Archives for May 2022

In between your visits with us, did you know you can keep an eye on your own skin by checking yourself from the comfort of your own home?

 

Here’s how to perform an at-home skin check:

 

Examine your body in a full-length mirror. Check the front and back of your body, and use a handheld mirror to see your blind spots. Don’t forget to stand to the side and raise your arms to get a complete look at your entire body. 

 

·      Bend your elbows and look closely at your underarms, forearms, and palms.

·      Check the backs of your legs, in between your toes, and the soles of your feet.

·      Take a look at your scalp and neck (don’t forget to use your handheld mirror!).

·      Don’t forget to evaluate your back, buttocks, and private areas. 

 

Now that you’ve completed your skin self-check, you’re probably wondering what you should do if you spot a mole. The truth is, not every mole is worrisome. There are some stark differences between regular moles and skin cancer. When in doubt, follow ABCDE guidelines for what could mean that you have a form of skin cancer.

 

·      A is for Asymmetry: The mole is not the same size on both sides. 

·      B is for Border: The borders are jagged, uneven, and irregular. 

·      C is for Color: Color is inconsistent. 

·      D is for Diameter: The size of the mole is 6mm or more. However, melanoma doesn’t always start out small but may grow over time. 

·      E is for Evolving: Your mole may be cancerous if it changes size, shape, or color over time. 

 

At-home skin checks are a great first step, but it’s always important to follow-up with a board-certified dermatologist to get a thorough second glance. Don’t leave it to guesswork because your health depends on it. 

 

Book your skin check with us to make sure your skin is healthy and cancer-free. You deserve that peace of mind!

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, and it can affect you whether you have light, medium, or the darkest skin tones. 

According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. While fair skin tones are most at risk for sunburns and skin cancer, we are all exposed to UV rays which puts us all at risk for developing skin cancer, no matter our skin tone. Yes, even those that tan easily and never burn can develop skin cancer. 

 

What causes skin cancer? 

Too much UV radiation is the leading cause of skin cancer. When your skin gets excess UV from exposure to the sun, the cells in your skin can change. Skin cancer develops when abnormal skin cells grow uncontrollably. This happens because of damage to DNA that isn’t repaired, which causes the cells to mutate and multiply quickly. 

  

What is your skin type and why is it important to know?  

We use the Fitzpatrick scale which is a tool used to assess your risk of skin cancer based on your skin type. It rates two things: the amount of pigment in your skin and how your skin reacts to the sun. It can also indicate how likely you are to develop skin cancer. What’s your Fitzpatrick skin type? Take the quiz here. 

 

What are the risk factors involved in people with lighter skin developing skin cancer? 

People with light skin are susceptible to skin cancer because they have less melanin in their skin. Melanin is a pigment that helps to protect the skin from UV radiation damage. The less melanin someone has, the more likely they are to develop sun damage and skin cancer. People with red hair, freckles, and/or blue eyes are especially vulnerable to UV radiation. 

  

What are the risk factors involved in people with darker skin developing skin cancer? 

Certain risk factors make people of color vulnerable to skin cancer. There is a common myth out there that those with naturally tan or darker skin tones are not as at risk, leading them to be less likely to wear sunscreen or take other preventative measures to protect themselves. Did you know that Bob Marley died at just 36 years old from skin cancer? According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, he had “acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM), a serious, rare disease that is also the most common form of melanoma in people with darker skin tones.” 

  

Tips to prevent skin cancer for people of ALL skin types 

Skin cancer rates are on the rise in the US, and people of all skin colors can develop skin cancer. The good news is that there are steps that everyone can take to help prevent skin cancer.  

  

Shade 

No matter your skin tones, it is important to seek out shade when spending time outdoors, as UV rays can be most damaging during those midday hours. 

  

Clothing 

Wearing protective clothing, like hats and long-sleeved shirts, can also help to shield the skin from harmful rays. 

  

Sunscreen 

Regardless of skin color, everyone should use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and reapply it regularly throughout the day. 

  

Treatment options for skin cancer 

The good news is that there are many effective treatments available, and our dermatologists will work with you to create a plan that is tailored to your unique needs. 

 

It’s important to know that everyone is at risk for developing skin cancer, no matter their skin tone or type. If you have any concerns about skin cancer, we are here to help. Early detection is key to successful treatment, so don’t hesitate to get the care you need. With the right treatment plan, you can benefit from many more years of good health and great skin. 

In our effort to encourage you to Check & Protect Your Skin this month in honor of Skin Cancer Awareness Month, we recommend the healthy habits below to help ward off illness—and potentially prolong your life. Each habit is simple enough to adopt in a day, so you can set yourself up for healthier skin any time. 

 

1. Avoid peak sun hours: Try to stay inside when the sunlight is strongest, which is usually between about 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. If you do go outside, seek shade cover.

 

2. Cover your skin with clothing: Keep your arms and legs covered, if you can manage to do that without overheating! For extra protection, choose clothes with ultraviolet protection factor, or UPF (it’s like an SPF for fabric).

 

3. Wear a hat and sunglasses: With these two accessories, you can protect your eyes, head, and neck. Be sure the sunglasses filter out both UVA and UVB rays!

 

4. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30+: If you’ve followed our practice for a while, you’ve come to expect this piece of advice from us! We recommend wearing sunscreen every day, whether the skies are overcast or bright, on any exposed skin to reduce UV damage.

 

5. Keep sunscreen in a cool place: Sunscreen loses some of its effectiveness when it overheats, so try to avoid keeping it in your car. Make sure that you carry it with you in a pocket or in your bag. 

