July is National UV Awareness Month, and we at MI Skin Dermatology would like to talk about protecting your skin from the sun, as well as how to treat already sun damaged skin. Sun exposure is one of the main causes of damage to the face, including premature wrinkles, sun spots, and unevenly textured skin. In addition, being out in the sun without sufficient protection can lead to skin cancer. Dr. Melda Isaac of MI Skin Dermatology in Washington, DC performs skin cancer screenings as well as treatment of other forms of sun damage. In addition, she works with her patients to create long-term skin protection regimes that will help to prevent future sun damage.
Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer among Americans, but it is also one of the easiest to prevent. There are three main forms of skin cancer, which include squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma. The first two are rarely life threatening and can be treated fairly easily, while malignant melanoma is the deadliest form. Melanoma can spread quickly throughout the body if not caught at an early enough stage. This is why it is important to get skin cancer screenings regularly, and if you spot an irregular dark spot or new mole on your body, get it immediately examined by a board-certified dermatologist.
Pre-cancerous lesions can be easily treated through PDT, or photodynamic therapy. If skin cancer reaches a later stage, it may need to be surgically removed. The best way to deal with skin cancer is to prevent it in the first place, but the earlier cancer is caught, the easier it is to get rid of it.
Sun Damage
Sun damage, including wrinkles, uneven skin tone and texture, and dark spots, can be delayed through making sure that skin is protected whenever going outside, even in cloudy weather or when just getting in the car to go to work. Sun exposure ages the skin, and can cause people to look older than they actually are. Wearing sunscreen every day, seeking shade when outside for long periods of time, and wearing hats to protect the face and scalp from the sun are all essential for delaying the onset of sun damage.
Dr. Isaac offers a variety of treatment options to reverse the appearance of sun damage. Laser skin resurfacing, microneedling, and microdermabrasion are all tried and true methods of softening wrinkles, reducing the appearance of sun spots, and brightening and evening the skin. In addition, dermal fillers can help to add volume to sagging skin as well as to fill in lines and wrinkles. Reducing sun damage can help men and women appear younger and healthier, with brighter, glowing skin.
Schedule a Sun Damage Consultation Today
If you are suffering from sun damage, or if you think you may have a form of skin cancer or precancerous lesion, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Isaac at MI Skin Dermatology for help. To learn more about sun damage and skin cancer, and to request a consultation, just call (202) 393-7546!
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