Why Your 'Summer Glow' Might Need a Specialist Check

More than two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime, and Medicare is now funding over a million treatments for non‑melanoma skin cancers every year – that’s more than 100 skin cancer treatments every hour in Australia.

That’s a lot of “summer glow” turning into something far less harmless.

Yet the typical story we hear every January is the same:

"“I came back from the coast a bit tanned, noticed a new spot on my shoulder, and figured I’d just keep an eye on it.”"

In a country with the highest skin cancer rates in the world, “just keeping an eye on it” can be a risky strategy.

In this article, we’ll walk you through:

• How to tell normal post‑holiday pigmentation from possible melanoma signs
• The ABCDE rule (and the “ugly duckling” test) for a smarter at‑home mole check
• When you really need a professional skin cancer check
• What “sun damage treatment” actually looks like in Australia
• How to get a dermatologist referral Australia‑wide via telehealth if your GP is booked out

We’re Australian‑registered doctors and healthcare professionals at NextClinic, and we see the whole spectrum of summer skin issues via telehealth – from severe sunburn to suspicious new moles. Through our platform, we can help you with online telehealth consultations, specialist referrals and medical certificates, all without you leaving home.

This article isn’t a substitute for personal medical advice, but it will help you decide when your “summer glow” is just a souvenir from the beach – and when it needs a proper specialist check.

Looking for a specialist referral?

Starting from $39.90

Request Now

Looking for a specialist referral?

Starting from $39.90

Request Now

1. Australia’s love affair with the sun – and the skin cancer reality

Australia’s UV conditions are brutal compared to much of the world. Thanks to our latitude, clear skies and outdoor lifestyle, we sit under some of the strongest UV radiation on the planet, and it shows in the statistics.

Key facts:

• At least two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by age 70.
• Around 2,000 Australians die from skin cancer each year – more than from road accidents.
• Melanoma is one of our most common cancers, with nearly 19,000 new cases estimated in 2024 alone, but the 5‑year survival rate is over 94% when it’s detected early.

That last point is the hopeful one: early detection saves lives. A small, thin melanoma picked up during a routine skin cancer check is often curable with surgery alone. Leave it until it’s thicker or spreading, and treatment becomes more complex – and outcomes more serious.

So if you’ve noticed a new spot after the holidays, or an old mole that looks “a bit different”, taking it seriously now is one of the simplest, most powerful health decisions you can make this year.

2. New spots after summer: what’s normal, what’s not?

First, let’s demystify some terms you’ll hear during a skin cancer check.

Freckles vs moles vs “sun spots”

• Freckles (ephelides):
  • Flat, light‑brown marks that darken with sun exposure.
  • Common on the face, shoulders and arms.
  • More of a UV exposure marker than a direct cancer risk – but lots of freckles often go hand‑in‑hand with fair, sun‑sensitive skin.
• Moles (naevi):
  • Clusters of pigment‑producing cells.
  • Usually appear in childhood and adolescence and then stabilise.
  • Often round or oval, evenly coloured, and fairly symmetrical.
  • Most are harmless, but a small number can turn into melanoma, especially if you have lots of moles or a strong family history.
• Sun spots / solar lentigines:
  • Flat, brown “age spots” on sun‑exposed areas like the face, hands and forearms.
  • Reflect cumulative UV damage over years.
  • Usually benign, but flag that the underlying skin has taken a beating from the sun.
• Actinic (solar) keratoses:
  • Rough, scaly patches on sun‑exposed skin – often more easily felt than seen.
  • Considered pre‑cancerous; a small proportion can turn into squamous cell carcinoma over time.
  • Common on the scalp, ears, face and backs of the hands in older Aussies who’ve worked or played outdoors for years.

In short: not every new spot is cancer, but in Australia, every new or changing spot deserves a bit of respect.

If you’ve noticed:

• A brand‑new mole in adulthood
• A patch of rough, sandpapery skin that won’t settle
• An existing mole that seems to be evolving

…that’s when it’s time to apply the ABCDE rule – and often, book a proper skin cancer check.

3. Melanoma signs: your ABCDE guide (plus the “ugly duckling”)

Australian health authorities commonly recommend the ABCDE rule when checking your skin for melanoma signs.

Here’s how to use it in real life.

A – Asymmetry

Look at the spot and imagine drawing a line through the middle.

