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Know your ABCDE’s and get your annual skin check

Know your ABC’s this Summer and get your annual skin check

Summer is almost in full swing! Before you start laying out this beach season, be sure get your annual skin exam. Skin checks for abnormal moles or growths are basic sun safety that should be practiced year-round. Spending time in the sun can bring out freckles and spots you didn’t even know you had. It can be hard to determine which spots are normal, or if they need to be checked out. However, it is imperative that when something odd does appear gets diagnosed and treated correctly.

The skin is the largest organ of the body, and more people are diagnosed with skin cancer than any other form. Fortunately, checking our bodies for signs of skin cancer is as easy as singing the ABC’s.

  • Asymmetry: One half is unlike the other half.
  • Border: Irregular, scalloped or poorly defined.
  • Color: Varies from one area to another. Shades of dark purple, blue or black; sometimes red or white.
  • Diameter: While skin cancer varies and grows rapidly; melanomas are usually larger than the size of a pencil eraser (6mm).
  • Elevation: If your mole is not smooth or extremely raised, it could be a cause for concern.

Skin cancer tends to cause changes, so any visible change to the mole, especially over a short period of time, maybe cause for concern. If you have a concerning spot that meets any of these conditions, don’t hesitate to see a dermatologist.

Why You Need to Avoid the Tanning Bed this Winter

It can be difficult to maintain a good tan during the sunless and cold, winter months unless you’ve taken a beach vacation or are lucky enough to live somewhere warm and sunny year-round. However, for most of us, our skin quickly loses its summer glow and pales throughout the winter. While tan skin may be a confidence booster, it doesn’t mean you should hit the tanning bed. There are many reasons to avoid dangerous sunless tanning booths and a number of safe ways to obtain a radiant tan.

Avoiding the Tanning Bed

We’ve all heard it before. There is plenty of information and awareness out there warning people of the dangers that come with tanning beds. However, the industry is still making profits and people are developing skin cancer at insane rates. Here are some of the most important and crucial reasons to avoid the bed.

  • Risk of Skin Cancer: Sunless tanning booths are a known carcinogen, meaning they are a recognized avenue to developing cancer. Tanning beds increase your risk of developing skin cancer by 59 percent. Each time you visit a bed, this percentage increases. Your risk not only increases for mild skin cancers, but also for the most deadly form of skin cancer, known as melanoma. Melanoma most commonly occurs on the skin, but ocular melanoma can appear on the eye, causing vision loss.
  • Wrinkles: All types of UV rays, or the sun’s harmful rays, cause skin damage. With tanning beds, you are given direct exposure to UVA and UVB rays, with little to no protection. UV rays are known to cause wrinkles in sunbed users of all ages. These beds weaken the skin elasticity and will cause wrinkles to come sooner rather than later.
  • Skin Texture: Not only do tanning beds cause wrinkles, but they cause a complete overhaul of your skin’s health. Your skin’s texture can change with the use of indoor tanning, causing it to have a leathery texture. In addition, tanning beds cause dark spots to appear on the face and other parts of the body, creating skin tone variation.

Tanning Bed Users

The first thing you should do if you use a tanning bed is to stop. If you visit an indoor tanning bed regularly or used to, you should also see your dermatologist regularly and performing skin checks. With such a heightened risk of skin cancer, it is important to monitor your skin so that cancer can be treated immediately. You may feel embarrassed to admit to your dermatologist that you use tanning beds. However, it is important to be honest with your doctor so they know and understand your risk factors and can offer you appropriate care.

Safe Alternatives for Sunless Tanning

  • Spray Tan: Many indoor tanning locations offer spray tan options. When people think of spray tans, they fear looking like a carrot or having an uneven tan. With today’s technology, spray tans have become much more reliable and natural. For the same cost as a tanning bed membership, you can get regular sprays and still have the bronzed skin you desire.
  • Tanning Lotion: Just like spray tans, tanning lotions have become much more reliable and look incredibly natural. There are tanning lotions available anywhere in your price range and desired skin tone. Many tanning lotions offer “buildable tans,” meaning you continue to apply for multiple days until you reach your desired tone.
  • Rock Your Natural Skin: The simplest and most cost-effective way to avoid sunless tanning is to rock your natural skin. Everyone has different skin tones. There will always be someone paler than you and someone who is tanner than you. When considering your skin, don’t spend time fretting over how tan it is and begin to care for its overall health instead.

It’s time to put your skin’s health first. Be sure to avoid tanning beds. If you have been a regular indoor tanner, be sure to make an appointment to have your skin checked and cared for today. If you have already administered a skin check and have found some things that raise alarm, it is also time to make an appointment. The dermatologists at Knoxville Dermatology Group have experience treating hundreds of skin conditions and are ready to care for you as well. To book an appointment visit the website or call at (865) 690-9467.

