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How to Perform a Self-Skin Check

Skin cancer does not discriminate by age, gender or ethnicity. It is important to know the signs of skin cancer and perform a monthly self-skin check to spot potential malignancies early. According to Sean Pattee, MD, Board-Certified Dermatologist and Fellowship-Trained Mohs Surgeon with Forefront Dermatology, “while skin cancer can occur anywhere on your body, approximately 85% of cases are located on the head and neck – the most sun exposed area of your body year-round. As a dermatologist, when we educate our patients on examining their own skin, we commonly refer them to the ABCDE’s.”

MELANOMA-DETECTION

Asymmetry
Melanoma lesions are often irregular, or not symmetrical, in shape. A non-cancerous mole is typically symmetrical in shape. If you were to draw a line through the middle of a mole, the two halves should roughly match.

Border
Typically a non-cancerous mole will have smooth, even borders. Melanoma lesions usually have irregular boarders that are difficult to define.

Color
A non-cancerous mole is commonly a single shade of brown or tan. If there is a presence of more than one color, or uneven distribution of color this can be a warning sign of melanoma. Melanoma can occur in a variety of colors including brown, black, red, blue, or purple. These spots can be flat or raised and can bleed easily. Non-melanoma skin cancer, also known as basal and squamous cell carcinoma, typically appear as small, pearly, or pale bumps or as dark red patches that can be raised, flat or scaly in texture.

Diameter
Non-cancerous moles are typically smaller than malignant ones. If its diameter is greater than a pencil eraser, it may be a sign that it is growing or changing. Larger moles that have been stable for an extended period of time are not typically cause for concern; though continued observation is recommended.

Evolving
The evolution of a mole is the most important factor to consider when performing a self-skin check. This is why monthly checks are so important. If you know what is normal, you will easily be able to tell if it has grown, or evolved, overtime.

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.

Skin Cancer Facts

Let’s review some important facts about skin cancer. If you are ready to talk to a board certified dermatologist about your concerns, book an appointment with one of our cancer specialists.

Skin cancer is defined by two categories, melanoma and non-melanoma. Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer and is the most likely to grow and spread. While it can develop anywhere on the skin, Melanoma is more likely to start on the chest and back in men and on the legs in women. The neck and face are other common sites.

Melanoma Risk Factors

• Light-colored skin, hair and eyes
• People with moles or abnormal moles
• Excessive sun exposure
• History of sunburns
• Family history of skin cancer
• Weakened immune system
• Sunny or high-altitude climates

Non-melanoma cancer accounts for around 96% of all new cases of skin cancer each year. There are several sub-categories of skin cancers that fall under the general term non-melanoma, but the most common are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. These cancers are most often found in areas exposed to the sun, such as the head, neck and arms. While very common, they are also usually very treatable.

FACT: Skin Cancer is More Common than You Think

Each year there are more new cases of skin cancer than combined cases of breast, prostate, lung and colon cancer. Research has estimated that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. According to the American Cancer Society, about 3.3 million basal and squamous cell skin cancers are diagnosed in America each year with an estimated 87,000 new cases of melanoma predicted for 2017.

FACT: Skin Cancer Does Not Discriminate

One of the most important facts about skin cancer is that skin cancer knows no boundaries. While your chance of getting melanoma does increase as you get older, melanoma is also one of the most common cancers in young adults ages 25 to 29. There are certain factors that can increase your risk, but even if none of these apply to you it doesn’t mean you are safe.

FACT: Early Detection Saves Lives

Especially in the case of melanoma, early diagnosis can be the difference between life and death. According to American Cancer Society research, if melanoma is caught in stage one, the 5 year survival rate is 97% whereas, late detection survival rates can be as low at 15%. This is why monthly self-skin checks and yearly skin exams by your local dermatologist are important steps to help stop skin cancer in its tracks. If you spot an abnormal mole, don’t overlook it and don’t delay your appointment.

Can You Prevent Cancer?

There are steps you can take to reduce your risk! According to SkinCancer.org, about 90 percent of non-melanoma cancers are associated with exposure to UV radiation from the sun or tanning beds. It is important to properly, and regularly, apply sunscreen, seek shade while the sun’s UV rays are their strongest, and cover up with protective clothing.

