Top 6 Rash-inducing Plants

A pleasant walk in your yard, a park or the woods can turn unpleasant quickly if you come in contact with rash-inducing plants and weeds. Learn to identify these plants so that you can eradicate or avoid them.

Poison Ivy
Poison Ivy
Poison Ivy

Poison ivy can be found across the entire United States. You can come into contact with it while hiking in the woods, but it grows virtually everywhere — roadsides, fences, weedy areas. Poison ivy leaves grow in clusters of three on vines that can grow up into trees and trail along the ground. The sap of the poison ivy plant is what causes an allergic reaction and can be found in all parts of the plant. Classic signs of poison ivy include swelling, redness, itching and painful blisters.


Poison Oak
Poison Oak
Poison Oak

Poison oak has nothing to do with the oak tree but is named for a similar leaf shape. Like poison ivy, poison oak is found throughout the United States, and it grows in forests and woods as well as in dry spots like sandy fields. In spring, the leaves can be red or green. During the summer, leaves are green and the plant grows berries while in fall the leaves turn red and orange. Poison oak rash is most likely to appear around your wrists, ankles and neck where the skin is thinner.

Poison Sumac
Poison Sumac
Poison Sumac

Poison sumac is actually a shrub. The stalk has a reddish hue, and its flower is yellow. Poison sumac likes wetter environments: it’s found near stream banks, ponds, and other wetlands. Like poison ivy and poison oak, poison sumac can cause contact dermatitis, and therefore the symptoms and treatment are the same.

Wood Nettle
Wood Nettle
Wood Nettle

The wood nettle, found at the bottom of streams, rivers, or forests, is actually an herb. The leaves, which are either purple or green, stand straight up and have hairs that stick straight out. These hairs are the stingers and if you come in contact with them they will penetrate your skin. Contact with wood nettle typically results in reddish, itchy welts.

Stinging Nettle
Stinging Nettle
Stinging Nettle

The stinging nettle is another herb with stinging hairs. It grows throughout the United States and can be found close to mountain and within, or near, forests. Resembling a tall weed, the stinging nettle has either pink or salmon-colored flowers that are shaped like hearts. The stinging hairs are found on the leaves and stems. Just as its name suggests, stinging nettles cause tingling, inflammation and pain.

Ragweed
Ragweed
Ragweed

While ragweed is a common cause for seasonal sinus allergies, what is not so widely known is that ragweed can also cause skin rashes if you touch them. These plants are often found in rural areas and open spaces that get plenty of sunlight. Coming in contact with ragweed may result in an itchy, painful rash that is usually comprised of small bumps and blisters.

Prevention

Preventing these uncomfortable skin reactions involves some common sense steps.

  • When gardening, doing yard work or going for a hike, cover as much skin as you can. Wearing gardening gloves can prevent many plant materials from piercing your skin. Long pants and sleeves can also prevent accidental contact with low lying plants like the ones previously listed.
  • Avoid touching your face and eyes when working with outdoor plants.
  • Look before you take your next step especially if you are hiking in the woods.

In trouble?

If you have come in contact with any skin irritating plants wash the area thoroughly with plenty of running water and soap. Use an over-the-counter steroid cream and antihistamines, if needed, to control itching and irritation.  If these steps do not control your symptoms, or if symptoms worsen, the skin health experts at Forefront Dermatology are ready to help. To find the Forefront dermatologist nearest you, visit the locations page today.

Are you UV Smart?

July is UV Safety Awareness Month and our skin is the most UV-affected area on our body. While our skin spends every day protecting us against heat, dehydration, sunlight, injury and infection, some of us don’t consider protecting our skin to be of importance.

According to Dr. Abigail Donnelly, board-certified dermatologist with Forefront Dermatology, “Time and time again, research has proven that protecting our skin is key to preventing skin cancer. Harmful UV rays from both the sun and indoor tanning beds can cause many other complications besides skin cancer – including eye problems, a weakened immune system, accelerated aging and wrinkles.”

Protect Your Skin

There are simple, everyday steps you can take to protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun’s UV rays.