• Normal mole: both halves look fairly similar.
• Potential melanoma sign: one half looks different – lopsided, irregular or “blob‑like”.

If you can’t “mirror” one side onto the other, that’s a tick for A.

B – Border

Focus on the edges.

• Normal mole: smooth, clearly defined border.
• Concerning mole: edges are jagged, notched, blurry or “smudged” into the surrounding skin.

Sharp on one side, fuzzy on the other? That’s a red flag you’ll want checked.

C – Colour

Check the colour throughout the spot, not just the overall shade.

• Normal: one consistent colour (usually light to medium brown, or skin‑coloured).
• Concerning:
  • Multiple shades of brown or black in one mole
  • Patches of red, white, grey or blue mixed in
  • Uneven or blotchy colour

Remember: some melanomas are mostly pink or skin‑coloured (“amelanotic”), so don’t ignore a new pink bump that keeps growing or a scar‑like patch that slowly changes.

D – Diameter

Size isn’t everything, but it helps.

• Many melanomas are >6 mm across (about the size of a pencil eraser) when diagnosed.
• More important than the exact number is change – a spot that’s clearly bigger over a few months.

If one mole is noticeably larger than all the others – particularly if it also fails A, B or C – it belongs on your mole check list for a doctor.

E – Evolution

This is the big one: change over time.

“Evolution” can mean:

• Size – bigger, thicker or more raised
• Shape – more irregular
• Colour – darker, lighter, or new colours appearing
• Sensation – new itch, tenderness or pain
• Surface – scaly, crusted, ulcerated
• Behaviour – bleeding, oozing, or not healing

A stable mole that’s looked the same for years is usually less worrying than one that’s clearly evolving – even if it doesn’t tick every other ABCD box.

The “ugly duckling” sign

Doctors also talk about the “ugly duckling”:

• Most people have a “pattern” to their moles – similar size, shape and colour.
• A mole that doesn’t look like your others – darker, larger, oddly shaped – is the ugly duckling, and deserves attention.

Put simply:

"If a spot is new, changing or just looks wrong to you, it’s time for a professional skin cancer check."

4. How to do a simple at‑home skin cancer check

A proper mole check at home doesn’t need fancy equipment – just:

• Good lighting
• A full‑length mirror
• A hand mirror (or a trusted partner)
• Ten spare minutes

Australian melanoma experts recommend regular skin self‑checks, especially if you’re at higher risk.

Step 1: Know your risk

You’re at higher risk and should be extra proactive if you:

• Are fair‑skinned and burn easily
• Have lots of moles (especially 100+)
• Have multiple atypical (“funny‑looking”) moles
• Have a personal or family history of melanoma or other skin cancers
• Had lots of sunburns, especially as a child
• Work outdoors or use solariums

High‑risk Australians are often advised to check their skin every 3 months and see a doctor for a full skin cancer check at least every 6–12 months.

Step 2: Systematically scan your skin

Working from head to toe helps you miss fewer spots. Use both mirrors so you can see your back and scalp.

Check:

• Face and scalp
  • Don’t forget ears, lips, nose and eyelids.
  • Part your hair with a comb or hairdryer – scalp melanomas are easily missed.
• Neck, chest and breasts
  • Lift and move breast tissue to see underneath and between.
  • Don’t skip the armpits and shoulders.
• Arms and hands
  • Front and back of arms, elbows and forearms.
  • Palms, backs of hands, between fingers, under fingernails.
• Back and buttocks
  • Turn around and use the hand mirror to inspect your back, spine and the backs of your shoulders.
  • Check buttocks and the backs of your thighs – lots of Australians burn here at the beach.
• Legs and feet
  • Front, sides and backs of thighs and calves.
  • Ankles, tops and soles of feet, between toes, under toenails.
  • Don’t forget “less obvious” areas like the groin, under the breasts and between the toes – melanomas can appear in places that never see the sun.

As you go, mentally note (or photograph) any ugly ducklings or spots that trigger the ABCDE rule.

For a detailed walk‑through and photos, our own guide **“New Year Skin Check: 5 Mole Changes to Watch For”** breaks this process down step‑by‑step, with examples of what to worry about – and what probably isn’t serious.

Step 3: Make a “must‑show‑the‑doctor” list

Write down or photograph:

• Any new moles or spots
• Any changing moles
• Any ugly ducklings
• Any areas that feel persistently rough, scaly or tender (possible actinic keratoses)

These are the ones to bring up in your next GP or telehealth appointment – or to take straight to a dedicated skin cancer clinic or dermatologist if you’re particularly worried.