 

6. Apply an SPF lip product: Slathering sunscreen lotion on your lips probably sounds unpleasant, but that’s no reason to skip over your mouth—the skin there is as important as skin anywhere else! Pick a lip balm or lipstick with an SPF of 30+ for optimal protection. Make sure to swipe some on before leaving the house. To make it easier for you, we’re offering SPF lip balm in our offices all month long!

 

7. Avoid tanning beds: These beds measurably raise your risk of skin cancer, even with just one use. The idea that a “base tan” keeps skin safe is a harmful myth! If you’re looking for a safer bronzed glow, opt for a sunless tanner.

 

8. Do not sunbathe: Even after applying sunscreen, it’s not safe to lie around and soak in the sun’s rays. The UV exposure still raises your risk of skin cancer. 

 

9. Do a monthly self-check: Examine yourself, head to toe, for any spots with irregular borders, bleeding spots, or growing spots. If you have questions or concerns about anything you see, make an appointment to see your dermatologist. 

 

10. Don’t rely on sunscreen pills alone: While sunscreen pills can be helpful, they’re best when used alongside SPF creams and lotions.

 

If you have any questions on the tips above, or you want more personalized advice, just make an appointment with one of our board-certified dermatologists. We’ll work together to protect your skin and defend your health.

We get it. You have a lot going on, you don’t think you have any skin changes, and you may not be exactly thrilled with having someone else inspect your skin. However, this simple and fast check could be the one thing standing between you and your health. Skin cancer can easily go unnoticed, especially if it’s in a less visible part of your body. Don’t gamble your health–get your skin check on the books!

If you’re feeling overwhelmed about what you should expect during your skin check appointment, we’ve got you covered. As part of our Check + Protect initiative, we want you to be as informed as possible so you can continue making the best decisions for your health! If you’ve never had a skin check before, you may be surprised at just how easy it is.

Let’s kick this off by talking about what you should do before your skin check exam. Take a few minutes to give yourself a thorough self-exam so you can let your dermatologist know about any changes that you may have noticed.

Make sure that you check every nook and cranny (and yes, we mean that literally!). Some spots that should be on your radar:

·      Behind your ears

·      Under your arms

·      Throughout your scalp

·      Between your buttocks

It’s a good idea to use a full-length mirror as well as a hand mirror to get a full view of those hard-to-reach places. If you notice any new spots or blemishes, growths, or itching and bleeding, make sure that you let your dermatologist know. Some of these things aren’t anything to worry about long-term, but any changes in your skin should be reported.

Your dermatologist will start your skin exam by asking some questions about any changes you’ve noticed recently or over a period of time. Next, your dermatologist will start examining your body completely to take a closer look at any changes you’ve noticed, as well as making sure that they don’t identify anything concerning. Remember, dermatologists are medical professionals, and they are skilled in handling this exam with your comfort and care in mind.

The entire process takes about 10 minutes but could take longer if your dermatologist needs to take a closer look at anything worrisome if found. Your dermatologist will take special care to notice any of the following:

·      Irregular borders

·      Changes over time

·      Size of moles

·      Color

If your dermatologist discovers a mole, the next step may be to have further testing done, including a biopsy. This test will determine if the mole is cancerous. If the mole is cancerous, then you’ll move forward with an appropriate treatment plan. This is why early detection is so important!

If you’ve been putting off your skin check, it’s time to get it scheduled! The entire process is done and over within a matter of minutes, and it could very well make a difference in your overall health. The sooner we can identify any issues, the sooner we can tackle them head-on! If you have any other questions or would like to know more, don’t hesitate to reach out to us and book an appointment!

The weather is warming up and people are ready to get back out into the world! Just remember, you need to be mindful of your skincare needs. The most important part of proper skincare is making sure you Check and Protect Your Skin. Getting your skin checked by your dermatologist every year is very important, along with being proactive in protecting it against diseases and cancers.

 

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, a timely reminder of the importance of annual skin checks. It’s the perfect month to focus on your skin because people are finally getting back to their lives and spending more time outdoors. As you slip on your swimsuit, shorts, and short-sleeve tops, remember that your skin still needs proper protection! Read on for our tips on how to sun safely.

 

Skin cancer is very common, and there are over 5 million cases diagnosed each year. However, it’s also important to note that skin cancer is one of the most preventable cancers by ensuring that you receive proper yearly screenings and get your skin checked by a dermatologist. 

·      Early detection is key for all forms of cancer but can be especially helpful when it comes to skin cancer.

·      The earliest warning signs for skin cancer may not be easily identifiable, but a skilled dermatologist will know what to look for.

·      Plus, there are several parts of the body that you simply can’t see well enough. Taking the extra step to schedule a skin check will ensure that your skin is healthy and that you have no early warning signs of cancer. Be proactive in your health and schedule your appointment today!

As we move into the warmer, sunnier months of the year, it’s a good idea to create some goals for your skin. While you should certainly work to properly cleanse and hydrate your skin, remember to go the extra mile to protect it, too. Here are a few quick tips:

·      Wear sunscreen and remember to reapply as directed

·      Seek shade when possible, but especially during the peak sunlight hours between 10 AM-2 PM

·      Avoid tanning, including indoor tanning beds

·      Wear proper clothing, hats, and sunglasses

·      Do skin self-exams each month, and notify your doctor of any changes

·      Wear sunscreen and remember to reapply as directed. Click below to shop our assortment of sunscreens, all 20% off all month long!

Need to schedule an appointment with your dermatologist? There’s no better time than now to book your annual skin check right before the busy summer months are here. Contact our office today to celebrate Skin Cancer Awareness Month the right way–with your annual exam. 

***Fast Facts About Skin Cancer***

·      1 in 5 Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the time they reach 70 years old.

·      Repeated sunburns increase your risk of developing melanoma

·      Melanoma five-year survival rate is 99% if detected early

·      90% of non-melanoma skin cancers and 85% of melanoma cases are linked to exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun