May is skin cancer awareness month and we are joining the American Academy of Dermatology to spread the message about prevention and detection.

Prevention:

Skin cancer prevention starts with protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. If you don’t already, start incorporating a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least a 30 SPF into your daily routine. Broad-spectrum sunscreen protects you from UVA and UVB rays, which are both incredibly damaging. The sun is especially strong between the hours of 10am and 2pm so try staying in the shade or wear protective clothing. Finally, avoid tanning beds. Indoor tanning can increase the risk of melanoma by 75%.

Detection:

Detection is one of the most important steps to surviving skin cancer. Cancer spots can vary from person to person; the same type of cancer can look very different depending on the nature of the spot. The best way to detect skin cancer is to do frequent self-examinations. If you notice anything abnormal for more than two weeks, see your dermatologist.  Your doctors can then do a full screening and diagnosis.

Treatment:

There are many different methods of treatment depending on the type and severity of the cancer. Treatments can range from surgical procedures to chemotherapy. Speak to your Doctor if you would like to know more about treatment for specific kinds of cancer.

Before you go outside this May, think about how you can protect yourself from skin cancer. Know the facts, and take the steps towards prevention. If you have any questions about skin cancer, as always contact your Doctor.

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May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month and we would like to spread the message about early detection and prevention.

What is skin cancer?

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the world, and more than 3.5 million new cases will be diagnosed in the United States this year alone.  Skin cancer is caused by the abnormal growth of the skin cells, largely due to over exposure to the sun.  Many people don’t know, but there are actually four different types of skin cancer, some more severe than others.

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type and typically appears on the parts of the body that get the most sun exposure like the head and neck. Basal cell does not typically spread to other parts of the body.

Melanoma is the most deadly form of skin cancer and anyone can get it. Melanoma can metastasize and spread to other parts of the body. Although dangerous, when detected and treated early melanoma has an almost 100% cure rate

Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer and it affects about 700,000 people a year in the United States Similar to basal cell, squamous cell is typically found on severely sun-damaged skin. Unlike basal cell, squamous cell can spread to other parts of the body.

Finally there is Actinic Keratoses, which is also typically found on badly damaged skin. Actinic Keratoses is considered precancerous and many people will have new patches develop for life.

The most important step to treating and surviving skin cancer is early detection. In honor of Skin Cancer Awareness Month, on May 15, 2013 we will be showing a FREE Skin Cancer Awareness Presentation at the Kent Island location at 5pm.  In addition we will be holding a FREE Skin Cancer Screening at our Kent Island location on May 18, 2013 from 9am- noon.

For more information about these events, please call 443-351-DERM (3376) or visit aadermatology.com. 

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It’s no secret that colder temps and the winter season wreak havoc on your skin. The heat you turn up to stay warm and toasty significantly dries out your skin and the frigid temperatures outside cause more dryness and cracking. To save your skin until you can crawl out of another wintery season, here are some tips to ensure you have happy and healthy skin heading into the spring and summer. 

Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize. It’s imperative that you find a moisturizing product that adds a protective layer to help keep the moisture in your skin. Be sure to apply lotion and moisturizers regularly to any part of your body that may interact with cold air. For a facial moisturizer, ensure you choose a non-pore clogging (noncomogenic) product so as not to cause breakouts.

Helping Hands. The skin on your hands is thinner and therefore more susceptible to dryness and cracking. Ensure you cover them up when heading outside with gloves or mittens and keep them well-moisturized.

Invest in a Humidifier. A humidifier rehydrates the air within your home and helps to keep your skin from drying out by redistributing the moisture evenly. Humidifiers are typically inexpensive and help to keep you and your skin healthy during the winter months.

Cut Showers Short. Long, hot showers, though relaxing and enjoyable, strip your skin of the natural oils that maintain your skin’s moisture. Help keep your skin’s natural defenses in check by shortening your showers and turning down the hot water.

The winter months are also a great opportunity to make an appointment with your dermatologist for an annual skin check-up. Make an appointment with any of the nine Anne Arundel Dermatology locations to ensure that your skin is happy, healthy and ready for the upcoming warmer seasons.

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One in five Americans will develop skin cancer over the course of their lifetime. According to the American Cancer Society, there will be more than 2 million cases of Basal cell and Squamous cell carcinomas and more than 75,000 cases of Melanoma each year.  Those are pretty frightening, but very real statistics.  This is why it’s important to take care of your skin and protect it against UV damage by using sunscreens and practicing sun avoidance.

It is very important know that skin cancer is easily treated when caught early.  With Mohs Micrographic surgery, non Melanoma skin cancers can be can be effectively be removed and treated with a high success rate.  Named for its originator and founder, Frederic E. Mohs, MD, Mohs micrographic surgery was developed in the 1930’s and is 99.9% effective in complete removal of the non Melanoma skin cancer.

The Mohs procedure is an outpatient procedure done under local anesthesia.  The Mohs surgeon will remove the tumor with standard margins of normal tissue and the tissue is processed and prepared to be analyzed under the microscope to verify that all of the atypical cells have been removed. The processing of this tissue takes 45 minutes to a hour.  If all of the atypical cells have been removed after the first removal then the next step will be to repair the surgical defect. If not clear then he process will start all over only where atypical cells are present.

The Mohs procedure is incredibly effective due to the careful and precise process of removing tissue layer by layer and examining it by microscope until only a cancer-free margin is seen under the microscope.  Due to its high success rate, the majority of patients who undergo Mohs patients report not having to undergo additional surgeries to remove their non-Melanoma skin cancers.  Mohs micrographic surgery is most known for:

• Complete cancer removal
• Minimizing the amount of healthy tissue removed
• Repairing the cancer site the same day as the tumor is removed in the most cosmetically pleasing way.

