The Jersey Skin Doctor

15/08/2026

Battle of Flowers! Toast buns not bums! Thanks Public Health Jersey

02/07/2026

Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide. Evidence reviews conclude consistently that regular sunscreen use can reduce the risk of melanoma, cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and precursor lesions, as well as signs of aging, including wrinkles.

WHO recommends using sun protection when outdoors on days when the UV index is forecast to reach 3 and above. This graphic presents recommendations for using sun protection

Read the link for more guidance and to view the infographic in full
https://www.bmj.com/content/390/bmj-2025-085121?utm_campaign=Usage&utm_content=1782227281&utm_id=BMJ208&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook

02/07/2026

Tuck in to Jersey lobster….

Don’t become one!!!

Please share!!!!

21/05/2026

With temperatures set to rise across Jersey over the next few days, it’s a good reminder to stay safe in the sun ☀️

Too much UV exposure is the main cause of skin cancer, including melanoma — but small steps can make a big difference.

Remember to:
🧴 Use SPF 50 sun cream
🕶 Wear sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat
👕 Cover up with light clothing
⛱ Seek shade during the hottest part of the day (11am–3pm)
💧 Stay hydrated

And don’t forget — you can still get sun damage on cloudy days, and there’s no such thing as a “safe tan”.

It’s also important to check your skin regularly. If you notice a mole or patch of skin changing in size, shape or colour, get it checked.

Enjoy the sunshine safely and help protect yourself and your loved ones ❤️

19/05/2026

Jersey Spartan Athletic Club were out in force this evening 3km run dressed in black for skin cancer awareness month!

🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️ SKIN CANCER AWARENESS WEST PARK 3KM RACE 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️

Join us on Tuesday 19 May for a fun 3km race raising awareness for skin cancer while supporting Macmillan Jersey 💚

⏰ Check-in: 6:00pm�🏁 Race Start: 6:30pm
📍 Location: First wooden shelter West Park

💰 FREE entry for all. Donations for Macmillan Cancer Support Jersey gratefully received via this link 👉 https://jerseygiving.je/sponsor/activity/jsac-x-macmillan-3km-skin-cancer-awareness/jersey-spartan-ac

There will be prizes up for grabs, kindly donated by Morrisons Daily CI 🙌

☀️ FREE suncream giveaways for the first 10 runners home!

🏆 Male & Female Prizes:�🥇 1st Place – £50 Morrisons Voucher�🥈 2nd Place – £25 Morrisons Voucher�🥉 3rd Place – £15 Morrisons Voucher

🎖 Plus additional age category prizes!

Come along, support a great cause, raise awareness, and enjoy an evening of running with the community.

🖤 Please wear black, if you have a black top, as this is the awareness colour for skin cancer.

A huge thank you to Morrisons Daily CI for supporting this event 💚

07/03/2026

27/02/2026

NICE has announced today that Ruxolitinib cream will be offered to tens of thousands of people on the NHS as a treatment for people aged 12 and above who have non-segmental vitiligo.

Non-segmental vitiligo is a form of the disease in which white patches appear symmetrically on both sides of the face and body. Vitiligo is caused by a lack of a pigment called melanin in the skin and it can affect any area of the skin, but most commonly affects the face, neck, and hands.

The British Association of Dermatologists engaged with NICE throughout the appraisal process and appeal, submitting detailed clinical evidence and highlighting the psychological impact of vitiligo and the importance of patient experience in treatment decisions.

Dr Tamara Griffiths, spokesperson for the British Association of Dermatologists, said:

“We are delighted to see ruxolitinib approved for use on the NHS. As the first licensed treatment for non-segmental vitiligo, it offers a genuinely new option for patients, particularly for repigmentation of the face, which many people tell us matters most to them.

Vitiligo can have a profound psychological impact, especially when it affects the face or other visible areas. Rates of anxiety, depression and low self-esteem are higher in people with facial vitiligo than in the general population. The condition can be particularly distressing for people with darker skin tones, as changes in pigmentation may be more noticeable and can affect confidence and sense of identity.

Until now, treatment options have been limited, often unlicensed and only modestly effective. Some require months of hospital-based light therapy, while long-term use of strong steroid creams carries risks and is not suitable for everyone.”

