Monday, July 22, 2013

How To Perform a Skin Self-Exam


How To Perform a Skin Self-Exam

While it is important to see your dermatologist regularly for skin checks, it is also important to perform monthly self exams of your skin.  By familiarizing yourself with your skin, you are able to note any changes and bring these changes to the attention of your skin care provider.  This can allow for the early detection of problem moles and skin cancers.  When checking skin, familiarize yourself with the ABCDE rules.

A-     Asymmetry, the two halves of a mole are different

B-      Border, irregular, poorly defined border

C-      Color, variations in  color, from tan to brown, black, red or blue

D-     Diameter, greater than 6mm, which is the size of a pencil eraser

E-      Evolving, a spot that looks different from the others on your body or is changing in size, shape, color, or regularly bleeds and does not heal

When performing a self exam, it is important to check all areas of your skin, including the backs of your legs, between your toes, and the soles of your feet.  Most importantly, if you notice any concerning changes in your skin, call your dermatologist.  When detected early, most skin cancers can be easily treated.  At Florida Skin Center, we offer patients availability and flexibility when scheduling appointments, so skin care needs can be addressed quickly.  For more information on skin self exams and to see a video of a self exam visit the link below. 

http://www.aad.org/spot-skin-cancer/understanding-skin-cancer/how-do-i-check-my-skin/how-to-perform-a-self-exam

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Tan Skin No Longer a Hollywood Must Have.

Hollywood trends and styles are constantly changing. What was a must have for one season is a wouldn't be caught dead in for the next. A decade ago it seemed that every Hollywood actress and actor wanted the J Lo glow. You know the look: An unnatural, unhealthy bronzed tan that is three shades darker than ones normal skin type.
However, a new beauty movement has taken over Hollywood. A-listers are abandoning their fake-baked looks for natural radiance. Actresses like Nicole Kidman, Cindy Crawford, Zooey Deschanel and BeyoncĂ© are hitting the red carpet with a natural radiant glow that gives them a refreshed and more youthful look.
This Hollywood shift away from sun damaging tans couldn't have come at better time. The latest statistics show that just one single indoor tanning session increases your chance of developing malignant melanoma by 20 percent!
So this summer season rock your natural healthy glow. Make sure to wear an SPF of 30 and to reapply when outside longer than an hour. Wear wide brim hats and protective clothing when you can. Avoid being in the sun at peak hours.

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Tanning Bed Legislation

 
New Jersey joined California and Vermont in passing legislation that bans indoor tanning for minors. A growing number of states are enacting laws to regulate tanning in minors. This legislation passed following the prosecution of a New Jersey mom who allowed her daughter to stand in a tanning booth, resulting in burns to the girl’s legs. At FSC, we strongly discourage our patients of all ages from using tanning beds. Indoor tanning beds contain both UVA and UVB rays which cause skin cancer and skin damage, resulting in premature aging, wrinkles, eye damage, and changes in skin texture. Research has shown that people who begin tanning before age 35 have a 75% increased risk of melanoma. In addition, across all age groups, males and females who have ever used a tanning bed increase their risk of melanoma by 15%. Melanoma is the deadliest type of skin cancer. Tanning bed use has also been shown to increase the risk of squamous cell carcinoma. If you are still hoping to achieve that tan look for summer, FSC recommends spray tans or self tanning products. These provide a self alternative to the unhealthy rays of the sun and the tanning bed. We recommend all patients, especially those with a history of tanning bed use, receive routine skin checks to allow for the early detection and treatment of skin cancer