If you are currently diagnosed with a non-Melanoma skin cancer and would like to learn more about Mohs micrographic surgery, please contact our Anne Arundel Dermatology Surgery Center.

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This month, before you dive into your Thanksgiving dinner or shop till you drop on Black Friday, take a good long look at your skin from head to toe. While November is traditionally known for the Thanksgiving holiday: the food, the leftovers, the shopping sales and the time off from school and work, you probably didn’t know that November is also National Healthy Skin Month.

This month, we celebrate not only healthy skin, but also the skin conditions preventing you from achieving healthy skin. Anne Arundel Dermatology offers a myriad of services and resources to assist you with overcoming or living with the conditions you currently have. With general, pediatric and cosmetic dermatology services, we are Eastern Maryland’s premiere dermatology practice. We proudly offer highly skilled and trained physicians who take great pride in ensuring they deliver the highest quality of dermatological care in the region. Whether you notice a mole that looks different than it did six months ago, suffer from cystic acne or experience rosacea or psoriasis, take the time this month to make an appointment and have one of our dermatologists review your skin with you.

With locations throughout Anne Arundel County, Southern Maryland and the Eastern Shore, we are here to guarantee you excellent skin care not just during the month of November, but during every month of the year. So, before you take a seat at the Thanksgiving dinner table, take a moment to look at your skin and make an appointment to come in and see us. Healthy skin is our pledge to you.

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In our last post, we discussed essential ingredients that can be found in a variety of products.  In this post, we will discuss the three essential steps and products that need to be a part of your skin care routine.  Regardless if you have cystic acne or just a few blemishes, you should include three fundamental steps in your skin care routine and conduct them at least twice a day: cleanse, tone and moisturize.

3 Steps: Cleanse, Tone and Moisturize

1. Ensure you choose a cleanser that leaves your skin feeling clean; your decision  will be based on your specific skin type (dry, extra-oily, etc.).  The cleanser should have a small amount of exfoliant, but ensure that your skin does not feel “raw” after washing – you will know then that the exfoliating product is too harsh for your skin.
2. Following cleansing, apply a toner.  A toner removes traces of dirt and oil left after cleansing.  Astringents and clarifiers are similar products used for oily-skin types.  Typically alcohol based, toners and astringents have a tendency to dry-out the skin; ensure you find the right balance of products to enhance your skin care routine.
3. Finally, moisturize before completing your skin care routine.  It’s important to keep your skin hydrated.  Moisturizers span the spectrum depending on skin-type from sensitive to extra-oily.  Ensure you choose a moisturizing product that feels light when you apply it, it doesn’t leave behind an oily residue and has an SPF factor of at least 15.

The most important factor when choosing skin care products is to know what your skin does and does not like.  Whether that means you have extra oily skin or extremely sensitive skin, you won’t know how a product reacts to your skin type without trying it first.  It is important to ensure that your skin care regime includes three ingredients: salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide and retinol and three essential steps: cleanse, tone and moisturize.  By knowing these basic elements, you can peruse the skin care aisle on your next shopping trip and make an informed decision on what is the best option for your skin.

If you would like to learn more about choosing the right skin care products for you, schedule an appointment with Anne Arundel Dermatology today.

The post Essential Tips for Choosing the Right Skin Care Products for You Part II appeared first on Anne Arundel Dermatology.

Anyone who is concerned about their skin care knows the overwhelming experience that choosing the right product can create.  For some, obtaining clear skin isn’t a simple feat; it takes a sincere approach to understanding how skin care ingredients and products affect your skin.  However, with a quick vocabulary lesson on three essential skin care ingredients, you’ll be able to walk into any drug or grocery store and make the right choice for you and your skin.

Salicylic Acid, Benzoyl Peroxide and Retinol

These three words are commonly thrown-around when it comes to discussing skin care products.  But you probably find yourself asking, “What do they mean and how will they affect my skin?”  These three compounds: salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide and retinol, are essential in preserving your skin and preventing blemishes.

Salicylic acid works as an exfoliant and helps slough off skin cells, preventing clogged pores.

• Benzoyl peroxide acts as an anti-bacterial agent that has drying side effects.  It also helps to keep pores clear of blemish-causing bacteria by introducing oxygen into your pores and destroying the bacteria that grows in an anaerobic environment.  Typical products include anywhere from 2.5 to 10% of the compound.  To start, try a product with a moderate strength of benzoyl peroxide and adjust your strength as necessary.  Monitor how much of the product you apply and its effects on your skin to find the right balance.
• And finally, retinol.  Retinol is often found in creams applied as a final step in your skin care routine at night.  Retinol promotes the turnover of skin cells, reducing pore clogging and the subsequent formation of new blackheads.  The compound also has an anti-inflammatory effect and is known to reduce the redness of pimples and blemishes.

Though these three important ingredients come in different skin care products, it is important to know what each ingredient does.  By knowing the basics of each, you can make an informed decision when choosing skin care products in the grocery or drug store.  Next week we will explore skin care products and how to find the right product for you and your skin.  If you would like to learn more about choosing the right skin care products for you, schedule an appointment with Anne Arundel Dermatology today.

The post Essential Tips for Choosing the Right Skin Care Products for You: Part I appeared first on Anne Arundel Dermatology.

Healthier skin is making news on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Visit the new location for Anne Arundel Dermatology on Kent Island in Stevensville, Maryland for general, surgical and cosmetic dermatology services. Make an appointment to see our providers:

• Lisa L. Anderson, M.D.
• Erin D. Brimhall, CRNP
• Amy Hoffman, PA-C

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