It is important to know the difference between melanoma and a harmless mole. A normal mole is most often an evenly colored brown, tan, or black spot on the skin. It can be either flat or raised. It can be round or oval. Moles are usually less than 1/4 inch in diameter, or about the width of a pencil eraser. Moles can be present at birth or they can appear later. Several moles can appear at the same time.

Once a mole has developed, it will usually stay the same size, shape, and color for many years. Moles may fade away in older people.  Most people have moles, and almost all moles are harmless. But it is important to spot changes in a mole– such as its size, shape, or color– that may signal a developing melanoma.  You should see your doctor if you have a mole or growth that worries you.

The ABCD Rule can also help tell a normal mole from a melanoma:
A: Asymmetry – one half of the mole does not match the other half
B: Border irregularity – the edges of the mole are ragged or notched
C: Color – the color of the mole is not the same all over. There may be shades of tan, brown, or black, and sometimes patches of red, blue, or white
D: Diameter – the mole is wider than about 1/4 inch (although doctors are now finding more melanomas that are smaller)
Other important signs of melanoma include changes in size, shape, or color of a mole. Some melanomas do not fit the descriptions above, and it may be hard to tell if the mole is normal or not, so you should show your doctor anything that you are unsure of.
Skin cancers often don’t cause symptoms until they become quite large. Then they can bleed or even hurt.  Basal cell carcinomas often appear as flat, firm, pale areas or as small, raised, pink or red, translucent, shiny, waxy areas that may bleed after minor injury. You might see one or more irregular blood vessels, a depressed area in the center, or blue, brown, or black areas. Large ones may have oozing or crusted spots.  Squamous cell carcinoma may appear as growing lumps, often with a rough surface, or as flat, reddish patches that grow slowly.
Prevention
The best way to prevent skin cancer is to protect yourself from the sun. Also, protect children from an early age. Doctors suggest that people of all ages limit their time in the sun and avoid other sources of UV radiation:
•    It is best to stay out of the midday sun (from mid-morning to late afternoon) whenever you can. You also should protect yourself from UV radiation reflected by sand, water, snow and ice. UV radiation can go through light clothing, windshields, windows and clouds.
•    Wear long sleeves and long pants of tightly woven fabrics, a hat with a wide brim, and sunglasses that absorb UV. Use sunscreen lotions. Sunscreen may help prevent skin cancer, especially broad-spectrum sunscreen (to filter UVB and UVA rays) with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. But you still need to avoid the sun and wear clothing to protect your skin.
•    Stay away from sunlamps and tanning booths.

Do not use pictures of other moles to try to diagnose it yourself. Pictures are useful examples, but they cannot take the place of a doctor’s examination.
If you have a question or concern about something on your skin, we have two convenient locations, call and schedule your appointment today.

Franklin Office:   Call 615.771.7546    200 Cool Springs Blvd. Franklin, TN 37067

Columbia Office: Call 931.840.9991    1401 Hatcher Lane Columbia, TN 38401

www.ssdermandlaser.com

Types of Acne Scarring
There are different kinds of acne scarring: ice pick scarring, atrophic scarring, and hypertrophic scarring. Ice pick scars are deep pitted scars with steep edges. Atrophic scars are pitted but have smooth borders and are not as deep. Hypertrophic scar, more common on the back and chest, are thick lumpy scars that sit above the surface of the skin.

Color changes in acne in more common than scarring and can resolve but may take years to completely disappear.
Color changes come in three basic colors:
1. Pink and purple: patches at the site of acne lesions
2. Brown/black: hyperpigmentation
3. White: post inflammatory hypopigmentation

Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation is very common in those with darker skin tones or in those who tan easily and can significantly worsen the appearance of acne.

Treatment of Acne Scars
Acne scarring is permanent but can be treated. No treatment is 100% effective and the best result is improvement, not perfection. Treatment of scarring may require many different kinds of treatments, depending on the kind of scarring present. Treatment of acne scarring can be expensive and may not be covered by insurance. It is important that all the acne is clear before treating scarring. Otherwise, new scars form and the procedures are wasted. The most effective treatments are surgical and there are many types.
• Laser Resurfacing
Laser Resurfacing has been used for the treatment of acne scarring. All lasers use a high-energy beam of light that targets specific structures in the skin. The Erbium laser resurfacing is ablative meaning that it destroys the outer layers of the skin. Ablative techniques are more effective and depending on the level of treatment needed may require recovery time from 2 -5 days.

It is a great feeling to have a tan – but at what cost? When the risk outweighs the benefit, it is best to look elsewhere, and this is one of those situations. There are many options to seek out in looking for the perfect method for you. There are a number of other options to consider before putting yourself at risk for a tan. Seek out the advice of your doctor when in doubt, especially when it comes to altering your appearance.

Psoriasis

What Is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a non-contagious chronic skin condition which occurs as a result of abnormalities in the body’s immune system. In individuals with psoriasis, the immune system erroneously sends out signals that cause an increased production in the growth of skin cells. The condition appears as red, scaly patches, often with a whitish or slivery covering of dead skin cells. The condition can affect only a small area of the body, or can spread to cover the entire body in some individuals.

