Posts Tagged ‘sun exposure’

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New Technology in the Fight Against Melanoma

Wednesday, June 9th, 2010
Photo of malignant melanoma- notice the irregular border, larger size and irregular color. Photo courtesy of From Your Doctor Service powered by Vivicare.

Photo of malignant melanoma- notice the irregular border, larger size and irregular color. Photo courtesy of From Your Doctor Service powered by Vivicare.

Although the month of May is officially Skin Cancer Awareness month, the health of your skin deserves attention year-round; especially when you live somewhere like sunny San Diego.  While sunscreen and protective clothing is essential to help protect your skin from skin cancer, it’s reassuring to know that advances are being made in the way skin cancer, specifically malignant melanoma, is being treated.

A report in the Chicago-Sun Times(6/5, Thomas) explained that the incidence of melanoma has increased in the U.S. over the last 30 years.  But a new drug, called Ipilimumab, is showing promise as a treatment for melanoma.  USA Today(6/7, Szabo) describes the new drug as an immune stimulator.  According to the AP(6/7, Marchione), ipilimumab “works by helping the immune system fight tumors.”  The help this drug has offered is to give patients with late stage melanoma a longer life.  Bloomberg News(6/5, Pattypiece) reports that “ipilimumab kept about a quarter of patients battling late-stage melanoma alive for two years- about twice the proportion with current therapies.”

When discussing skin cancer, especially melanoma, we cannot stress the importance of regular skin checks with a dermatologist.  What can you do in between check ups with your doctor?  Know your skin- about every 3 months take a look at you body in the mirror and notice any changes in size, shape, and/or color.  If you do notice any changes, don’t wait the full year until your next skin exam- make an appointment to see your doctor.  Early detection is a key factor in keeping you healthy!

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May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month

Wednesday, May 12th, 2010

It’s time to take a good look at yourself in the mirror… and check for any changing moles or suspicious spots, because May is Skin Cancer Awareness month.  According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, in the last decade and a half the number of skin cancers has increased by 350 percent!!  Although May is designated as Skin Cancer Awareness month, you need to be mindful all year long about limiting your sun exposure to avoid becoming a skin cancer statistic.

Here are some facts about the most common types of skin cancers:

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)- Accounts for 80% of all skin cancers and is the most common form of any cancer diagnosed in the United States.  Basal cell carcinomas appear on areas of the body that have received the most sun and are commonly found on the face, scalp, ears, neck, hands and arms.

Photo of a basal cell carcinoma (BCC)

Photo of a basal cell carcinoma (BCC)

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)- Nearly 250,000 American are diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma each year.  Squamous cell carcinomas appear on areas of the body that have received the most sun and are commonly found on the face, scalp, ears, neck, hands and arms.  Squamous cell can have many different appearances, like:

  • A dry, crusted, scaly patch of skin that is red and swollen at the base
  • A sore that won’t heal
  • Crusted skin
  • A thickened, crusty patch of skin with a raised border with a pebbly, granular base
Photo of a squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)

Photo of a squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)

Melanoma (MM)-  The most serious type of skin cancer because it can metastasize (spread) quickly.  Change in the size, shape, color, or feel of an existing mole could be an indication of melanoma.  Moles that are exhibiting any of those characteristics should be evaluated by a dermatologist.

It’s important to have a full body exam done once a year, or as often as needed, as advised by your dermatologist.  Skin cancers, especially melanoma, can be treated when caught early.

In addition to regular skin exams, here are some important tips from the Skin Cancer Foundation (http://skincancer.org/Guidelines/)   to practice safe sun this summer:

  • Seek the shade, especially between 10 A.M. and 4 P.M.
  • Do not burn.
  • Avoid tanning and UV tanning booths.
  • Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day.
  • Apply 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours.
  • Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
  • Keep newborns out of the sun. Sunscreens should be used on babies over the age of six months.
  • Examine your skin head-to-toe every month.
  • See your physician every year for a professional skin exam.

To learn more you can visit our website: derm sd medical glossary or visit the Skin Cancer Foundation at: http://skincancer.org/

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Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer Incidence on the Rise

Monday, March 29th, 2010

Summer in San Diego: the beach, the sun… the skin cancer?!  As we head into another beautiful summer in southern California, we like to remind outdoor enthusiasts about the importance of sun protection.  Especially after a new study published in Archives of Dermatology details the rise of non-melanoma skin cancers (basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma).  In the U.S., skin cancer is the most common form of cancer and this new study indicates that “the incidence of skin caner in the United States has substantially increased from 1992 to 2006.”  In fact, incidences of non-melanoma skin cancer rose an average of 4.2% a year in the Medicare population.  The study states that “in 2006, there were an estimated 3.5 million skin cancers overall in the U.S.” 

Photo of a basal cell carcinoma (BCC)

Photo of a basal cell carcinoma (BCC)

Photo of a squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)

Photo of a squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)

So what can you do to reduce you chances of getting a non-melanoma skin cancer?  Almost all basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas are directly related to sun exposure, so its important to take precautions when outdoors.  Wide-brimmed hats, glasses, rash guards, and of course SPF 30+ sunscreens are important tools in sun protection.  Also, try to plan your outdoor activities early in the morning or later in the afternoon as midday sun exposure is the most intense.  It’s important to see your dermatologist regularly for skin checks once a year, or twice a year if you have had a non-melanoma skin cancer in the past.  Of course you should see your dermatologist sooner if you notice any spots that are changing, growing, itching and/or bleeding.  Unsure if you have a lesion that you should be concerned about?  Remember the ABCD’s: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color, Diameter.  Don’t ignore moles or lesions that are concerning, as early detection results in the best treatment.
ABCDS

To read the full article, please follow this link:Melanoma/Skin Cancer Health Center, WebMD

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Minimum SPF increasing to 30

Friday, December 4th, 2009
Image from beauty-budget.com

Image from beauty-budget.com

Until recently, dermatologists have advised their patients to wear a minimum SPF 15 sunscreen.  But recent findings have prompted the American Academy of Dermatology to increase the minimum recommendation to 30.  According to  Arielle N.B. Kauvar, M.D., chair of the Academy’s Council on Communications, “research shows that most people are only applying 25 to 50 percent of the recommended amount of sunscreen.”  She goes on to say, “if you apply only half the amount that you should using an SPF 15, you are probably only getting the equivalent of an SPF 7 or 8, which is insufficient protection” (JAAD, Academy ups minimum SPF recommendation from 15 to 30 by Richard Nelson).

CORRECT SUNSCREEN APPLICATION

*It takes one ounce of sunscreen (enough to fill a shot glass) to cover the exposed parts of your body

*Apply SPF 30 or higher sunscreen liberally

*Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before going out in the sun

*Reapply often, about every one to two hours, especially after going in the water or sweating

*Sunscreen is needed even during the colder months, and while doing actvities such as skiing or snowboarding

For other helpful information on skin care, please visit American Academy of Dermatology or Derm SD patient resources

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Introducing the Derm SD line of products!

Sunday, September 6th, 2009

We are pleased to announce that in addition to offering our valued patients SkinMedica products, we are now offering our very own line of Derm SD products! 

The Derm SD line of skin care products offers a more natural approach to skin care.  We offer products for acne, anti-aging, sun protection and more.

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