Wide local excision of a basal cell carcinoma left nostril + Local flap reconstruction - recovery

I'm sorry to read that you had an allergic reaction to the bandage used to cover the wound where your BCC was removed.

The BCC I had removed was on my chest so there wasn't any reconstruction done. However, I was also advised to massage the area with E45 once it had healed and you can't see it now.

As for what brand of sunscreen to use, that really comes down to personal preference. I like SunSense but whatever you choose it should have an SPF 50 that is effective against both UVA and UVB rays.

As well as protecting your skin with sunscreen it is also important that you follow these guidelines:

1. Stay out of the sun during the strongest time of the day (11am to 3pm) between April and October inclusive in the UK and in all months of the year in any other part of the world
2. When going outside wear long sleeved tops and trousers/skirts made from natural fibres like cotton
3. Wear a broad brimmed hat (brim should be at least 3 inches) and sun glasses
4. Sit in the shade and never sunbathe 
5. Any part of your body that is not covered, ie face, neck, back of hands should have a sun protection cream of SPF 50 that is effective against both UVA and UVB rays
6. Re-apply the sunscreen as directed on the bottle
7. Never use sunbeds
8. Don't use sunscreen instead of covering up

It took a while to adapt to the new regime but now I don't think twice about it and it enables me to be out in the sun without worrying that I'm potentially going to get another melanoma or BCC.

It would be great if you could put something about your diagnosis and treatment to date into your profile as it really helps others when replying to you and also when looking for someone on a similar pathway. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. To do this click on your username and then select 'Profile'. You can amend it at any time and if you're not sure what to write you can take a look at mine by clicking on my username.

Anne