What Causes Psoriasis?
Psoriasis outbreaks can be precipitated by a number of factors, including stress, injury to the skin, and streptococcal infection. The condition is caused by a breakdown in the body’s immune system, and researchers believe stress triggers the immune response that causes the abnormal growth of skin cells that is the hallmark of psoriasis. Certain medications, including drugs to control blood pressure, can also cause a flare-up of psoriasis. Psoriasis also often occurs within families, leading researchers to believe a genetic component is involved.

What treatments are available for psoriasis?
Many types of treatments are available to control psoriasis symptoms and flare-ups, including topical agents, oral medications, and light therapy. Most treatments are directed at slowing the abnormal growth of skin cells that occurs in psoriasis. Topical treatment is usually the first line of treatment, and may include special shampoos, creams, ointments, and lotions, as well as controlled exposure to sunlight. Your physician may recommend beginning treatment with over-the-counter medications before moving to prescription topical agents. Some individuals can benefit from having the area wrapped in a dressing after the topical treatment is applied, in what is known as “occlusion therapy.” Some specialists may prescribe a rotting therapy of different topical medications to avoid developing a tolerance to a particular medication.

Phototherapy is another popular treatment option which may be used alone or in combination with other medications. Light therapy may involve either UVB or UVA radiation, and is carefully applied by a physicians trained in effective application of light. Most treatments are performed 2 to 3 times per week. In the case of UVA therapy, your doctor will probably prescribe use of a drug called psoralen, which helps sensitize your skin to the effects of the light.

Oral medications are usually reserved for individuals with moderate to severe cases of psoriasis, and may also be used for men and women for whom topical treatments and light therapy have failed to achieve satisfactory results. Popular oral medications used to treat psoriasis include methotrexate, retinoids, and cyclosporine. These drugs are carefully monitored by your physician, and may not be used in certain individuals with specific health problems. Most oral medications are used in conjunction with topical products, and may also be used with light therapy. In some rare cases, injections of medication may be used in small areas which are resistant to other forms of treatment.

In certain cases, the physician may decide to use biologics, a class of medicines which mimic the proteins made naturally by the body. These drugs block the immune system response that causes the overproduction of skin cells. Generally, biologics are thought to be less effective overall than other treatments, and are used in patients who cannot tolerate other forms of therapy.

Vitilgo

What is vitiligo?
Vitiligo is a non-contagious skin disorder that causes loss of color in the skin, and appears as white patches. Although it can occur on any area of the body, vitligo most commonly occurs on the face, lips, arms, hands, legs, and genital area. The condition is not uncommon, with about one to two percent of the world’s population suffering from vitiligo.

What are the causes of vitiligo?
The exact cause of vitligo is not known, but researchers believe the condition is caused by a combination of environmental, genetic, and autoimmune factors. The condition occurs when melanocytes, the cells which produce the skin’s color, die or lose their ability to produce pigment.

What are the risk factors of Vitiligo?
Vitiligo often runs in familes, with about 20 percent of all individuals who have vitiligo also having a family member with the condition. Most individuals who develop vitligo are in general good health, although some individuals with other autoimmune disorders also develop vitiligo. Since the cause is unknown, the only potential risk factors which have been tentatively identified are genetic predisposition and autoimmune disorders.

What are they symptoms of Vitiligo?
Vitiligo becomes apparent when one or more areas of the skin loses pigment for no apparent reason. In its usual course, vitiligo develops rapidly with loss of pigmentation occurring in one or more areas of the body. In most individuals, this condition occurs in cycles, with periods of pigment loss followed by periods when there is no change in pigment. In virtually all cases, skin pigmentation does not return on its own and there is no way to predict how much pigment will be lost in any given individual. Light-skinned individuals may not notice vitiligo until warmer months, when areas of the body fail to tan when exposed to the sun.

What types of treatment are available for vitiligo?
There is no cure for vitiligo, but the loss of skin color which is its symptom can be treated. In many fair-skinned individuals, the only necessary treatment is to avoid sun exposure, since lack of pigment is often not noticeable when there is no suntan. Those with darker skin may opt to use tinted makeup, special skin stains or self-tanning agents to achieve a temporary cover-up. Some individuals can benefit from micropigmentation tattooing.

When these temporary measures are not satisfactory, your specialist may advise a treatment to restore some pigmentation, or a series of procedures to remove the body’s pigment. In most cases, treatments aimed at returning pigment are temporary, although longer lasting than self-tanners and stains.

Light therapies and topical corticosteroids have been shown to be effective in returning pigmentation to many patients suffering from vitiligo. A new class of drugs called “immunomodulators” may also aid in vitiligo treatment, but are usually reserved for patients who do not respond to other treatments. Patients may also respond to excimer laser treatment.

For individuals who have lost most of their natural pigment, depigmentation therapy removes the remaining pigment, resulting in an even, white tone overall. This treatment takes about a year to complete and pigmentation removal is permanent.

2. What is skin resurfacing or skin rejuvenation?
Answer: Skin resurfacing and skin rejuvenation are terms commonly used to describe microdermabrasion (see above). There are different methods of skin resurfacing ranging from sand blasting to chemical peels. DermaSweep eliminates thediscomfort of sand blasting and utilizes particle-free technology.

