"Skin with Altitude" is a newsletter brought to you by
Vail, Aspen and Breckenridge Dermatology.
We are celebrating our 14th year! Our practice continues to grow by referrals from our loyal patients.Thank you for your trust in us. We
would love to hear your questions, comments, and concerns - please email them to info@vaildermatology.com. We are also on Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Twitter | Pinterest
Visit us to hear about our specials and the latest in skin research.
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Skincare From Around The World
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Africa
Rooibos is an antioxidant plant that originates in
South Africa. This plant
is high in antioxidant & antibacterial properties, zinc, calcium, potassium, and vitamin
D. South African women love Rooibos for its great anti-aging properties (reduces fine line and wrinkles), production of healthy skin cells, treats eczema and acne.
Baobab Tree is also well known as the 'Tree of Life". Its
fruit contains more antioxidants than any other fruit, but this incredibly unique tree blossoms once a year.
African women use Baobab oil as a natural cleanser, daily moisturizer, smooth under eye bags, to boost collagen production, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, to treat eczema and psoriasis.
Egypt
Donkeys' milk was very popular in Ancient Egypt. It has powerful anti-aging and healing properties that Cleopatra knew about. The donkey milk with honey helps hydrate and moisturize the skin. Cleopatra would mix these ingredients together in order to wash her face and body.
Dead Sea salts are high in magnesium, calcium, sulfur, bromide, potassium, sodium and zinc. They are rumored to have healing and hydration properties, soothe damaged skin, balance sebum, prevent fine lines and wrinkles, detoxify the body, relieve muscle cramps, revitalize dull complexion, reduce puffy eyes, and helps fight skin issues such as acne, etc.
Greece
Olive oil contains vitamins and 3 of the best antioxidants that help slow down the aging process, vitamin E, polyphenols, and phytosterols. Olive oil prevents free radical damage to the skin, doesn't clog pores and is high in hydration properties which make the skin look youthful and glowing.
Pure raw honey has been dated back to 5000 BC as a basic ingredient for
face masks, body scrubs or even by itself. It is high in nutrients, antioxidants, healing, moisturize, anti-aging, and anti-bacterial properties.
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Rare Skin Cancer On The Rise
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Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare type of skin cancer that usually appears as a flesh-colored or bluish-red nodule, often on the face, head or neck. Merkel cell carcinoma is also called neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin. Merkel cell carcinoma tends to grow quickly. Treatment options for Merkel cell carcinoma often depend on how advanced the cancer is at diagnosis.
Symptoms
The first sign of Merkel cell carcinoma is usually a fast-growing, painless nodule (tumor) on your skin. The nodule may be skin colored or may appear in shades of red, blue or purple. Most Merkel cell carcinomas appear on the face, head or neck, but they can develop anywhere on your body, even on areas not exposed to sunlight.
Risk factors
Factors that may increase your risk of Merkel cell carcinoma include:
- Excessive exposure to natural or artificial sunlight: Being exposed to ultraviolet light, such as the light that comes from the sun or from tanning beds, increases your risk of skin cancer including Merkel cell carcinoma. The majority of Merkel cell carcinomas appear on skin surfaces frequently exposed to sun.
- A weakened immune system: People with weakened immune systems - including those with HIV infection, those taking drugs that suppress the immune response or those with chronic leukemias - are more likely to develop Merkel cell carcinoma.
- History of other skin cancers: Merkel cell carcinoma is associated with the development of other skin cancers, such as basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma.
- Older age: Your risk of Merkel cell carcinoma increases as you age. This cancer is most common in people older than age 50, though it can occur at any age.
- Light skin color: Merkel cell carcinoma usually arises in people who have light-colored skin.
When to schedule an appointment
If you notice a mole, freckle or bump that is changing in size, shape or color, growing rapidly, or bleeding easily after minor trauma, such as washing your skin or shaving, make an appointment with us.
Merkel cell carcinoma is an extremely rare tumor.
Prevention
While exposure to sunlight isn't proved to cause Merkel cell carcinoma, it is considered a risk factor for this cancer. Reducing your sun exposure may reduce your risk of skin cancer.
Try to:
- Avoid the sun during peak hours. Avoid sun exposure as much as possible during the strongest sunlight hours of the day - typically from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Move your outdoor activities to a time earlier in the morning or later in the day.
- Shield your skin and eyes. Wear a wide-brimmed hat, tightly woven clothing and sunglasses with ultraviolet light (UV) protection.
- Apply sunscreen liberally and often. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Apply sunscreen generously, and reapply every two hours - or more often if you're swimming or perspiring.
- Watch for changes. If you notice a mole, freckle or bump that's changing in size, shape or color, schedule a spot check. Most skin nodules never become cancer, but catching cancer in its early stages increases the chances that treatment will be successful.
Treatment
Treatments for Merkel cell carcinoma can include:
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Surgery: During surgery, the doctor removes the tumor along with a border of normal skin surrounding the tumor. The skin is tested to make sure all surrounding borders are cancer free. In some cases, we may recommend a procedure called
Mohs Surgery.
Diagnosis
Tests and procedures used to diagnose Merkel cell carcinoma include:
- Physical exam. We recommend having yearly full skin exams to help with early detection of skin cancer. During an exam, the provider will examine your skin for unusual moles, freckles, pigmented spots and other growths.
- Removing a sample of suspicious skin. During a procedure called a skin biopsy, your doctor removes the tumor or a sample of the tumor from your skin. The sample is analyzed in a laboratory to look for signs of cancer. This procedure is quick and can be done during your exam if the doctor sees anything suspicions.
Preparing for your appointment
If you have a mole, freckle or bump on your skin that concerns you, start by making an appointment with us. If the doctor suspects you may have skin cancer, you'll likely have a skin biopsy during your appointment. If you don't currently see a dermatologist, our primary doctor may refer you if they see something suspicious during an exam.
Because appointments can be brief, and because there's often a lot of ground to cover, it's a good idea to be well-prepared. Here's some information to help you get ready, and what to expect from your doctor.
What can you do
- Write down any symptoms you're experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment.
- Make a list of all medications, vitamins or supplements that you're taking.
- Consider taking along a family member or friend. Sometimes it can be difficult to remember all the information provided during an appointment. Someone who accompanies you may remember something that you missed or forgot.
- Write down questions to ask your doctor.
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Karen Nern, MD, MBA
Vail Dermatology
Aspen Dermatology
Breckenridge Dermatology
Meet Karen Nern
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Claire Mann, RN, AGNP
Vail Dermatology
Aspen Dermatology
Breckenridge Dermatology
Meet Claire Mann
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