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Skin Cancer

The Most Prominent Form Of Skin Cancer Today

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Skin Cancer is now the most frequently diagnosed form of cancer in the United States. Today, approximately 10,000 Americans succumb to Melanoma – which is also now the deadliest form of cancer each year. It is estimated that in the past three decades, skin cancer has affected more Americans than all other forms of cancers combined. Skin Cancer can befall anyone, regardless of the amount of time spent in the sun, or of one’s ethnicity, or age. The good news is that skin cancer is certainly one of the most curable cancers when early detection occurs.

The survival rate when Melanoma is detected before spreading to lymph nodes is about 98%. However, the survival rate decreases to 63% after it has spread to the lymph nodes – and falls to 16% if it reaches distant organs in the body. Early detection is crucial to having the best treatment and outcome of skin cancer to ensure the highest survival rate possible.

Skin cancer is the most noticeable cancer, because each day we simply look in the mirror and we immediatly see our skin. You are always the first line of defense against skin cancer. Thus, it is imperative to regularly check your skin with a self-exam. It has been shown that up to 57% of patients with melanoma had diagnosed themselves through self-exams (a second study has shown that spouses find up to 12% of melanomas).

Skin Care Prevention

You’re probably making a mistake with your SPF. “Too many people think that a sunscreen is just to protect them from a sunburn,” says Brooke Jackson, MD, associate professor of dermatology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. “They wear it at the beach but not every day.” The reality is that all year round your skin is vulnerable as UV rays do penetrate through glass. The everyday proof of this is in the fact that 74% of all early melanomas appear on the left side of the body (when driving this is the side exposed to the sun). Proper preventative care from sun exposure is to apply an SPF 30 broad-spectrum sunscreen daily.

Risk Factors for Skin Cancer

“Melanoma doesn’t discriminate by skin color,” says Shelby Moneer, director of education at the Melanoma Reseach Foundation. In black skin, melanin provides a sun-protection factor of about 13.4 (compared with the 3.4 in which skin)- still less than the SPF 15 required for adequate sun protection. Though people of color have a lower overall incidence of skin cancer, their five-year survival rate is only 75%, versus 93% for Caucasians. “Many people, including some doctors, think that if a person doesn’t have fair skin, skin cancer won’t happen to them,” says Brooke Jackson, MD, associate professor of dermatology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. “Because of this misconception, if a malignancy is found it’s often at a later, more serious stage.”

“If you have a first-degree relative – a parent, sibling or child – who has had melanoma, your chances of getting it are 50% higher,” says Jennifer Linder, MD, a dermatologist in Scottsdale, Arizona, and spokesperson for the Skin Cancer Foundation. Though experts recommend that the general population get a yearly exam with a dermatologist, adults with a family history of skin cancer should be checked every six months.

More than 419,000 cases of skin cancer in the U.S. each year are linked to indoor tanning. If you have used tanning beds in the past, experts advise that you tell your dermatologist to include that information in your skin cancer history.

If you have a lot of moles the more you have, the greater your risk of skin cancer. About half of all melanomas develop in pre-existing moles. “There are two types of moles: little sun spots, evenly colored and nicely shaped, and what we call atypical moles.” Dr. Linder says. Folks who have 10 or more atypical moles, also known as dysplastic nevi, have 12 times the risk of getting melanoma as the general population.

People with lighter skin, light eyes, and light hair have less of the protective pigment called melanin in their skin and therefore are more susceptible to sunburns – and far more apt to have moles. A recent study of 47 fair-skinned children under age 10 found that those with a gene variant for blue eyes were more likely to develop moles – and those with a gene variant for both blue eyes and red hair were more likely to develop larger moles after sunburns.

“Your risk of melanoma doubles if you have even had just one blistering sunburn,” Fox says. But here’s the key: It’s never too late to start incorporating sun-safe practices, like wearing a good sunscreen regularly. “It’s the cumulative amount of sun over your life that causes skin cancer,” she explains. Contrary to popular belief, only about 23% of lifetime sun exposure is acquired by age 18. “Changing habits does make a difference,” Fox says.

What To Look Out For

Actinic Keratosis:

-What You’ll See-actinic keratosis

These pre-cancerous lesions typically form on the most sun-exposed areas like the face, lips, and hands. Rough and wart-like, they’re small and develop slowly – many people only notice them by touch, rather than by sight.

What’s the Risk?

Up to 10% of actinic keratoses turn into squamous cell carcinoma if left untreated. A derm can freeze them off; other treatment options include chemical peels and topical chemotherapy (creams and gels applied for several weeks to destroy cancerous or precancerous cells).

Dysplastic Nevus:

-What You’ll See-dysplastic nevi

These benign growths can look very similar to melanoma -they’re larger than 6 millimeters across, with irregular borders and varying shades of color

What’s the Risk?

While these moles are noncancerous (and fairly rare), it’s essential to have them checked by a dermatologist since they’re hard to distinguish from melanoma. If you have any, be even more vigilant about sun protections: Research suggests that people with dysplastic nevi are at greater risk of developing melanoma.