The Universal Threat of Skin Cancer

Summer is over, and the amount of time we are spending outside is dwindling. As the tans fade, many will turn to tanning beds to contain the sun-kissed glow to the skin. Everyone knows that tanning beds are bad for you, but just a few times won’t hurt, right? Wrong. Just one use of the tanning bed dramatically increases your chances of developing a form of skin cancer. When detected early, skin cancer is highly treatable, but if left unnoticed, there can be seriously, lasting and reoccurring problems. Here is a breakdown of the different types of skin cancer, how to tell the difference and when to know it’s time to see a dermatologist.

Skin Cancer 101

Skin cancer is defined as an abnormal growth of skin cells in a concentrated area. UV ray exposure or sun damage are the leading causes associated with skin cancer. It affects all skin types, although those with a fair complexion or are susceptible to sunburns are at a higher risk. Although people who are over 40 are more likely to get it, using a tanning bed early on can increase the chances by up to 59 percent. Depending on the type of skin cancer, treatments range from topical medications to chemotherapy and radiation.

Actinic Keratoses

Referred to as AKs, actinic keratoses are precancerous growths on the surface of the skin. They form when the skin is damaged by UV rays and appear as dry, scaly patches or spots. People who form an AK once are susceptible to them reoccurring frequently throughout life. The patches can go away, then reappear once the skin is exposed to the sun.

Although AKs are precancerous, it’s important to visit a dermatologist immediately for treatment before the possibility of squamous cell carcinoma arises. Actinic keratoses are only characterized by physical symptoms. People with these spots might notice a rough patch that is not entirely visible and painful when rubbed. The spot might itch and burn, and the lips on the face may become dry.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer and most diagnosed form in the United States. It appears in common sun-exposed places of the skin like the face, neck and hands. Like all skin cancers, the usage of tanning beds dramatically increases the chances of developing BCC by 40 percent. BCC grows slowly, rarely spreads and is highly treatable, but it’s important to get a worrisome spot checked out immediately when noticed. This form of cancer can destroy bone, tissue and the skin.

Basal cell carcinoma shows up on the skin in various forms. Most commonly, it will appear as a dome-shaped growth with visible blood vessels. It can look as a pink or red patch of scaly skin, like eczema. In addition, it may form as a yellowish-pale scar that won’t heal. The growth will often bleed, ooze then scab over.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

There are over 700,000 cases of squamous cell carcinoma diagnosed in the United States every year. This form of skin cancer starts off as actinic keratoses, precancerous growths. People who are diagnosed with SCC have had sun exposure to their skin for an extended amount of years. Squamous cell carcinoma is a slow-growing form of skin cancer.

SCC is physically characterized by a rough bump or lump on the skin. It will grow to be dome-shaped, then crust over and bleed. It looks to be a sore that doesn’t heal, and if it does, it will reappear. Squamous cell carcinoma is diagnosed by a dermatologist who will perform a biopsy. Treatments can include excision, surgery, radiation or light therapy. The type of treatment depends on how deep the cancer has grown and how much it has spread.

Melanoma

Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer and is the easiest spread. When detected early enough, it is highly treatable, but it is important to know the waning signs of what to look for. People who spend lots of time in the sun should perform regular body checks for any abnormal moles or growths. You can detect a worrisome spot by looking for the symmetry, border, color, diameter and evolution of the area.

Melanoma can change an pre-existing mole or form a completely new spot on the skin. It can also appear as a dark streak under a finger or toe nail. Melanoma can become deadly if it spreads to the lymph nodes or any internal organs. Depending on the stage it is caught, melanoma is treated by surgery, radiation or even chemotherapy. If you have a concerning spot on your skin, make an appointment with a dermatologist immediately.

The medical professionals at Knoxville Dermatology Group are experienced in catching, diagnosing and treating all forms of skin cancer. To make an appointment, contact us online here, or at (865) 690-9467 today.

The ABC’s of Skin Checks

Woman getting unknown spot checked out.

Summer is in full-swing, and you’re likely spending more time in the sun. Skin checks for abnormal moles or growths is basic sun safety that should be practiced year round. Spending time in the sun can bring out freckles and spots you didn’t even know you had. Is it a mole? Is it a freckle? Or is it something to be more concerned about? It can be hard to determine which spots are normal, or if they need to be checked out. However, it is imperative that when something odd does appear gets diagnosed and treated correctly.

The skin is the largest organ of the body, and more people are diagnosed with skin cancer than any other form. Tanning beds are considered extremely unsafe and can increase the risk of developing melanoma by 75 percent. In fact, one person dies from melanoma every hour. When caught early enough, skin cancer is highly treatable. Fortunately, checking our bodies for signs of skin cancer is as easy as ABC.

