Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70. Despite its prevalence, many myths about skin cancer persist, leading to misconceptions about risk factors and prevention.
Understanding the truth about skin cancer is crucial for early detection and prevention. Below, we’ll debunk common myths about skin cancer to help you protect yourself and your loved ones.
People of a certain age might remember when sunbathers, including them, sat at the beach without sunscreen. Instead they might have used baby oil on their skin to increase their gorgeous tan. Little did they know that using baby oil increased their risk of skin cancer since it attracts ultraviolet UV rays and allows it to penetrate more deeply. In addition, it causes a quicker burn. Unfortunately, although we now know how dangerous it is to be out in the sun, people still do it. No matter whether you use sunscreen at the beach, use it everyday, or not at all, we need information about detecting skin cancer early, including the ABCDEs of skin cancer detection.
If you haven’t been completely faithful to wearing sunscreen over the years, now is the time to see a board-certified professional like the ones with Uderm. You should be checking your body on a regular basis, but seeing a dermatologist is essential.
Finding skin cancer early is the best way to prevent it from spreading to other parts of your body. Your dermatologist can spot skin cancer and treat it with little or no scarring and with high odds of eliminating it.
Some facts to know about melanoma:
In order to detect skin cancer early, the first thing you should do is look for any new spots on your skin or those that look different from others. Watch out for spots that are changing, itching, bleeding, or changing color.
These tips will help you recognize problem spots or lesions.
When looking at a spot, note any that are not equal or the same on both sides. Benign, or non-cancerous, moles are usually symmetrical.
Does the spot have unequal borders or is hard to define? Does it have scalloped edges?
Does the spot have mixed colors? Look for shades of tan, brown, or black. Even note areas of red, white, or blue.
Note a spot that is larger than a pencil eraser or greater than 6 millimeters.
Has the spot changed? Gotten bigger, changed color, or the shape is different?
Covering up is still the best way to prevent skin cancer when out in the sun. Wear a hat and protective clothing. Keep your children safe by using sunscreen with at least 30 SPF, hats, sunglasses etc. Begin when they are young, so they will understand its importance.
There are many natural looking self-tanners on the market now if you want to have tan looking skin. Understand this will not protect you from the damaging rays of the sun. You must still use sunscreen with 30 SPF at least.
Skin cancer can happen to anyone at any age. Check your skin (and your children’s skin) for unusual spots, and make it a priority to see Uderm at least once a year to detect skin cancer early. Utilize our secure online scheduling tool today to schedule an appointment in Ooltewah or Hixson.
Continue reading “Detecting Early: The ABCDEs of Skin Cancer Detection”
Appropriately named after the doctor who invented this technique, Dr. Frederick Mohs, Mohs cancer surgery is now considered the gold standard for skin cancer treatment. It is a precise and effective treatment for most skin cancers with melanoma being an exception. Let’s analyze skin cancer Mohs surgery vs traditional excision.
Compared to traditional excision surgery for skin cancer, Mohs surgery confirms that all cancer cells are removed at the time of surgery. This increases the likelihood of a cure and reduces the need for additional treatments or another surgery.
Mohs surgery has a 99% cure rate for first time cancers, and a 94% cure rate for any recurrent cases.
This surgery is performed in stages and in only one visit. The surgeon removes a layer of tissue and immediately examines 100% of the margins under a microscope. If more cancer cells exist, your Mohs surgeon repeats the process until there are no more cancer cells.
In a traditional excision, the skin cancer is excised with a predetermined margin, that is larger than a Mohs margin, and the area is immediately repaired. The tissue is then sent to an outside lab and processed over several days to see if the margins are clear. If they are not clear, then the patient has to return to have the stitches removed, more tissue taken, and then it is re-repaired. This can result in more scarring and less convenience than Mohs surgery.
If you have the option of Mohs surgery vs traditional excision, you may want to consider the following advantages of Mohs:
Contact Uderm at (423) 206-2777 if you want to discuss your options for skin cancer treatment in Ooltewah or Hixson and whether Mohs surgery is right for you. You can alternatively schedule an appointment through our convenient online tool.
Uderm and Susong Dermatology Unite as Chattanooga’s Premier Dermatology Practice
Warm greetings from the heart of Uderm!
We are thrilled to share the news of a strategic step forward in our journey. In a merger inspired by shared values, Uderm has recently acquired Susong Dermatology, uniting two of the premier dermatology practices in the Chattanooga region. With decades of combined experience, this merge is a positive milestone for our patients and communities.
Dr. Susong started Susong Dermatology almost forty years ago and grew it into a thriving practice with a strong reputation for patient-centered care. This merge means that his legacy – his patients, staff, and goal of providing the highest quality dermatology care – will continue to prosper. We are delighted that Dr. Susong and his associates will continue seeing patients in Hixson.