Basal Cell Carcinoma:

-What You’ll See-basal cell carcinoma

There are several forms, including some that are shiny, pink and molelike and others that form open sores. They usually occur on parts of the body exposed to the sun: faces, ears, scalp, shoulders, back of the neck, hands arms, and legs.

What’s the Risk?

With nearly 3 million cases diagnosed in the U.S. each year, it’s the most common form of skin cancer. Luckily, it rarely becomes life-threatening. But don’t ignore it- if not treated promptly, it can grow into nearby bones and tissue and cause disfiguration.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma:

-What You’ll See-Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Thick, rough, scaly patches that can crust or bleed, or open sores. The skin around the cancer often serves as a warning, with wrinkles, pigment changes, and freckles signaling sun damage in he area. Like the actinic keratosis lesions that often precede it, squamous cell carcinoma grows in areas that get lots of sun.

What’s the Risk?

It’s the second most common type of skin cancer (around 700,000 new cases annually). About 1.5% of U.S. patients die from the disease.

Melanoma:

-What You’ll See-melanoma

It typically looks like a birthmark or raised mole; keep the “ABCDE” signs in mind. Aggressive and fast-growing, it’s the deadliest form of skin cancer

What’s the Risk?

Anyone can develop melanoma, which occurs when UV-damaged skin pigment cells multiply rapidly to form malignant, molelike tumors. Unlike other types of skin cancer, it can form with just occasional -but intense- exposure to the sun. When caught and treated early, it’s largely curable.

To Learn More Please visit Our References:  the Skin Cancer Foundation

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How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks

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Stretch marks can make you self-conscious and cause you to limit your clothing choices. Simple things like bikinis, short shorts and tank tops may be out of the question. Those unsightly marks may also cause you to wince when you look in the mirror. Some people are lucky enough that their stretch marks eventually go away, while others are left to live with them wondering how to ever get rid of stretch marks.

What Causes Stretch Marks

Stretch marks develop when the middle layer of skin is stretched beyond its ability, causing the connective fibers to break and disturbing collagen production. This causes the scarring that creates those awful off-color lines. Stretch marks are associated with pregnancy, obesity, puberty, bodybuilding and rapid weight gain. They often appear on the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, hips, breasts and arms. Genes and ethnicity can help determine whether you get stretch marks.

How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks with Laser Treatment

Once stretch marks appear, many people reach for products that promise to reduce their appearance. However, many creams and oils marketed to get rid of stretch marks lead to disappointing results. Non-surgical body reshaping lasers are an effective way to reduce stretch marks by stimulating collagen growth, as well as stimulating elastin production. These treatments are non-invasive, which allow you to get treatment without the need for downtime or a prolonged recovery time.

Two great options are Velashape and Venus Freeze. They are both relatively easy and painless options to improve the skin’s tone and texture, getting rid of stretch marks. Velashape uses radio frequency, infrared light, vacuum and mechanical massage. It is a pain free way to get smoother skin, get rid of cellulite and contour the body. It also increases circulation and promotes lymphatic drainage. Skin is left softer and more elastic. Professional estheticians know how to get rid of stretch marks and cellulite using these laser treatments. The Venus Freeze combines multi-polar radio frequency with magnetic fields to stimulate collagen and elastin to reduce stretch marks, tighten skin, reduce cellulite and contour the body.

How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks for Good

There’s no need to go on living in embarrassment and avoiding the clothes that you would like to wear because of unsightly stretch marks. People wonder how to get rid of stretch marks that bother them daily. There are pain-free, non-invasive treatments that work. Non-surgical body reshaping lasers have had successful results and do make a difference. You’ll once again be able to look proudly at your body in the mirror and have no fear of wearing clothes that expose a little more skin.

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What is the Best Laser Toenail Fungus Treatment?

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The fact that no one likes to talk about toenail fungus leads affected individuals to believe they are the only ones dealing with the issue. In all reality, nail fungus is one of the most common ailments afflicting the health of the fingernails and toenails of a large population of individuals. With such a large effect, nail fungus treatments have advanced in the last few years to include laser treatments and other options. These treatments are generally more effective for treating the root of the problem and completely fixing the issue. [Read more…]

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What is a Glycolic Acid Peel?

Chemical Facial Peel

A glycolic peel is an alpha-hydroxy-acid peel that permeates and removes the top layers of skin. This will cause a huge increase in collagen and elastin as the skin heals. This can help remove wrinkles, sun damage, acne scarring, and other imperfections found on the top layers of the epidermis.

The Glycolic acid peel is classified as a medium strength peel, and causes sloughing, or the shedding of dead skin, about 4-5 days after. Following are the issues related to a Glycolic chemical peel. A series of 3 glycolic peels placed one month apart will yield far greater effects than a single treatment. As a glycolic peel is considered medium strength, they should only be done at a dermatologists or licensed medical spa. [Read more…]

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Risks of Home Laser Hair Removal

Does Laser Nail Fungus Removal Work

At-home laser hair removal may seem like the answer to the age-old issue of removing unwanted hair. But, what few people know is that home laser hair removal presents significant risks and can even cause disfiguring injuries. If you are considering laser hair removal, avoid the DIY option and stick to professional treatment options. [Read more…]

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Permanent Ways to Remove Dark Spots On Face

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The appearance of dark spots on the face can be worrying to many women. While it is possible to partially cover these spots with makeup, they are still a source of insecurity and take years to naturally dissapear. It is hard to live with imperfections, even more so when they are located on the most visible part of the body. Luckily, there are a variety of safe, medical ways to remove dark spots on face.