Ruxolitinib is a cream that helps restore lost skin colour to the face. You can visit your GP to seek guidance for vitiligo management and treatment.

Read more here: https://www.bad.org.uk/nice-approves-first-licensed-treatment-for-non-segmental-vitiligo-on-the-nhs

11/02/2026

08/02/2026

08/02/2026

The Government announced over the weekend that the upcoming National Cancer Plan will address businesses that illegally allow under-18s to access commercial sunbeds. New proposals under the soon-to-be-launched Plan will strengthen requirements on sunbed providers, including banning unsupervised sessions and introducing mandatory ID checks to ensure businesses verify customers are over 18.

The British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) welcomes the proposed Government crackdown on sunbeds under the National Cancer Plan. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, and sunbed use before the age of 35 increases lifetime melanoma risk by as much as 75%. A consultation on these proposals will launch in Spring 2026, and new rules could come into force as soon as 2027.

26/01/2026

The Government announced over the weekend that the upcoming National Cancer Plan will address businesses that illegally allow under-18s to access commercial sunbeds. New proposals under the soon-to-be-launched Plan will strengthen requirements on sunbed providers, including banning unsupervised sessions and introducing mandatory ID checks to ensure businesses verify customers are over 18.

The British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) welcomes the proposed Government crackdown on sunbeds under the National Cancer Plan. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, and sunbed use before the age of 35 increases lifetime melanoma risk by as much as 75%. A consultation on these proposals will launch in Spring 2026, and new rules could come into force as soon as 2027.

06/12/2025

Editorial: shows significant promise as a chemopreventive agent to reduce skin cancer risk in those with a history of the disease, advocating for its integration into routine secondary prevention alongside sun protection.

https://ja.ma/4pxOWcK

06/12/2025

Trying to find out if this register extends to Jersey residents! The Jersey Skin Doctor hopes so, given the high melanoma incidence in the Channel Islands.

Help us to make MyMelanoma work for melanoma patients There are different ways in which you can help. If you have had a melanoma of the skin yourself, treated in the NHS,...

10/11/2025

The perfect example of being curious!
Sharon McLucas from the Parish of St Helier has a "Gut Instinct" that something was wrong when she noticed a change in the skin on her leg.
If in doubt get it checked out!

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cd9kv89wgj2o

BBC Jersey

A woman who was diagnosed with a malignant melanoma urges others to get their skin checked.

02/11/2025

Wonderful message from Dr Anthony Bewley Consultant Dermatologist, Barts Health and Jersey General Hospital on World Mental Health Day.

17/10/2025

Restart a heart day! Let’s all get the confidence to get stuck in!

What’s your favourite theme tune? Nelly the elephant or the Bee Gees- Staying alive?
R

08/10/2025

Great tips from the British Skin Foundation to make sure you get the most from your dermatology appointment. The waits for a state or NHS appointment can be long these ideas maximise the chances of getting a good result.

Bringing a list of everything you have tried for you skin (or photographs of the tubes) has to be at the top!

Get ready for your first dermatology appointment with practical advice from two dermatology nurses.

30/09/2025

Rare Cancer Day 2025

Rare melanomas - including acral, mucosal, uveal, and pediatric - remain some of the least understood and hardest to treat. Patients face unique challenges, but they also inspire urgent action.

That’s why the Melanoma Research Alliance is the largest nonprofit funder of rare melanoma research worldwide, investing $23M+ across 55+ awards dedicated to these rare forms of melanoma.

But funding alone isn’t enough. To truly accelerate progress, MRA is also working to equip researchers with the tools they need and to build bridges that connect patients, advocates, and scientists.

🔬 Creating the tools researchers need:
- Community-driven model catalogs for acral, mucosal, and uveal melanoma → curemelanoma.org/catalogs
🤝 Bringing patients & researchers together:
- The MRA RARE Registry connects patients, advocates, and researchers to accelerate progress → raremelanoma.org

On , MRA stands alongside the rare melanoma community - committed to advancing research, collaboration, and hope. 🖤

28/09/2025

September is Alopecia Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about the impact alopecia has on the lives of those affected.

