According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, skin cancer is characterized as a disease in which cells in your body grow out of control, with it being one of the more common types of cancer in the United States.

The two most common types of skin cancer are basal and squamous cell carcinomas. Basal cell carcinoma, or BCC, are the most frequent forms of skin cancer. They appear as abnormal, uncontrolled growths and lesions that lift away from the lining between the deepest layer of your skin and the epidermis. Depending on location and melanin, these lesions are often pink, with red patches. BCC rarely spread and seldom does it metastasizes on other parts of the bother. This leads to a diagnosis that isn't dire, with most BCC lesions being surgically removed, with smaller lesions extracted with the help of a curettage.

Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most popular, with it appearing in areas that tend to be exposed to UV rays, including the head, neck, upper back, lips, arms, and legs. While it is a slow growing cancer, it can spread to other parts of the body, including lymph nodes and bones. It's evasive, making it hard to treat is not diagnosed early enough.

Preventing Skin Cancer

To know how to prevent the formation of skin cancer, you'll need to be able to recognize factors that contribute to their manifestation. Here are risk factors for skin cancer:

• Repeated Exposure To UV Rays During Peak Hours. The sun is highest in the sky between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. To protect yourself, try to avoid extended exposure to the sun during this window of time. Take advantage of shade, hats, and sunscreen of at least 20 SPF to protect your skin.
• Unprotected, fair skin. While any skin color can form cancerous cells, fairer skin groups tend to be at risk due to a lack of melanin, which helps protect against UV radiation. A diligent suncare routine is important with this skin group.
• Exposure to arsenic matter. Exposure to known arsenic raises the risks of skin cancer. Arsenic is a type of heavy metal that is sometimes used on unregulated products, as well as many insecticides. Workers who work closely to coal, industrial tar, and paraffin are at an increased risk.
• Carelessness near water, snow, and sand. These surfaces are highly reflective, and can actually intensify exposure to UV radiation. Make it a habit to include sunscreen in your skincare routine, even during the winter months or when partaking in watersports during the summer months. Water resistant formulation will help protect your skin.

Dermatology Consultants of Frisco

Precancerous conditions can manifest as irregular growths that can eventually develop into skin cancer. If not treated, they can develop into squamous cell carcinoma. If you notice lesions, skin growths, or spots that you haven't noticed before, contact us. We'll be able to remove growths, as well as help you with tips to decrease your exposure to UV radiation.

 

Ringworm manifest on the skin as a red or silvery rash. Did you know despite its name, this kind of infection is caused by Fungus and not a worm?

The rash often occurs in a circular pattern (ring-like) and hence the name. According to the CDC, ringworm infection is very common and can affect anyone. Extreme cases occur to people with a weakened immune system since the body has a hard time fighting it.

Ringworms are highly contagious and can be transmitted via skin-to-skin contact, clothing, or coming into contact with surfaces where these fungi live such as locker rooms and public bathrooms. Importantly, athletes who are involved in contact sports are at a higher risk of contracting this infection.

It is important to realize that ringworms can infect different places on the body. Here are some:

1. Scalp 

This is common with children but can also affect adults. Mostly children obtain the fungus from pets. Your pooch might be harboring ringworms on its fur and skin. When children or even adults pet them they leave traces of the fungus on their hands or even bedding. once a person's head touches these surfaces ringworms might find their way to the scalp. Additionally, the sharing of combs and hats can lead to the latter scenario.

2. Groin 

It can be very embarrassing having a fungus in this region. However, it is always advisable to seek medical attention. This kind of ringworm infection is common with men. Tight clothing usually traps a lot of moisture from sweat on the groins creating an ideal environment for fungus to thrive.

Scientifically speaking, fungus prefers warm, moist areas of the body such as groin and feet. They manifest as a jock itch, which is an itchy rash in the groin area. This kind of infection can spread quickly that is why you should seek medical attention early.

Overweight people have higher chances of getting the infection because they sweat a lot on the folds of their skin.

