How often do you check for new or odd shaped moles?

Review this video about moles and read on:

When was the last time you had a complete skin examination by a Utah skin care professional?

Are moles something that worry you?

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends that people perform a skin self-exam once a month.

The best time to examine your skin is immediately after a shower or bath. Check your skin in a well-lighted room using a full-length mirror and a hand-held mirror. It’s best to begin by learning where your birthmarks, moles, and blemishes are and what they usually look and feel like. Have someone you trust help by examining hard-to-see areas.

Check for anything new:

• A sore that does not heal
• A new mole (that looks abnormal)

Keep in mind the “ABCDs of melanoma detection”

Do not use the following pictures to try to diagnose melanoma yourself. Pictures are useful examples, but they cannot take the place of a Utah skin doctor’s examination.

A for Asymmetry: Does one half of a mole look different from the other?

B for Border: Is the edge (border) of the mole ragged, notched, or blurred?

C for Color: Does the mole have a variety of hues or colors within the same lesion? (The color is uneven. Shades of black, brown, and tan may be present. Areas of white, grey, red, pink, or blue also may be seen.)

D for Diameter: There is a change in size, usually an increase. Melanomas are usually larger than the eraser of a pencil (1/4 inch or 5 millimeters).

Melanomas can vary greatly in how they look. Many show all of the ABCD features. However, some may show changes or abnormalities in only one or two of the ABCD features.

Stay tune for more information on moles and skin care.

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Images courtesy of Gerald Goldberg, M.D.

Vivacare public information from The National Cancer Institute

This information is for general educational uses only. It may not apply to you and your specific medical needs. This information should not be used in place of a visit, call, consultation with or the advice of your physician or health care professional. Communicate promptly with your physician or other health care professional with any health-related questions or concerns.

Be sure to follow specific instructions given to you by your physician or health care professional.

SKIN is the largest organ in your body.

Surprised?

Because of the dry air in Utah, it’s important to understand the basics of dry skin care in Utah County in order to revive the skin and give it the proper protection it needs.

Skin is all over you, providing a protective covering to your muscles and tissues. In today’s dry Utah environment where the weather and air quality change on a daily basis, our skin needs protection from harmful UV radiation, pollution, and dust.

Unfortunately, our skin takes the beating and protects our muscles, tissues, and various organs from getting directly impacted. This direct impact can lead to dry and itchy skin.

When we talk about dry skin care in Utah, most of us are reliant on only moisturizers because we think it’s logical to moisturize. Before we even go there, let’s first understand what causes dry skin.

Cause of Dry Skin in Utah

Our body produces natural oils and moisturizer to maintain a balance. If this oil is lost for any reason our skin becomes dry. The loss of oil could be because of cold weather, pollution in the environment, and exposure to dirt. This oil is used to keep the skin moist and also helps our skin maintain natural nutrients. When this oil is lost our skin becomes dry and itchy.

Dry skin care in Utah is not a very complex process to follow.

5 Natural Ways to Help Dry Skin in Utah

1. Stay away from skin care products that are not natural. 
These products might be manufactured using harmful chemicals or harsh chemicals that can further make your skin dry. Instead use natural skin care products
2. Use natural ways to moisturize the body. 
Drink ample amount of water to provide natural moisture
3. Avoid dry and harsh weather. 
Protect your skin from weather. Cover it properly if you are going out.
4. Avoid unnecessary prolonged hot showers. 
Long exposure to hot water washes the natural oils of our body.
5. Work with a Utah County dermatologist. We had to put this one in

Dry skin care is very easy if you follow these tips.

“How do I get rid of acne?”

Who hasn’t ask that question?

Has acne ever embarrassed you to the point where you don’t even want to go out?

Here are a few tips to help you get rid of acne, or at least tame it down.

1. A QUALITY UTAH DERMATOLOGIST

There are many “quick fixes” out there. At Aspen Dermatology our goal is to take the best care of you and help you get the results you want. Contact us today for more information on getting rid of your acne!

2. VISION EYE DROPS

This is to take away redness in your pimples and acne. It will not clear it up, but it will lessen the appearance of it and make it easier to conceal. Add a drop or two to the area (a q-tip or cotton ball works great) and leave it on for about 30 minutes.

3. NEOSPORIN

This is an antibiotic, which will help kill the bacteria that causes acne. Apply before bed and your pimple will have a much shorter life.

