Are you wondering about whether or not you need a Utah dermatologist?

How long have you been researching your options?

Consumers are often perplexed about whether or not they really require a dermatologist. They’re just not convinced their skin care issue is bad enough to require dermatologist in Utah. Taking advantage of this guide should provide you with a better idea if a dermatologist is necessary for you.

• Harshness of your problem. If you have acne, but only a few pimples, you probably do not have to have laser treatment with an expert. However, if your acne envelops your head and is a large factor for your lack of self esteem or unhappiness, seeing a dermatologist for an assessment is a smart idea.

• A permanent skin issue. This is where dermatologists are a necessity. If you have a scar, tattoo, birthmark, stretch mark, etc., dermatologists are experts at taking off or seriously decreasing the concern and breaking it down significantly.

• You’re seriously affected by your skin abrasion. No matter how bad your problem may appear, if you find that it falls into your every day processes, makes you think twice or be self conscious when talking to people, you must approach a dermatologist. This is unfortunate but there is really little you can do about it besides go to a professional and get the issue eradicated.

• You have insurance and cash to spare. Dermatologists are not necessarily overly costly, but they are still in the medical industry, and expenses can mount up. You must have the resources to utilize to make sure that you can afford a surgery or procedure that is not definitively needed for your well being.

In a recent post about skin care in Utah, we talked about doing self-examinations for moles on your skin.

Per the request of clients at Aspen Dermatology, here is a bit more information about checking for moles.

If you notice a mole that is different from others, or which changes, itches, or bleeds even if it is smaller than 6 millimeter, see your Utah skin doctor.

CHECK YOURSELF FROM HEAD TO TOE.

1. Look at your face, neck, ears, and scalp. You may want to use a comb or a blow dryer to move your hair so you can see better. You also may want to have a relative or friend check through your hair because this is difficult to do yourself.
2. Look at the front and back of your body in the mirror, then raise your arms and look at your left and right sides.
3. Bend your elbows and look carefully at your fingernails, palms, forearms (including the undersides), and upper arms.
4. Examine the back, front, and sides of your legs. Also look between your buttocks and around your genital area.
5. Sit and closely examine your feet, including the toenails, the soles, and the spaces between the toes.

By checking your skin regularly, you will become familiar with what is normal for you. It may be helpful to record the dates of your skin exams and write notes about the way your skin looks. If you find anything unusual, see your Utah dermatologist right away.

Always tell your Utah skin doctor if:

• You have any new or unusual sores or spots on your skin.
• A mole or skin lesion changes in size, color, or texture.
• You have a sore that does not heal.
  

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

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.

Are you searching for an answer on how to get rid of acne?

Does your acne embarrass 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. 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.

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. NEOSPOPIN

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.  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.

6.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.

7. 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!

Have you ever wondered why skin changes colors?

Why do moles have a different tint than other parts of the skin?

Are moles something you should be concerned about?

Melanocytes produce melanin, the pigment that gives skin its natural color. When skin is exposed to the sun, melanocytes produce more pigment, causing the skin to tan, or darken. Sometimes, clusters of melanocytes and surrounding tissue form noncancerous growths called moles. (A mole is also called a nevus, or the plural, nevi.)

Moles are very common. Most people have between 10 and 40 moles. Moles may be pink, tan, brown, or a color that is very close to the person’s normal skin tone.

People who have dark skin tend to have dark moles. Moles can be flat or raised and may darken during pregnancy or after sun exposure. Flat moles are called junctional nevi and  raised moles are called compound nevi. They are usually round or oval and smaller than a pencil eraser. They may be present at birth or may appear later on—usually before age 40. They tend to fade away in older people. When moles are surgically removed, they normally do not return.

A halo nevus occurs when the skin surrounding a mole loses its pigmentation or color.  This is benign and often the central mole and white ring will disappear with time.  Halo nevi are most common in children and teenagers.

Most moles are harmless and do not require treatment. If you have moles, keep an inventory of their number and appearance. Change in size, shape or color of a mole is cause for medical evaluation. Moles that develop in adult life should also be evaluated.

Sun protection with appropriate clothing and sunscreen are the best way to avoid mole development.

Public information from The National Cancer Institute

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Images courtesy of Gerald Goldberg, M.D.

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 Utah skin care specialist or health care professional. Communicate promptly with any health-related questions or concerns.

