Skin Cancer Treatment at Treasure Coast Dermatology

Treasure Coast Dermatology Toll Free 877.870.3376 Serving Martin County, St. Lucie County, Indian River COunty and Okeechobee County

Treasure Coast Dermatology Seborrheic Keratoses Page

ACNE

Acne is a skin condition which has plugged pores (blackheads and whiteheads), inflamed pimples (pustules), and deeper lumps (nodules). Acne occurs on the face, as well as the neck, chest, back, shoulders, and upper arms. Although most teenagers get some form of acne, adults in their 20's, 30's, 40's, or even older, can develop acne. Often, acne clears up after several years, even without treatment. Acne can be disfiguring and upsetting to the patient. Untreated acne can leave permanent scars; these may be treated by your dermatologist in the future. To avoid acne scarring, treating acne is important.

Types of Acne and How Acne Forms

Acne is not caused by dirt. Testosterone, a hormone which is present in both males and females, increases during adolescence (puberty). It stimulates the sebaceous glands of the skin to enlarge, produce oil, and plug the pores. Whiteheads (closed comedones), blackheads (open comedones), and pimples (pustules) are present in teenage acne.

Early acne that occurs before the first period and is called prepubertal acne. When acne is severe and forms deep "pus-filled" lumps, it is called cystic acne. This may be more common in males.

Adult acne develops later in life and may be related to hormones, childbirth, menopause, or stopping the pill. Adult women may be treated at ovulation when acne is especially severe, or throughout their entire menstrual cycle. Adult acne is not rosacea, a disease in which blackheads and whiteheads do not occur.

Cleansing

Acne has nothing to do with not washing your face. However, it is best to wash your face with a mild cleanser and warm water daily. Washing too often or too vigorously may actually make your acne worse.

Diet

Acne is not caused by foods. However, if certain foods seem to make your acne worse, try to avoid them.

Cosmetics

Wear as little cosmetics as possible. Oil-free, water-based moisturizers and make-up should be used. Choose products that are "non-comedogenic" (should not cause whiteheads or blackheads) or "non-acnegenic" (should not cause acne). Remove your cosmetics every night with mild soap or gentle cleanser and water.

A flesh-tinted acne lotion containing acne medications can safely hide blemishes. Loose powder in combination with an oil-free foundation is also good for cover-up.

Shield your face when applying sprays and gels on your hair.

Proper Care is Necessary

No matter what special treatments your dermatologist may use, remember that you must continue proper skin care. Acne is not curable, but it is controllable; proper treatment helps you to feel and look better and may prevent scars.

To learn more about acne and acne treatments see your dermatologist or log onto www.aad.org

Remembering Your ABC's
Can Save Your Life

It sounds almost too simple to be true, but the same little song that got you through kindergarten could now save your life. Best of all, you don't even have to be able to carry a tune to use this tool. Every sixty-seven minutes, someone dies of melanoma; a sad statistic that does not have to be. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, skin cancer is the most prevalent of all types of cancer and affects more than one million Americans every year.

Mohs Surgery Has Highest Surgical Cure Rate

"Mohs surgery has the highest surgical cure rate for both basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma," reports Jonathan Sanders, MD, JD. "For basal cell carcinoma, the technique produces approximately a ninety-nine percent cure rate, with just a slightly lower cure rate for squamous cell carcinoma."

The Mohs procedure is named for Dr. Frederick Mohs, who developed the surgery in the 1930s at the University of Wisconsin. The Mohs procedure involves removing successive layers of tissue and immediately examining them with a microscope, so that all of the roots and extensions of the cancerous lesion can be eliminated.

Dermatologists that perform Mohs surgery must have specialized skills in dermatology and dermatologic surgery. Training for Mohs surgery is available through select residency programs, specialized fellowships, and intensive training courses. Drs. Ioannides and Sanders are both members of the American Society for Mohs Surgery.

The entire procedure can take several hours to complete, but actual surgical time may be measured in just minutes. Most of the time is spent in careful preparation and scrutiny of the excised tissue.