4. HONEY

Honey has antibacterial properties to it that make it perfect for a gentle and natural acne healer. If acne is a regular problem, you can use this for a mask weekly.

5. TOOTHPASTE

This is very effective if you have a zit pop up over night and it’s horribly red and swollen in the morning. Simply dab a bit of toothpaste on the area and let it sit for about an hour or so. You will notice the swelling and redness has disappeared and it will soon go away.

6. BAKING SODA

Make a baking soda paste, add a couple drops of water at a time to a small scoop of baking soda. Stir until it’s a thick paste. Apply it to your pimple and let it dry before rinsing off.

7. BASIL

Basil is known for it’s toning properties in at-home facials. Boil some water and add a bail leaf. Let it cool and apply to your face to get rid of blackheads and heal acne faster.

Have you ever known someone who suffered from skin cancer in Utah?

Has the thought of skin cancer ever crossed your mind?

We want to provide education about the basics of skin cancer so you can feel more safe.

Skin cancer occurs when skin cells start growing abnormally, causing cancerous growths.

Most skin cancers develop on the visible outer layer of the skin (the epidermis), particularly in sun-exposed areas (face, head, hands, arms, and legs). They are usually easy to detect by examining the skin, which increases the chances of early treatment and survival.

3 Different types of skin cancer

There are three different types of skin cancer, each named for the type of skin cell from which they originate. The majority of skin cancers fall into one of the following categories:

1. Basal cell carcinoma (also called BCC). This type of skin cancer comes from the basal cells in lowest part of the epidermis. 80-85% of skin cancers are basal cell carcinomas.

Basal cell carcinoma starts in the top layer of the skin called the epidermis. It grows slowly and is painless. A new skin growth that bleeds easily or does not heal well may suggest basal cell carcinoma. The majority of these cancers occur on areas of skin that are regularly exposed to sunlight or other ultraviolet radiation. They may also appear on the scalp. Basal cell skin cancer used to be more common in people over age 40, but is now often diagnosed in younger people.

Your risk for basal cell skin cancer is higher if you have:

• Light-colored skin
• Blue or green eyes
• Blond or red hair
• Overexposure to x-rays or other forms of radiation

Basal cell skin cancer almost never spreads. But, if left untreated, it may grow into surrounding areas and nearby tissues and bone.

2. Squamous cell carcinoma (also called SCC). Squamous cell carcinoma comes from the skin cells (keratinocytes) that make up the top layers of the skin. About 10% of skin cancers are SCC.

Squamous cell cancer occurs when cells in the skin start to change. The changes may begin in normal skin or in skin that has been injured or inflamed. Most skin cancers occur on skin that is regularly exposed to sunlight or other ultraviolet radiation. Skin cancer is most often seen in people over age 50.

Squamous cell carcinoma in situ (also called Bowen’s disease) is the earliest form of squamous cell cancer. The cancer has not yet invaded surrounding tissue. It appears as large reddish patches (often larger than 1 inch) that are scaly and crusted.

Actinic keratosis is a precancerous skin lesion. In rare cases it may become a squamous cell cancer.

Risks for squamous cell skin cancer include:

• Having light-colored skin, blue or green eyes, or blond or red hair
• Long-term, daily sun exposure (such as in people who work outside)
• Many severe sunburns early in life
• Older age
• A large number of x-rays
• Arsenic
• Chemical exposure

Squamous cell cancer spreads faster than basal cell cancer, but still may be relatively slow-growing. Rarely, it can spread (metastasize) to other locations, including internal organs.

3. Melanoma. Melanoma comes from skin cells called melanocytes, which create pigment called melanin that gives skin its color. 5% of all skin cancers are melanoma.

Although less common, melanomas are a very dangerous type of skin cancer and are the leading cause of death from skin disease.

Melanoma can appear on normal skin, or it may begin as a mole or other area that has changed in appearance. Some moles that are present at birth may develop into melanomas.

There are four major types of melanoma:

• Superficial spreading melanoma is the most common type of melanoma. It is usually flat and irregular in shape and color, with different shades of black and brown. It may occur at any age or body site, and is most common in Caucasians.
• Nodular melanoma usually starts as a raised area that is dark blackish-blue or bluish-red. However, some do not have any color.
• Lentigo maligna melanoma usually occurs in the elderly. It is most common in sun-damaged skin on the face, neck, and arms. The abnormal skin areas are usually large, flat, and tan with areas of brown.
• Acral lentiginous melanoma is the least common form of melanoma. It usually occurs on the palms, soles, or under the nails and is more common in African Americans.

