Healthy Skin = Healthier Future
Healthy skin for a healthier future.
May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Although skin cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer, cases are on the rise globally. Discover how we are fighting for healthy skin with awareness and treatments.
See below as we explore:
- Types of Skin Cancer
- Importance of Yearly Skin Exams
- Sun Protection Favorites With Science-Backed Results
TYPES OF SKIN CANCER
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer.
- Presents as what appears to be a harmless non-healing pimple, scar, sore, or scaly patch.
- Occurs most commonly in highly sun-exposed areas such as the face, neck, chest, arms, hands, and balding scalp.
- Highly treatable with a very low risk of metastasis of <1%.
- Treatments include Mohs micrographic surgery, excisions, topical chemotherapy and immunotherapy creams, and radiation.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common form of skin cancer.
- Presents as a non-healing, red, crusted, or scaling bump or sore.
- Occurs most commonly in the highly sun-exposed areas such as the face, neck, chest, arms, hands, and balding scalp.
- Risk of spreading ranges from 1-10%, if detected early they are easily treated with Mohs surgery, topical treatments, or radiation.
Melanoma
Melanoma is less common but the most serious form of skin cancer.
- Presents as a new or changing mole or brown spot.
- More common on sun-exposed skin but can occur anywhere including the bottom of your feet, eyes, scalp, and other unexposed skin.
- If detected early, melanoma has a 99% cure rate. However, it can become life-threatening by spreading to the lymph nodes and internal organs.
- ABCDEs of melanoma help us detect which brown spots on our skin are concerning.
The first Monday in May is designated as Melanoma Monday by the American Academy of Dermatology. We are joining the cause to raise awareness of skin cancer and encourage you to examine your skin for suspicious spots. It’s also important to schedule your annual full-body skin exam. At Pure Dermatology, our expert dermatologists, Dr. Ghiselli, Dr. Cera Hill, and Dr. Farahi, can perform skin exams to screen and detect skin cancer. We offer many options for treatments for skin cancers, including Mohs Micrographic Surgery.
- Mohs surgery is a specialized surgical and microscopic procedure that progressively removes thin layers of cancer-containing skin until the margin is clear of cancer. It allows the removal of as little skin as possible while attaining the highest cure rate. This procedure is performed at Pure Dermatology by board-certified Mohs surgeon, Dr. Samantha Ghiselli.
Schedule A Full Body Skin Check + Screening
SUN PROTECTION FAVORITES WITH SCIENCE-BACKED RESULTS
Living in Colorado we are all exposed to the sun daily and are at risk for skin cancer. Check out our favorite products (all available at Pure Dermatology for 20% off during May) to help protect you from the sun and reduce your risk of skin cancer.
SPF — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica SPF 50+
- Eryfotona Actinica is more than a sunscreen, it can reverse previous DNA damage from the sun.
- Its innovative formula contains patented DNA Repairsomes®, clinically proven to help repair existing sun damage.
Dietary Supplement — Heliocare
- Heliocare is a dietary supplement that contains a unique extract from a Fernleaf plant called Polypodium leucotomos, which helps your skin protect itself from the free radical DNA damage caused by the sun. In addition to Nicotinamide, a derivative of Vitamin B3, that has been clinically proven to reduce the incidence of precancerous lesions called actinic keratosis by up to 23%.
- We recommend taking it any time you have extended sun exposure, whether on a tropical vacation, golfing, hiking, or watching your child’s or grandchild’s soccer game.
- Additionally, it is recommended for any patient with a history of precancerous skin lesions or skin cancer.
Vitamin C — Alastin C-RADICAL Defense
- Formulated with a novel form of Vitamin C (Sodium Ascorbate), which helps to defend against free radical damage while supporting the skin’s ability to conserve elastin.
- 15 proven antioxidants to help neutralize free radicals, and protect against UV damage and other environmental stressors such as blue light and pollution.