If we include all types of hair loss, this figure runs to millions! If looking just at alopecia areata, we estimate around 100,000 people are living with alopecia in the UK.

This Alopecia Awareness Month, Alopecia UK is turning 20. To mark this special milestone, they have created a virtual birthday cake where you can leave a message of support, thanks, or celebration for the alopecia community.

September is Alopecia Awareness Month and our theme for 2025 is 'Strength in Numbers'.

22/09/2025

This paper supports use of nicotinamide (a B vitamin) in reducing future skin cancers.

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/fullarticle/2838591?guestAccessKey=546e4ebd-8ce3-4e33-935f-05cb6462733a&utm_source=fbpage&utm_medium=social_jamaderm&utm_term=18209194671&utm_campaign=article_alert&linkId=861460956&fbclid=Iwc3NjcAM-j0JleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHjzDL5DJu0Qs6fmnhC5f_m04WSbghCU0kYhKa-E5tAqsz94KokOvdWGKMunA_aem_Hkf-bwkzC1NLqTeuU9By7w

This cohort study examines the clinical efficacy of nicotinamide supplementation for skin cancer prevention in the general population and among solid organ transplant recipients.

21/09/2025

The use of nicotinamide is associated with a reduced risk of developing skin , particularly when initiated after the first skin cancer.

https://ja.ma/4n2gsOw

21/09/2025

A free guide with tips for avoiding eczema triggers.

✔️ Soothing steps for managing flare-ups
✔️ Everyday triggers (and how to avoid them)
✔️ Moisturising & washing do’s and don’ts
✔️ Mental health support and resilience tips
✔️ Why the right clothing matters more than you think

With 40 years experience in the eczema clothing market Eczema Clothing has an unmatched depth of knowledge how to cope with itchy scratchy eczema

28/08/2025

https://www.macmillanjersey.com/event/coffee-morning-2025

Join Macmillan Cancer Support Jersey and IQEQ on Friday 26th September and help raise vital funds for islanders affected by cancer.To set up a fundraising page for your coffee morning simply click the link below and select the orange 'start fundraising' button.> Jersey's Greatest Coffee Morning 2025...

21/08/2025

Statistics show men present later and with more advanced skin cancers. Melanoma in men is also more likely to be on the back and so is more difficult for individuals or their family to spot.

A GP at a new clinic for men says there are many reasons male patients put off getting help.

19/08/2025

Stay safe out there. Risk of mozzie bites in Jersey is currently high! The Times has some good strategies on how to avoid getting bitten.

https://www.accuweather.com/en/je/saint-helier/je2-3/mosquito-activity-weather/330443

I thought you would be interested in this story from The Times:
How to protect yourself from (and treat) mosquito bites. https://www.thetimes.com/article/6bfd6eb2-3ed7-4e8d-8a80-4ec466833260?shareToken=9855828ecd2afc3b425cf8e664022939

Alfresco dining on warm summer evenings can attract unwelcome insect attention, even if they are less harmful in the UK than abroad

17/08/2025

Dr Knurick points out some of the mis-information out there!

12/08/2025

The Jersey skin doctor trained at the University of Southampton who are working hard to combat the invasive Asian Hornets.

07/08/2025

For more information about Island Medical Centre and the services we offer, please use the link below to visit our website.

06/08/2025

August is Psoriasis Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune condition that affects the skin. The month aims to educate the public, support those living with psoriasis, and promote research into better treatments and potential cures!

Consultant Dermatologist Dr Hiva Fassihi answers some of the most commonly askes questions from her patients about psoriasis. She goes through causes, trigge...

01/08/2025

Great news that we have another GP with extended role in dermatology in Jersey!

A big welcome to Dr Wright!

Your small and friendly local medical practice

We offer same day appointments for emergencies and charge amongst the lowest fees in Jersey.

Registration is free, quick and easy! Fill in a registration form and we will take care of the rest.

31/07/2025

Myth busting post from the experts!

30/07/2025

Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide. What is the current evidence for skin cancer prevention and how to best use sunscreens?