Preventative measures should also start with infancy. Keep infants under the age of six months out of the sun. Infants over the age of six months should be wearing proper sunscreen and kept in shade. Just five blistering sunburns can increase a child’s risk of developing melanoma by 80 percent.

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.

Amazing Fun Facts About Your Skin

There’s a lot more to you skin than you might think. In addition to being your largest organ, your skin plays a vital role in detecting hot and cold, regulating your body temperature and protecting your muscles, bones and internal organs from outside infection and disease.

Download Infographic

Ringworm: What You Need to Know

After covering Rash 101, we thought it would be a good idea to cover another type of rash, ringworm. Although this could have been shortly covered in Rash 101, we felt it needs its own moment in the spotlight because of its common appearance in summer, and its level of contagiousness.

According to Andrea Garrett, MD, a board-certified Dermatologist with Forefront Dermatology in St. Louis, Missouri, “a common worry with ringworm is that you may immediately think you have worms, or this rash was caused by worms. In reality, neither is the case. Ringworm is actually a skin infection caused by a fungus. The name signifies the visual signs of this rash which includes a ring-shaped pattern that features a raised and scaly boarder.”

Ringworm has the ability to occur anywhere on your body. While the general name is ringworm, the area it is located on your body will change the name. If it occurs on your feet, it is athlete’s foot. If it occurs in your groin, it is known as jock itch. If it lands on your scalp, it is scalp ringworm.

How do you get Ringworm?

Ringworm can happen to anyone, anywhere. It is not a regional problem. Your chances increase though if you live in a tropical area, spend time in hot and humid weather, or sweat heavily. It is also more common for people who play contact sports including wrestling and football.

Ringworm is also possible to contract when you come in contact with an infected individual or animal that is carrying the skin infection. Ringworm is actually the most common skin disease seen in cattle, and is also seen in dogs and cats.

How can I prevent getting Ringworm?

According to the Mayo Clinic, the first step to prevention is education. Be aware of the signs, and make sure to teach children what to watch for and how to avoid it. Next, stay cool and dry. Avoid wearing thick clothing for long periods of time when the weather is warm and humid. Lastly, avoid sharing personal items. Sharing items such as clothing, towels and hairbrushes can spread ringworm.

Treatment is Key

Ringworm is an extremely contagious skin infection, and it is important that you prevent spreading it to others. Without treatment, the rash tends to grow and cover a larger area or possibly infect other areas of your body. If you suspect that you may have Ringworm, visit your local Forefront dermatologist for treatment. According to Dr. Garrett, “ringworm is typically treated with antifungal medicine like a cream, ointments or sprays. If it covers a large portion of your body, sometimes a prescription pill is necessary.”

Rash 101: The 5 Most Common Types of Skin Rashes

Skin rashes can occur because of a variety of factors including heat, infections, medications and environment stimulants. Here is a rundown of the most common types of skin rashes.

Atopic Dermatitis

atopic-dermatitis

Also known as Eczema, atopic dermatitis is a common skin disease in children. It is rare for adults to develop atopic dermatitis. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, 90% of people get atopic dermatitis before the age of 5. About 50% of people who get atopic dermatitis during childhood continue to have milder signs as an adult. If a child gets atopic dermatitis, it will show as dry and scaly patches, often located on the scalp, forehead and face. This type of rash is extremely itchy, but scratching can lead to skin infection. While treatment for atopic dermatitis cannot cure it, it can control it. Your local Forefront Dermatologist will work with you to create a treatment plan that often includes medicine, skincare and lifestyle changes.

Contact Dermatitis

contact-dermatitis
Contact Dermatitis

Another type of dermatitis is allergic contact dermatitis.  Contact dermatitis occurs when you come in contact with something that causes a reaction in the form of a rash. Common causes of contact dermatitis include poison ivy, nickel and rubber. Symptoms of contact dermatitis rarely appear on contact; it may take a few days for your skin to react. Signs of contact dermatitis include itchy, red, swollen skin, and oftentimes fluid-filled blisters.  For mild reactions, avoiding the allergen allows the rash to clear. For severe cases, please see your local Forefront Dermatologist for help.