Our mission and daily operations in Hixson and Ooltewah will remain unchanged. We will continue to provide the highest quality dermatology care, delivering both superior clinical outcomes and outstanding patient experiences. Over the coming months, we envision improving upon our strong foundation by modernizing our facilities, increasing appointment availabilities, and expanding our services to meet the needs of our growing community.
This is an exciting time for Uderm and Susong Dermatology! Should you have any questions or concerns regarding this development, we invite you to reach out to our office. We have a robust call center with dedicated individuals who look forward to hearing from you.
Thank you for entrusting us with your dermatology care. We can’t wait to continue this journey with you!
Sincerely,
All of us at Uderm
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition that is characterized by inflammation, itching, and redness of the skin. It can affect people of all ages, from infants to adults, and can vary in severity. Here are some common symptoms and treatment options for eczema:
COMMON SYMPTOMS:
There are numerous treatment options which include emollients, moisturizers, topical steroids, antihistamines, biologics, and allergen testing. Stress management is also a treatment option since stress can exacerbate eczema symptoms. Learning stress-reduction techniques, such as mindfulness and relaxation exercises, can be beneficial.
It is crucial to note that eczema management is individualized, and what works for one person may not work for another. A dermatologist should evaluate and create a personalized treatment plan for everyone with eczema. Additionally, ongoing skincare routines and lifestyle modifications are essential for long-term eczema control.
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune skin disorder that leads to hair loss, typically in small, round patches on the scalp and other areas of the body. In this condition, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, which are the structures from which hair grows. This attack causes the hair follicles to become smaller and enter a dormant state, leading to temporary hair loss.
The exact cause of alopecia areata is not fully understood, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic, environmental, and immune system factors. It can affect people of all ages and genders, and its severity can vary widely from person to person. Sometimes, the condition can progress to more extensive hair loss, involving larger areas of the scalp or even the entire scalp (alopecia totalis) or the entire body (alopecia universalis).
Alopecia areata is not a contagious or life-threatening condition, but it can have a significant impact on a person’s self-esteem and quality of life, as hair is often considered an important aspect of one’s appearance. There is no known cure for alopecia areata, but various treatments are available to help stimulate hair regrowth and manage the condition. These treatments include topical corticosteroids, topical immunotherapy, oral medications, and in some cases, hair transplant procedures.
If you or someone you know is experiencing hair loss, it’s important to consult with a dermatologist to determine the underlying cause and explore appropriate treatment options.
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the skin but can also have systemic effects on other parts of the body. It is characterized by the rapid buildup of skin cells, leading to the formation of red, raised patches covered with silvery scales. These patches, known as plaques, can be itchy, painful, and sometimes even debilitating. Psoriasis is not contagious but does require ongoing management and care. It is important to consult a healthcare professional, preferably a dermatologist, for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan. Early intervention and appropriate treatment can help manage symptoms and improve the quality of life.
Key features of psoriasis include:
Continue reading “Identifying and Managing Psoriasis”
Vitiligo is a skin condition that causes patches of the skin to lose their pigmentation. It affects about 1-4% of the population worldwide and is more common among people with a family history.
Vitiligo is not contagious, and the exact cause is not yet known. Some experts believe it can be an autoimmune disorder which occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own cells. Other potential causes include sunburn, genetics, stress, and certain medications.
Treatment for vitiligo can vary depending on the severity of the condition and can include topical steroids, ultraviolet light therapy, oral medications, topical creams, and camouflage makeup.
Mohs surgery (also known as Mohs micrographic surgery) is a surgical technique used to treat skin cancer. It involves removing thin layers of affected skin one at a time and examining them under a microscope until the entire tumor is removed.
Mohs surgery dates back to the 1930s when Dr. Frederic E. Mohs developed and first used the technique at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr. Mohs was a dermatologist and chemist who was looking for a way to improve the treatment of skin cancer. He studied the properties of different chemicals and found that certain substances could be used to remove thin layers of skin. This technique was ideal for treating skin cancer because it allowed the surgeon to precisely remove only the affected tissue, while leaving healthy tissue intact.
Since its development, Mohs surgery has become an increasingly popular treatment for skin cancer. It is often used to treat tumors that are large, recurrent, or located in difficult-to-reach areas. It is also considered to be a highly effective treatment with a very high cure rate (99%).
Mohs surgery is now widely used by specialists in dermatology around the world, and it is an important tool in the fight against skin cancer.
Doctor’s Day is an annual observance celebrated on March 30th in the United States. It is a day to recognize and appreciate the contributions of physicians who serve their communities. The day was first observed in 1933 by Eudora Brown Almond, wife of Dr. Charles B. Almond.
Uderm would like to thank Dr. Jonathan Miller and Dr. Brittanya Limone for providing quality dermatology care as well as demonstrating love, humility, and faith to both patients and their families. We appreciate their commitment to their staff by showing respect, and encouraging both open communication and teamwork.
