Dermatologist in Southlake, TX Advice to Stay Protected This Summer from Developing Skin Cancer

Consulting a skilled dermatologist in Southlake, TX for any skin related issue is crucial. As per the American Cancer Society, the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States is skin cancer. An expected 5.4 million instances of non-melanoma skin cancer were investigated, and in 2012 alone 3.3 million individuals were found to have skin cancer. Research additionally shows that the vast majority of these cases can be avoided by maintaining a limited and safe exposure to sun. A proficient dermatologist in Southlake, TX is capable of diagnosing and curing skin cancer.

With summer almost dawned upon us, it’s essential that we as a whole find out about identifying and avoiding skin disease like skin cancer so we can keep ourselves and our friends and family protected.

How to Identify Early Signs of Skin Cancer

The most noticeable and apparent indication of skin cancer is a weird mole or mark on your skin. Noticing any strange and suspicious thing on the skin should be looked at by a skilled dermatologist right away. It is best to have skin cancer quickly diagnosed and treated by dermatologist in Southlake, TX to avoid any complications.

The best way to get diagnosed early is if you keep looking for any out of the ordinary marks on your skin. It is most common to have marks on areas which are most exposed to sun like the face or arms but it is advised by dermatologist in Southlake, TX to check all over the body for any sign or indication of skin cancer.

It is recommended to check your skin for abnormalities every month. Thorough checking should be done, if you want to check in areas that are hard to see like the scalp or your back you can ask a family member or a friend to help you out.

Some common way to identify a cancerous mark is by looking at the following symptoms:

  • Safe and harmless marks are usually symmetrical, if you observe a mark that is not symmetrical, meaning one half will not be like the other half.
  • Marks that do not have clear boundaries may be a sign of skin cancer
  • Safe marks are single colored if you notice a mark that is not of single color you need to be warned.
  • If you have spots that are abnormally large, larger than 5mm should be an indication of skin cancer.
  • If the spot is constantly changing this might be an indication that you need to get it checked it by a dermatologist in Southlake, TX.

If you are noticing a scar, scaly spot or sore that does not heal or keeps coming back you should also contact a skilled dermatologist in Southlake, TX to check if it is skin cancer.

If you have observed the above mentioned symptoms you do need to panic and it does not confirm that there is skin cancer unless confirmed by a professional dermatologist in Southlake, TX after running the necessary tests. And due to the advancement in medicine, if skin cancer is timely diagnosed it can be effectively treated.

Ways Skin Cancer Can Be Treated

The dermatologist in Southlake, TX is capable of treating cancer through several different ways, the treatment can include surgery but there are treatments available which do not require surgery.

The surgery required to safely remove skin cancer can usually be done at the dermatologist’s office with local anesthesia.

The skilled dermatologists in Southlake, TX will decide the course of treatment after diagnosing the cancer. Different surgery techniques, topical creams, laser treatment, radiation therapy, therapy involving liquid nitrogen or using other specialized tools to remove cancerous cells are all possible treatments the dermatologists in Southlake, TX have. The dermatologist will decide on the choice of treatment considering several factors including: the location, size and the stage of the cancer; the age, health and other medical conditions of the patient. The dermatologists in Southlake, TX will try to choose the treatment that offers the fastest recovery minimum scars and the safest technique to permanently treat the skin cancer.

Ways to Avoid Skin Cancer

Everyone is aware that staying away from the sun’s harsh UV rays is the best possible way to stay safe from developing skin cancer, yet what else would you be able to do to shield yourselves and your friends and family from getting skin tumor?

To minimize your chances of developing skin cancer, you need to limit your contact to UV beams. Essentially found in sunlight as part of the spectrum of rays coming from the sun, UV rays can seriously and directly damage the DNA of the cells in your skin. The result can be sunburn and a risk of developing skin cancer.