Rarely, melanomas appear in the mouth, iris of the eye, or retina at the back of the eye. They may be found during dental or eye examinations. Although very rare, melanoma can also develop in the vagina, esophagus, anus, urinary tract, and small intestine.

Melanoma can spread very rapidly. Although it is less common than other types of skin cancer, the rate of melanoma is steadily increasing. It is the leading cause of death from skin disease.

The risk of developing melanoma increases with age. However, the disease also frequently affects young, otherwise healthy people.

The development of melanoma is related to sun exposure or ultraviolet radiation, particularly among people with fair skin, blue or green eyes, and red or blond hair.

Risks for melanoma include the following:

• Living in sunny climates or at high altitudes
• Long-term exposure to high levels of strong sunlight, because of a job or other activities
• One or more blistering sunburns during childhood
• Use of tanning devices

We hope this information about the basics of skin cancer has been helpful and that you will consult with your Utah dermatology clinic if you have any concerns.

We talked last week about how to determine if you have severe acne.

This week we’d like to share insights on how to treat severe acne with hopes to help you overcome the lasting effects of doing nothing.

Severe acne requires aggressive treatment. Acne treatment options include the following:

• Isotretinoin, such as Amnesteem™ and Sotret™. (Accutane™ is no longer commercially available)
• Oral antibiotics, such as doxycycline, minocycline (Solodyn).
• Intralesional corticosteroid injections may be used to treat acne cysts. The acne medication reduces the inflammation and “melts” away the cyst over a period of 3 to 5 days.
• Acne surgery (excision and drainage of the cyst).

Acne treatment will be recommended based on the type of severe acne, its location, and the degree of acne scarring that has occurred.

Severe acne may require months of treatment to see significant improvement. During this period, it is very important to take the acne medication every day as recommended. It takes time for the inflammation to subside and the skin to heal, but meanwhile the medication will be hard at work keeping preventing new acne lesions and acne scars.

Treatment for severe acne may need to be repeated multiple times over the years because of the high chance of the acne returning.

Regular skin checks should be performed to ensure that acne remains under control.

If you’d like more information about treating severe acne, please contact Aspen Dermatology today!

Do you have severe acne?

Severe acne is usually categorized by acne lesions that are deep, widespread, red and inflamed. Severe acne may also be classified as painful and is likely to lead to permanent acne scars if left untreated.

Severe acne can cause embarrassment and stress, and limit one’s social life. Fortunately, severe acne can be controlled with the use of prescription acne medications and other procedures.

Before treatment

After treatment

A bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) causes the inflammation seen with moderate and severe acne. P. acnes normally lives on the top of the skin, but can infect the oily substance called sebum within the clogged pores. In cases of severe acne, these infected pores (sebaceous glands) burst and release sebum, bacteria, and irritating substances into the deep layers of the skin. This results in even greater inflammation and the development of nodules or cysts.

4 Types of Severe Acne

There are four types of severe acne with overlapping qualities.

1. Gram-negative folliculitis is a type of severe acne caused by a class of “gram negative” bacteria that infect the hair follicles on the skin. Gram-negative folliculitis often occurs in people who have been treated with antibiotics for prolonged periods. The treatment of this skin condition requires the use of select antibiotics since “gram negative” bacteria are not killed by the antibiotics normally used to treat acne.

2. Nodulocystic Acne (cystic acne) describes acne lesions that  are large (several centimeters in diameter), deep, and painful. They may occur alone or on multiple locations over the body. The cyst may appear to be filled with thick, yellow pus-like fluid. Attempts to drain an acne cyst. Drainage of an acne cyst should be performed in the doctor’s office, not at home.

Cysts that arise close together may merge, resulting in large areas of inflammation and skin damage. This results in acne conglobata.

3. Acne conglobata is most common in males 18 to 30 years old. Acne conglobata appears with deep abscesses, significant inflammation, and acne scars. Blackheads (open comedones) are widespread and may appear on the neck, shoulders, chest, back, and buttocks. The severe acne lesions grow in size and discharge pus before developing thick scars (keloids).

