Most people remember to protect their face and shoulders before spending time in the sun, but one area is frequently forgotten.
Even short periods outdoors can add up over the years, and experts say that overlooking this part of the body could increase the risk of serious skin problems.
According to hair restoration specialist Dr Abdulaziz Balwi, as reported by UNILAD, men with thinning hair or bald scalps should pay particular attention.
An exposed scalp
Hair naturally provides a degree of protection against the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. As hair becomes thinner or disappears altogether, the scalp is left far more exposed to daily sunlight, even during routine activities such as driving, gardening or exercising outdoors.
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Dr Balwi says many men continue their normal habits after losing their hair without realising that their scalp now requires the same protection as other exposed areas of the skin.
Warning signs
Regularly checking the scalp can help identify suspicious skin changes before they become more serious. Because the area is difficult to see, many abnormalities are only noticed after they have progressed.
The doctor recommends seeking medical advice if you notice:
- A spot that changes in size, shape or colour
- A mark that repeatedly bleeds or develops a scab
- A sore that fails to heal
- A skin lesion that looks noticeably different from surrounding marks
Experts say early assessment of unusual skin changes remains one of the most important steps in detecting skin cancer as soon as possible.
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Small habits matter
Protecting the scalp does not require a complicated skincare routine. Applying sunscreen to exposed areas, wearing a hat with adequate coverage and checking the scalp, ears and neck regularly can all help reduce unnecessary UV exposure.
Since it can be difficult to examine the scalp thoroughly, asking a partner or family member to look for new or changing marks may also be beneficial.
While these precautions cannot prevent every case of skin cancer, they can improve the chances of spotting potential warning signs early, when treatment is often most effective.
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This article is made and published by Mie Hermansen, who may have used AI in the preparation.