Causes of Dark Spots on Face

Dark spots on the face can appear for a variety of different reasons. Some people get them from age or sun damage. Others have dark spots from bouts of acne or blackheads in the past. This is known as hyper-pigmentation, which happens when the skin releases extra melanin after the damage caused by a pimple. While the blemish itself disappears, the mark lingers on for months or years. Whatever the reason for dark spots, there are several ways to treat them quickly and effectively.

Laser Resurfacing for Dark Spots on Face

During laser resurfacing, laser light gets down to the deepest layers of skin. The light breaks up dark pigment so it can be shed by the body. In addition, laser resurfacing also promotes collagen formation. This leads to skin that is overall more youthful and refreshed in appearance.

Laser resurfacing is popular due to its numerous benefits. However, it can have some drawbacks as well. It is uncomfortable and feels like a rubber band snapping the skin. In addition, the skin will appear mildly pink for a few days and require some aftercare.

Chemical Peels for Dark Spots on Face

Chemical peels work in a different way than laser resurfacing but achieve a similar result. Chemicals peels use a mild acid to dissolve the dead outer layer of the skin. This removes dark spots as well as mild wrinkling and age-related changes in firmness and texture. Because the chemical is very mild, no scarring results. However, the minimal amount of damage is enough to stimulate the skin to make a new outer layer that is more youthful and has even, natural coloring.

As with laser resurfacing, chemical peels require some aftercare. Because the skin has been mildly damaged, it needs to be kept clean and covered with ointment with a few days afterward. However, both methods get rid of dark spots on the face and are completely healed in about a week.

Regardless of the treatment that one chooses to remove dark spots on face, it is important to choose a trained and skilled plastic surgeon or other practitioner to perform the procedure. Dark spots and other imperfections absolutely can be removed by a doctor with the right equipment and knowledge.

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Brazilian Bikini Waxing Primer

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The Brazilian bikini wax is known worldwide as the fastest, safest and most effective  way to remove all hair down under without shaving. For many of us with unwanted hair, this area is particularly tough to manage yet waxing usually last up to 4 weeks being silky smooth without having unsightly hair growth or being bothersome. Bikini hair is typically the coarsest and fastest growing, which makes shaving a daily hassle. Again, one of the best ways is getting Brazilian bikini waxing.

The Brazilian Bikini Experience

Getting a Brazilian bikini wax done does not have to be a headache. Here are a few pointers that will make your service go smoothly and with as little discomfort as possible. The first is to make sure that your hair is at least ¼” long before your appointment. Hair that is much shorter will not grip the wax enough to be properly pulled out. This leads to painful breakage of smaller hairs and poor results. As a rough guideline, Brazilian bikini waxing appointments can generally be scheduled five weeks apart for maximum results. This service provides at least three weeks of smooth skin, which is one of the reasons some women prefer it over shaving.

Another tip is to not use body lotions or oils around the area before the service. These would make it more difficult for the wax to grip the hair if the technician is using soft wax. For those with sensitive skin, it is okay to take one or two Advil or a similar anti-inflammatory over-the -counter pill. A professional waxer performs the service quickly and precisely to minimize pain.

Results That Last

Not only do all types of waxings leave the skin smooth and completely free of hair, they also make hair less coarse when it does eventually grow back. This is due to the fact that shaving hair blunts the ends of the hair, causing them to be sharp and coarse. Waxing pulls hair out at the root of the follicle, which is why it takes many weeks for the follicle and hair shaft to grow back in. The fresh hair regrowth is softer and less irritating when it grows in. Brazilian Bikini waxes are a fast and easy way to take care of hair for an entire month at a time.

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Can Laser Resurfacing Be Used for Acne Scars?

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Many men and women deal with the scarring after effects of pimples, blemishes, and other types of acne. When the original acne sites eventually go away, the skin under and around the area often darkens, forming highly visible acne scars. This darkening effect on the skin is also called post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation (PIH).  [Read more…]

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Best Treatments for Hyperpigmentation

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Best Treatments for Hyperpigmentation

Frequent sun exposure, injury, acne, inflammation or hormonal fluctuations can cause the skin to develop hyperpigmentation. Skin discoloration can happen to anyone, but people with darker skin tones may find skin discoloration to be more of a problem. Dark patches of skin on the face can be particularly discouraging because they can make a person self-conscious. The degree to which skin can become hyperpigmented can vary in color and severity. There are effective options to treating discolored skin and increased pigmentation. [Read more…]

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Massage for Relaxation and Stress Reduction

What Is Massage Therapy
Massage has many benefits: among those, it is a powerful tool for relaxation and stress reduction. Stress can take a toll on a person’s health, both physical and emotional. Besides the health problems and discomfort stress can cause, it can show on your face, making your look weary and tired. [Read more…]

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