4. Acne Fulminans describes the rapid onset of highly destructive acne that may be accompanied by fever and aching joints.

According to Wikipedia, Microdermabrasion is

…also referred to as mechanical exfoliation or micro-resurfacing, microdermabrasion is a method for facial rejuvenation that uses a mechanical medium for exfoliation along with adjustable suction to remove away the outermost layer of dead skin cells from the epidermis. It is a non-invasive procedure, which is performed in-office by a trained skin care professional.

Microdermabrasion may be performed to decrease the appearance of superficial hyperpigmentation, photo-damage, diminish fine lines, wrinkles, and shallow acne scars which helps to even out the texture. Removing the dead skin will aid in the penetration of skin care products by up to 50% and make-up will go on much more smoothly.

Think of a device that sandblasts grime and debris off granite buildings, and you get an idea of microdermabrasion, with the emphasis on ‘micro’! Small particles passing through a vacuum tube remove the top layer of the skin and are said to stimulate new cell growth.

Because of the superficial nature of this technique, patients with mild scarring are the best candidates, and multiple treatments are usually required to achieve subtle results.

What Does Microdermabrasion Involve?

Your skin is first cleansed with a special cleansing gel. The doctor then starts the micro abrasion procedure using a hand-held device. The aluminum oxide micro crystal flow is sandblasted through a small tube pressed against the skin. The tube also vacuums back dead skin cells and used micro crystals.

The crystal flow starts as soon as the microderm abrasion wand touches your skin. The doctor slowly moves the wand across your entire face and not just on treated areas, so that you don’t experience inconsistence in skin texture or color. After microdermabrasion, your skin is soothed with a special nourishing sun blocking cream, allowing you to go back to your daily routine immediately after treatment.

Where is Microdermabrasion Performed?

Microdermabrasions are available in cosmetic centers, medical spas in Utah, dermatology clinics or at home by using a home microdermabrasion kit. Either way, you should consult your doctor to help you decide if microdermabrasion is suitable for you and which kit or system would be best for you.

Sources

http://www.skinabrasion.net/faq.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microdermabrasion

Last week we talked about 3 of the most common acne myths that everyone has heard.

Today, we want to share a couple others that are just as “fictional” when it comes to acne and skin care.

Acne Myth #1: The More Acne Medication You Use, the Better!

Acne Fact: Simply stated, More Isn’t Better when it comes to over-the-counter acne medication containing active ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. It may seem obvious, Using too much medication can actually worsen acne because it leads to dryness, irritation, and more blemishes.

But kids can get help for acne. Your Utah dermatologist can suggest acne treatments if your child: has tried over-the-counter acne treatments with little or no success, has developed acne scars, has painful, large pimples, is dark-skinned and has acne that’s causing dark patches to form, has low self-esteem or a reduced enjoyment of life because of acne.

Prescription acne medication may take up to 8 weeks to have a noticeable effect, so remind kids to use the medication exactly as directed. If the acne doesn’t improve within 6 to 8 weeks, talk to the dermatologist.

Acne Myth #2: If You Want Clear Skin, Don’t Shave or Wear Makeup.

Acne Fact: Good news: you don’t have to forego cosmetics as long the products you’re using are labeled noncomedogenic or nonacnegenic, meaning they won’t cause acne breakouts. Some concealers now contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, which help to fight acne. Tinted acne-fighting creams may also help to fight pimples while hiding them.

If any product seems to be irritating the skin or causing breakouts, have your child stop using the product and call your dermatologist.

Cosmetics labeled “organic,” “all natural,” or those containing herbs have gained popularity, but they may contribute to clogged pores and acne, so it’s best for kids who are prone to breakouts to steer clear of them.

Teen boys who have acne and shave can use either safety or electric razors, but should shave lightly around blemishes to avoid nicking the skin and causing irritation and infection.

Kids, teens, and even adults have to cope with some form of acne. It’s a common part of puberty, and some people think that once they’ve passed that phase of life, acne will automatically stop. However, adults and preteens get acne too.

This makes acne the subject of much discussion, thus leading to many myths and rumors that we’d like to “clear up” for you. Clearing up some of the common fables about acne can help you all get through it!

