Disclaimer
The information on this website is general in nature and is provided for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and it is not a substitute for individual assessment by a qualified healthcare professional.
No professional relationship
Reading this website does not create a doctor–patient or any other professional relationship. Nothing here is tailored to your skin type, medical history, medications, risk factors or circumstances, and it cannot take account of them.
Always seek the advice of your doctor, dermatologist, pharmacist or other qualified health professional with any questions about a skin condition, a mole or lesion, sun exposure, or a product you are considering using. Never disregard professional advice, or delay seeking it, because of something you have read here.
Skin changes and possible skin cancer
The ABCDE information on this site describes recognition criteria only. It cannot diagnose or rule out melanoma or any other skin cancer. Some skin cancers do not fit the pattern, and some harmless lesions do.
If you have a mole or a spot that is new, changing, bleeding, itchy, painful, not healing, or simply looks different from the others on your skin, see a doctor. Do not use this website to decide that a lesion is nothing to worry about.
Products, brands and standards
No products are sold on this website and no brand, manufacturer or retailer is endorsed or recommended. Product types are described generically.
Sunscreen and sun-protective clothing are regulated differently in different countries. Testing standards are periodically revised, and the same SPF or UPF figure may not mean precisely the same thing in every market. Always read and follow the manufacturer's instructions on the product you actually buy.
Local conditions vary
Ultraviolet levels differ substantially by latitude, altitude, season, time of day, cloud cover and ground reflection. Guidance that is adequate in one country may be insufficient in another with a higher UV index. Follow the sun protection guidance issued by the health authority where you live.
Accuracy and currency
This guide is prepared with care and is based on the sources listed on the references page. Even so, guidance changes, standards are revised, and errors are possible. No warranty is given that the content is complete, current or free from error.
If you believe something here is inaccurate or out of date, please tell us via the about page so it can be checked.
External links
This site may link to or reference material published by other organisations. Those organisations are responsible for their own content, and a reference does not imply endorsement of everything they publish.
Limitation of liability
To the extent permitted by law, the publisher of this website accepts no liability for any loss, injury or damage arising from reliance on information contained on it, or from the use or misuse of any product or practice described.
Nothing in this disclaimer is intended to limit or exclude any right or remedy that cannot lawfully be limited or excluded, including any applicable consumer guarantee that cannot be contracted out of.
In an emergency
If you are experiencing a medical emergency — including severe sunburn with blistering, fever, confusion, fainting or signs of heatstroke — seek urgent medical attention or call your local emergency number immediately. In New Zealand, call 111. Healthline is available free on 0800 611 116.
Information on this website is provided for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for individual medical advice or assessment by a qualified healthcare professional.