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.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Isotretinoin may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• red, cracked, and sore lips
• dry skin, eyes, mouth, or nose
• nosebleeds
• changes in skin color
• peeling skin, especially on the palms and soles
• changes in the nails
• slowed healing of cuts or sores
• bleeding or swollen gums
• hair loss or unwanted hair growth
• sweating
• flushing
• voice changes
• tiredness
• cold symptoms

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately:

• headache
• blurred vision
• dizziness
• upset stomach
• vomiting
• seizures
• slow or difficult speech
• weakness or numbness of one part or side of the body
• stomach pain
• chest pain
• difficulty swallowing or pain when swallowing
• new or worsening heartburn
• diarrhea
• rectal bleeding
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• dark colored urine
• back, bone, joint or muscle pain
• muscle weakness
• difficulty hearing
• ringing in the ears
• vision problems
• painful or constant dryness of the eyes
• unusual thirst
• frequent urination
• trouble breathing
• fainting
• fast or pounding heartbeat
• fever
• rash
• red patches or bruises on the legs
• swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, throat, arms, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs

Isotretinoin may cause the bones to stop growing too soon in teenagers. Talk to your child’s doctor about the risks of giving this medication to your child.

Isotretinoin may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/index.html] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

• vomiting
• flushing
• severe chapped lips
• stomach pain
• headache
• dizziness
• loss of coordination

Anyone who has taken an overdose of isotretinoin should know about the risk of birth defects caused by isotretinoin and should not donate blood for 1 month after the overdose. Pregnant woman should talk to their doctors about the risks of continuing the pregnancy after the overdose. Women who can become pregnant should use two forms of birth control for 1 month after the overdose. Men whose partners are or may become pregnant should use condoms or avoid sexual contact with that partner for 1 month after the overdose because isotretinoin may be present in the semen.

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to isotretinoin.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Brand name(s):

• Accutane®
• Amnesteem®
• Claravis®
• Sotret®

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Frequently Ask Questions about Accutane

Why is this medication prescribed?

Isotretinoin is used to treat severe recalcitrant nodular acne (a certain type of severe acne) that has not been helped by other treatments, such as antibiotics. Isotretinoin is in a class of medications called retinoids. It works by slowing the production of certain natural substances that can cause pimples to form.

How should this medicine be used?

Isotretinoin comes as a capsule to take by mouth. Isotretinoin is usually taken twice a day with meals. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take isotretinoin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Swallow the capsules whole with a full glass of liquid. Do not chew or suck on the capsules.

Your doctor will probably start you on an average dose of isotretinoin and increase or decrease your dose depending on how well you respond to the medication and the side effects you experience. Follow these directions carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure how much isotretinoin you should take.

It may take several weeks or longer for you to feel the full benefit of isotretinoin. Your acne may get worse during the beginning of your treatment with isotretinoin. This is normal and does not mean that the medication is not working.

Other uses for this medicine

Isotretinoin has been used to treat certain other skin conditions and some types of cancer. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this medication for your condition.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking isotretinoin,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to isotretinoin, any other medications, parabens (a preservative), or any of the ingredients in isotretinoin capsules. Ask your pharmacist or check the Medication Guide for a list of the inactive ingredients.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, herbal products, and nutritional supplements you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention medications for seizures such as phenytoin (Dilantin); oral steroids such as dexamethasone (Decadron, Dexone), methylprednisolone (Medrol), and prednisone (Deltasone); tetracycline antibiotics such as demeclocycline (Declomycin), doxycycline (Monodox, Vibramycin, others), minocycline (Minocin, Vectrin), oxytetracycline (Terramycin), and tetracycline (Sumycin, Tetrex, others); and vitamin A supplements. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• tell your doctor if you or anyone in your family has thought about or attempted suicide and if you or anyone in your family has or has ever had depression, mental illness, diabetes, asthma, osteoporosis (a condition in which the bones are fragile and break easily) or other conditions that cause weak bones, a high triglyceride (fats in the blood) level, anorexia nervosa (an eating disorder in which very little is eaten), or heart or liver disease.
• do not breastfeed while you are taking isotretinoin and for 1 month after you stop taking isotretinoin.
• plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Isotretinoin may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.
• you should know that isotretinoin may cause changes in your thoughts, behavior, or mental health. Some patients who took isotretinoin have developed depression or psychosis (loss of contact with reality), have become violent, have thought about killing or hurting themselves, and have tried or succeeded in doing so. You or your family should call your doctor right away if you experience any of the following symptoms: anxiety,sadness, crying spells, loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy, poor performance at school or work, sleeping more than usual, difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, irritability, anger, aggression, changes in appetite or weight, difficulty concentrating, withdrawing from friends or family, lack of energy, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, thinking about killing or hurting yourself, acting on dangerous thoughts, or hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that do not exist). Be sure that your family members know which symptoms are serious so that they can call the doctor if you are unable to seek treatment on your own.
• you should know that isotretinoin may cause your eyes to feel dry and make wearing contact lenses uncomfortable during and after your treatment.
• you should know that isotretinoin may limit your ability to see in the dark. This problem may begin suddenly at any time during your treatment and may continue after your treatment is stopped. Be very careful when you drive or operate machinery at night.
• plan to avoid hair removal by waxing, laser skin treatments, and dermabrasion (surgical smoothing of the skin) while you are taking isotretinoin and for 6 months after your treatment. Isotretinoin increases the risk that you will develop scars from these treatments. Ask your doctor when you can safely undergo these treatments.
• talk to your doctor before you participate in hard physical activity such as sports. Isotretinoin may cause the bones to weaken or thicken abnormally and may increase the risk of certain bone injuries in people who perform some types of physical activity. If you break a bone during your treatment, be sure to tell all your health care providers that you are taking isotretinoin.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Stay tune for more information about Accutane…

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Isotretinoin is a potentially dangerous prescription medicine that should only be taken under the close supervision of your healthcare professional and pharmacist. If you are pregnant or may get pregnant, isotretinoin (Accutane) can cause birth defects, miscarriage, premature births, and death in babies. (Isotretinoin is sold under the brand name of Accutane and in generic versions called Amnesteem, Claravis, and Sotret.)

Buying this product over the Internet bypasses important procedures to ensure that patients can take this drug safely. When these procedures are ignored, isotretinoin can cause serious and harmful side effects. Patients taking isotretinoin may experience side effects including bad headaches, blurred vision, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, seizures, stroke, diarrhea, and muscle weakness. Additionally, serious mental health problems, such as depression and suicide, have been reported with isotretinoin use.

• You should NEVER buy Accutane (isotretinoin) or any of the generic versions of Accutane without first seeing your healthcare professional.
• You should NEVER take Accutane (isotretinoin) or any of the generic versions of Accutane if you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant or could accidentally become pregnant.
• Some websites sell prescription drugs without a prescription. This is illegal and DANGEROUS.

When you buy drugs over the Internet, especially from sites that don’t require a prescription, you may get counterfeit products, products with dangerous ingredients, products that don’t work, and products that were not labeled or shipped correctly.

For more information about the safe use of isotretinoin:

• Visit FDA’s Isotretinoin (marketed as Accutane) Capsule Information
• Visit FDA’s Medication Guide on Accutane (Isotretinoin Capsules) [PDF]

For more information about buying health products online, you can:

• Visit FDA’s Buying Medicines and Medical Products Online
• 1-888-INFO-FDA (1-888-463-6332)

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