  • Wear proper clothing that will protect your skin from the harmful UV rays. Protective clothing includes long-sleeved shirts and pants, a wide-brimmed hat that covers your face and neck, and UV-resistant sunglasses. UPF protective fabrics are now widely available and provide long-lasting sun protection that doesn’t sweat, rub or wash off. Remember, you can fall victim to sun damage on a cloudy day as well as in the winter, so dress accordingly year round.
  • Avoiding sunburns significantly decreases one’s lifetime risk of developing skin cancer. It is especially important to remember that just five blistering sunburns can increase a child’s risk of developing melanoma by 80 percent.
  • Stay out of the sun, if possible, when the sun’s UV rays are their strongest – 10am to 4pm. Use extra caution when near reflective surfaces, like water, snow, and sand. Even the windows of a building can reflect the damaging rays of the sun. The reflection from any of these common occurrences can increase your chance of sunburn, even if you’re in what you consider a shady spot.
  • Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen generously to cover all exposed skin. Broad-spectrum sunscreen protects against overexposure to UVA and UVB rays. Remember to reapply sunscreen throughout the day and after being in the water or sweating. Just because a sunscreen claims to be water resistant does not mean you can slack on reapplication. Water resistant sunscreen means the SPF within the sunscreen can be maintained for up to 40 minutes while swimming or sweating. It is important to dry off and reapply often for continued protection.

Protect Your Eyes

While the skin may be the body’s largest organ, your eyes are the second most UV-affected organ. According to PreventBlindess.org, overexposure to UV rays can lead to vision loss, cataracts, corneal sunburns and even skin cancer of the eyelids. To protect your vision, wear a wide-brimmed hat that keeps your face and eyes shaded from the sun at most angles. Sunglasses should also be worn to protect your eyes. Choose a pair that reduces glare, filters UV rays and wraparound to protect your eyes from most directions. According to PreventBlindness.org, it is important to read sunglasses labels to make sure it clearly states it blocks 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays.

Use the UV Index Scale

When planning your outdoor activities, you can decide how much sun protection you need by checking the UV Index Level. This index measures the daily intensity of UV rays from the sun on a scale of 1 to 11. A low UV index requires minimal protection, whereas a high UV index requires maximum protection.

Be Proactive

Regardless of whether the sun is shining or clouds are hovering, be proactive and apply sunscreen daily. While sunscreen is a great tool, ultimately the best prevention for skin cancer will always be getting your annual skin screening. Early detection saves lives and the skin health experts at Forefront Dermatology are ready to help. To schedule your annual screening find the Forefront dermatologist nearest you, visit the locations page today.

 

Lyme Disease and Your Skin

Tick season is in full swing this summer, increasing your risk of developing Lyme disease. Lyme disease is spread by the bite of the Ixodes tick, usually no bigger than a pinhead. Because a tick is so tiny and its bite is generally painless, the tick is often hard to detect. Unfortunately, if not promptly diagnosed and treated, Lyme disease can cause serious problems involving the eyes, heart, joints and nervous system.

The number of cases of Lyme disease has been on the rise since 1990. The US saw an increase from around 8,000 cases in 1990 to over 39,000 in 2009. The states with the highest number of cases are Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

Your Skin is the First Indicator

Lyme disease is caused when a tick passes on the spirochete bacteria known as Borrelia through its bite. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevent, 70 to 80 percent of infected people develop a round red rash, called erythema migrans, in one or multiple areas on the body within 3 to 30 days of the tick detaching from the skin.  The rash may be solid red, clear centrally as it expands, forming a ring, or may have multiple concentric rings called a “bulls-eye” appearance. The rash is commonly about four inches across when seen, but may cover large areas of the body. The rash can last for a few days or for more than a month and may be painless or can feel painful, itchy or hot to the touch.

LYME-DISEASE-DIAGRAMOther early symptoms of Lyme disease include flu-like symptoms, low-grade fever, fatigue, headaches and muscle or joint aches and pains. Later stages of the disease don’t develop until weeks or many months later. Many complications can follow an untreated case of Lyme disease. These include meningitis (stiff neck, headaches, vomiting, fever), Bell’s palsy (paralysis of part of the face), heart block and irregular heartbeats, painful joints, muscles and bones.  Lyme disease is diagnosed based on symptoms, physical exam with your dermatologist and probability of exposure to infected ticks.  Laboratory testing can be helpful, but only if used and interpreted correctly and performed with validated methods.  Early treatment typically consists of orally administered antibiotics.

Be Proactive

If you are experiencing a suspicious rash and aren’t sure what the underlying cause is, the skin health experts at Forefront Dermatology are ready to help.  To find the Forefront dermatologist nearest you, visit our locations page today.

