An expert has urged people to look out for five changes on your skin as spotting them in time could prove life saving. These small modifications could be warning signs of skin cancer, a disease that affects more than 170,000 people in the UK every year.

Like any disease, the sooner you spot the symptoms the sooner you can seek the treatment you need.

With this in mind, skin cancer specialist Dr Emily Alfonsi from the Shade Skin Clinic, highlighted the skin changes you should never ignore.

She explained: “Your skin is your body’s largest organ, and it tells a story about your overall health. Even minor changes can indicate something worth investigating.

“Early detection is critical when it comes to skin cancer and other conditions.” Dr Alfonsi listed five changes to watch for.

Unusual moles or lesions

Any mole that changes in size, shape, or colour - or develops an irregular border - should be checked immediately.

Persistent dry or itchy patches

These could be harmless, but prolonged symptoms may indicate eczema or even skin lymphoma.

Non-healing wounds

A sore that doesn’t heal after two weeks may be a warning sign of basal or squamous cell carcinoma.

Sudden skin discolouration

Unexplained redness, yellowing, or dark spots can point to underlying health issues like liver disease or melanoma.

New growths

Keep an eye out for lumps or raised areas that appear suddenly, especially if they bleed or crust over.

According to Dr Alfonsi, skin cancer is one of the most treatable cancers when detected early. According to recent studies, more than 90 percent of skin cancer cases are curable when identified in the early stages.

This is why regular self-checks and professional screenings are vital. Dr Alfonsi recommended performing monthly at-home skin exams, paying special attention to areas often overlooked - such as the scalp, behind the ears, and under the nails.

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She added: “If you notice anything unusual, don’t hesitate to consult a specialist. A quick consultation could give you peace of mind - or save your life.”

The NHS states that ultraviolet (UV) light is the most common cause of non-melanoma skin cancer. It comes from the sun and is used in sunbeds.

To lower your risk of developing the disease when you are outside you should:

• Stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day (11am to 3pm in the UK)
• Keep your arms and legs covered, and wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses that provide protection against ultraviolet (UV) rays
• Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 and at least 4-star UVA protection – make sure you reapply it regularly
• Make sure babies and children are protected from the sun – their skin is much more sensitive than adult skin.