As the weather turns colder in Utah, it robs you of the healthy glow you enjoy during the summer months. Your skin needs moisture to stay smooth and supple but the cold winter air holds less moisture. Cold weather not only makes your skin dry and itchy, it can also cause a number of conditions. Central heating of homes and work places further depletes the levels of moisture to worsen skin dryness. Dry skin usually gives rise to itching when environmental humidity drops and this dry, flaky, itchy skin interferes with sleep and other day-to-day activities.

Utah dermatologists recommend the following simple tips to keep dry skin, winter itch, unwanted wrinkles and other skin related symptoms at bay this winter.

1. Keep out of hot water. Hot water dries out the skin. Use lukewarm water and take a short bath or shower (of about 10 minutes). Avoid bubble baths and hot tubs and take your bath or shower only once per 24 hour span. Hot water causes your skin to lose natural oils. Switch to mild soaps that do not dry the skin and use a washcloth minimally. Limit use of deodorant soaps.

2. Apply moisturizers to your skin. Applying moisturizers (emollients) to your skin, especially after taking a bath or shower, traps moisture in the skin. If your skin is severely dry apply oil first to the moist skin after bathing and then apply a moisturizing cream. Oil based creams are most effective during winter. Honey can also be used on legs and hands and washed off after 10 minutes to say goodbye to the dry skin.

3. Dress smartly. Dress in layers of clothes with a cotton layer closest to your body. It will allow your skin to breath and keep you warm without irritating the skin. Wool is not very comfortable right next to the skin.

4. Drink plenty of water and other fluids to keep your skin moist from within. When you increase intake of liquids, it heals your skin from the inside out.

Follow these simple steps to nourish and rejuvenate your skin and keep glowing this winter.

We recently talked about what acne is, what causes acne, and gave a few tips about how acne is different for girls.

Now we’ll talk about treatments that are available for acne.

What kinds of Acne Treatments are Available?

The goal of acne treatment is to kill bacteria, remove dead skin cells, and lower sebum production. The dermatologist will choose a treatment based on the severity of the acne, which could be mild, moderate or severe.

Many mild cases may respond to the use of over-the-counter medications, but sometimes your physician will recommend something stronger to avoid prolonging the acne and the risk of scarring. In that case, you may be prescribed a topical or oral antibiotic, a prescription-strength topical retinoid, or both.

The worst cases of acne may call for isotretinoin (Accutane), an effective prescription medication that carries potentially serious side effects. The doctor will monitor you closely for such side effects if you take this medication. Pregnant women should never take isotretinoin.

Stick with It

No medication can do its job properly unless it is given time to work. It’s very important to be patient and take your medication as directed, for as long as directed. If you don’t see results right away, don’t be discouraged. Your medication is hard at work preventing new lesions from forming. Stopping treatment early will likely cause pimples and zits to reappear.

What should girls know about skin care products & acne?

In choosing cosmetics and skin cleansers, girls have many acne-fighting products to choose from. To kill P. acnes and other acne-causing bacteria, find a gentle cleanser containing benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, or salicylic acid. See the prevention section below for tips on using a cleanser properly.

When shopping for makeup, hair products, moisturizers, and other cosmetics, avoid heavy, greasy formulations that could clog pores and worsen your acne. Choose products labeled noncomedogenic or non-acnegenic, as these are less likely to block your pores. Today, you can even find acne-medicated makeup and spot treatments, which conceal and heal your lesions at the same time.

What can girls do to prevent acne?

• Cleanse your skin twice a day with a mild soap; avoid scrubbing hard with a washcloth—it won’t help the acne go away and it may worsen the condition by irritating the skin.
• Choose oil-free cosmetics, preferably those labeled noncomedogenic or nonacnegenic. Remove makeup at the end of the day to prevent clogged pores.
• Teens tend to get acne in the T-zone of the face (chin, nose, and forehead), so use an oil-free moisturizer if possible, and use less moisturizer in those areas.
• Keep hair products away from the face, and if your hair is long enough to touch your face, keep it clean to keep oil away.
• Wash your face gently after working around oily substances (such as in a hot kitchen or gas station) and after exercising.
• Don’t touch your face, because the oil and bacteria from your hands can worsen your acne.
• Avoid the temptation to pick at or squeeze your pimples or zits—this can irritate them and cause scarring.
• If you are using a medication, give it time to work. Your skin may look worse before it looks better, and it may be 6-8 weeks before you see improvement. If you don’t see results after two months, talk to your dermatologist about switching treatments or adjusting your dosage.
• The sooner you treat your acne, the easier it will be to bring it under control. Virtually any case of acne is treatable, and it’s much easier to eliminate lesions in the early stages, which keeps them from growing and prevents scarring.