According to researchers UV rays are the strongest in the morning and peak at noon, the time when UV rays are the strongest is between 10 am to 4 pm especially during summer and spring seasons. The region around the equator experiences the most UV rays. People who have family members diagnosed with skin cancer should be extra cautious.

Applying a proper sunscreen lotion recommended by the dermatologists in Southlake, TX and staying away from unnecessary sun is the best way to stay protected. Tanning beds are also to be avoided as they can subject you to a lot of unnecessary UV rays that can be harmful. Consuming food rich in vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids along with protecting yourself from UV rays can result in better chances of avoiding skin cancer.

The Bottom Line

It is important to make it a habit of visiting a dermatologist in Southlake, TX whenever you see symptoms of skin cancer and any other skin related issues. Compassion Dermatology is a skin care dermatology center that specializes in improving your skin’s health. So if you are looking to get a skin disease treated or simply aiming to improve the health and appeal of your skin than you should contact them right away.


Dermatologist in Southlake, TX

The Icon Aesthetic System provides multiple devices in one piece of equipment. The Icon enables practitioners to provide a number of the most popular aesthetic treatments, included in its suite of devices is laser treatment, a proven solution to wrinkles, facial veins and sun damage.  In addition, the Icon offers state-of-the-art cooling, and a Melanin Reader for fast treatments with optimal results. Popular treatments the Icon enables your Compassion Dermatology, dermatologist in Southlake, TX to offer include:

  • Treatment of facial vessels and pigment
  • The treatment of scars, including acne and surgical scarring
  • The treatment of stretch marks
  • Wrinkle reduction
  • Clearing of leg veins
  • Permanent hair reduction

The Icon system’s patented innovations include, but are not limited to the following:

  • The Skintel Melanin Reader determines the average melanin density of skin before treatment begins.
  • A variety of Microlenses for personalized treatments.
  • Advanced Contact Cooling maintains a steady temperature for maximizing comfort and the protection of skin.
  • The Icon delivers the most powerful laser with an optimized light platform for the best results yet. With the first session you can see the improvement in tone and texture. With the Icon system, you can experience a more youthful appearance and minimal down time.

Say Hello to Younger-looking Skin

The ICON system also reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles in just one treatment. By delivering energy deep into the skin, it stimulates the regeneration of new skin. Recovery is as little as four days and lacks the side effects experienced with invasive surgery.  The ICON is a non-invasive treatment option that provides you with younger looking skin and offers the advantage of avoiding unnatural changes associated with invasive surgery. Contact your Compassion Dermatology, dermatologist in Southlake, TX today to schedule a consultation.

Hair Removal

The ICON system provides an effective hair reduction treatment with just a few treatments. The ICON light-based technology targets the hair follicles responsible for hair growth. The result is permanent hair removal of unwanted facial and body hair without causing any harm to the surrounding skin. The treatment is complete within minutes and is TGA approved and effective for a variety of skin types. Treatment is most effective when the hair follicle is in its growth stage. As hair follicles do not share the same growth cycle, repeat treatment may be required. Your dermatologist in Southlake, TX can provide you with additional information.

Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are a common and unwanted problem for many women. The Icon system can improve the appearance of stretch marks. The ICON uses fractional laser technology to target stretch marks and stimulates the production of new collagen to provide smoother skin. The procedure typically requires from three to five treatments. The required time can be as little as 30 minutes and requires no down time at all. If you are embarrassed by stretch marks, we can help. Contact a Compassion Dermatology, dermatologist in Southlake, TX today for stretch mark removal.

Scars

The ICON fractional laser system is a fast, effective treatment for removing the scars of acne and surgical scars, anywhere on the body. There is minimal downtime and it can be used on any skin type, including extremely light and dark skin. Most scars will require 3 to 5 treatments. Contact a dermatologist in Southlake, TX.

