May 4th is Melanoma Monday
Did you know that skin cancer is the most common cancer? Approximately 9,500 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with skin cancer every day. That means approximately one in five Americans develop skin cancer. While melanoma is not the most common type of skin cancer, it is the most dangerous. It is responsible for 10,000 American lives lost every year and is the second most common form of cancer in females ages 15 to 29. The good news is that skin cancer is also the most preventable cancer.
To raise awareness of melanoma and to encourage annual skin checks to help prevent skin cancer in general, the American Academy of Dermatology designates the first Monday in May as Melanoma Monday.
Who gets melanoma?
People of all colors and races get melanoma. Those with light skin who sunburn easily are at higher risk. If you have any of the following risk factors, you need to take extra caution in protecting your skin from the harmful rays of the sun:
- History of sunburns
- Family history of skin cancer
- Exposure to X-rays
- Use of tanning beds or sunlamps
What does melanoma look like?
Melanoma often develops in a mole or appears suddenly as a new dark spot on the skin. Be on the lookout for changes in moles, and if you see irregular edges or unusual colors in a mole, schedule a visit with your Water’s Edge Dermatology provider right away. Catching melanoma early (before it can spread) is key to stopping it. Even though melanoma can be deadly, survival rates can be greater than 90% when treated early.
Preventing melanoma
Tips to help prevent melanoma:
- Wear broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more on exposed skin
- Cover up with a hat and clothing
- Stay in the shade when possible, especially 10am-4pm when the sun’s rays are the strongest
- Protect children from sun exposure by playing in the shade, wearing protective clothing and applying sunscreen
- Avoid tanning beds, which can cause skin cancer and wrinkling
- Check your birthday suit on your birthday. If you notice any skin changes, skin growths or bleeding on your skin, see a Water’s Edge Dermatology practitioner immediately
In addition to doing self-exams on your birthday, May is a great month to schedule a skin check by a highly specialized skin care expert. At Water’s Edge Dermatology, our providers are experts in spotting melanoma and treating it early with procedures just right for each of our valued patients. Be safe and schedule your skin cancer check now.
Request an appointment with one of our skin care experts at Water’s Edge Dermatology or call (877) 533-8214.
Treating Adult Acne
Acne is frequently considered a skin disorder of adolescents and teens. Unfortunately, acne can affect adults in their 20s, 30s and beyond. Many factors can contribute to the appearance of acne, including hormones, disorders of the hair follicles and infections. While there is no cure for acne, there are many effective ways to control and treat adult acne.
Adult acne can be divided in two groups of patients. The common acne in children can also occur in an adult, which is known as acne vulgaris. Another form of adult acne is known as acne rosacea. Acne rosacea is commonly recognized by the inflammation and redness of the face, but most often lacks the appearance of blackheads or open comedones.
Acne can be controlled with over-the-counter products as well as prescription medications. Establishing a skin care regimen with a dermatology provider can be very helpful in treating acne. Many treatments are available, including cleansers, topical treatment, oral antibiotic therapy, oral isotretinoin courses and even blue light therapy.
Starting with a mild antibacterial cleanser or benzoyl peroxide wash twice daily keeps the face and body clean and keeps oil to a minimum. Do not scrub the face and body clean as friction can increase the acne lesions.
Prescription treatments available for acne can be topical creams, gels or solutions. The topical medications can include one or more medications. Topical medications should be used consistently and as prescribed by your provider for best results. Topical treatments can be drying, so it is important to speak with your provider about adding a moisturizer or decreasing the frequency of use if this occurs.
Oral antibiotics can be used to treat acne and acne rosacea in adult patients. Oral antibiotic therapy can be given for short-term or long-term treatments, depending on the response to treatment and the medication prescribed by your provider. Low dose, long-term antibiotic therapy is available and effective for many patients.
Oral Isotretinoin is an option for severe acne. It was previously marketed under the name Accutane but is available now in generic forms. This particular medication is available if other oral medications have failed. Isotretinoin is closely monitored by a program called iPledge. Blood work is monitored each month by your provider. Two forms of birth control must be in place for female patients as this medication can cause birth defects if pregnancy occurs during the time period the medication is being administered. This medication is generally given for a course of four to six months.