Cosmetic Treatments for Acne Scarring

Whether you suffered from acne as a teen or in adulthood, it can sometimes lead to unfortunate acne scarring. Not everyone will experience acne scars, but it is more common in individuals who have inflammatory acne (which penetrates deeper in the skin), pop or pick pimples, or have a family history of acne scars.

According to the American Academy for Dermatology, as we age acne scars often become more apparent because our skin begins to lose collagen. Safe and effective treatments are available for acne scars, but a consultation is first needed. During the consultation, a board-certified dermatologist will examine your skin to determine the best treatment plan for your type of acne scars.

According to Dr. Victoria Negrete, board-certified dermatologist for Forefront Dermatology, “there are three types of cosmetic procedures that are the most effective in reducing acne scars – microneedling, chemical peels and fractional resurfacing lasers.”

Microneedling

Microneedling is also known as collagen induction therapy and is commonly used to improve tone and texture, surface scarring (such as acne scars) and treat fine wrinkles. This treatment uses fine needles to create hundreds of tiny, invisible puncture wounds in the top layer of the skin. It may sound painful, but the treatment is virtually painless and incredibly effective. “Microneedling stimulates your skin’s natural ability to heal itself. In the process, it produces more collagen and elastin resulting in a thicker skin and softened acne scars,” stated Dr. Negrete, “the healing process begins right away and the downtime is minimal.” For best results, it is recommended that microneedling be performed in a series of treatments over time.

Chemical Peels

Think of your skin in layers. Underneath the surface of your skin is a flawless complexion just waiting to be revealed – a chemical peel is the fastest way to it. A chemical peel helps remove dull surface cells, improve fine lines, acne scars and discoloration. According to Dr. Negrete, “After the solution is applied to your skin, the acid starts to help shed the top layer of your skin causing the living skin cells below it to multiply and move to the surface. The result is an increase in collagen production and smoother, more radiant skin.” After a consultation with your local dermatologist, the right peel can be determined to help soften the scars from acne. For example, a glycolic acid peel dives deep into the skin to help unclog pores and fade your acne scars.

Fractional Resurfacing Laser

There are several types of fractional resurfacing lasers including Fraxel, Halo and Pixel. These lasers work best for patients under 50 with mild to moderate acne scarring. During this type of treatment, the laser creates tiny “pixels” deep into the skin which, during the natural skin repair process, causes the skin to push out the old, damaged skin cells. Each treatment replaces about 15 to 20 percent of the scarred skin with healthy new cells and collagen. Although fractional resurfacing laser treatments are not painful during the procedure they do cause slight discomfort after the numbing cream wears off. Redness can also occur over a 24 to 72 hour period. Dr. Negrete mentions, “It is important understand that fractionated laser treatments should be performed in a series of treatments. It is typical for a patient to need anywhere from 2 to 4 treatments for optimal results.”

Struggling with Acne Scars?

If you struggle with your acne scars and would like to find relief, the skin health experts at Forefront Dermatology are here to help. Find your nearest provider and schedule your acne scar consultation today.

10 Common Causes for Acne Breakouts

Acne can happen at any age, and specifically as adults we often wonder why we are experiencing acne. “Acne is for kids”, says adult acne sufferers. Unfortunately that’s not the case, but since prevention is the key it’s best to be aware of the common causes that could lead to your acne breakouts.

1. Have you cleaned your cell phone recently?

Cleaning your cell phone is probably not the first thing you think to do. We are all guilty of skipping this from time to time.  Think about it for a second though – you rest your phone right about against the side of your face. Then maybe your arms get tired so you switch it to the other side. You have taken that bacteria-covered cell phone and spread bacteria all over your face potentially causing future breakouts.  The oils from makeup and our skin unknowingly accumulate on our cell phones. If you are seeing breakouts happening on your cheek or jaw, your cellphone could be the possible cause.

2. When was the last time you washed your pillowcase?

Just like a cell phone collects your skin oils and dead skin cells so can your pillow case. Regularly washing your pillow case as well as sleeping on your back can help eliminate acne caused during sleep. Specifically sleeping on your back can keep pores open and refreshed, preventing angry breakouts and flare-ups the next day.

3. Are you eating a balanced diet, or is it heavy on the processed food?

Foods that cause your blood sugar to rise quickly boost your insulin levels. Too much insulin can trigger changes in your body that in turn boost the activity of oil producing glands. According to a study by the American Journal of Nutrition, you may have fewer breakouts if you add more whole grains, beans and veggies to your diet while cutting back on the pasta, white rice, white bread and sugar.