5. When your mole check needs a professional skin cancer check

So when does “keep an eye on it” stop being sensible and start being dangerous?

Australian government resources are very clear: see a doctor promptly if you notice:

• A new spot, lump or mole that looks or feels different to your others
• Any mole that changes in size, shape, colour or elevation
• A sore that doesn’t heal after a few weeks
• A spot that itches, bleeds, crusts or becomes tender
• An “ugly duckling” that stands out from the crowd

GP vs dermatologist vs skin cancer clinic

In Australia, most people start with a GP:

• GPs do many routine skin cancer checks.
• They can biopsy or remove simple lesions, or refer you on.
• They’re also your gateway to Medicare‑rebated specialist care via a referral letter.

You’ll usually be referred for a dermatologist or skin cancer specialist if:

• A mole looks suspicious for melanoma
• You have multiple atypical moles or a strong family history
• You’ve had melanoma or other skin cancers before
• You have extensive sun damage (lots of actinic keratoses)
• Your case is complicated, or previous treatments haven’t worked well

And yes – in many cases this referral can be organised via telehealth, not just in‑person GP visits, as long as it’s clinically safe to assess you that way.

Our own article **“GP vs Specialist: Who Do You Really Need to See?”** dives deeper into when a GP is enough and when a specialist is the better bet.

6. What actually happens during a professional skin cancer check?

If you’ve never had a full skin cancer check before, it can feel a bit intimidating. In reality, it’s usually straightforward and quick.

According to Healthdirect, a typical skin check with a GP or dermatologist involves:

• Questions about your skin and history
  • Any new or changing spots?
  • Past sunburns, outdoor work, solarium use?
  • Family or personal history of melanoma or other cancers?
• Full‑body examination
  • You’ll usually be asked to undress to your underwear.
  • The doctor examines your entire skin – including scalp, palms, soles, nails and sometimes inside the mouth.
  • They may pay special attention to previously treated areas.
• Dermatoscope use
  • Most doctors use a dermatoscope – a special magnifying light – to closely inspect spots that look unusual.
• Biopsy or removal (if needed)
  • If a lesion looks suspicious, they may:
    • Excise it completely (excision biopsy), or
    • Take a small sample (punch or shave biopsy)
  • This is sent to a pathology lab to confirm the diagnosis.

Some dermatologists and specialist clinics also use mole mapping or total body photography, especially in high‑risk patients with many moles – a topic we cover in more detail in our mole‑focused New Year skin check article.

Remember: the earlier a melanoma is caught, the simpler and more effective the treatment.

7. Sun damage treatment: when it’s not cancer (yet), but not normal either

What about those rough, scaly “sun spots” that show up on your temples or the backs of your hands after years in the Aussie sun?

Many of these are actinic (solar) keratoses – areas of sun‑damaged skin that are considered pre‑cancerous. Left alone, some can progress to squamous cell carcinoma over time.

A doctor or dermatologist might suggest sun damage treatment options such as:

• Cryotherapy (freezing)
  • Quick liquid nitrogen spray to “freeze off” individual spots.
  • Common in Australian GP and skin cancer clinics.
  • Particularly useful for a few isolated solar keratoses.
• Field treatments (for larger areas of damage)
  • Topical chemotherapy creams (e.g. 5‑fluorouracil), immune‑modulating creams (e.g. imiquimod) or anti‑inflammatory gels (diclofenac).
  • Applied over a wider area to treat both visible and “subclinical” sun‑damaged cells.
  • Often used on the face, scalp and forearms when there are many lesions.
• Photodynamic therapy (PDT)
  • A light‑based treatment after applying a photosensitising cream.
  • Targets sun‑damaged cells and some superficial skin cancers, often with good cosmetic results.
• Laser, peels and other resurfacing treatments
  • Sometimes used mainly for cosmetic reasons (smoother, more even skin), but they can also help reduce the burden of sun‑damaged cells.

These treatments can be a form of cancer prevention, not just cosmetic: by clearing pre‑cancerous changes, you may lower your risk of certain future skin cancers in that area.