Asymmetry

One of the warning signs for skin cancer to be aware of is the symmetry of the mole. If you draw a line through the center of the mole and it doesn’t match, then it could be a sign of melanoma or other form of skin cancer.

Border

A normal mole or “beauty mark” will have a natural and clear border. Spots with a blurry or jagged edge may mean it’s time to get it checked out by a dermatologist or other medical professional.

Color 

A typical mole should be a solid, brown pigment with no color variation. A spot with multiple colors, especially dark purple or black could be a sign of cancerous growth. 

Diameter

A normal mole or freckle should be about a quarter of an inch in diameter, or the size of a pencil eraser. Anything larger than that should be checked out by a doctor immediately. Even if the spot doesn’t raise any other red flags, something new and of that size is extremely concerning.

Elevation

A normal mole should have a smooth texture and be of a normal height. Something that doesn’t meet those qualifications is a concern. All spots on your body should be similar in texture, color and height.

If you have a concerning spot that meets any of these conditions, don’t hesitate to see a dermatologist. At Knoxville Dermatology Group, our team specializes in identifying pre-cancerous growths and taking the proper treatment course. To make an appointment, contact KDG at (865) 690-9467 today!

Check Your Man Out: It May Save His Life.

Father’s Day is over, but Men’s Health Month will last for the rest of June. Men’s Health Month was recognized by Congress in 1994 to encourage men, boys and their families to seek regular medical examination and advice for preventative disease treatment. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, women are nine times more likely to detect melanoma or another cancerous spot on the skin. This may be why white men above the age of 50 are the highest demographic to develop skin cancer. If cancer doesn’t discriminate, how is this possible? Here is a list of manly habits that raises men’s risk of developing skin cancer:

He’s a Chronic Shorts Wearer:

The backs of the legs and calves are a highly susceptible place to develop skin cancer. This is especially common for people who wear shorts or go to the beach regularly. When wearing shorts, the amount of sun reaching your legs can be dangerous even when you aren’t intending on getting sun. It can be difficult applying sunscreen to the backs of the legs and keeping them covered from the sun while running daily errands.

He Drives Everywhere:

Truck drivers, delivery people and construction workers have a greater risk of developing skin cancer to their hands and forearms. The left arm and both hands receive direct sunlight when they are on the steering wheel. Many don’t realize they are receiving that exposure due to being in a temperature-controlled car.

His New Haircut:

The top of the head is another common spot for men to develop skin cancer, especially when sporting a shorter hairstyle. It also makes it one of the hardest places to check. Even a ball cap can’t protect the ears from exposure to the sun. Regular scalp checks and wide brimmed hats are recommended for people who work and spend time outside on a regular basis.

To help raise awareness about men’s risk to skin cancer, the AAD released a campaign titled, “Check Your Partner. Check Yourself.” This encourages family members to check both themselves and their partners for suspicious moles and spots. Melanoma and other forms of skin cancer are highly treatable when detected early.

If you have concerns about you or your partner’s skin, contact Knoxville Dermatology Group at (865) 690-9467 for an appointment.

Much Ado about May: Melanoma Awareness Month

May Melanoma Awareness Month DermatologyMay is an important month of the year. Summer gets into full swing, as May celebrates the finish line of the school year, graduation ceremonies, weddings, and perhaps the beginning of new career paths. The cold, dreary winter is in the rearview mirror, as we cruise into warmer, longer days. But most importantly, May serves as Melanoma Awareness Month.

Designated by The American Academy of Dermatology, Melanoma (or Skin Cancer) Awareness Month is an effort to raise awareness about the deadliest form of skin cancer. Melanoma is aggressive, and if left untreated, it can spread all over your body. Melanoma cases have tripled over the past four decades, positioning it as one of the top 10 causes of new cancer cases.

We can’t stress the importance of prevention and early detection enough. A tool we use frequently to help identify the warning signs of skin cancer is the ABCD’s of Melanoma:

  • A for Asymmetry – if one half of a mole is different than the other half
  • B for Border Irregularity – if the mole’s edges are uneven, blurred or notched
  • C for Color – if the mole’s color is uneven and has varying shades of black or brown
  • D for Diameter – if the mole’s diameter is greater than six milliliters

Call us at (865) 690-9467 if you notice any of these changes in your skin. Let’s enjoy the summer by protecting our skin from skin cancer!

Tanning Facts – Bottle, Bed or Sun (Part 2)

It’s hard not to associate summer with sunshine and tanning. We all covet that “healthy glow,” but what measures are we willing to take to get it? To make things easier for the tan-lovers out there, your Knoxville Dermatology team put together the facts about bottle, bed and sun tanning. In this entry, we’ll talk about tanning beds.

