Treatments For Melasma

Have you finally gotten into the habit of applying sunscreen SPF 30 on a daily basis? Do you stay covered in the shade or take 10.2 as the rays of the sun are stronger? Have you been avoiding tanning salon since Dynasty went off the air?

If so, we are doing an exemplary job of skin cancer prevention, the most common cancer in men over 50 and the third most common in women aged 20-39. If not, you should leave right now and the purchase of broad-spectrum sunscreen (protection against both UVA and UVB) for you and your family – and start using it. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, more one million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year, and 1 in 5 Americans will develop the disease during their lifetime.

Despite whether you earn an A + in the skin of health or simply hanging from a solid C, there is one more piece of the puzzle that should not be ignored – early detection. In fact, almost all skin cancer cases can be successfully treated if detected early, melanoma – the most serious form of skin cancer – is almost 100% curable if diagnosed and treated early.

What to Look For

There are three types of skin cancer, and helps you understand a little about each:

Form No. 1) basal cell carcinoma – This is most common skin cancer is highly treatable when detected early and is usually not fatal. Often it resembles a rose-growing, shiny bump or sore healing. It can be confused with other skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema, so it is important see a doctor for diagnosis.

2) Squamous Cell Carcinoma – The second most common form of skin cancer is not serious when detected early — however, they can cause disfigurement, if ignored. Often it resembles a thick crusty red spot on the skin.

3) Melanoma – This form of cancer that may move to other areas of the body if left untreated. Everyone is at risk of melanoma, but genetics also plays an important role. If close relatives have been diagnosed Skin cancer is even more important to avoid overexposure to the sun.

Self-Exams: The key to early detection

Everyone should see a dermatologist once a year for full control of the body skin. This is completely painless process in which the doctor I visually examined the body for suspicious moles or growths. The American Academy of Dermatology National Melanoma / Skin Cancer Screening Program provides screening free cancer throughout the country. Go to http://www.aad.org to find one in your area.

As important as it is to visit your dermatologist, self-exams are your secret weapon when it comes to early detection of skin cancer. Only you can maintain control over her body close enough to detect new moles and to recognize changes in your skin. If you live with a spouse or partner, the other person Check your back and scalp and do the same for him or her. Skin cancer can occur in places that are not often exposed to direct sunlight, like plants feet, so thoroughly!

It only takes about 10 minutes once a month to conduct self-examinations. Reaching a creative way to remember – for example, do a skin self-exam every time you pay your electric bill. Here's how:

– Stand in front of a full length mirror in a well lit.
– Look around the body, noting the changes and new or suspicious moles.
– Watch for signs of the "ABCD" One is the asymmetry (a part the mole does not match the other side), B for border irregularity, C is for color changes or an uneven color or D is larger in diameter than a pencil eraser. If you notice any of these, see a dermatologist.
– Use a hand mirror to check the scalp, genitals and other hard to see places.
– Do not forget the nails, elbows, armpits and feet.

If you are consistent in skin care and do regular self-examinations, which are much more likely to get skin cancer in its early, most treatable.

Jay Brachfeld, MD

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This entry was posted on Monday, October 19th, 2009 at 4:03 am and is filed under Treatment For Melasma. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.