Shingles

shingles
Shingles

The interesting fact about shingles is that anyone who has ever had chickenpox is susceptible to getting shingles. After chickenpox clears, the shingles virus stays in the body. If that virus is ever reactivated, the result is shingles. Unlike chickenpox where itching is common, pain is the common symptom with shingles. A shingles rash typically appears in groups of clear blisters and typically last 2 to 3 weeks. Shingles is most common in older adults. For individuals over the age of 50 there is a vaccine available that reduces the risk of developing shingles by 51 percent.

Swimmer’s Itch

swimmers-itch
Swimmers Itch

Common in spring and summer is swimmer’s itch. Swimmer’s itch, also known as cercarial dermatitis, is a rash that occurs after swimming in freshwater lakes or ponds. The rash is caused by an inflammatory reaction to microscopic parasites that originated with waterfowl. These parasites are released into the water when the bird lands in the water. Swimmer’s itch typically appears as reddish pimples or small blisters, with the skin usually feeling tingly, burning or itchy. Swimmer’s itch is not contagious and can be easily treated with corticosteroid creams. If itching is severe, please see your local Forefront Dermatologist for a treatment plan.

Pityriasis Rosea

Pityriasis-Rosea
Pityriasis Rosea

Pityriasis rosea, also known as the Christmas tree rash, most often occurs in the spring and fall. This common skin disease causes patches on the skin, typically starting with a larger patch, the mother “herald” patch, and spreading as smaller patches, daughter patches. Pityriasis rosea is typically seen in adolescents and young adults and is uncommon for those over 60 years old. The cause of pityriasis rosea is still unknown, but research shows it is not caused by an allergy, fungi or bacteria. It usually goes away without treatment, but rashes can last 6 to 8 weeks. If itching becomes unbearable, schedule an appointment with your local Forefront Dermatologist for a treatment plan.

When to Seek Treatment

To the untrained eye, all rashes may look alike and seem easily treatable with over-the-counter products, but according to Andrea Garrett, MD, a board-certified Dermatologist with Forefront Dermatology in St. Louis, Missouri, it is not always that simple. “Most rashes are not life-threatening, but some rashes can be a sign to something more serious. I recommend seeing your local Forefront Dermatologist if the rash is rapidly spreading, begins to blister, is painful, dusky or looks infected. The sooner you receive proper diagnosis, the more successful your treatment plan will be.”

Your Local Skincare Experts at Forefront Dermatology are Here to Help

If you have concerns about the health or appearance of your skin, schedule a visit with your local Forefront board-certified dermatologist or esthetician to discuss how we can help.

Top 3 Ways to Transition Your Skincare Routine to Spring

With every season comes change, and with spring upon us now is the time to change up your skincare regimen. With warmer temperatures it is common for skin to transition from dry to more oily.  Follow these steps and you are on your way to having healthy, beautiful skin by summertime.

1. Unclog those Pores!

During winter, the cold and wind tends to lead to dry skin. Sometimes, this can lead to the production of dry skin cells clogging up your pores. Spring is the perfect time to clean out clogged pores and remove cell build-up. One of the best ways to achieve this is with deep pore cleansing treatments including exfoliating with a gentle cleanser or deep pore mask.

2. Find an SPF You’ll Actually Use

Everyone knows the importance of sunscreen, but a lot of people still ignore the advice. We get it, sometimes it can seem like an inconvenience, or you may just forget! To make sure you at least have a base of sunscreen, switch up your daily products to ones that contain at least SPF 30. There are several makeup products and daily moisturizers that contain the protection you need to start your day off right. If makeup or moisturizer isn’t your thing, keep a bottle of sunscreen in your bathroom. If it’s in sight, it’ll be on your mind. After your morning shower, pat dry and apply sunscreen to your entire body. Also, keep a small container of sunscreen with you at all times. Whether in your purse, your vehicle, golf or gym bag, it’ll be there when it is time to reapply.

3. Cosmetic Clean Up

Since we are on the topic of makeup, now is also a great time switch up the type of products you use. We already covered the importance of SPF in your makeup products, but now is a great time to think about going from heavy foundations to light tinted moisturizers. Tinted moisturizers are less likely to clog your pores when the temperatures start heating up.

