What is your name?
Hi, my name is Blair Murray.
Describe yourself.
I am 60+ and really enjoy outdoors and gardening.
How did you discover your skin cancer / melanoma / skin condition and how long ago?
I have a fairly rare inherited skin condition called DSAP (Disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis) that started in my 30's. My mother had it but it was never diagnosed properly.
This is a skin condition that causes dry, scaly patches. It is characterised by a large number of small, brownish patches found most commonly on sun-exposed areas of the skin. Sun makes the spots look angry and very itchy. I am lucky that it only affects my arms and legs so far, and not my face. The joys of Celtic ancestors and a childhood where I often was sunburnt. The only treatment is burning the spots off so prevention is by far the best cure.
What is your attitude towards sun protection today?
I now use 50+ sunscreen most days and try to avoid the sun in the hottest part of the day, as well as wearing UV clothing if I'm spending time outside.
What would you tell your 16-year-old self about sun protection?
Don't get sunburnt ever, always use sunscreen and invest in good clothing.
Thank you Blair for helping raise awareness for skin cancer, melanoma and skin conditions, and sharing your story with us and our Solbari Community.
