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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.

Safeguard Your Skin this Summer

Safeguard Your Skin this Summer

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Throughout May and June, we will be reminding you to #SafeguardYourSkin this beach season.

Long days lounging in the sun are fast approaching and we want to prepare you as best we can. Check back frequently for more in-depth coverage on skin cancer awareness and tips to protect yourself for the upcoming summer. Follow us on social media for up-to-date content, contests, and giveaways!

 

 

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!

How to Screen Your Sun Protection

If everyone’s skin is different, then why do we try to protect it like it’s the same? Companies create makeup and skin care products designed to cater to different skin types. However, when it comes to sunscreen, people rarely research what they are buying, and which product will best protect their skin. Luckily for you, the American Academy of Dermatology released tons of tips and information that will help you choose a sun protection that will best guard your skin.

What to Buy

Sunscreen is typically sold in the forms of lotions, sticks and sprays. You will want to purchase something that is broad-spectrum, water-resistant and has an SPF of 30 or higher. Sunscreen must be applied every two hours, or after swimming and physical activity.

While lotions are recommended due to their full-coverage, sticks and sprays tend to be more convenient. A stick of sunscreen should be applied in four layers for maximum coverage. Rubbing it in after application ensures that an even layer has been covered. Spray sunscreen should be applied generously to your skin. Do not use a spray on a windy day to avoid inhaling the chemicals.

Types of Sunscreen

There are two different types of sunscreens available on the market: physical and chemical. Physical sunscreens work like a shield, as they sit on the surface of the skin to deflect the sun’s rays. This type of sunscreen should be used by people with sensitive skin. Physical sunscreens will include ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

Chemical sunscreens are designed to be applied easier to the skin. These products don’t leave the white residue that is frequent in physical sunscreens. Instead of reflecting the sun’s rays, chemical sunscreens absorb them. Ingredients like avobenzone, octisalate and homosalate are common in these products. The FDA has also issued a warning against sunscreen pills, which have been found to be ineffective.

Ingredients to Avoid

It’s very important to look at the ingredients in sun screen to see if it is suitable for your personal skin type. Recently, Hawaiian legislators banned the distribution of sunscreens that contain oxybenzone and octinoxate. These ingredients are used in chemical sunscreens and have raised environmental concerns. The chemicals are also linked to the damage of marine life and coral reefs.

The FDA has yet to ban these chemicals, as they are still approved and considered safe for human use. In fact, according to American Academy of Dermatology President Suzanne M. Olbricht, MD, all of the active ingredients in U.S. sunscreens have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as safe and effective for human use..  When one in five Americans will develop skin cancer at some point, the FDA is encouraging everyone to take the proper steps to protect themselves from the sun’s UV rays.

Do you have a concerning spot you need looked at? Or need help finding suitable sun protection for your skin? Contact Knoxville Dermatology Group today to make an appointment at (865) 690-9467.

How to Protect Yourself During National Skin Cancer Awareness Month

Did you know May is National Skin Cancer Awareness Month? With warm weather here, it’s hard to not want to spend time in the sun. Being out in the sun makes our skin glow and everyone a little happier. It can also make us forget the threats that are associated with spending too much time in its’ rays. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. It often goes undetected until it’s too late. Here is everything you need to know about protecting yourself while you enjoy the summer months:

UV Index:

The three most common forms of skin cancer are caused by overexposure to ultraviolet light. The UV Index ranks exposure levels to ultraviolet light based on a zero to 15 scale. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends wearing sun protection if the UV Index is a level three or higher. Weather apps calculate the UV Index for when you want to check the ultraviolet levels in your area.

Wear Sunscreen:

This is an obvious one! You should never be out in the sun without some sort of protection. Your sunscreen should have a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. It should also be broad spectrum to protect you from both UVA and UVB rays. Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours or after swimming, sweating and toweling off. Check the expiration date on the bottle to see if it has exceeded its shelf life before using.

Avoid Indoor Tanning:

The use of tanning beds is not safe for your skin and is definitely not recommended. One session in the tanning bed increases the risk of developing melanoma by 20 percent. A tan is the body’s response to injury from UV rays, so even getting a base tan is harmful to your skin.

Regular Skin Checks:

When detected early, skin cancer is very treatable. Self-examining your skin for suspicious moles can help you catch it before its too late. Observe the places on your body that receive the most sun exposure like your neck, legs, feet, elbows and arms. Ask a friend for help checking those hard-to-see places like your back and scalp.

If you do find a concerning spot contact Knoxville Dermatology Group today at (865) 690-9467 or on their website www.knoxderm.com.

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!

Let’s Talk About Basal Cell Carcinoma

Now let’s shift gears from Squamous Cell Carcinoma to Basal Cell.

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) like Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is one of the most common forms of skin cancer. About 8 out of 10 skin cancers are BCC. It is the result of excessive sun exposure over time. Basal cells are in the lowest layer of the epidermis, unlike SCC which can been seen in the outer layers of skin.

It’s very rare for BCC to spread to other parts of the body but if left untreated, it can grow into nearby areas and invade the bone or other tissues beneath the skin. It’s important to do monthly skin scans and report any changes to your dermatologist. You should also wear SPF 30 every time you go outside. If you know you’ll be outside for an extended amount of time, bring the SPF with you and reapply every two hours.

If you have any questions 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.

Let’s Talk About Squamous Cell Carcinoma

While we’re on the subject of skin cancer for Melanoma Awareness Month, let’s talk about Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC).

According to the American Association of Dermatology, about 700,000 new cases of squamous cell carcinoma are diagnosed in the U.S. each year. SCC is a common form of skin cancer that develops in the thin, flat squamous cells in your epidermis. It can often look like scaly red patches, open sores, or elevated growths. Like with all skin cancers, SCC is more frequently found on sun-exposed areas of the body like your head, neck and back of your hands.

Risks for SCC include having light-colored skin, long-term daily sun exposure, old age and many severe sunburns early in life. SCC is usually not life-threatening but if left untreated, it can be aggressive and spread to other parts of your body. If you suspect that you’ve developed SCC, contact one of our certified dermatologists.

If you have any questions 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.

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.