3. Hands 

We use our hands quite a lot in activities that involve contact such as hand-shaking, hugging, holding, and patting just to mention a few. This is one of the most common ways to contract ringworms. Coming into contact with an infected person, animal or object can lead to a fungus infection.

Ringworms manifest on the surface of the hands as a red or silvery circular itchy rash. We can mitigate this problem by properly washing our hands with disinfectants.

4. Feet 

This kind of fungus infection is mostly known as the Athlete's Foot and its caused by the same fungus as the Jock Itch. The most ideal environment for this fungus includes public restrooms and showers. To avoid them you should avoid walking barefooted in these facilities.

5. Nails 

This condition is quite common with toenails rather than the fingernails. Nevertheless, it is vital to note there is a difference between an Athlete's Foot and the ringworm of the toenails. For starters, these ringworms can be caused by wearing shoes that are damp, tight, or both. This is because they create a warm and moist environment, which provide the ideal environment of these fungi.

Final Thought on Getting Rid of Ringworms 

Good news! Ringworms are treatable and you can easily get rid of them. If you are infected do not shy away from contacting a professional medical expert to prescribe a viable anti-fungal medication. Additionally, you should avoid sharing personal belongings such as bedding, towels or clothes to avoid spreading of ringworms. Always keep the folds under the skin, the groin, and armpit dry.

Have you noticed early signs of aging? Has tanning in your teens and twenties left you with sun-damaged skin? Do you want a fresh, glowing complexion without make-up?

If you said yes, come discover the latest innovation to rejuvenate tired, dull skin – Fraxel. This leading-edge skin treatment uses precision lasers to target the top layers of the dermis, revealing fresh skin and plumping the collagen beneath. For fresh, revitalized skin, book an appointment with your local Dermatology Consultants of Frisco. With locations in Frisco, Denton, and Carrollton to serve you, we offer comprehensive dermatology services for all patients, including general, pediatric, surgical, and cosmetic treatments.

The precision dermatology services from Dermatology Consultants of Frisco features Fraxel laser treatment. Using advanced micro repair technology, it enhances the body's ability to naturally heal damaged skin, accelerating the healing process for an all-over glow. The process works using the light from the laser to promote the formation of new collagen, giving you the resilience and plumpness of youthful skin. Fraxel may be right for you if you:

• Have scarring from acne
• Are prone to blemishes
• Have visible age spots or uneven skin tone due to sun damage
• Fine lines, or "crows feet" around the eyes
• Light smile lines around the nose and mouth – "parenthesis"
• Furrows between your eyes or lines on your forehead

Just one treatment with Fraxel laser can immediately reduce overall damage, working deeply to soften lines and enhance the texture of the skin's surface. This is a safe, non-invasive treatment, without the dangers of toxins like other procedures. In fact, over a quarter of a million dermatology patients have successfully experienced impressive results with Fraxel. The deep tissue penetration of precision lasers is unmatched by over the counter creams and prescription ointments, with long-lasting results.

Fraxel is especially beneficial to those with acne scars or other skin damage that's left behind icepick, boxcar, or rolling scars. Fraxel removes the textured, bumpy skin and allows all-over new growth, especially around the cheeks. The difference is the way that Fraxel breaks up the scar tissue in the top layers of skin, tough adhesions that regular creams or even deep exfoliation just can't reach. Using penetrative action that smooths deep tissue without damaging the delicate skin around the face is what makes Fraxel unique.

Fraxel treatment involves lasers with two different strengths. A lighter one erases the appearance of sun damage and mottled pigmentation, while a more powerful one goes deeper, smoothing wrinkles, lines, and scarring. Both work by creating microscopic columns of thermal "destruction", breaking down fibers and allowing your skin to naturally regenerate and heal from the inside out. Your dermatologist will precisely combine these two treatments to give you the smooth, youthful complexion you desire.