3. How does DermaSweep work?
Answer: DermaSweep features a closed system with a variable level vacuum pump that gently lifts the skin surface as the device “sweeps away” the dead layer of skin in a precise and controlled manner.  The skin is left smoother as the vacuum action of the wand stimulates blood flow and cleans the pores. The increased blood flow encourages collagen formation thus firming and toning the epidermis. Using the Epi-Infusion option, skin specific solutions can be directly applied to the skin leaving patients with fresher-feeling and better-looking skin.
DermaSweep’s patent-pending treatment tips are available in up to 9 combinations for comfort and precise results.
Selecting the appropriate tip, infusion solution and adjustable vacuum pressure delivers safe, controlled and optimal results.

4. Are there risks with the DermaSweep?
Answer: Every DermaSweep professional is trained and certified. Carefully following our treatment protocol, DermaSweep treatments are one of the safest, lowest-risk, age defying procedures available. Additionally the treatment is painless, you will leave feeling refreshed and have a healthy glow.

5. Why is DermaSweep better than other exfoliation and microdermabrasion treatments?
Answer: Our microdermabrasion system eliminates the messy and painful crystals often used by alternative systems to remove dead skin.
Dermasweep features a closed system with a variable level vacuum pump that gently lifts the skin as our bristles “sweep away” the dead layer of skin in a precise and controlled manner.

6. What is Epi-Infusion?
Answer: Epi-Infusion treatments combine exfoliation with the delivery of skin specific topical solutions, leaving patients with fresher feeling and better looking skin. The topical solutions are formulated to treat specific dermatological conditions.
Our trained cosmetic staff determines an effective treatment customized to each patient’s unique skincare needs.
The following is a short list of topical solutions and skin conditions that can be addressed:
• Acne- Salicylic Acid, a medicated solution for the treatment of Acne and clogged pores
• Dehydration- Hyaluronic Acid containing Aloe Vera and Chamomile.
This solution is especially formulated for normal to dry, combination and sensitive skin.
• Hyperpigmentation- This skin brightening solution with hydroquinone, azelaic acid and kojic acid works to lighten pigmentation.

7. What will my skin look after treatment?
Answer: Your skin will be instantly smoother and you will notice a vibrant glow after the first treatment.

8. When will I see results?
Answer: Your skin will have a warm, pinkish glow that may last up to 30 minutes. Your post treatment care is simple and easy and will be explained by our cosmetic consultant.

9. What will I do after the treatment?
A home skincare regime will be recommended to maintain the results of your treatment.

How many treatments are required?
Hair growth can only be affected during the growth cycle. Several sessions are required to destroy all hair follicles.

What should I expect after my Treatment?
The area may be red and swollen immediately after treatment. You can return to your normal schedule, but keep out of the sun and use sunscreen. Over the next few weeks your hair will appear to grow as it falls out.

How soon will results appear?
Results are revealed as your hair goes through its normal cycles. By six months, you should have an idea of how much hair has been reduced.

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Winter can be especially hard on skin that tends to be dry. Heaters and furnaces will dry the air they heat and cause the skin to dry even more. If you can, it would be wise to use a humidifier during the winter. A humidifier will help to pump much needed moisture into the air in your home. You may also want to cut down on bathing. For most people a daily bath in the winter is not necessary. Excessive bathing can dry the skin and cause it to crack and peel. Many soaps are also drying to the skin, you may want to try a cream cleanser in place of soap. Be wary of deodorants and creams that contain alcohol, as it can also be very drying. Use a moisturizing skin cream such as Elta Melting Ointment which does not contain perfumes (perfume contains alcohol), especially after bathing. You’ll want to regularly use a moisturizing cream; Dr. Pena suggests the use of Elta Lite Lotion because of its lighter feel and texture. It is best to apply any moisturizer immediately after showering while your skin is still wet; then blot dry with a towel.

Dr. Pena prefers sun protectants that contain at least 5%Zinc. We suggest one of the Elta Sunscreens depending on your skin type. It is best to your sunscreen as your daily morning moisturizer.

With her passion and dedication to skin care, Dr. Pena has developed a line of sunscreen called Likewise. The sunscreen products have a high concentration of zinc, anti-oxidants, soy and vitamins B&D. Even thought they are SPF 50 and water resistant, the line was formulated specifically to be used daily as well as at the beach. Likewise, offers a specially formulated moisturizer for each skin type. Look for Dr. Pena’s new line Likewise; available in February.

It is important to keep your skin and body well-hydrated and keep exposed skin covered when outdoors. Additionally at Pena MD Studio you can schedule an appointment with one of our cosmetic consultants to develop a skin care regime that works with your skin type.

Skin cancer begins in cells, the building blocks that make up the skin. Normally, skin cells grow and divide to form new cells. Every day skin cells grow old and die, and new cells take their place. Sometimes, this orderly process goes wrong. New cells form when the skin does not need them, and old cells do not die when they should. These extra cells can form a growth or tumor.

See the entire article at News Channel 5

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