Also, remember to check those expiration dates! We are all guilty about that at some point in time, but expired products harbor bacteria. Thinking about putting bacteria onto a fresh face is enough for me to check those dates again. Here are some tips:

  • Mascara and Eyeliner: Replace every 3 months
  • Liquid foundation and concealer, cream eye shadow: Replace every 6 months
  • Sunscreen: Replace six months after opening or by expiration date

Remember, it’s the little things that matter. Start with one of these suggestions and build on them over time. Make the tips part of your daily habit just like brushing your teeth. Before you know it, these habits will leave your skin looking and feeling as fresh as spring tulips after a rainy April day.

 

6 Tips to Help Control Your Hay Fever Symptoms

April showers bring May flowers… and pollen. Not only are we welcoming spring, we are also greeting allergy season. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, over 25 million Americans suffer from hay fever each year. The following tips will help control those hay fever symptoms.

1. Pinpoint Your Allergy

The first step in controlling the effects of hay fever is to determine what you are allergic to. If you already know you have a great start. If not, see your physician to help diagnose your allergy. According to Pollen.com, allergy skin tests are widely available and typically measure your body’s reaction when contacted by specific allergens. A test often measures several allergens at the same time.

2. Pay Attention to Pollen Levels

Now that you know what you are allergic to, pay attention to the pollen levels in your area. The website www.pollen.com tracks, collects and broadcasts the levels across the country and determines their severity level. Knowing this information will help you plan your day ahead.

3. Stay Indoors

When pollen levels are high, people with severe hay fever symptoms should consider staying indoors. Between 5am and 10AM in the morning is the most common time for pollens to be prevalent. If possible keep your household filters clean to prevent blowing allergens around your home. If outdoor tasks are critical during high pollen levels, consider asking for help from a family member, friends or a neighbor.

4. Shower Often

If you have hay fever that is triggered by outdoor allergens, it is extremely important to shower immediately after being outside. When pollen levels are high, pollen can become intertwined with your hair and rest on your skin. Showering will help eliminate those allergens, preventing a nighttime attack.

5. Avoid Irritants

With your body already susceptible to allergens, try to lessen the irritation by avoiding key environments. Environments with smoke, as well as coming in contact with insect sprays, household chemicals and fragrances all can worsen the symptoms of hay fever.

6. Allergy Proof Your Home

Although there is no way to completely eliminate allergies from your home, there are many ways to limit them from your house. Keep windows closed when pollen levels are high and use hypoallergenic pillows and mattresses covers to help get a restful night of sleep. Also, make sure your home’s air filter is a HEPA certified filter.

 

Still Suffering?

If hay fever season is causing your skin to suffer and the end of the tunnel doesn’t seem near, the skincare experts at Forefront Dermatology can help. Find a location near you and make an appointment today.

Best Vitamins to Achieve Healthy Skin

Your skin is your largest organ and it’s also a reflection of your overall health. Your nutrition affects the health of your skin, which means you literally are what you eat. Vitamin deficiencies and skin conditions go hand-in-hand.

Ensure that you are getting enough of the following nutrients and your skin will glow:

Vitamin C
Vitamin C is very good for your skin. Not only does it help maintain overall health, it helps produce collagen – the structural protein that keeps your skin looking firm and young. It prevents you from developing scurvy – a condition associated with skin lesions and pirates.  Good sources of Vitamin C include citrus fruit (oranges, grapefruit, etc.), bell peppers (red, green, yellow), strawberries, kale, and brussel sprouts.

Vitamin E
Together with Vitamin C, Vitamin E is particularly important when it comes to reducing sun damage. Fair-skinned individuals benefit most from the addition of Vitamins C and E to their diets in conjunction with regular use of sunscreen. Good sources of Vitamin E include leafy greens (spinach, kale, etc.), nuts (almonds, hazelnuts, pistachios), avocados, shellfish and fatty fish, and plant oils. 

