Blog

What are the side effects of sun damage?

The sun can cause harmless effects such as wrinkles and premature aging, which can be unsightly. Other harmless but undesirable effects of the sun include lentigoes (brown spots) IGH or hypomelanosis (white spots), and loss of elasticity of the skin.  But, the sun can also cause precancer and skin cancer which might require surgical intervention to remove.  Precancers usually require either reshave removal or freezing with liquid nitrogen which can be unpleasant. Skin cancers, depending on type and depth can require either electrodessication and curettage, excision, radiation therapy or Mohs surgery.

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How can I get my skin checked for cancer?

Make an appointment for a full body skin examination with one of our Board Certified Dermatologists by calling our office at 954-481-0650. One of our staff members will be glad to assist you in making that appointment. Every patient age 30 or above should schedule an annual full body skin examination regardless of family or personal history of skin cancer. Our dermatologist will check the skin from head to toe looking for signs of anything dangerous, such as skin cancer or precancer. The exam only takes a few minutes and is an important part of annual self-care. 

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Is it too late to fix sun-damaged skin?

At any age, we can start to protect ourselves from the sun. it is never too late to use sun protective clothing, hats and sunscreen, Some of the existing skin damage can be treated by seeing the Dermatologist and learning about preventive options such as Photo Dynamic Therapy. Photo Dynamic Therapy is a treatment where a medication is applied to the skin which targets skin cells are are changing below the surface of the skin. Then a light source is used to destroy those cells which are changing and possibly on their way to becoming precancer or skin cancer. 

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Skin Cancer Prevention Tips for Florida Residents

Sun protective clothing and hats should be a part of every Floridian's wardrobe. Sunscreen, namely Titanium Dioxide and/or Zinc Oxide are the sunscreens recommended by our Board Certified Dermatologists. For parents, using sunscreen from an early age will help prevent sun damage to young skin. If children are taught this from a young age, it becomes part of the regular routine when going outside to play sports, going to the beach, or going in a swimming pool.  Preventing sunburns is one of the most important preventive actions anyone can take. 

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Can your skin show signs of cancer?

Yes. Anything that itches, bleeds and does not heal, or is changing or growing should be checked by a Board Certified Dermatologist.  Some of the other signs to look for in a mole are:  the A,B,C,D,and E's of detection.  A is for Asymmetry meaning if one half of the mole looks different than the other half. B is for Border, meaning if the edge is irregular, scalloped or poorly defined. C is for Color, so if the mole varies from one area to another in color, has shades of brown and tan, black or darker than your other moles, is white, or has red or blue in it. D is for Diameter. If a mole is 6mm or larger (about the size of a pencil eraser), it should be checked. E is for Evolving. If a mole or area on the skin looks different or is changing in size, shape or color, that is a warning sign. All of these are signs that you should see a Board Certified Dermatologist for a full body skin examination.

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