Resurfacing

The ICON laser treatment can improve the appearance of multiple skin flaws and blemishes, without surgery or lengthy downtime. Some examples of conditions it provides a solution for include:

  • Acne scars
  • Age spots
  • Skin tone and texture
  • Stretch marks
  • Sun damage
  • Surgical scars
  • Wrinkles

How the ICON Fractional Laser Works

The ICON fractional laser uses laser energy microbeams to treat areas of affected tissue that extend through the epidermis into the dermis. The body naturally produces new, healthy tissue resulting in younger-looking skin for you.

Photo Rejuvenation

The ICON fractional laser system can rejuvenate your skin with Optimized Light photo rejuvenation technology. In this procedure, gentle pulses of intense, optimized light are delivered to regions of areas of redness and other pigmentation, facial vessels, sun spots, age spots, spider veins, wrinkles, large pores, rosacea and capillaries.

The Icon system rejuvenates your skin by activating the body’s natural healing processes to reduce skin imperfections, diminishing lines and reduce redness naturally. Photo rejuvenation stimulates the natural production of collagen in the skin, restoring fullness and an overall younger appearance. During the first few weeks, you will see imperfections fade away. Depending on the area to be treated, the treatment may require as little as 30 minutes. Contact a dermatologist in Southlake, TX today.

Leg Veins

The ICON laser system treats leg veins without incisions, or damage to surrounding tissue. The system safely treats varicose veinsspider veins and reticular veins. The noninvasive treatment means down time and discomfort is minimal. Laser constricts the blood vessels, diminishing their appearance at the skin surface. Treatment time is typically less than 30 minutes and is safe for all skin types. Improvement is typically noticeable after just one treatment, but additional treatments may be required. You can rely on our dermatologist in Southlake, TX to provide the treatment you require for your skin issues, both aesthetic and medical.

The ICON Aesthetic System offers a number of treatments for a variety of aesthetic skin problems. Contact Compassion Dermatology today to schedule a consultation with our dermatologistin Southlake, TX.


Dermatology in Southlake, TX

Scabies

The skin disease scabies will produce intense itching caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei hominis. It occurs worldwide, with about 300 million cases reported each year. The incidence occurs most often in children and sexually active individuals. A Compassion Dermatology dermatologist in Southlake, TX can provide the skin treatment and care you need for scabies or other skin conditions.

Signs and Symptoms

Besides its hallmark intense and widespread itching, scabies symptoms and signs include threadlike burrows beneath the skin are evident in the superficial epidermis and are created by the moving female mite. The vesicles are 1 to 3 mm erthematous papules and vesicles filled with clear or cloudy fluid depending on the vesicle age. Common sites of heavy manifestations include the following locations:

  • Between the fingers
  • Flexor areas of the wrists
  • Elbows
  • Axillae
  • Abdomen
  • Feet
  • The scrotum in males

In the elderly, scabies is commonly found in heavy presence on the back, often appearing as excoriations. In infants and small children, burrows are commonly located on the palms of the hand and the soles of the feet. All are typically uncomfortable, and our dermatologist in Southlake, TX can provide the treatment and relief from the intense itching you require.

Nodular Scabies

A nodular form of scabies may occur in a small number of patients and is more likely to develop in young children. In infants who are unable to scratch, nodules may develop ranging in size from 2 to 20 mm in diameter.

Crusted Scabies

Lesions in larger areas may present as crusted scabies. Scaling is common, and pruritus may be slight or even absent. Nail dystrophy and scalp lesions can also occur in this form of scabies. The hands and arms are common locations of lesions, but all sites can be affected. Crusted scabies can be difficult to treat. See your dermatologist in Southlake, TX for effective treatment.

Secondary Lesions

Secondary lesions may result from scratching, secondary infection, or an immune response against the scabies mites and their products. Characteristic signs that may accompany secondary lesions include the following:

  • Excoriation of the skin due to scratching
  • Widespread eczematous dermatitis
  • Honey-colored crusting
  • Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation
  • Erythroderma (reddening of the skin)
  • Prurigo nodules (often accompanies damage to the skin from scratching)
  • Frank pyoderma (deep ulcers and potential necrotic flesh)

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of scabies is often made based on the intense pruritic rash and characteristic linear burrows. The diagnosis is confirmed by light microscopic. Skin scrapings can also identify the presence of the mites, larvae, ova, or scybala (feces).

