On November 11, during a ceremony at the Palácio do Planalto, a noticeable mark on the scalp of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva caught public attention. The Brazilian presidency's communication office disclosed that Lula underwent a brief cauterization procedure to address keratosis, an often sun-related dermatological condition characterized by skin buildup. This procedure took a little over a minute and was performed at a dermatology clinic in São Paulo on November 8.

Keratosis refers to skin changes marked by an accumulation of keratin, the protein that forms the outermost layer of the skin. Depending on its type, keratosis can manifest as rough, scaly, or thickened areas, particularly in sun-exposed regions such as the face, ears, and scalp. Dermatologists have noted that various forms of this condition can be linked to skin aging and cumulative sun damage, which reinforces the importance of skin protection against harmful UV rays.

Lula's candid admission about his health procedure is part of a broader public conversation regarding skin health awareness and the implications of prolonged sun exposure. As more individuals become educated about the importance of dermatological care, incidents like Lula's procedure may help diminish stigma surrounding skin conditions and encourage proactive health measures among the population, stressing the significance of timely medical intervention in the upkeep of skin health.