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Summer’s Over, Skin Protection and Monitoring Shouldn’t Be, Skin Cancer Awareness is a Year Round Activity.

Skin cancer is on the rise. In fact, there are more new cases of skin cancer than breast, prostate, lung and colon cancers combined. Skin cancer is a year round concern and the end of summer doesn’t mean skin protection and monitoring should end. Regardless of the season it’s important to use sunscreen daily, wear wide brimmed hats and clothing to protect the skin and find shade when possible. Limiting exposure to the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays can help you prevent skin cancer. Another tool for managing your skin cancer risk is consistent monitoring of you skin or skin mapping. Creating a map of your skin allows you to track changes in spots and moles over time, catching these changes early can be life saving. Perform a skin self-assessment and make a skin map for yourself and each family member.

Forefront Dermatology Tips For Assessing and Mapping Your Skin:

• Assess your body from head to toe, documenting moles, brown spots and skin lesions on your personal skin map.
• The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) offers a free body mole map you can use to document your skin on a regular basis.
• Carefully examine your body, front and back, in a mirror. Lift your arms and your hair. Check the back of your legs and arms.
• Check the top of your hands, palms, top of your feet, soles of your feet, between your toes and don’t forget your nails.
• You can use a small hand mirror for better visibility and a blow dryer to help examine your scalp.
• Having a spouse or partner help with the difficult to see areas improves the skin assessment.
• Repeat this process with your children; teach them to bring any new moles or marks to your attention.

When caught early, skin cancer is highly treatable. You are the first line of defense against skin cancer, both from a skin protection and skin monitoring perspective. If you have a suspicious mole or just want help with that initial skin assessment, contact the expert team at Forefront Dermatology, we offer state of the art skin cancer treatment in Cedar Rapids, Iowa as well as treatment in Michigan, Wisconsin and Indiana. Together we can keep you and your skin healthy. Click here to request an appointment online or find a dermatologist near you to schedule an appointment.

About Forefront Dermatology

Forefront Dermatology is the best dermatology practice in the United States with numerous convenient locations. We diagnose and treat skin cancer and all diseases of the skin, hair and nails; such as acne, warts, rashes, rosacea, skin cancer, psoriasis, eczema, and mole and cyst removal. With a diverse group of dermatologists, we are able to provide patients timely access to a diverse collection of expertise, such as Mohs micrographic skin cancer surgery, dermatopathology and pediatric dermatology. In addition to our medical expertise, our experienced dermatologists also offer the latest cosmetic procedures to help revitalize and rejuvenate your skin, such as cosmetic filler treatments with Dysport, Juvederm and Radiesse as well as Botox. We also offer a wide variety of chemical peels that allow us to tailor a treatment that is right for your specific skin condition. Your skin is the largest organ of the body, protecting you from many environmental stresses. Leave it to our team of experts and the best dermatology in your neighborhood to help keep your skin healthy and looking its best. We encourage you to browse our website for information on our locations, dermatologists and treatment options. Did you like this post? Please leave a comment below. Join our online communities on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and LinkedIn.

Cedar Rapids Dermatologists Offer Fall Skin Care Tips, Are You Ready For Cooler Weather

Fall Skin Care Tips, Are You Ready For Cooler Weather Fall brings shorter days, crisp weather and warm clothes. It’s time to unpack the sweaters and jeans and bring out the jackets and coats. The warm, humid days of summer have been replaced by cooler, drier conditions. Have you adjusted your skin care regiment for the weather change? The dermatologists in Cedar Rapids, Iowa share this list of fall skin care tips that will have you healthy, happy and autumn ready.

Fall Skin Care Tips

Don’t skip the sunscreen

Summer might be over but the need to protect your skin from the sun is a year round necessity. Invest in a daily moisturizer that includes sunscreen; look for one with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or higher.

Update your face and body cleansers 

The facial cleansers and body soaps you used during the summer were fine for oilier skin, but with the drier air of fall, they might leave your skin in need of hydration. Making the switch to a cream based product that’s gentle and hydrating will have you on the path to softer skin for the fall and winter.

Exfoliate

Sun, heavy moisturizers, chlorine and outdoor activities can take a toll on your skin, leaving it dull and flakey. Gently exfoliating the skin once a week helps remove dead skin cells and leaves your skin smooth and renewed. Sunscreen is must after exfoliating.

Moisturize often

Drier fall air can zap your skin’s moisture. Keep your skin hydrated with daily moisturizing. The ideal time to apply moisturizer is just after your bath or shower. Save a step and include a product in your skin care regime that plays a dual role, use a daily moisturizer that includes sunscreen.