A biopsy is occasionally used to identify mites and to rule out other skin diseases. In the absence of the mites, histopathology may suggest the diagnosis of scabies. These and other tests are available from Compassion Dermatology’s dermatologist in Southlake, TX.

Treatment

The treatment of scabies includes the administration of one or more prescription scabicidal agents. When a secondary infection is present, an antimicrobial agent may be prescribed. As crusted scabies indicates a heavy presence of the mite, repeated topical treatment or the use of both an oral and topical treatment may be required. Over the counter medications are ineffective against scabies. See your dermatologist in Southlake, TX today for scabies treatment or the treatment of other skin disorders.

The extreme pruritus accompanying scabies may be partially alleviated with an oral antihistamine. In extreme cases, prednisone may be prescribed. For your items such as bedding, clothing, and towels used by a person with scabies, they can be decontaminated by machine-washing in hot water and drying using the hot cycle or by dry-cleaning. Contact your dermatologist in Southlake, TX for the treatment of severe pruritus.

Because of the extremely heavy mite infestation accompanying crusted scabies, repeated applications of topical scabicides or other treatments may be required. In addition, treatment is often required for other family members and contacts who have been exposed. Treatment is required to resolve the condition. The prevalence of scabies in higher in children and sexually active individuals.

The Transmission

The transmission of scabies is typically through direct skin-to-skin contact. Less frequently, it can be transmitted by fomites such as infested bedding or clothing. This especially true with heavy infestations. Items such as bedding, clothing, and towels used by an individual with scabies should be machine washed in hot water and dried using the hot cycle or by dry-cleaning. The mite is not able to run or jump, but does crawl. Its life cycle is entirely on the host, but it is able to survive for as long as three days on bed linens, clothing, upholstery or other surfaces. There are different variants of the mite, including some that can infest other mammals such as your pets or livestock. They can irritate human skin, but are unable to reproduce in humans.

An individual with scabies can spread it even they do not have any symptoms. The interval between the primary infection, when the person becomes contagious, and the onset of clinical manifestations may be as long as 10 weeks. If you suspect scabies, contact your Compassion Dermatology dermatologist in Southlake, TX for diagnosis and treatment.

Additional Complications

A scabies infestation can exacerbate psoriasis, eczema, and other preexisting skin diseases. Even with treatment, scabies can cause longer term issues to vulnerable individuals. Compassion Dermatology offers the expertise and experience you need in a dermatologist in Southlake, TX.  We offer compassionate, professional care you can trust.


Southlake Dermatology

Allergic Contact Dermatitis

The warm days of summer are typically accompanied by an increased incidence of allergic contact dermatitis. If you recognize your skin problem in the following, contact Compassion Dermatology for a consultation. We will be glad to help you in our Southlake Dermatology practice.

Signs and symptoms

Allergic contact dermatitis is characterized by itchy papules, which are small raised pimples or swelling, and redness. The presence of itchy plaques may indicate a chronic form of the condition.

The condition typically develops within a few days in areas that were exposed directly to the allergen. However, some allergens that are poorly absorbed may not cause a reaction for as long as a week after exposure.

Diagnosis

In addition to visual examination, diagnosis may include a culture, patch testing,  testing for nickel, skin biopsy or other tests. If you have an itchy rash, contact our Southlake Dermatology practice to schedule a consultation.

Management

The treatment is first to identify the cause and to remove the identified allergen. Topical corticosteroids are a common treatment for allergic contact dermatitis. Severe allergic contact dermatitis, such as from poison ivy, often needs to be treated over a 2-week course of medication.