This is where a dermatologist referral can really matter. A dermatologist or skin cancer specialist can:

• Confirm whether those rough patches are benign, pre‑cancerous or cancerous
• Tailor sun damage treatment to your skin type, lifestyle and budget
• Coordinate follow‑up and ongoing surveillance

If you’ve had a lot of sun, work outdoors, or already have a history of actinic keratoses, discussing these options with your GP or dermatologist is worth your time.

8. How telehealth fits in: dermatologist referral Australia‑wide, from your couch

Here’s the catch: in the real world, getting in to see a GP for a referral – let alone a dermatologist – can be slow and frustrating.

That’s where telehealth can help, especially for people juggling work, kids, or long distances to the nearest clinic.

What telehealth can safely do

Through services like NextClinic’s telehealth consultations, our Australian‑registered doctors can:

• Talk through your skin concerns in detail
• Ask about your personal and family cancer history
• Review clear photos of spots (where appropriate)
• Explain whether your symptoms sound more like:
  • Routine sun damage
  • Actinic keratoses
  • Possible non‑melanoma skin cancer
  • A lesion that’s suspicious enough to need urgent in‑person review
• Provide:
  • A dermatologist referral or referral to a skin cancer clinic (if clinically appropriate)
  • Online prescriptions for after‑care creams or other medicines once a diagnosis and plan have been established
  • Medical certificates if biopsies or procedures mean you’re off work for a few days

Our **Online Specialist Referrals** service is designed exactly for this: if you need a dermatologist referral in Australia and can’t get in to see your regular GP, we can usually organise a referral letter within an hour, valid anywhere in the country.

That referral is crucial if you want to claim a Medicare rebate for your specialist appointment – most teledermatology services and in‑person specialists require a valid GP referral for you to access the rebate.

What telehealth can’t replace

There are still things that can’t be safely done through a screen:

• Full physical skin examination
• Dermatoscope assessment in real time
• Biopsy or removal of suspicious lesions

If your photos are poor quality, or your symptoms suggest something potentially dangerous, a good telehealth doctor will not simply send you a referral and hope for the best. They’ll tell you frankly if you need:

• An urgent in‑person GP or skin cancer clinic visit
• A same‑day trip to ED, if there are red‑flag symptoms (e.g. a rapidly growing, bleeding lesion in someone very unwell)

At NextClinic, our doctors are trained to use telehealth appropriately – which means sometimes saying, “This can’t be safely managed online; here’s where you should go in person.”

For a deeper dive on how we handle referrals, see **“How to Fast‑Track Your Specialist Referral”**.

9. Real‑world scenarios: when your “summer glow” needs a specialist check

Let’s put it all together with a few common Aussie summer stories.

Scenario 1: The new shoulder spot after a Gold Coast holiday

You notice:

• A new dark‑brown spot on your shoulder
• It’s slightly larger than your other spots
• One half looks darker and more irregular than the other

What to do:

1. Do a quick ABCDE check and snap a clear photo.
2. Book a prompt skin cancer check:
   • If you can’t get in with your usual GP, a NextClinic telehealth consultation can help assess how urgent it sounds and arrange a dermatologist referral Australia‑wide if appropriate.
3. Don’t wait months “to see if it goes away” – melanoma rarely does.

Scenario 2: Rough patches on the scalp of a retired tradie

A 68‑year‑old who spent decades working outdoors notices:

• Rough, sandpapery patches on his scalp and temples
• Some spots come and go, others keep returning
• No obvious ABCDE changes, but the skin just feels “dodgy”

Likely issue: actinic (solar) keratoses from cumulative sun damage.

What to do:

• See a GP or skin cancer clinic for a skin cancer check and diagnosis.
• Discuss sun damage treatment options like cryotherapy or field creams.
• Ask about ongoing surveillance and the benefits of a dermatologist referral if there’s extensive damage.

A telehealth GP (like ours at NextClinic) can help coordinate referrals and follow‑up scripts once a treatment plan has been set by an in‑person clinic.

Scenario 3: Post‑procedure recovery and time off work

You’ve had:

• A melanoma excised from your leg, requiring a few weeks of restricted movement, or
• A strong cream treatment for widespread actinic keratoses on your face, leaving you red, sore and peeling

You’re medically advised to stay home from work while you heal, but your GP is booked out and you’re stressing about paperwork.

Where we come in:

• A NextClinic telehealth consultation can review your situation and, if appropriate, issue a medical certificate so you can rest without battling waiting rooms.
• If you need prescriptions for pain relief or after‑care creams, our online prescriptions pathway can often sort scripts quickly and safely, with eScripts sent straight to your phone.