Bed:

Don’t be fooled by the tanning bed industry. They’ve fed us all lines about “healthy rays” and getting a “base tan” to keep from burning. But the truth is, tanning is just not a part of living a healthy life – whether it’s by bed or by sun.

Further research has shown us the dangers of tanning beds. Last year, the International Agency for Research on Cancer shifted indoor tanning beds to the highest cancer risk category – “carcinogenic to humans.” They cause users to become more vulnerable to melanoma; your risk increases 75% if used only once before the age of 35. Tanning is equivalent to a sunburn in terms of the effect on your skin, so despite developing a “base tan” or easing into it, you are still causing DNA damage to your skin.

Other consequences of indoor tanning are premature aging and wrinkles. Immune system suppression and eye damage are side effects that have also been linked to indoor tanning.

Now we don’t want to mislead you. We are not saying you should avoid the sun and UV rays at all costs. We’re simply saying you should understand the risks and monitor your sun and UV ray exposure. If you have any questions about tanning beds or UV rays, feel free to call us at 865-690-9467 or check out our blog for more information on tanning beds, UVA and UVB rays, SPF and more.

Melanoma Awareness

The American Academy of Dermatology designated May 5th as Melanoma Monday® and they plan to continue raising awareness throughout May. Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer and anyone is susceptible of developing it. It’s aggressive and can spread all over body if left untreated. Knoxville Dermatology Group, along with the coordinated effort of the American Academy of Dermatology, advocates for healthy skin by promoting prevention, early detection and treatment of skin cancer.

Approximately two million people in the United States are diagnose with non-melanoma skin cancer each year. The majority of these diagnoses are either basal cell or squamous cell carcinomas. In addition, melanoma has tripled over the past four decades and is currently one of the top 10 causes of new cancer cases.

The ABCD’s of Melanoma is a great tool to help in prevention and early detection. Knoxville Dermatology Group encourages everyone to be aware of the warning signs for keeping skin healthy:

  • A for Asymmetry – if one half of a mole is different than the other half
  • B for Border Irregularity – if the mole’s edges are uneven, blurred or notched
  • C for Color – if the mole’s color is uneven and has shades of black or brown
  • D for Diameter – if the mole’s diameter is greater than six milliliters

During the upcoming summer months, stay in the shade and do not go in the sun without SPF 30 or higher, with both UVA and UVB protection. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions regarding skin cancer or protection.

The Effects of Tanning Beds

Thanks to years of research we are more aware of the damages tanning and UV rays have on our skin. But even with this research and the advancements we’ve made in skin protection, skin cancer is still the most common form of cancer in the U.S., affecting more than 3.5 million people annually. While we monitor our exposure outside, tanning beds are just as damaging to your skin as laying out by the pool, if not more.

Tanning beds often exceed “safe” UV limits, despite what the salon claims. For example, did you know a tanning lamp can emit 10 to 15 times the amount of UVA radiation produced by the sun? A tan induces the same type of damages to your skin as a sunburn. It causes DNA damage to the skin and increases your risk of developing melanoma even just after one burn. In fact, indoor UV tanners are 74% more likely to develop melanoma than those who have never tanned indoors.

In the U.S. alone, 419,254 cases of skin cancer can be attributed to indoor tanning – 6,199 are melanoma cases. These numbers are shocking because melanoma is one of the most preventable forms of cancer. Self-tanners are a much safer option to getting that “healthy glow”. Let’s keep these facts at the top of mind as we enter Melanoma Awareness Month next month.

If you have any questions about tanning beds or about changes in your skin, please call us today at 865-690-9467. Skin health is an important part of total body wellness. Schedule an appointment with one of our board certified physicians to get your skin the care it needs so it can reach its fullest, healthiest potential.

 

The ABCD’s of Melanoma

May is Melanoma Awareness Month. Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer and anyone is susceptible to developing it. It is our duty to help increase awareness of the importance of the prevention, early detection and treatment of skin cancer.

Each year, approximately two million people in the United States are diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer, with the majority being either basal cell or squamous cell carcinomas. In addition, melanoma has tripled over the past three decades and is currently one of the top 10 causes of new cancer cases.

We encourage everyone to be aware of the four warning signs for keeping skin healthy:

• A for Asymmetry – if one half of a mole is different than the other half
• B for Border Irregularity – if the mole’s edges are uneven, blurred or notched
• C for Color – if the mole’s color is uneven and has shades of black or brown
• D for Diameter – if the mole’s diameter is greater than 6 milimeters

“It is important to pay attention to your skin so it’s easier to recognize changes that may need to be examined,” said George Keough, MD. “A sudden or continuous change (including any of the ABCD’s) in the appearance of a mole is a sign to contact a dermatologist immediately.”

During the upcoming summer months, stay in the shade and do not go in the sun without SPF 30 or higher, with both UVA and UVB protection. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions regarding skin cancer or protection.