The most important key to the management of acne is to be consistent with your use of medication. Consistency is important.
Finally, even acne prone skin needs sunscreen each day. Finding a sunscreen that is oil-free and non-comedogenic is important. Please visit a Water’s Edge office for Elta MD Shield, which is a zinc sunscreen that is lightweight, absorbs completely and is great for oily skin types.
References: Acne (n.d.) American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. Retrieved from www.aocd.org.
Common Viruses of the Skin & What You Should Know
Common viruses of the skin include Molluscum Contagiosum, warts, and Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 and 2. These viruses are common because they are contagious with skin to skin contact. Although most are only an annoyance, some do have the potential to cause harm to the person affected. Our goal at Water’s Edge Dermatology is to educate and alleviate any possible concerns of our patients.
Molluscum Contagiosum is a common skin condition, especially in children, that comes from the Poxvirus. The virus presents as small umbilicated blisters and is usually diagnosed by a trained eye but can be confirmed with a biopsy. Contagiosum is an adjective that well describes the condition because it is so contagious. Children have more skin-to-skin contact and a lower immunity than adults, explaining why it is more commonly seen at a younger age. There are treatments such as liquid nitrogen or Cantharone (a topical agent) that are often used if the condition is bothersome or spreading. Treatment is not necessary because Molluscum Contagiosum is not harmful and with time should go away on its own. This condition can be sexually transmitted, but more commonly is spread by touching or scratching the area. Helpful tips for prevention include: avoiding direct skin-to-skin contact, avoid sharing towels with someone who is infected, frequent hand washing and protecting the skin's barrier by keeping it well moisturized.
Warts are caused by a virus called the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which is easily transmitted. Warts are also more common is children because their immunity is lower than adults. Most often, warts are diagnosed by a trained eye but can also be confirmed by a biopsy. There are different types of warts including; common warts, flat warts, plantar (under the surface of the foot) warts, and genital warts. Treatment may be the same as for Molluscum Contagiosum and is also a condition that may resolve on its own. Warts are typically raised but can be flat as in the flat warts or on the plantar surface of the foot. If warts are found in the genital region, they are usually considered to be sexually transmitted. However, common warts can also be transferred to the genitalia. Warts can be eradicated with treatment but they can return. Women who have a partner diagnosed with genital warts are at a higher risk for cervical cancer and should have regular pap smears. Helpful tips for prevention include: frequent hand washing; avoiding skin-to-skin contact with affected areas; wearing shoes in locker rooms, water parks, public pools and public showers to protect the feet; and protecting the skins barrier by keeping it well moisturized.
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) has two types (I and II), that when active, present with blisters or sores that can be painful. Type I is the cold sore virus and is generally found on the face, and type II is the sexually transmitted virus that is typically found in the genital area. However, type I has been found in the genitalia and type II has been found in other parts of the body. Once exposed to the virus, it may lay dormant for a long period of time, or may be such a mild case making it difficult to identify the source of infection. Stress and sun exposure can activate the dormant virus. HSV is contagious during flares but can also be contagious when no lesions are present. HSV is most commonly diagnosed by a trained eye, but a viral culture or blood work can be taken to confirm the diagnosis. HSV is treatable but there is no cure. Symptoms that may indicate the virus is active include tingling, itching, tenderness or burning sensation in the affected area. The treatment is antiviral medications like acyclovir or valacyclovir. If the medication is taken at onset, the symptoms may be minimized and the duration may be shortened. The symptoms will go away on their own with no treatment but may take longer than with the medication. Tips for prevention include: avoiding skin to skin contact to the affected area of a person with known HSV and avoiding sharing drinks, towels, lip balms or other products that may come in contact with the affected area.
These are some of the most common viruses of the skin but certainly not all of them. The key is early diagnosis and prompt treatment for any condition. Proper hand washing may not prevent these conditions, but is the number one way to avoid spreading infections. If you have any questions, please fill free to contact any of our offices. We are happy to help you in any way we can.