those in our area, we highly recommend MoleMap Dapto for comprehensive skin checks.

Let Bob’s story be a gentle reminder: Your skin is your body’s largest organ, and it’s constantly exposed to the elements. It deserves your attention and care – beyond just what you can see in the mirror.

Spend more time enjoying life and less time worrying. Stay proactive, stay sun-safe, and let’s all keep an eye out for each other’s health.