Fraxel treatment is straightforward, easily tolerable and taking under an hour; sessions typically last 15 to 45 minutes. The non-invasive nature of the treatment means little painful downtime afterward, typically just three to five days. Although Fraxel is a minimally invasive procedure, it's important to only receive this from a board-certified, fully trained dermatologist, with the knowledge and skills to ensure proper healing and care for the delicate skin of your face. Dermatology Consultants adheres to rigorous industry standards or professionalism and patient care.

Fraxel is just one of many custom skincare treatments available at Dermatology Consultants of Frisco. Give us a call or visit us online to explore our options and book your free consultation today!

 

 

What is Exfoliation?

This process is simply the removal of your skin’s oldest cells but don’t worry there’s no reason to fret. Most of those skin cells are already dead. Your skin replaces itself exponentially faster in your youth than it does further down the line. Thus, it is necessary to work exfoliation into your skincare regimen to keep it lush and soft. Exfoliation can be achieved through chemical or mechanical means. Shampoos and cleansers fall into the former, electric scrubbers and sponges fall into the latter. It is also recommended that one exfoliate their face at least once a week.

The Benefits of Exfoliation

According to Dermstore, there are 5 main benefits to exfoliation. The first of which is that exfoliation helps reduce the appearance of age spots. It does this through its removal of aged skin cells that contain that particular pigment. Secondly, exfoliation helps unclog the pores. Unclogging one’s pores allows for the release of natural skin oils like sebum which help hydrate and revitalize the skin. The third is that exfoliation can help minimize pore size – this is key because bigger pores are more prone to over-secreting sebum. Exfoliation also reduces the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles, and lastly it allows easier absorption of skincare products, e.g. moisturizers, antioxidants & serums.

The Dilemma

From what we’ve seen, we can ascertain that exfoliation is a net positive for your skin. However, it is an abrasive process – and if done with too much rigor can cause problems. Some of these problems include redness, dryness & flakiness. In addition to this, we have people with extremely sensitive skin types who are already susceptible to redness and irritation. In fact, you might be one of them. How do those with tender, highly reactive skin exfoliate without harming their skin? Well, allow us at Dermatology Consultants of Frisco to tell you how.

Tips

• You should opt for chemical exfoliants, particularly acids – They help eliminate the debris on your skin’s surface. This is turn will helps unclog your pores. We recommend working with milder offerings and working your way up. This way, you’ll be able to better gauge your skin’s tolerance to an exfoliant. Starting off with a harsh chemical peel could be extremely counterproductive in the long run.
• If you’re still keen on physical exfoliation, use washcloths and softer sponges. Many are usually skeptical about their usefulness as physical exfoliants. But they’re surprisingly good. Remember, with more sensitive skin, we recommend that you gently rub instead of scrubbing rigorously. The latter is bound to cause redness and irritation. Move the product not your skin.
• Consider adding fruit to your skincare routine. There are a number of fruits with naturally occurring acids that provide a softer, gentler exfoliation than many of its chemical counterparts. We advise against using straight-up fruit juice – its acidic content might be far too high. Add it to a base made from water, yogurt and oils for the best results.

With the information you’ve gotten from this post, we trust you’ll begin to see that exfoliation is for everyone – even those with sensitive skin. To get even more personalized information and recommendations for your skincare routine, do not hesitate to contact us today.

 

 

Good skincare can be challenging during the winter months, especially for those with conditions that leave their skin dry like psoriasis and eczema. The primary reason for this? The big drop in humidity which robs your skin of moisture.

Here are a few winter skincare tips endorsed by us, Dermatology Consultants of Frisco. Coupled with a dermatologist's advice, working a couple of these tips into your winter skincare routine could do wonders for you.

Invest in a Humidifier

If the lack of humidity really dries your skin out, then putting some humidity back into the air is a no-brainer. That's where humidifiers come in: they keep the air most -- hence the name.

When shopping for one, be aware that you have two options: warm mist or cool mist. Warm mist humidifiers have better moisture saturation, while cool mist humidifiers are quieter and better able to filter out impurities. The choice really depends on your needs, but go with warm mist for better overall moisture if you're not sure.