Read the full guidance or check out this visual summary
https://www.bmj.com/content/390/bmj-2025-085121?utm_campaign=usage&utm_content=tbmj_sprout&utm_id=BMJ005&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook

30/07/2025

That’s a lot of teaspoons.

Guessing most of apply a lot less!

Regular use of sunscreen can prevent melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma; however, the effectiveness of sunscreen is dependent on the amount applied, coverage of exposed skin, and reapplication.

This shows how much you should apply
More guidance ⬇️
https://www.bmj.com/content/390/bmj-2025-085121?utm_campaign=usage&utm_content=tbmj_sprout&utm_id=BMJ005&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook

19/07/2025

A Changing Places toilet is a larger, accessible restroom equipped with features and equipment beyond a standard accessible toilet, designed to accommodate people with complex disabilities and their carers. These toilets offer more space and specialized equipment like hoists, adult-sized changing benches, and privacy screens to ensure safe and dignified personal care.

Sadly, Jersey General hospital does not have a Changing Places toilet.

14/07/2025

Sun safety is important all year, but this month, is UV Safety Awareness Month, a time we encourage everyone in Jersey to take steps to protect themselves from the dangers of ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

Summertime is all about enjoying the sunny weather, but it’s crucial to minimise your ultraviolet radiation exposure while you’re at it.

What is UV radiation?
Ultraviolet radiation is a type of electromagnetic radiation that is invisible to the naked eye. It is made up of high-energy waves that can damage DNA and cause sunburns. It comes from the sun and can also come from artificial sources like tanning beds.
UV radiation is divided into two main categories: UVA (aging) and UVB (burning). UVA rays are the longest and can pe*****te deep into the skin, causing premature aging and wrinkles. UVB rays are shorter and cause sunburns. Both types of UV radiation can be harmful to your skin.

What are the risks associated with UV radiation?
Exposure to UV radiation can cause sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer. The latest Channel Islands Cancer Report showed that 42% of malignant cancers registered in Jersey between 2018 and 2020 were non-melanoma skin cancers. Plus, skin cancer rates are on the rise.

Did you know that just a few minutes of sun exposure each day can add up over time and put you at risk for serious health problems? That’s why it’s essential to protect yourself from UV radiation exposure to minimise your risk of one of the three types of skin cancer.

Tips for minimising sun exposure
You can do a few things to minimise your sun exposure and reduce your risk of skin damage.
• Try to stay in the shade as much as possible. If you are in the sun, wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirt and trousers and a hat with a broad brim.
• You should also apply sunscreen with a high SPF rating to exposed skin and re-apply it every 2 hours.
• Avoid being in the sun during peak hours, typically between 10 am and 3 pm.

By taking these precautions, you can help to protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation.

Sun damage is cumulative.
It’s important to remember that UV radiation exposure can build over time. So, even if you don’t experience any immediate effects from too much sun, you may be at risk for long-term health consequences.

Do regular skin self-checks
It’s essential to do regular self-checks for skin cancer, especially if you’re fair-skinned or have a history of sun exposure. Here’s how to do a skin self-check:
• Start by examining your entire body in a well-lit room, using a mirror to help you see all areas. Look for any new or changing moles or growths on the skin. Check for any spots that are red, scaly, or bleeding.
• Pay special attention to areas that are exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck, chest, and arms. Also, check your back, legs, and feet. Use a hand mirror to help you see all areas of your body.
• If you find anything unusual, make an appointment with your GP. They can determine if it’s skin cancer or something else. Early detection is key to the successful treatment of skin cancer.

03/07/2025

Your GP is always the best route for State treatment. Possible Skin Cancer will be reviewed with urgency by the hospital department.

Rhona Hewit urges people to see their doctor if they find a mark or lump on their skin.

22/06/2025

Anything that helps!The Times reports today:

It began with sunburn and sticky uniforms. Waters and Aspland met through their children, whose school had a no-touch policy, preventing teachers from reapplying suncream. One day, Aspland, a mother of four, received a phone call saying: 'You should see the state of your kids'.
“The older one had tried to help the younger one because the teacher couldn't, and they just got sunscreen everywhere,” she said. “I thought: 'What can I give my child to protect themselves?' I want them to get into happy habits of reapplying suncream every few hours.”