Let us know how you are implementing these tips in your treatment and prevention of acne.

Do you suffer from acne?

Are you sick of the day to day treatments you have to go through every day to take care of your skin?

To help cope with teenage acne, it’s important to understand what acne is, what causes it, and what you can do.

What is Acne?

Acne is a common skin condition affecting our teenage and adult patients. At Aspen Dermatology of Utah County we talk about acne myths, acne and diet, acne medications, and other acne treatments.

What Causes Acne?

Acne is a skin condition that occurs because of clogged pores that result from an overproduction of sebum. Sebum is an oily substance secreted from the sebaceous glands under the skin of the face, neck, shoulders, back, and chest. Acne is most common in teens because of the hormonal activity of puberty, which stimulates sebum production.

How is Acne Different for Girls?

Since acne is most often a hormonal event in teenagers, it usually occurs with the onset of puberty. In girls, puberty typically starts at a younger age than in boys, which means girls get acne earlier in life.

In addition to the puberty-related changes experienced by all teens, girls must also contend with the hormonal swings of menstruation, so acne may flare at certain times during the menstrual cycle.

Girls also differ in their response to acne. Because they are more likely to use skin care products than boys, they are often more receptive to the topical treatments recommended for acne.

Stay tune for Part 2 of our blog post about acne tips for Utah girls.

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The best protection against skin cancer is to minimize sun exposure, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you do go out in the sun, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher that protects against UVA and UVB), making sure to cover the head, lips, hands, neck, and ears. Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and protective clothing. Not only will this dramatically decrease your risk of skin cancer, but it will prevent other sun-damaging conditions, like wrinkles and actinic keratoses.

While everyone should minimize their exposure to the sun, fair-skinned people, outdoor workers, and residents of sunny climates should use particular caution.

Another effective weapon against skin cancer is regular self-exams of your skin. Get to know the landscape of your skin, and take an inventory of all moles.

Because skin cancer can resemble other skin conditions, be sure to tell your doctor about unusual skin changes or lesions, especially these:

• A sore that comes and goes but never completely heals.
• A shiny bump or nodule, especially if it appears pearly or translucent (these can look brown or reddish and resemble a mole).
• A slightly raised pink growth with a crusted depression in the center, possibly with tiny blood vessels (capillaries) visible on the surface.
• A patch of skin that is red or irritated, especially on the chest, shoulders, or limbs.
• A white or yellow-ish waxy scar with poorly defined borders.

If you have any risk factors, such as prolonged sun exposure, family history, or a past cancerous lesion, you may benefit from having your skin checked regularly by your doctor.

Tanning booths increase the risk of developing skin cancer, despite any claims of their being a safe alternative to natural sunlight. The skin doesn’t tan unless it is first damaged by UV radiation. Intentional tanning should be avoided like any health hazard, such as smoking.

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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.

There are 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:

• Basal cell carcinoma (also called BCC) comes from the basal cells in lowest part of the epidermis. 80-85% percent of skin cancers are BCCs.
• Squamous cell carcinoma (also called SCC) comes from the skin cells (keratinocytes) that make up the top layers of the skin. About 10% of skin cancers are SCC.
• 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, it is a very dangerous type of skin cancer and is the leading cause of death from skin disease.

Basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma are sometimes referred to as “non-melanoma skin cancer” to distinguish them from melanoma.

Skin cancer is considered low risk when the affected cells remain clustered in a single group. It is considered high risk when the cells have invaded surrounding tissues. High risk forms of cancer require more aggressive treatments.

Almost all skin cancers start as a small, low-risk lesions, but can grow and become high-risk lesions if left untreated. Melanoma is the most alarming type because it has a higher risk of invading surrounding tissues or spreading to other parts of the body (metastasis) before being detected. Squamous cell and basal cell skin cancer are more likely to be detected and treated effectively before they become malignant.

If skin cancer is detected before it has spread to surrounding tissues, chances of a complete cure are excellent.

For more information on Skin Cancer in Utah, contact your dermatologist in Utah today!

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