4. Do you touch your face a lot?

You may think you don’t touch your face often, but do you ever subconsciously touch it throughout the day? Maybe rest your chin in your hand or rub your hands on your face if you are tired? Take some time throughout your day and try to pay attention to the amount of times you touch your face. Touching your face all day quickly makes it the dirtiest part of your body.  It is important to not only wash your hands, but your face.

5. Are you often times stressed out?

Stress not only affects acne flare-up, but also worsens your overall skin health. It is common for stress to cause your skin to produce more oil. The best solution is to find a daily stress reliever that works for you. For some it may be doing yoga or reading a book and for others just getting a relaxing night’s sleep will help reduce those stress levels.

6. Are you washing your face before bed?

Oil on the skin makes for a breeding ground of bacteria, and bacteria will cause blemishes. Sleeping with not only your makeup on, but also the addition of oil, dirt and debris that has built up on the skin during the day, can trigger new acne breakouts.

7. Have you traveled recently?

Whether traveling to a destination with different weather than your hometown, or just flying in an airplane, the change in humidity levels and lack of normal water intake can throw your skin health off balance. Humidity levels can cause skin to get extremely dry. The dry cells cause a buildup resulting in post-travel breakouts.

8. Did you pop a pimple lately?

If you did, then don’t complain if you experience more acne breakouts or even a scar. It’s impossible to pick your own pimple and not make a red mark. When you pop a pimple you run the risk of pushing the bacteria deeper or spreading it around underneath your skin, multiplying your pimples.

9. Are your clothes a little tight?

Have you been wearing a hat or maybe a fitted shirt lately? Anything that can trap sweat and bacteria against your skin can clog your pores and develop pimples. If you must wear a hat or fitted shirt try to pick a material that is moisture wicking to help pull the sweat away from your skin. Ideally though, it is best to wear lose-fitting clothing and regularly wash your skin with a cleansing product.

10. Are you pregnant?

Many women commonly experience acne during the first and second trimesters of their pregnancy. An increase in hormones can cause the glands in your skin to produce more oil and bacteria causing clogged pores. Studies have shown that women who were prone to acne breakouts during their menstrual periods have a greater chance of pregnancy acne. No fear though, your breakouts will most likely clear once your hormones return to normal.

 

Still Struggling?

Determining and treating the underlying cause to acne breakouts isn’t always as easy one would think. If you, or your child, are struggling from acne the skin health experts at Forefront Dermatology are ready to help. To find the Forefront dermatologist nearest you, visit the locations page today.

Acne at Any Age

Acne, unfortunately, can affect people of all ages. So why does acne affect everyone differently? What causes a pimple is pretty much the same regardless of how old you are. When you combine the skin’s oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria, a pore becomes plugged and a pimple appears. Some are small and near the surface, and go away pretty quickly, where others are deeper in the skin, more painful, and tend to take a while to disappear.

Beyond the basics of what causes acne, there are two big factors that affect your odds of getting acne at any age:

Family History: If your mom and/or dad had acne, you are very likely to develop it as well in your teens. If they suffered from acne as adults as well, your likelihood of experiencing it in adulthood also increases.

Hormones: When hormones surge—which happens during adolescence and during pregnancy—breakouts become more likely. This is a primary reason why, for many people, acne improves after their teenage years and after pregnancy. Your hormones have leveled off and no longer fuel those bad breakouts.

Acne Prevention is Key

While genetics and hormones are contributing factors of acne, there are other factors at play – most of which are preventable. Using cosmetics that are not oil-free may clog pores. Friction caused by a hat, tight-fitting clothing, backpacks or even constant touching of your skin, can also worsen acne.

If you’re an adult dealing with acne, chances are your dry skin may be an underlying cause. As we age, our skin loses the ability to retain moisture, causing dry skin which ultimately can lead to clogged pores – a true domino effect.

Diet also plays a role in acne breakouts. To help prevent future acne breakouts, try to reduce or eliminate dairy and high glycemic foods while focusing more on fruits, vegetables and lean proteins.

Lastly, regardless of your age, if you are picking or squeezing blemishes you need to stop. Popping pimples spreads bacteria and increases inflammation often leading to more breakouts and acne scarring.

Get in a Routine

The best acne treatment for teens and adults starts with a proper skin care regimen. It is important to incorporate regular cleansing of your body, especially after sweating, and the use of oil-free products, like makeup and moisturizer, to help keep your skin oil free and moisturized.