It was 2011 and Aspland, who was training to be a nurse, raised the issue with Waters at a playdate. “We looked on Google to see if there was anything out there that could help [kids] apply suncream in an easier manner, and there wasn't,” Waters said. “Kelli turned around and said: 'Shall we have a go at doing something?' I thought she was joking, then I realised she was being deadly serious. We'd only known each other three weeks at this point, but we dived in feet first.”

They experimented, taking apart beauty products to see how they worked. “We thought: 'As a parent, what would we actually want?'” Aspland said. After months of deliberation, they landed on the Solar Buddie: a refillable, brightly coloured 100ml bottle with a patented “rollerball sponge” applicator, specifically designed for a child's grip and mess-free application.

Laura Waters was 14 when a hospital consultant told her not to have any grand ambitions because her epileptic seizures would make her “unemployable”.
“That stuck with me,” Waters said. She left school at 17 and felt “lucky” to get an admin job in the civil service, but was sacked after the seizures returned and she had to take time off. Waters later won an unfair dismissal case in the High Court.
Being unemployed took its toll on her finances and at one point she was “so broke” she couldn't afford to feed both herself and her young daughter.

Laura Waters and Kelli Aspland had been friends for just a few weeks when they hit upon the idea for Solar Buddies
ALED LLYWELYN FOR THE SUNDAY TIMES
Fast-forward to today and Waters, 42, and her friend, Kelli Aspland, 46, run Solar Buddies, a child-friendly suncream applicator business that had sales of £7 million last year, with pre-tax profits of £1.9 million. Solar Buddies, which is stocked in most major UK retailers, just launched in 114 Target stores in the US, and grew revenues from £1.3 million to £7 million in two years after a TikTok-fuelled sales boom.
The company, which ships around the world from Cwmbran, south Wales, has also secured backing from Dragons' Den's Deborah Meaden and Peter Jones — who bought a 20 per cent stake for £80,000 in 2023 — and Welsh entrepreneur Hayley Parsons, founder of GoCompare. “It's a little bit mind-blowing,” Waters said. “I feel very fortunate,”
It all began with sunburn and sticky uniforms. Waters and Aspland met through their children, whose school had a no-touch policy, preventing teachers from reapplying suncream. One day, Aspland, a mother of four, received a phone call saying: 'You should see the state of your kids'.
“The older one had tried to help the younger one because the teacher couldn't, and they just got sunscreen everywhere,” she said. “I thought: 'What can I give my child to protect themselves?' I want them to get into happy habits of reapplying suncream every few hours.”

19/06/2025

Would love to have these on Jersey!
A very visual display of burning in real time.

23/05/2025

What a fantastic initiative! Thank you Macmillan Cancer Support Jersey.

This morning, our CEO Steph and Operations & Communications Lead Kev visited Brighter Futures Jersey at The Bridge to hand-deliver sun cream to families — because protecting your skin should never be a luxury.

This isn’t just a kind gesture. It’s part of something much bigger.

We’re proud to announce the next phase of our Sun Awareness Campaign as a direct step towards Deliverable One of Jersey’s Cancer Strategy: reducing Islanders’ exposure to cancer risk factors, especially skin cancer.

🧴 Why this matters:
In Jersey, where UV exposure is high and skin cancer rates are rising, access to basic preventive tools like sun cream is critical—but not always affordable.
That’s why we’re focusing our efforts on:
✔️ Distributing free, dermatologist-approved sun cream
✔️ Reaching community members with economic barriers through partnerships with charities like Brighter Futures Jersey
✔️ Providing sun safety education tailored to our island’s unique needs
✔️ Hosting free seminars and providing sun cream stations for outdoor workers
✔️ Evaluating impact to do even better, every year

“This is about more than sun cream—it’s about health equity,” said Kevin Alway. “Everyone deserves the chance to protect themselves, regardless of income or background.”

This campaign continues the incredible legacy of the Donna Annand Melanoma Charity, whose final funds are still helping protect our community.

🌞 Join us in making skin cancer prevention accessible for everyone. Because no one should get left in the shade.