ABU DHABI // Anyone curious about how the combination of sunlight, sand and hot, dry weather might be damaging their skin can get all the details today from doctors offering free examinations. Physicians from Sheikh Khalifa Medical City will hold a skin clinic from 2pm to 8pm at the Corniche restaurants area to raise awareness about dermatology and skin health. In addition to short consultations, they will examine skin surfaces using a dermatoscope, a magnifying device with an attached light that glides along the skin to reveal small lesions, flaws and imperfections.
The tool can help diagnose early melanoma, a dangerous form of skin cancer. "We're just trying to raise awareness about skin health," said Massefa al Mazrouei, a dermatologist with the hospital. The UAE is home to a multitude of skin types and colours, she said, with skin problems ranging from vitamin D deficiency, caused by too little sun exposure, to malignant skin tumours, prompted by too much.
"We also want to tell people to stay away from the sun during critical times," she said, which is between 10am and 4pm, "especially in the summertime". Dr al Mazrouei said the hospital hoped the one-on-one consultations would help people understand the risks for their skin type in this climate. Age, hormones and illness can also play a part in skin health. jgerson@thenational.ae