What Your Dermatologist Might Not Have Told You About Skin and Sun Protection

Why can melanoma appear on parts of the skin that have never been exposed to the sun? I protect myself, protect myself – and what, is it all in vain?

Not in vain. Protection is necessary – it’s a basic hygienic minimum for self-care. But yes, melanoma can appear on any part of the body – between the fingers, on the soles of the feet, or in the mouth. Even in places that have never been exposed to the sun. Why does this happen?

We know that ultraviolet light can damage the genetic material of skin cells and provoke the development of cancer. To reduce this risk, we use sunscreen, wear wide-brimmed hats, and clothing that covers our shoulders. The problem is that ultraviolet light is not the only cause of this process.

Triggers

Melanoma, like other tumors, occurs as a result of mutations in genes. These mutations can be harmless or give a cell superpowers, such as the ability to grow uncontrollably and spread throughout the body.

Various triggers can initiate this process – ultraviolet light, viruses, different chemicals, and other factors. Therefore, melanoma can develop on parts of the skin that have never been intensively exposed to sunlight.

Genetics

Gene malfunctions can also occur without an obvious reason. It has been observed that about 10% of all melanoma cases occur in people with a family history of the disease. This means that the genetic traits of a particular person can predispose them to developing melanoma regardless of other factors, and these traits can be inherited.

Age

The mutation process happens throughout a person’s life. Usually, the immune system effectively recognizes and destroys cells that have undergone significant mutations. However, as we age, the likelihood of errors and damage in cells that the immune system might miss increases – leading to the development of cancer.