Be kind to your knees, elbows, hands and feet

Exposure to sun, sand, chlorine and salt water can leave your feet rough and dry, your elbows and knees in a need of some TLC, and your cuticles and knuckles rough and cracked. Update your skin care routine and gently exfoliate these areas and follow with a rich, creamy skin moisturizer. Adding a nightly cuticle cream can help your hands get a jump on colder winter weather.

Love your lips

Summer sun can leave your lips dull and dry. Don’t get caught with chapped, cracked lips that can get worse as the weather gets colder. Gently exfoliate your lips and apply a moisturizing lip balm that’s petroleum free and contains sunscreen with and SPF of 20 or more. Fall is a perfect time to visit your dermatologist, review your skin care routine and schedule your annual skin assessment at one of our locations in Indiana, Iowa, Michigan or Wisconsin.  Healthy skin is your first line of defense against disease and the team at Forefront Dermatology can help you be autumn ready.

About Forefront Dermatology

Forefront Dermatology is the best dermatology practice in the United States with numerous convenient locations. We diagnose and treat skin cancer and all diseases of the skin, hair and nails; such as acne, warts, rashes, rosacea, skin cancer, psoriasis, eczema, and mole and cyst removal. With a diverse group of dermatologists, we are able to provide patients timely access to a diverse collection of expertise, such as Mohs micrographic skin cancer surgery, dermatopathology and pediatric dermatology. In addition to our medical expertise, our experienced dermatologists also offer the latest cosmetic procedures to help revitalize and rejuvenate your skin, such as cosmetic filler treatments with Dysport, Juvederm and Radiesse as well as Botox. We also offer a wide variety of chemical peels that allow us to tailor a treatment that is right for your specific skin condition. Your skin is the largest organ of the body, protecting you from many environmental stresses. Leave it to our team of experts and the best dermatology in your neighborhood to help keep your skin healthy and looking its best. We encourage you to browse our website for information on our locations, dermatologists and treatment options. Did you like this post? Please leave a comment below. Join our online communities on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and LinkedIn.

Psoriasis Treatments and Resources

If you’re one of the more than 7 million Americans that have psoriasis, you’re likely wondering about your treatment options. Can you manage it yourself? What’s the best way to treat a flare-up? Can you prevent future flare-ups? Should you see a dermatologist? Does lifestyle play a role? These are all important questions when living and dealing with psoriasis on a daily basis. To help you navigate the complex world of psoriasis treatment, we’ve organized a list that highlights a variety of options. You may find that a combination of things work best to calm your psoriasis flare-ups, remove scales, encourage skin healing and soothe dry, itchy skin.

Try Over-The-Counter Treatments

Topical treatments that you can buy without a doctor’s prescription are readily available at your local drugstore. They come in a variety of forms. Two active ingredients, salicylic acid and coal tar, are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as psoriasis treatment options.

Moisturize Often

Moisturizing helps relieve the itching, dryness, redness, soreness and scaling associated with psoriasis. Use fragrance-free products to minimize additional skin irritation.

Enjoy The Sunshine

Soaking up UV rays two or three times a week can help soothe, improve, or even heal psoriasis lesions. Be sure to apply sunscreen to the skin not affected by psoriasis.

Manage Stress

Research suggests stress can trigger psoriasis and increase itching. Incorporating stress-relieving techniques into your daily routine, along with a healthy diet and exercise can help relax both your skin and mind.

Maintain A Healthy Weight

Some studies suggest that overweight people with psoriasis who lose weight may experience a decrease in their psoriasis symptoms.

See Your Dermatologist

Forefront Dermatology is home to Dermatologists who specialize in psoriasis treatment. Be open with your doctor. Talk to him or her about your daily struggles and ask about your treatment options. Your dermatologist can prescribe medications beyond what you can purchase over the counter. These medications can include steroids, biologics, immunosuppressant drugs, and oral retinoids.