Vitamin D

Your epidermis–the outermost layer of your skin–uses sunlight to synthesize Vitamin D. One of the many benefits of Vitamin D is its ability to protect and repair UV damage–a major cause of skin cancer. “As a dermatologist, I don’t recommend exposing your skin to undue rays just to up your Vitamin D levels,” says Betsy Wernli, MD, a board-certified dermatologist with Forefront Dermatology. “Not only can it lead to skin cancer–including squamous cell and basal cell carcinoma as well as the potentially deadly melanoma–it can also have cosmetic effects like wrinkles and premature aging. If you’re deficient in Vitamin D, seek out other sources like Vitamin D-rich foods or plain old supplements.” Good sources of Vitamin D include high-fat fish (trout, salmon, swordfish, etc.), mushrooms, tofu, and dairy products.

Your Local Skin Experts at Forefront Dermatology are Here to Help

Establishing a relationship with a board-certified dermatologist is an important step you should take to keep your skin healthy, especially if you suffer from an itchy, painful, or irritating skin condition. If you or a family member have a skin concern, have questions about nutrition, or would like to schedule a consult, find the Forefront dermatologist nearest you to schedule an appointment or to learn more.

Sun Safety for a Spring Break Vacation at the Beach

If you are traveling to a warm destination for Spring Break, or even if you will be spending some extra time outdoors at home, it’s time to brush up on your sun safety tips. Remember, the sun’s rays are already getting very strong in spring during the peak hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you are traveling to a warm Spring Break location, you need to be extra vigilant about sun safety because the sun is extremely strong in tropical locations and you can get a sunburn in just minutes. Tanning and even one sunburn can increase your risk of skin cancer.

Follow the tips below to protect yourself and your family this Spring Break:

  • Seek shade outdoors whenever possible.
  • Apply sunscreen of at least an SPF of 30 or higher in the morning. Remember to reapply it throughout the day, especially when getting in and out of water.
  • Use a protective lip balm with an SPF 30 or higher and reapply it throughout the day. Lips receive more sun exposure than any other part of the body.
  • Wear protective clothing such as long sleeves and pants, darker colors, and clothing with UV protection when possible. Many clothing manufacturers now offer stylish UPF-clothes that offer all-day protection.
  • Wear a wide-brimmed hat. While baseball caps are very popular with kids and do a great job of protecting the scalp, they don’t protect the cheeks, ears and neck. If you select a baseball hat, be sure you also thoroughly cover the face, ears, and neck with sunscreen.
  • Wear UV-protecting sunglasses when you are outdoors. Sunglasses protect your eyes from UV rays, which can lead to cataracts and an increased risk of ocular melanoma.

For More Information on Sun Safety
If you would like to speak to a board-certified dermatologist about sun safety or any other skincare topics, find a Forefront dermatologist near you to schedule an appointment.

Get Your Beauty Rest: Sleep and the Skin

While you are sleeping, your skin has a chance to recover from the day by allowing blood to flow to the skin, offering countless benefits. According to Betsy Wernli, MD, a board-certified dermatologist with Forefront Dermatology, “strive for eight hours of rest each night. While sleeping, the body shifts its blood supply to the skin, providing increased circulation, allowing the skin to regenerate and retain a youthful look.” In a few days, your skin will look much better than if you were not getting enough rest.

Here are some of the beauty benefits of getting enough rest:

Fewer Wrinkles

Skin makes new collagen while you are sleeping. Added collagen gives your skin a firmer look and is less likely to wrinkle. Only getting five hours a night can lead to twice as many fine lines as sleeping eight hours would. It also leaves skin drier, which can make lines more visible.

A Beautiful Complexion

Blood flow to the skin increases while you are sleeping, which gives you that healthy, rosy glow. If you don’t get enough rest, you skin can look discolored, dry, and unhealthy.

Brighter, Less Saggy Eyes

When you don’t get enough sleep, the most obvious signal is your eyes. They end up looking red, with dark circles, puffiness, and may also look saggy. When you get at least seven hours of rest, it will show in your eyes.

A Bigger Smile

When you do not get enough rest, the corners of your mouth start to droop. Getting enough zzz’s will actually make you appear happier!

Your Local Skin Experts at DermSpecialists are Here to Help
If you have concerns about the health or appearance of your skin, schedule a visit with your local dermatologist to discuss how we can help.