November is National Healthy Skin Month!

We know you were in the sun this summer…

Don't feel guilty anymore, call today to schedule your full skin check with Dr. Lily!




#mcleanderm #askdrlily #fullskincheck #healthyskin

Melanoma Monday: May is Melanoma Awareness Month

Drivers are failing to use their sunscreen. Utilizing sun protection measures while driving is just as important as wearing your sunscreen at the beach.

Most patients feel it is unnecessary to apply sunscreen before driving in their car.  Compared to the 73% of the public who apply daily general sunscreen, only 48% of people apply their SPF before getting in the driver seat.

Poor compliance with the application of sun protection can result in the development of deadly skin cancers. Make sure to purchase your sunscreen before the summer sun sneaks through your windows.

Baby Contracts Melanoma While Still in the Womb

Read this article from ABC News about the risks of Melanoma.

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/arizona-baby-melanoma-mothers-womb-alive/story?id=18922718

Spring = Skin Check Season

Before the summer sun cooks your skin and you start to look like your leather handbag, come in for a comprehensive head-to-toe skin check and cancer screening.

At McLean Dermatology, we are committed to providing you with the best dermatologic care – that includes ensuring you and your skin are ready for this, and every, summer.

The rate of melanoma, which is the deadliest form of skin cancer, has increased in the U.S. at a rapid pace. Why, do you ask? Everybody knows you must live by the rule: apply and reapply!  Proper sun protection - sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, rash guards, and surf shorts – are all must-haves in the sun.

There are so many choices of sunscreens, which one do I buy?

-Look on the bottles for these words: water-resistant, broad-spectrum, SPF 30 or higher (Ex: Elta MD)

Do I still have to wear sunscreen even when it’s cloudy?

-Yes! The most harmful, UV rays, can pass through windows, clouds, rain, and cement.

If I wear foundation with SPF, is that enough?

-Although it helps, wearing just makeup with a built-in SPF is not strong enough. Make it a habit to put on sunscreen before your makeup.

Outsmart skin cancer with these helpful hints:

Avoid tanning beds

   -Even one tanning session increases your lifetime risk of developing melanoma by 20%!

Apply your SPF in the morning (and REAPPLY!)

   -If you’re out all day and not reapplying sunscreen every 40-80 minutes you’re putting yourself at risk.

Eat your fruits and veggies

   - Leafy greens and citrus fruits guard against UV damage

Perform self-tests

   - Any mole or spot you think might be harmful very well could be. Making an appointment with your dermatologist is the first step to healthy skin.

Do not smoke

   -Up there with tanning beds, smoking in a Class 1 carcinogen.

The Dangers of Search Engine Diagnosis

On the first onset of a cold, many of us turn to various Internet search engines for symptoms of the current bug that has decided to creep up on us. When all else fails, “Google it!”

However, the Internet is NOT a doctor. There are dangers associated with these search engine diagnoses.  Research shows that more than half of the information on the Internet relating to medicine was proved both inaccurate and irrelevant.  Online tools are meant to be informational, not provide medical advice.  The intention is to inform people and should not serve as a substitute to a medical professional.  Any treatment options provided on these sites should be consulted with a doctor before any actions are taken, as all treatments may not apply to everyone. 

So if you have a rash or lesion that is not healing, call us for a visit or skin check.  Self-education is important. With the guidance of a medical professional you can rest easy knowing you have received the most knowledgeable treatment options available. 

May Is Skin Cancer Awareness Month!

Monday, March 7 was Melanoma Monday! So, you have some moles that have been there for years and you see them everyday so you don’t think twice about them. Below is a simple system to follow to monitor moles and spots on your body. A full head-to-toe skin exam is still highly recommended, as a Dermatologist will always alert you of any spots that should be biopsied or looked at for further evaluation.

Follow the ABCDE guidelines to evaluate your moles!

Asymmetry

One side of the spot is drastically different than the other side, instead of one side looking just like or similar to the other side.

Border

If the edges of the spot are uneven by having notches or appear to be scalloped. 

Color

Black moles, moles with color variation or moles that change color.

Diameter

Any mole greater than 6mm or larger than a pencil eraser should be evaluated, as well as any moles that are growing. 

Evolving

Evolving moles are any that have changed size, color or shape, be especially cautious with one that is rapidly changing. 

Greater than 5 sunburns in your lifetime doubles your risk of skin cancer. Annual skin exams should be performed every 6 months of annually, depending on your age and family history of skin cancer. Call to schedule your mole check today! 

McLean Dermatology & Skincare Center

6849 Old Dominion Dr. Suite 340

McLean, VA 22101

703.356.5111

mcleandermatologycenter.com