About Forefront Dermatology

Forefront Dermatology is the best dermatology practice in the United States with numerous convenient locations. We diagnose and treat skin cancer and all diseases of the skin, hair and nails; such as acne, warts, rashes, rosacea, skin cancer, psoriasis, eczema, and mole and cyst removal. With a diverse group of dermatologists, we are able to provide patients timely access to a diverse collection of expertise, such as Mohs micrographic skin cancer surgery, dermatopathology and pediatric dermatology. In addition to our medical expertise, our experienced dermatologists also offer the latest cosmetic procedures to help revitalize and rejuvenate your skin, such as cosmetic filler treatments with Dysport, Juvederm and Radiesse as well as Botox. We also offer a wide variety of chemical peels that allow us to tailor a treatment that is right for your specific skin condition. Your skin is the largest organ of the body, protecting you from many environmental stresses. Leave it to our team of experts and the best dermatology in your neighborhood to help keep your skin healthy and looking its best. We encourage you to browse our website for information on our locations, dermatologists and treatment options. Did you like this post? Please leave a comment below. Join our online communities on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and LinkedIn.

Protect yourself against skin cancer.

Our mission here at Forefront Dermatology includes a commitment to keeping you aware and informed about your skin, your skin health and its role in your overall health. That’s what we mean when we say, “We’re About Education.” And when it comes to educating you about your skin and its role in your general health, skin cancer is perhaps the most important topic to cover.  One in five Americans will develop skin cancer during their lifetime. That’s a lot of people, with more than two million diagnosed each year. Like most cancers, the key to getting effective treatment for skin cancer is early detection. But prevention is always the first step, because your best protection against skin cancer is to avoid it altogether. To prevent skin cancer, always take these simple measures:

• Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, especially during the heat of the day (10am to 4pm).
• Wear sunscreen, SPF 30 and above, reapply it every two hours and again after getting out of the water (even if it is “waterproof”).
• Wear protective clothing and sunglasses.
• Don’t use tanning beds.

Of course, even preventive measures can’t fully protect you from skin cancer, particularly resulting from exposure before prevention was on your mind. The key to better outcomes, and even life-saving treatment, is to detect skin cancer early, when there is still time to make a difference. Specifically, early detection starts with skin self-exams, for which Forefront Dermatology’s specialists suggest you set aside time each month to closely look at your skin. Here are some important tips for conducting a comprehensive self-exam:

• Use a mirror to see all areas of your body.
• Ask a spouse or friend to help. They provide that extra set of eyes and monthly motivation to keep you doing the exams.
• Conduct your exam in a well-lit area for easier visibility.
• Look closely at all areas of your body… between your toes, behind your ears, under your arms, on your scalp and on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet.
• Keep a “body log” to track birthmarks, moles, brown spots and blemishes so you can easily identify changes or new areas that develop.

If you find a lesion that looks suspicious, make an appointment to see your Forefront Dermatologist as soon as possible. But also remember that self-exams are only part of the equation. You should have regular professional skin examinations by a dermatologist every year. Only dermatologists have the training and experience to properly diagnose skin cancers, and they have the keen eye — and proper equipment — to spot problem areas early, when they are quite small and more effectively treated.

Living the compassion by changing lives, four paws at a time.

At Forefront Dermatology, compassion is at the center of everything we do. We bring empathy to the care of each individual who comes to see us, and passion for helping others is a shared trait among our entire staff. Take Joe Swetich, for example. Joe Swetich is our human resources manager. In that pivotal role, Joe is directly involved in all aspects of our personnel, from hiring and benefits to helping develop our staff into the highly capable professionals your care demands. At the same time, Joe’s compassion and desire to positively affect lives extends beyond our offices and his role here. That’s because Joe dedicates much of his free time to saving, caring for and finding homes for dogs. A founding member of N.E.W. PAWSibilities in Oshkosh, Joe donates his time to this self-sustaining rescue group after hours and on weekends. In 2011, he and three friends wanted to start a dog-rescue organization that was different from the other groups out there. “We wanted to focus our energies on the dogs,” says Joe, whose work for the group is voluntary. “We wanted to be self-sustaining, and we didn’t want to engage in fundraising every weekend.” Two and a half years later, the undertaking has proved to be a success. N.E.W. PAWSibilities is self-sustaining, thanks to income from doggy-daycare, boarding, grooming services, pet supplies and accessories. In addition, Joe and his colleagues were also successful in their desire to run a different kind of dog rescue. “It’s not ‘doggie jail,’” he says. “All the dogs are in a group setting, out playing all day long, and they have free rein to come and go inside or out. There is a lot of socialization… between the dogs themselves and between the dogs and our volunteers.” At any given time, N.E.W. PAWSibilities has some 40 to 45 dogs, which mainly come either from owners who can no longer keep their dogs, or from “high-kill” shelters out of state. The group is also successful in being able to find dogs new homes quickly, with most dogs sticking around for just 2 to 3 weeks. They find homes for dogs through their own website (www.NewPawsibilities.com), their Facebook page and their page on PetFinder.com. “When you see people coming back a year or so down the road with their adopted dog, it’s very exciting and rewarding,” says Joe. “The dogs are healthy and happy, and the families are happy. You really see the love, and that’s all you need.”