Moisturize Often

Of course, another way to combat the effects of low moisture is to apply moisture directly to your skin. Get yourself a high-grade moisturizer, and use it often. A little bottle or tube that can go with you everywhere is perfect -- especially on days where you have to spend a fair amount of time outside.

Look for a moisturizer that isn't greasy and spreads easily. Keep an eye out for brands that advertise themselves as specifically designed for sensitive or irritable skin.

Stay Hydrated

Don't just spend all your time focusing on keeping your skin itself moist; internal hydration is also very important.

Dry skin affects your body's ability to retain moisture, so you're going to feel dehydrated faster and more often than you would during warmer weather. Be sure to drink plenty of water during the day. On workdays, keep a water bottle handy if possible, and refill it during your breaks.

Be Careful With Showers

It may not seem like literally soaking your body in a bunch of water could exacerbate dry skin, but if you're not careful about how long your showers and baths are, they could indeed do just that.

Hot water strips oils off of the skin, and in low humidity our skin needs to hold onto the little oils it still has. Avoid hot showers and baths; opt for milder temperatures.

You should also avoid stepping outside shortly after you've showered or bathed. If your skin is still damp when you get a full dose of frigid winter air, you'll find that it chaps much more easily.

Stay on Top of the Thermostat

It's basic science: the higher the temperature in your house, the more moisture is going to be removed from the air.

For that reason, you should keep the thermostat at the lowest setting that you can tolerate, and just throw on a few more layers to keep warm instead. Obviously, you want to exercise some moderation; giving yourself frostbite won't be good for your skin either. Experiment with different settings until you find the sweet spot.

 

Skin is the largest organ in our bodies and our protection against the outside world. Just about everyone encounters issues from time to time with their skin. Thankfully though, many of the more common skin conditions can be addressed through modern dermatology. Below are outlined a few of these conditions, including acne, moles, and rashes, as well as how they are normally treated.

Acne

Acne is probably the most well-known skin condition on earth. Most adolescents go through a phase where facial acne is very common due to high levels of oil production. However, acne in adulthood and in other areas of the body are also fairly common.

Acne causes small pustules, most frequently red pimples filled with pus, to form on the surface of the skin. Other types of acne include papules, caused by hair follicles, as well as nodules and cysts, both of which develop below the surface of the skin.

Acne can be treated with topical cleanser and creams and, if necessary, advanced medication. Prescription medication can help in severe cases and with the treatment of cysts specifically.

Hives

Another common skin condition is hives. Hives are small, itchy bumps that form on the surface of the skin. Generally, hives result from an allergic reaction in the body, but may be a response to stress or sickness. The best way to prevent hives is to avoid all allergens. If an outbreak occurs, it can be treated with antihistamines.

Warts

A very unpleasant but common skin condition faced by many is warts. Warts are a highly contagious skin condition that can affect any part of the skin, but usually show up on the hands and feet. Warts will often disappear naturally, but they can also be treated by a dermatologist. Usually, the use of medicated creams or freezing can clear up warts.

Cold sores

It's not uncommon to develop cold sores, especially when coming down with a case of a full cold. A cold sore is usually a red blister which forms around the mouth. Cold sores can be irritating or painful, but you will likely experience discomfort or itching in the spot of the sore.

Cold sores can last for several weeks and recur over time when associated with the herpes virus. The herpes virus does not currently have an established cure. That said, cold sores can be treated by dermatologists using creams or prescription medicines.

Measles

Those with children know that measles is a very contagious condition. In addition to young children, measles tends to affect pregnant women more than other adults. Measles in not just a skin condition, however. Symptoms include fever, runny eyes and nasal passages, and often coughing. Additionally, measles tends to cause red spots within the mouth and a generalized body rash. Measles can be treated by a doctor but will taper off on its own after one or two weeks.

Skin issues are a fact of life. With the right dermatological care, however, you can regain your perfect skin. Contact Dermatology Center of Frisco for more information or to schedule a consultation today.