10. Skin cancer prevention: don’t forget the basics

Spotting melanoma signs early is crucial – but the best “treatment” is still prevention.

Cancer Council and other experts recommend the usual five‑step routine whenever the UV Index is 3 or above:

1. Slip on sun‑protective clothing.
2. Slop on broad‑spectrum SPF30+ (ideally SPF50+) sunscreen.
3. Slap on a broad‑brimmed hat.
4. Seek shade, especially around midday.
5. Slide on close‑fitting sunglasses that meet Australian standards.

Our blog **“Do You Need Sunscreen Indoors? 3 Myths Busted”** and **“Beat the Heat: Summer Health Tips for Australians”** unpack sun safety in everyday situations – from working next to a bright window to dashing out for school pick‑up.

And if you’ve already been scorched, **“Ouch! How to Treat Severe Sunburn and When to Seek Help”** covers sunburn first aid, red‑flag symptoms and when a bad burn is more than just an inconvenience.

11. Bringing it all together – and your challenge for this week

Let’s recap the key points:

• Australia has some of the world’s highest skin cancer rates, but early detection dramatically improves survival.
• A new spot after summer isn’t automatically melanoma – but in our UV conditions, it should never be ignored.
• The ABCDE rule (Asymmetry, Border, Colour, Diameter, Evolution) plus the ugly duckling sign are powerful tools for your own at‑home mole check.
• Regular skin cancer checks – self‑exams plus professional reviews – are especially important if you’re fair‑skinned, heavily sun‑exposed, or have a strong family or personal history.
• Sun damage treatment (like cryotherapy, topical creams and photodynamic therapy) can manage pre‑cancerous changes such as actinic keratoses and reduce future risk.
• A dermatologist referral can be the difference between “just a cosmetic mole” and early‑stage melanoma caught in time – and you don’t always need an in‑person GP visit to get one.
• Through NextClinic’s telehealth services, we can:
  • Discuss your skin concerns and risk factors
  • Provide dermatologist referrals Australia‑wide when clinically appropriate
  • Coordinate prescriptions and medical certificates related to sun damage and skin procedures
  • Help you understand which issues are safe for telehealth, and which need urgent in‑person care

Your one‑week challenge

Knowledge only helps if it changes what you do. So here’s your challenge for the next 7 days:

Pick ONE of these actions and actually do it this week:

1. Spend ten minutes doing a proper head‑to‑toe skin check using the ABCDE rule.
2. Book a professional skin cancer check (GP, skin clinic or dermatologist) if any spot has been quietly worrying you.
3. Set up a UV Index widget or the SunSmart app on your phone and start checking it daily before you go outside.
4. If you already know you need a dermatologist referral and your GP is impossible to see, book a NextClinic telehealth consultation or online specialist referral to sort it.
5. Teach a partner, housemate or teen in your life the ABCDE rule and do a quick mutual mole check.

We’d love to hear from you:

Which strategy are you going to try this week – and what happened? Share your choice or your results in the comments. Your story might be exactly what another Aussie needs to finally book that skin cancer check or request that dermatologist referral they’ve been putting off.

Your “summer glow” should be a happy memory, not a missed warning sign. If you need support, we’re here – online, Australia‑wide – to help you get the right care, at the right time.

References

• Skin cancer facts & stats - SunSmart
• Skin cancer in Australia
• Melanoma of the skin statistics | Cancer Australia
• Moles - symptoms, treatments and causes | healthdirect
• Light Damage - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics
• Actinic Keratoses - Skin Health Institute
• Skin cancer and melanoma - symptoms, treatment and prevention | healthdirect
• Checking Your Skin | Melanoma Institute Australia
• Should I be checked for skin cancer? | healthdirect
• New Year Skin Check: 5 Mole Changes to Watch For | NextClinic
• Melanoma | Causes, Symptoms & Treatments | Cancer Council
• Non-surgical treatments for skin cancer - Australian Prescriber
• Skin Cancer - Skin Cancer Ballarat
• NextClinic: Online Medical Certificates, Instant Scripts and Telehealth Consults
• Specialist Referral Letters in Minutes | NextClinic
• Online Dermatologist Consults | Fast, No-Referral Virtual Dermatology in Australia | Healthengine
• Sunscreen research and facts | Cancer Council

FAQs