Acne Myth #1: Just Pop Your Zits and They’ll Go Away Faster

Acne Fact: We’ve talked about popping zits before, and I’m sure we’ve all followed this myth at one time or another. Popping a pimple may make it seem less noticeable temporarily; however, picking at your face can actually cause the zit to stay around longer. Did you know that popping a pimple pushes bacteria from the zit further into the skin, making the area around the acne even more reddened and inflamed? Pimple-popping devices — such as “blackhead extractors” advertised in magazines — aren’t any safer. Sometimes, popping a pimple will cause a brown or red scar to form that could last months; and scars, in the form of dents and pits, can last forever.

If you are bummed because a huge zit arrived just in time for a special event, apply a dab of benzoyl peroxide gel to dry it. Your Utah dermatologist (Aspen Dermatology) can also recommend treatments for severe scarring.

Acne Myth #2: Wash Your Face More and You’ll Prevent Breakouts

Acne Fact: Sometimes we wonder if this myth was created by face soap companies looking to promote their products. Unfortunately, hygiene isn’t related to the development of acne. Washing the face each day gets rid of dead skin cells, excess oil, and surface dirt, but too much cleansing or washing too vigorously can lead to dryness and irritation — which can actually make acne worse.

Dermatologists in Utah usually recommend gently washing — not scrubbing or rubbing — the face no more than twice a day with a mild cleanser and patting the skin dry. Kids should steer clear of harsh exfoliants or scrubs, which can actually irritate blemishes. In addition, toners containing high concentrations of alcohol can dry out the skin and should be avoided.

Acne Myth #3: I’ll Just Bake Off My Zits with a Tan…

Acne Fact: Even though a tan may temporarily cover the redness of acne, there’s no evidence that having tanned skin helps to clear up acne. People who tan in the sun or in tanning booths or beds run the risk of developing dry, irritated, or even burned skin. They’re also at increased risk of premature aging and developing skin cancer.

We recommend to keep skin safe by wearing protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses when outdoors. You should also wear a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (or SPF) of at least 30 that’s labeled “noncomedogenic” or “nonacnegenic,” which means the product won’t clog pores. Ask your doctor whether a sunless tanning product would be a better alternative.

It’s especially important for kids who use prescription acne medications (including oral contraceptives, which are often prescribed to help clear up acne) to stay out of the sun and away from tanning beds. These drugs can make skin extremely sensitive to sunlight and the rays from ultraviolet tanning booths.

We hope you’ve found these myths about acne helpful.

If aging skin is bothering you, there are a variety of treatments available to improve damaged & aging skin:

9 Essential Treatments for Aging Skin

1. Dermal fillers, or soft-tissue fillers, can be injected into the skin to fill out areas that look hollowed or wrinkled.
2. Botox is a purified form of botulinum toxin that is injected into targeted facial muscles to prevent and correct wrinkles and other damage related to certain facial expressions (such as squinting or frowning).
3. Dermabrasion is a common treatment in which the top layer of skin is abraded so that a new, smoother layer grows in its place. It’s used for many skin conditions, including acne, skin cancer, and photoaging.
4. Chemical peels have many dermatological uses, including the treatment of wrinkles, age spots, and scars; a chemical solution is carefully applied to the skin to remove damaged outer layers, leaving smoother contours and an improved appearance.
5. Laser resurfacing helps correct wrinkles and age spots through use of a laser that vaporizes damaged skin tissue.
6. Unwanted hair can be removed through one or more methods, including waxing, chemical depilation, electrolysis, or laser removal; for best results, all methods should be performed or supervised by an experienced dermatologist.
7. Liposuction is a way to reduce visible effects of aging by vaporizing and removing unwanted fat deposits that don’t respond to diet or exercise. Common target areas include the face, chin, neck, hips, and buttocks.
8. Microdermabrasion gently scrapes away damaged and aging skin to trigger the growth of new layers.
9. Topical medications, such as topical retinoids, have been shown to reduce fine wrinkles, splotchy darkened areas, and signs of chronic sun exposure.
10. Over-the-counter products, such as moisturizers and “cosmeceuticals,” products containing agents designed to reduce the signs of aging, such as alpha-hydroxy acids or antioxidants.

These may be used alone or in combination for a more complete skin care regimen.

In helping you evaluate your treatment options, your physician will consider these factors:

• Areas to be treated
• Darkness of your skin
• Results of past treatments
• Personal preferences