Birthmark Types and Treatments

When should you have a birthmark removed?

Birthmark removal can be a very important treatment, both cosmetically and medically. There are many types of birthmarks. Most birthmarks are the result of either a concentration of blood vessels or extra pigment. What causes these to take place is unknown. Some commonly known types of birthmarks are port wine stains and hemangiomas, which are called vascular birthmarks. Moles and café-au-lait spots are called pigmented birthmarks. Birthmarks can be undesirable but sometimes the best decision is to just learn to live with it and call it a beauty mark. Other times, a birthmark can mean much more than that and it’s time to consult a dermatologist.

Reasons for Birthmark Removal

Most birthmarks do not pose serious health risks or require treatment. Many fade with time and only require observation. However, parents of infants and children with birthmarks can have great concern, especially when the birthmark is very large or in a visible location. More severe birthmarks can affect a person’s physical appearance to the point where there is potential for negative emotional and psychological ramifications, like low self-esteem and self-confidence. In some cases, birthmarks can lead to other medical complications and cause serious health issues. A dermatologist can determine whether a birthmark requires treatment or not. The American Academy of Dermatology highly encourages “concerned parents of infants or children with birthmarks to see a dermatologist to rule out any underlying conditions or medical problems that could be linked to them.”

Birthmark Removal Treatment Options

Today there are a number of very safe and effective treatments for birthmark removal, even for infants and children. Many experience good results with beta-blockers. Propranolol is a beta-blocker that is taken orally and Timolol is a topical beta-blocker that is applied directly to the skin. Both of these are beneficial in both diminishing the birthmark and halting further growth. Another highly effective treatment makes use of advanced laser technology – a pulsed dye laser is used to treat the birthmark. Sometimes Corticosteroids are used on birthmarks in a specific stage of growth. They can be either taken orally or injected directly into the birthmark. Surgery to remove a birthmark is not often needed, but it can be recommended by a dermatologist in some cases. These are a few of the treatments we provide for birthmark removal. At Forefront Dermatology, we specialize in skin health for the entire family, from infants to all stages of adulthood.

About Forefront Dermatology

Forefront Dermatology is the best dermatology practice in the United States with numerous convenient locations. We diagnose and treat skin cancer and all diseases of the skin, hair and nails; such as acne, warts, rashes, rosacea, skin cancer, psoriasis, eczema, and mole and cyst removal. With a diverse group of dermatologists, we are able to provide patients timely access to a diverse collection of expertise, such as Mohs micrographic skin cancer surgery, dermatopathology and pediatric dermatology. In addition to our medical expertise, our experienced dermatologists also offer the latest cosmetic procedures to help revitalize and rejuvenate your skin, such as cosmetic filler treatments with Dysport, Juvederm and Radiesse as well as Botox. We also offer a wide variety of chemical peels that allow us to tailor a treatment that is right for your specific skin condition. Your skin is the largest organ of the body, protecting you from many environmental stresses. Leave it to our team of experts and the best dermatology in your neighborhood to help keep your skin healthy and looking its best. We encourage you to browse our website for information on our locations, dermatologists and treatment options. Did you like this post? Please leave a comment below. Join our online communities on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Reasons to get Botox

“Should I get Botox?”

That is the question many people ask themselves at some point. When pondering this decision, it is natural to question the risks versus the benefits. Although Botox was approved by the FDA 12 years ago, if you’ve never had a Botox treatment, it can still seem like a rather mysterious procedure. Botox is something we hear and read about often in the media in connection with celebrities. We’re presented with comparison photos of famous faces, accompanied by the looming question of whether they did or didn’t. It used to be that those who got Botox were very apprehensive to admitting so.  Those days are gone with the rising popularity of ‘Lunch Break Botox’ and Botox Parties. Botox is actually something called ”botulinum toxin type A.” It is one of the current injectable products made available for cosmetic and medical use. Very small amounts are injected into the area being treated. It works by blocking nerves and relaxing the muscle activity in a specific area. Possible side effects are minimal and there is little to no recovery time involved. You can see the cosmetic results almost immediately; however, they are temporary. It has become one of the most popular cosmetic treatments in the United States today.

