Life After a Skin Cancer Diagnosis

A skin cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming — but recovery and long-term care are just as important as the treatment itself. Once the cancer is removed, most people heal well, though some may experience scarring, wound issues, or anxiety about recurrence. Here’s what you can do to look after your skin and support healing.

1. Regular Self-Checks

Even after successful removal, it’s important to keep checking your skin regularly:

• Examine your skin once a month under good lighting.

• Look for new moles, spots, or changes in existing ones (size, shape, colour, or texture).

• Don’t forget hidden areas — scalp, ears, back, underarms, and between toes.

• If anything looks suspicious, see your GP or dermatologist right away.

Tip: Taking photos of moles can help track subtle changes over time.

2. Understanding Scar Formation

After surgery, a scar will naturally form as your skin heals.

• Early scars are usually red or pink, sometimes firm or raised.

• Over months, they tend to flatten and fade.

• Some people develop hypertrophic or keloid scars, which are thicker and raised beyond the wound edges.

Scarring depends on factors like genetics, wound tension, infection, and how well you care for the wound during healing.

3. Moisturisers and Gels

Keeping the healing skin moist helps reduce scar thickness and itching.

• Use gentle, fragrance-free moisturisers or silicone-based gels/sheets (such as Strataderm, ScarSil, or Dermatix).

• Apply once or twice daily, starting only after the wound has fully closed and there’s no scabbing or oozing.

• Massage the area gently for 1–2 minutes to improve flexibility and collagen alignment.

  
  

4. Managing Keloid and Hypertrophic Scars

If your scar becomes thick, itchy, or raised:

• Silicone gel/sheeting is the first-line treatment.

• Your doctor may recommend steroid injections, pressure therapy, or laser treatments for stubborn scars.

• Avoid unnecessary sun exposure — UV light can darken scars permanently.Always use SPF 50+ sunscreen on healed areas.

  
  

5. How to Improve Scar Outcomes

To get the best possible result:

• Keep the wound clean and covered until it’s healed.

• Avoid tension or stretching on the scar area (especially on shoulders, chest, or joints).

• Don’t pick at scabs — it delays healing and increases scarring.

• Maintain a balanced diet with protein, zinc, and vitamins C + A to support skin repair.

• Protect scars from the sun for at least 12 months after surgery.

  
  

6. Infection and Wound Dehiscence

Sometimes wounds can get infected or reopen (dehiscence).Signs of infection:

• Redness spreading beyond the wound edges

• Increasing pain or swelling

• Pus or yellow discharge

• Fever or feeling unwell

If your wound opens up, bleeds, or looks deep again — contact your doctor or surgeon promptly. Never try to close or tape a reopened wound yourself.

7. Emotional Healing

Beyond physical scars, skin cancer can leave emotional ones too. It’s normal to feel anxious about recurrence or body image changes.

• Talk to your GP, counsellor, or a support group such as the Cancer Council.

• Celebrate each stage of recovery — healing is progress.

  
  

• Final Thoughts

Life after a skin cancer diagnosis means staying vigilant but hopeful. With consistent self-checks, scar care, and a focus on skin health, most people recover beautifully and live full, healthy lives.