Remember, the identification and removal of any potential causal agents are required. Without removal of the cause, the patient remains at risk for recurrence, and at increased risk for chronic dermatitis. In addition, those with chronic dermatitis may develop an allergy to topical corticosteroids. A patch test can determine if a person is allergic to topical corticosteroids. Contact our Southlake Dermatology practice today to put an end to your allergic contact dermatitis.

Contact Dermatitis Vs. Allergic Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is often confused with allergic contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitis is inflammation of the skin due to direct damage from chemicals. As previously stated, allergic contact dermatitis is an allergic reaction, and not direct skin damage from chemicals. If you are unsure of the identity and cause of your skin issue, our Southlake Dermatology staff can provide the healing you need.

A detailed history is essential in evaluating a patient with allergic contact dermatitis prior to patch testing. The history helps to identify potential causes of allergic contact dermatitis, and helps to determine the potential allergens that should be included in patch testing.

The Causes

Allergic contact dermatitis results from skin contact with an allergen to which the patient has a specific sensitivity. The resulting allergic reaction causes inflammation of the skin manifested by redness, swelling and the small pimples.

Approximately 25 chemicals are commonly responsible for as many as half of all cases of allergic contact dermatitis. Nickel, preservatives, dyes, and fragrances are especially common allergens. Compassion Dermatology can provide the help you need to resolve this uncomfortable condition in our Southlake Dermatology clinic.

  • Poison oak and ivy are an example of acute allergic contact dermatitis in the U.S. Allergic contact dermatitis from these plants is characterized by acute dermatitis that develop where oils from the plant has been in direct contact with the skin. Contact our Southlake Dermatology to schedule treatment for your poison oak or ivy.
  • Nickel is a leading cause of allergic contact dermatitis, and the incidence is on the rise in the U.S. Europe has enacted regulations resulting in a reduction of the allergen exposure in women. The reaction to nickel is typically localized to the areas where nickel containing objects are worn, or are in contact with the skin. Nickel in the diet of allergic individuals may result in vesicles on the sides of the fingers.
  • Rubber Gloves-Any individual who wears rubber gloves and experiences dermatitis is is considered allergic to one or more chemicals contained in them, unless a patch test indicates otherwise.
  • Hair Dye-The chemical p-Phenylenediamine (PPD) is a common component in permanent hair dye products. Exposure may cause acute dermatitis with severe swelling of the face.
  • Textiles-Persons allergic to dyes and clothing containing chemicals added to textiles often develop dermatitis on the trunk. Individuals allergic to chemical containing clothing can find relief by wearing 100% cotton. In addition, new clothing is more likely to induce contact dermatitis. Allergens may diminish in concentration with repeated washing.
  • Preservatives-Preservatives are added to cosmetics, moisturizers, shampoos, sunscreens and topical medications. They are a common source of allergic contact dermatitis. Formaldehyde,  Quaternium-15,  isothiazolinones and methylisothiazolinone are frequent causes to watch out for. We can assist you in identifying the causes of your skin condition. Contact Southlake Dermatology today.
  • Fragrances-Fragrances are found in perfumes, colognes, shampoos, aftershaves, lotion, deodorants, soaps, and other products. If you are allergic to fragrances, choose fragrance-free products. Deodorants are a common cause of allergic contact dermatitis caused by fragrances. This is because they occlude skin that is often abraded by shaving in women.
  • Benzocaine-Persons who are allergic to benzocaine can safely use or be injected with lidocaine (Xylocaine), which does not cross-react with benzocaine. The patch test typically includes testing for Benzocaine allergy.
  • Photo allergy-Photo-allergic contact dermatitis not a common reaction. The allergy may be due to ultraviolet (UV) light, or an allergic reaction when a chemical is present on the skin, and combined with sufficient ultraviolet light.

Patient Education

The best prognosis is related to avoiding exposure to known allergens. This includes reading the label for the known allergens identified. A thorough examination and testing will reveal the chemicals and plants you need to avoid. Compassion Dermatology can help you with your skin issues. Contact our Southlake Dermatology office today.