When breakouts do happen, you have a variety of acne treatments to choose from.  When looking for a product, choose ones that include the following ingredients:

  • Salicylic Acid: a master exfoliator, it helps get rid of the dead skin cells
  • Benzoyl Peroxide: effective at killing acne-causing bacteria
  • Glycolic Acid: exfoliates the skin and helps remove oil and dirt on the skin

While it’s tempting to take a “more is better” approach by using a lot of products, doing so may likely over-dry your skin, which can make acne worse. Start with one product and allow it time to treat your acne breakouts.

5 Things You Need to Know About Shingles

Many of you may have heard the term shingles, but might not actually know what it is. Let’s start out by reliving our childhood. Remember when you had chicken pox? A good way to define shingles is that it’s the ghost of chicken pox past. It’s a viral infection that stays behind after chicken pox, lying dormant in your nerve tissue. Shingles occurs when the varicella-zoster virus (the same one that causes chicken pox) reactivates itself. Here are five important facts you need to know about shingles:

1. On average, 1 in 3 people will develop shingles during their lifetime

According to the Center for Disease Control, an estimated one million cases of shingles occur each year in the United States. Anyone who’s ever had chicken pox is susceptible, but as we age our risk for shingles increases. Approximately half of the shingles cases occur after 60 years of age. Also, if you have a compromised immune system or are taking medications that suppress the immune system, you are at a greater risk of shingles. According to Dr. Victoria Negrete, board-certified dermatologist with Forefront Dermatology, “what triggers the shingles virus to reactivate is a mystery, but it is important to realize that any condition that impacts your immune system will increase that chance of reactivation.”

2. Shingles is apparent and painful

Shingles often starts with flu-like symptoms combined with a pain or tenderness. When the virus reactivates, it travels your nerves and develops into a painful, itchy, blistery rash in the area of skin around that particular nerve. The rash can wrap around the left or right side of your body, but can also appear on your face. Because the virus travels along your nerves, the pain associated with shingles can be mild to severe. People affected by shingles commonly refer to it as shooting pains or sensations that feel like your skin is ‘crawling’.

3. Shingles is not contagious, but…

If you are someone who never had chicken pox then it is technically possible for someone with shingles to spread it to you. Because the virus is the same as chicken pox, and chicken pox is highly contagious, your risk is higher. Studies have shown though that 99 percent of Americans had chickenpox in their youth, making the likelihood of spreading minimal.

4. Shingles has no cure

Just like the virus becomes dormant after chicken pox, the virus again goes dormant after shingles. Dr. Negrete states, “You can never eliminate this virus from your body. Although it is uncommon, there is always a chance you could get shingles more than once.”

5. There is a vaccine

Introduced in 2006, a vaccine known as Zostavax® was developed and FDA approved for use in the United States. Studies have shown that the vaccine reduces the risk of developing shingles by 51 percent. The vaccine is recommended for adults 60 years and older and lasts about 5 years. Even if you already developed shingles, it is suggested to receive the vaccine to help prevent any future occurrences.

Be Proactive

The reality of shingles is that the chance is always there, but the best prevention is maintaining a healthy immune system. Getting a good night’s sleep, eating a healthy, balanced diet and managing stress will all help in the prevention of shingles.

If you’re worried that you may have shingles, the skin health experts at Forefront Dermatology are ready to help.  To find the Forefront dermatologist nearest you, visit the locations page today.

UV Index: The Sun Safety Scale

The UV Index scale is a great tool to tell you how quickly sunburn can occur if you are not applying proper protection. The ultraviolet levels are measured on a daily basis by the National Weather Service and then are converted to a scale of exposure risks.

0-2: Low
A UV Index reading two or lower means there is a minimal risk of sunburn for the average person. At this level it is suggested to wear sunglasses, use broad spectrum sunscreen and watch out for bright surfaces like sand, water and snow which reflect UV rays, increasing your exposure. The time to burn can vary by skin type, but at a low UV level it is approximately 60 minutes.

3-5: Moderate
A UV Index reading between 3 and 5 means there is a moderate risk of sunburn for the average person. At this level it is suggested to seek shade between 10AM and 4PM when the sun’s rays are its strongest. Wearing protective clothing, including a hat and sunglasses, is a great way to limit exposure. Sunscreen should be applied every two hours, even on cloudy days, and reapplied after swimming or sweating. The time to burn can vary by skin type, but at a moderate UV level it is approximately 30 to 45 minutes.

