May is Melanoma Awareness Month
May Marks the American Academy of Dermatology’s 22nd Annual Melanoma and Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month
Throughout May free skin cancer screenings will be held to promote awareness of the importance of early detection in the fight against this most common type of cancer. The incidence of melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, continues to increase. One American dies from melanoma every hour. While the more common types of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, are not as aggressive they can nonetheless cause significant medical consequences if not detected early.
Early detection of melanoma requires a partnership between you and your physician. This includes periodic skin exams in the office as well as self-examination. The AAD recommends annual skin exams in all people over the age of 40, more frequently if you have risk factors such as a personal or family history of skin cancer or many moles. Self examination consists of looking at your entire body, including your back, scalp, palms and soles. Although melanoma is most common in sun exposed areas it can occur anywhere on the skin. Self examinations should be performed monthly (for instructions visit www.aad.org). Notify your physician if you notice a new mole or skin lesion, or a change in the color, shape, size or texture of an existing mole. Any skin lesion that spontaneously bleeds should be investigated.
Dr. Washburn will be joining other area dermatologists in a Skin Cancer Screening at Newton Wellesley Hospital on May 17th. This screening is free and open to the public, but you must sign up in advance. If you are already a patient in our practice, we recommend an annual full skin exam as part of your care. If you or someone you know would like to attend please call the Carefinder Events Line at Newton Wellesley Hospital 617-243-5900. For instructions on how to perform a self examination, visit www.aad.org.
Here Comes the Sun!
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As the warm weather approaches we’re all looking forward to spending more time outdoors! But what about those damaging UV rays? We know that excessive sun exposure is the single most preventable risk factor for skin cancer and aging. Sunblock alone is not enough. The addition of protective clothing allows us to enjoy outdoor activities while protecting ourselves from the sun. We carry stylish Physician Endorsed Hats and Sunglasses which are guaranteed to provide the maximum sun protection for skin and eyes. Most of the hats are reversible and all are washable and packable. Sun protection with style! |
Physician Endorsed Hat and Sunglasses
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Happy Campers at Camp Discovery |
Supporting Camp Discovery
Camp Discovery is a summer camp for children ages 8 to 16 who have severe skin disorders. At camp fun, friendship, and independence are at the top of everyone’s list. Everyone is included as kids swim, fish, water ski, and do arts and crafts with other kids and counselors who have similar conditions. Week long camps are held in Crosslake, Minnesota and Millville, Pennsylvania. All campers are on full scholarship through the generosity of the American Academy of Dermatology. To support Camp Discovery, Hanna Washburn and Amy Boland are selling handmade jewelry in our office. We hope you will take a look at their beautiful creations that help support this worthy cause. If you know someone who might be interested in attending Camp Discovery, let us know. For more information visit www.aad.org. |
Restylane and Collagen
Before Restylane Injections to Nasolabial Folds |
After Restylane Injections to Nasolabial Folds |
Soft tissue augmentation has increased in popularity due to the availability of new and better fillers. Cosmetic fillers work beautifully to soften the lines around the mouth and between the eyebrows and to plump up scars from acne or trauma. For years, bovine collagen was the only filler approved by the FDA for correcting facial lines, wrinkles and scars. Collagen was good, and is still frequently used, but now there are many additional fillers available. These new fillers have the added benefits of being longer lasting and less likely to cause allergy. The most popular new filler is Restylane. Restylane now dominates the field of soft tissue augmentation due to its safety, ease of use, longevity and soft, natural feel. While not a replacement for major cosmetic surgery, soft tissue augmentation with Collagen or Restylane, particularly when coupled with Botox and nonablative laser treatment safely restore a more youthful appearance with minimal down time.
Fountain of Youth in a Bottle?
Not quite, but new PrevageMD is the strongest nonprescription antioxidant cream available. The active ingredient in PrevageMD, idebenone, has been scientifically proven to be effective in reducing signs of aging by reversing the oxidative effects of environmental stresses such as UV light, air pollution, and smoking. After just six weeks of use, Prevage has been shown to reduce fine lines and improve overall skin texture. It is compatible with other skin care products including sunblock and retinol. Prevage 0.5% is available in department stores, but full strength PrevageMD (1%) is only available in physicians’ offices. We have been very pleased with the results we have seen with Prevage, however we caution patients with a history of skin allergies. Ask if PrevageMD might be right for you!
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