Join us for the eŌs Sex and The City 2 Happy Hour on May 19, 2010 from 4:30pm-7:30pm at eŌs Dermatology and Med Spa.

Enjoy massages, boutique accessories & shoes, cocktails, and more!

Visit eOsMedSpa.com to RSVP and see all the latest details including our event specials.

Skin Cancer Basics for National Skin Cancer Awareness Month

Skin cancer occurs when skin cells start growing abnormally, causing cancerous growths. Most skin cancers develop on the visible outer layer of the skin (the epidermis), particularly in sun-exposed areas (face, head, hands, arms, and legs). They are usually easy to detect by examining the skin, which increases the chances of early treatment and survival.

What types of skin cancer are there?

There are different types of skin cancer, each named for the type of skin cell from which they originate. The majority of skin cancers fall into one of the following categories:

• Basal cell carcinoma (also called BCC) comes from the basal cells in the lowest part of the epidermis. 80-85% percent of skin cancers are BCCs.
• Squamous cell carcinoma (also called SCC) comes from the skin cells (keratinocytes) that make up the top layers of the skin. About 10% of skin cancers are SCC.
• Melanoma comes from skin cells called melanocytes, which create pigment called melanin that gives skin its color. 5% of all skin cancers are melanoma. Although less common, it is a very dangerous type of skin cancer and is the leading cause of death from skin disease.

Basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma are sometimes referred to as “non-melanoma skin cancer” to distinguish them from melanoma. Skin cancer is considered low risk when the affected cells remain clustered in a single group. It is considered high risk when the cells have invaded surrounding tissues requiring more aggressive treatments.

Almost all skin cancers start as a small, low-risk lesions, but can grow and become high-risk lesions if left untreated. Melanoma is the most alarming type because it has a higher risk of invading surrounding tissues or spreading to other parts of the body (metastasis) before being detected. Squamous cell and basal cell skin cancer are more likely to be detected and treated effectively before they become malignant. If skin cancer is detected before it has spread to surrounding tissues, chances of a complete cure are excellent.

How can I prevent skin cancer?

The best protection against skin cancer is to minimize sun exposure, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you do go out in the sun, practice good sun protection habits: use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher that protects against UVA and UVB), making sure to cover the head, lips, hands, neck, and ears. Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and protective clothing. Not only will this dramatically decrease your risk of skin cancer, but it will prevent other sun-damaging conditions, like wrinkles and actinic keratoses.

While everyone should minimize their exposure to the sun, fair-skinned people, outdoor workers, and residents of sunny climates should use particular caution. Another effective weapon against skin cancer is regular self-exams of your skin. Get to know the landscape of your skin, and take an inventory of all moles. See Dr Rasmussen’s advice column on the left for the ABCDs of examining a mole or pigmented spot; you can also visit WEB MD to see a slideshow with images of the ABCDs. You should have your skin checked yearly by a dermatologist. Especially, if you have any risk factors, such as family history of skin cancer, prolonged sun exposure, or past cancerous lesions.

Tanning booths increase the risk of developing skin cancer, despite the claims that they are a safe alternative to natural sunlight. The skin doesn’t tan unless it is first damaged by UV radiation. Intentional tanning should be avoided like any health hazard, such as smoking. You can you enjoy the look of a healthy tan without the harmful effects of UV radiation by using products like the Infinity Sun Sunless Tanning system.

Please call eŌs Dermatology & Med Spa at (512) 482-9344 to schedule your yearly skin check, or to schedule a complementary consultation to find out which med spa services would be best for you.

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Product Highlight

Elta MD UV Lotion SPF 30+

Elta MD UV Lotion SPF 30+ is a moisturizing sunscreen for the entire body. Use daily to experience the superior moisturizing power and to increase your skin’s natural protection from the sun by more than 30 times.

Mother's Day

Treat your Mom to an eŌs Gift Card this Mother's Day, and receive an Obagi® make-up bag FREE.
(While supplies last.
Expires May 15, 2010.)

Mother's Day is
Sunday, May 9th.