UV INDEX CHART6-7: High
A UV Index reading 6 or 7 puts you at a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Following the steps from the moderate level is suggested. The time to burn can vary by skin type, but at a high UV level it is approximately 15 to 25 minutes.

8-10: Very High
A UV Index reading 8 to 10 puts you at a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Take extra precautions for both your skin and eyes because damage occurs quickly, typically within 15 minutes. Try to minimize your sun exposure during peak sun times, but if not possible then diligently apply and re-apply sunscreen and SPF lip balm.

11 or more: Extreme
A UV Index reading 11 or higher puts you in a very dangerous spot for sunburn with damage occurring in less than 10 minutes if unprotected. At this level it is best to avoid all sun exposure between 10AM and 4PM.

Find out the UV Index Level near you and protect yourself from damaging skin exposure. Research has shown that getting severe sunburn, just once every two years, can triple the risk of melanoma skin cancer.

Be Proactive
Remember, early detection saves lives and a simple, yearly in-office skin screening with your local board-certified Forefront Dermatologist can truly mean the difference between life and death. Contact us today to schedule your annual skin screening.

Sunscreen: Picking the Right One for You

Research has shown sunscreen use can help prevent skin cancer by protecting you from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Walk into any store and you will see an abundance of sunscreen options to choose from. It is important to understand not all sunscreens are created equal. There are three main areas to look for when considering which sunscreen to buy.

Broad-Spectrum Protection
Broad-spectrum sunscreen protects you against the two types of UV light harmful to your skin – UVA and UVB. UVA rays can prematurely age your skin, causing wrinkles and age spots, where UVB rays can burn your skin. Too much exposure to either type increases your risk of skin cancer.

Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher
SPF is a measure of how well the sunscreen protects against UVB rays – UVA protection is not currently rated. When applied correctly, a sunscreen with SPF 30 can block 97 percent of the sun’s rays. A higher number SPF blocks slightly more of the sun’s rays, but does not allow you to spend more time outside without reapplication. No sunscreen can block 100 percent of the sun’s rays.

Water Resistance
The term water resistant means the SPF within the sunscreen can be maintained for up to 40 minutes while swimming or sweating. Regardless, it is important to dry off and reapply often for continued protection.

While these three areas are crucial in deciding which sunscreen to choose it is also important to determine the type of application you need. Ultimately, it is a personal choice, but each comes with their own benefit:

• Creams work well if you have dry skin, especially on your face
• Lotions work well when needing to apply over a large area
• Gels work best in hairy areas such as the scalp or chest
• Sticks are useful in applying sunscreen around the eyes
• Sprays are useful to apply on children, but note that it can be difficult to tell how well you are applying.

Be Proactive
Remember, early detection saves lives and a simple, yearly in-office skin screening with your local board-certified Forefront Dermatologist can truly mean the difference between life and death. Contact us today to schedule your annual skin screening.

What to Expect During a Skin Cancer Screening

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, with 1 in 5 Americans developing it in their lifetime. Regular self-skin exams and a yearly skin cancer screening by your local dermatologist are crucial in finding the cancer early.

Not knowing what occurs in a skin screening can be a bit unnerving to a first timer. A typical skin cancer screening is a simple 10 minute appointment where a dermatologist examines your body looking for any areas of concern.

A skin cancer screening starts out with you changing into one those hospital style gowns we all know and love. Before the skin exam, your doctor will ask if you have any concern areas. Now is not the time to not be shy, point out any areas that you may have noticed changes in. According to Sean Pattee, MD, Board-Certified Dermatologist and Fellowship-Trained Mohs Surgeon with Forefront Dermatology, “the doctor will examine each part of your skin, and may use a special magnifying glass with a light—called a dermatoscope—to examine certain suspicious spots. If a suspicious lesion is identified, you may need a biopsy.”

A biopsy is a quick, simple procedure that helps diagnose the condition. A local anesthetic is applied and a small tissue sample is taken from the suspicious area. The sample is then sent to a pathology lab where results are determined. If the biopsy reveals skin cancer, the remainder of the growth will be removed at a later date.

Cryotherapy is another common and quick treatment that, if needed, is sometimes performed during a skin screening. A quick spray of liquid nitrogen is applied to a pre-cancerous lesion causing the tissue to freeze thus eliminating the need for any cutting.

Be Proactive
Remember, early detection saves lives and a simple, yearly in-office skin screening with your local board-certified Forefront Dermatologist can truly mean the difference between life and death. Contact us today to schedule your annual skin screening.