Welcome to the DermacenterMD Blog
Posts for: November, 2015
Q: "I understand you need to keep an eye on moles on your skin to guard against the risk of skin cancer, but what exactly should I be looking for?"
A: Moles are clumps of clustered pigment cells that are nearly always darker than freckles. All changes in existing moles should be checked by your doctor. Any that cause concern will be removed and sent off for analysis. You should also check moles yourself once a month. Try the following A, B, C, D. and E Code: check for A (asymmetry); B (border irregularity); C (color change); D (large diameter), and E (evolution or change).
A mole or a dark freckle spot can turn to cancer or melanoma without symptoms such as itching, burning, or pain. So if you have a mole which is dark, irregular or changing then please do get it evaluated. It is estimated that 1 in 75 Americans will have melanoma at some point in their life. This deadly cancer can be relatively easily treated if caught early.
Call our office today at 574-522-0265 to set up an appointment with one of our highly trained providers.
The other D in Dermatology
Dysport: What is it and how does it work?
It is an advanced cosmetic product which helps in reducing wrinkles and signs of aging. It gives a more vibrant and youthful appearance to the face.
In certain areas of the body, including the face the effects of hormones, sun damage and increasing years can lead to change we do not want. Fortunately many of the signs which give away our years can be reversed. To get a more youthful, happy and pleasant appearance Dysport was developed.
It is a purified protein of Botulinum toxin which reduces the impulses sent down nerve endings to the muscles. In doing so it causes a relaxation of the muscles which keeps them from contracting and forcing unwanted wrinkles to appear. The product lasts about three to four months and then gradually wears off. This allows for a very natural appearance so friends and neighbors notice improvements, but have a hard time identifying what was done.
The procedure has minimal discomfort and takes only a few minutes to perform. At DermacenterMD Dysport and Botox injections are performed by Dr. Roger Moore. As a board certified dermatologist he is expertly trained in the skin, aging and cosmetic procedures. In addition to this he has gone to great lengths to advance his knowledge in these areas including advanced injector training courses only available to board certified dermatologists. Dr. Moore’s pleasant bedside manner and excellent skills create many loyal clients.
Call today for your consultation and evaluation.
574.522.0265
Looking and feeling your best can be only a phone call away!
Here is what you should know about skin cancer:
Be on the lookout for skin cancer! 1 in 3 people are estimated to have skin cancer in their lifetime. It can affect anyone at any age and with any skin type. You can never be too careful or too cautious. Taking care of your skin, like always remembering your sunscreen, and being educated about skin cancer are great ways to protect yourself and those you love.
Below are five different skin conditions to keep an eye out for when you exam you skin, as well as a short story that demonstrates the importance of knowing what to look for and being diligent in getting in to see your dermatologist for regular skin checks.
Different Types of Skin Cancer:
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
The most common cancer diagnosed in the U.S. These present as raised, pink, translucent, pearly nodules that may ulcerate and bleed. These can be found on sun exposed sites, but not always.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
Usually raised, pink nodules or patches that occur on sun exposed sites. These often occur with no symptoms and a small number can become invasive.
Melanoma
This cancer can become invasive and life threatening. Most are brown to black with irregular borders, but not always.
Be alert for the ABCDE’s:
Asymmetry
Border irregularity
Color variation
Diameter (larger than a pencil eraser)
Evolving or changing
Actinic Keratosis (AK)
These pre-cancers are caused by the sun and are often rough scaly bumps. Most occur on sun exposed sites and do have some risk for developing into SCCs.
Seborrheic Keratosis
These waxy tan to brown raised lesions are very common and benign. DermacenterMD considers these proof of wisdom since most occur as you become more fruitful and wise ( a.k.a. age).
That little pink spot was important?
A nice woman who lived downtown and liked to play bingo came in because a friend told her to get a red scaling rash on the left temple checked out. It had been there two months and she had tried several over the counter creams, including hydrocortisone and anti-fungus cream, but it would not go away completely. The spot never had bleeding or pain.
It was suspicious, so a small sample of skin was taken to be sent off to the lab, a procedure termed a biopsy. Most often the biopsies have minimal discomfort and can yield important information as in her case. The spot turned out to be a basal cell cancer. Yes, that little rash was a skin canÂcer. She is an example of why we need to 1) educate ourselves on what to look out for and 2) get regular dermatology skin examinations.
Basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma are the most common skin canÂcers and they can be treated easily if caught early. Dr. Moore specializes in a scar minimizing, low downtime treatment called Mohs Micrographic Surgery. This technique also provides the highest cure rate available. If you suspect cancer, call now to get your peace of mind and safety.
Our office can be reached at 574-522-0265.
6 Rules for Making Your Home Life Easier
Living with other people can sometimes be difficult. In his book How to Win Friends and Influence People, Dale Carnegie discusses several tips to making life at home, with your spouse or loved ones, easier:
1. Don't nag. Nagging is annoying. Make sure they understand what needs to be done, but try not to harass. This can cause a person to become irritated and less likely to do what you are asking.
2. Don't try to make your partner over. Let them be who they are. When someone feels comfortable expressing their true self, they will be happier.
3. Don't criticize. Instead, encourage and uplift.
4. Give honest appreciation. Everyone wants to feel valuable and appreciated. Sometimes all it takes is a simple word of appreciation and gratitude from a loved one to change a person’s entire outlook.
5. Pay little attentions. Noticing details of someone else’s life makes them feel special and lets them know you care.
6. Do little things useful things for your partner. If you know your partner hates taking the time to fill the coffee maker with grounds and brew their coffee in the morning, get it all set up for them the night before so when they wake up, all they have to do is hit the power button. Or take out the trash and do the dishes when it’s not your turn. Taking time to think about ways to make your partner’s life easier will show them how much you care. And doing little things for them can make a huge difference.
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