When it comes to skin cancer, the next best thing to prevention is early diagnosis and cure. With squamous cell carcinoma, one of the most common types of skin cancer, a skin growth called an actinic keratosis can be the earliest sign of skin cancer. If diagnosed before they become skin cancers, actinic keratosis (AKs) can be removed using one of several new therapies and treatments.
In the past, AKs were most commonly seen in people over the age of 60. However, changes in lifestyle and the environment are responsible for the increased incidence of AKs in individuals as young as 20. I feel it is
important for everyone to be aware of the significance of these lesions. Continue reading “Actinic Keratosis Can Be The Earliest Signs Of Skin Cancer”
Who can resist what summer brings us – beautiful weather for gardening, flowers blooming, tennis, fishing and playing outdoors for the children? Unfortunately, the nasty weeds-poison ivy, poison sumac and poison oak- grow alongside our beautiful flowers and can cause itching, discomfort and frustration to those allergic to them.
Most individuals are interested in looking their best, and patients regularly ask for guidance in facial skin rejuvenation. There are many services, procedures and products today that claim to remarkably improve one’s skin and restore that youthful look. I have found the most successful treatment is a combination of chemical peels, microdermabrasion, silkpeel, and a tretinoin cream or gel. 
Moles are associated with melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Actually, up to half of all melanomas may arise in moles (nevi).
With warm temperatures and extended daylight hours, most children are anxious to be outside. With the right precautions, children can safely play in the sun. An estimated 80 percent of all sunlight damage occurs before the age of 18, underscoring the importance of beginning protective practices in childhood. In tiny infants the best protection is avoidance of exposure. As a practical matter, children under the age of six months should not be involved in the kind of outdoor activity for which sunscreens are intended. By six months of age, babies are likely to be outdoors for longer periods, and a more aggressive strategy is needed. 
Springtime is a time for fun and relaxation. People spend a great deal more time outdoors, which can be rough on the skin. During the warmer months children especially become more vulnerable to skin problems.
Hurricanes Gustav and Ike, along with present economic issues, have caused many a great deal of stress. I have seen an increased number of patients with shingles in the past month. Shingles, also known as Herpes Zoster, is caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox. Once the rash of chicken pox resolves, the virus remains in a dormant “sleeping” state in certain nerve cells and then reactivates, causing shingles. What prompts the virus to “awaken” and cause problems is usually related to some type of stress. The stress may be mental, emotional or physical. 
Acne is a common skin condition caused by inflammation of the hair follicles and oil-producing (sebaceous) glands of the skin. It is most common on the face, but can also occur on the back, chest, shoulders and neck.
More than 1 million new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year. Of these cases, more than 95,880 are melanoma, a cancer that claims 7,910 lives each year.