Botox for the Face

The most common reason for using Botox is that it provides a minimally invasive way to effectively address the signs of aging.  The most common area for Botox is the face, often focusing on wrinkles such as frown lines and “crow’s feet”. The use of Botox has had some negative effects. It has been associated with a frozen or expressionless look, when used in the facial area. However, since 2002 there has been consistent improvement in both products and procedural expertise. So thanks to constant advancement in this field, you can expect results that are extremely subtle and natural-looking.

Not Just for Wrinkles

A little-known fact is that Botox is effective for much more than holding on to our youthful appearance! Research has shown that botulinum toxin can successfully treat a wide variety of medical conditions, including:

• Migraine headaches
• Severe underarm sweating
• Overactive bladder / urinary incontinence
• Excessive squinting, blinking, lazy eye and crossed eyes
• Cervical dystonia (a neuromuscular disorder of the head and neck)
• Some neurological conditions, such as cerebral palsy

If you are considering Botox treatments for cosmetic or medical use, the most important thing to remember is that it can be both safe and effective when you are in the care of an experienced doctor. A trained dermatologist will review your medical history, explain in detail any risk factors involved, advise on the desired results, and work with you in deciding the best course of action. At Forefront Dermatology we are happy to answer all of your questions about Botox . We are here to help you make informed decisions on all aspects your skin’s health!

About Forefront Dermatology

Forefront Dermatology is the best dermatology practice in the United States with numerous convenient locations. We diagnose and treat skin cancer and all diseases of the skin, hair and nails; such as acne, warts, rashes, rosacea, skin cancer, psoriasis, eczema, and mole and cyst removal. With a diverse group of dermatologists, we are able to provide patients timely access to a diverse collection of expertise, such as Mohs micrographic skin cancer surgery, dermatopathology and pediatric dermatology. In addition to our medical expertise, our experienced dermatologists also offer the latest cosmetic procedures to help revitalize and rejuvenate your skin, such as cosmetic filler treatments with Dysport, Juvederm and Radiesse as well as Botox. We also offer a wide variety of chemical peels that allow us to tailor a treatment that is right for your specific skin condition. Your skin is the largest organ of the body, protecting you from many environmental stresses. Leave it to our team of experts and the best dermatology in your neighborhood to help keep your skin healthy and looking its best. We encourage you to browse our website for information on our locations, dermatologists and treatment options. Did you like this post? Please leave a comment below. Join our online communities on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and LinkedIn.

Doctors Shed Light on Melanoma, the Most Dangerous Form of Skin Cancer

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and as part of Forefront Dermatology’s public education campaign about this deadly form of skin cancer, a few of our dermatologists in Michigan appeared on television to discuss the dangers associated with melanoma and how to best to protect against it. In Grand Rapids, doctors Diana Castanon and Dara Spearman were featured on ABC 13’s Take 5 & Company show. In Marquette, Dr. Jennifer Baldwin was featured on ABC 10 News. Both of these interviews discussed how important it is to wear sunscreen with a minimum protection of SPF 30 to protect against the sun’s deadly rays, even on overcast days as UV rays can penetrate clouds and damage skin. In addition to these preventative steps, it’s important to visit a dermatologist at least once a year for a skin cancer screening and catch the warning signs before it’s too late. Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer because of how quickly it spreads from the skin to surrounding organs. All Forefront Dermatology offices offer skin cancer screenings. To make an appointment at the office located near you call (855) 535-7175.

About Forefront Dermatology

Forefront Dermatology is the best dermatology practice in the United States with numerous convenient locations. We diagnose and treat skin cancer and all diseases of the skin, hair and nails; such as acne, warts, rashes, rosacea, skin cancer, psoriasis, eczema, and mole and cyst removal. With a diverse group of dermatologists, we are able to provide patients timely access to a diverse collection of expertise, such as Mohs micrographic skin cancer surgery, dermatopathology and pediatric dermatology. In addition to our medical expertise, our experienced dermatologists also offer the latest cosmetic procedures to help revitalize and rejuvenate your skin, such as cosmetic filler treatments with Dysport, Juvederm and Radiesse as well as Botox. We also offer a wide variety of chemical peels that allow us to tailor a treatment that is right for your specific skin condition. Your skin is the largest organ of the body, protecting you from many environmental stresses. Leave it to our team of experts and the best dermatology in your neighborhood to help keep your skin healthy and looking its best. We encourage you to browse our website for information on our locations, dermatologists and treatment options. Did you like this post? Please leave a comment below. Join our online communities on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and LinkedIn.