Wednesday, August 9, 2017

Types of Skin Cancer Explained by Dermatologist in San Diego

Each year, there are increasing numbers of skin cancer cases being diagnosed. In fact, every year there are more new skin cancer cases being diagnosed than breast cancer, prostate cancer, and lung cancer combined. Skin cancer is a serious condition in San Diego that is normally caused by being overly exposed to harmful UV rays, as well as inadequate skin care. 

A Doctor Examining Woman Skin

What are the types of skin cancer?

Basal cell carcinoma is the initial form of skin cancer. At this form, the condition will rarely spread and grows at a slow pace. Normally, it will take the form of a small growth on the skin and will go undetected initially. Although it is not immediately dangerous, it can worsen with time. Another form of skin cancer is squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). This type of skin cancer grows slowly as well, and is also hard to notice during the initial stages. The danger with SCC is that it can spread to vital organs. The third form of skin cancer is known as malignant melanoma. It is the most deadly and will initially appear as a fresh growth on skin, or a pre-existing growth that starts changing. This form spreads fast to vital organs, and is difficult to detect. 

What can cause skin cancer?

One of main causes of skin cancer is the UV radiation from the sun. Both UVA and UVB rays are known to cause cancer. It should be noted that the UV radiation from the sun is not the only cause. The radiation emitted by tanning beds as well as solarium is known contribute to the formation of skin cancer. In addition to this, pre-existing conditions can increase a person’s chances of getting skin cancer. As a result of an existing skin condition, the skin cells will already be weak, making it easier for a carcinogen to affect it. Although these skin conditions do not directly cause skin cancer, it can make the formation of this disease easier. 

To learn more about Skin Cancer, visit Coastal Skin & Eye Institute


Tuesday, August 8, 2017

All About Chemical Peels in La Mesa CA

Women are tempted to cover up all our facial skin blemishes with make-up, but there is a limit to how much coverage that can achieve. Any dermatologist in La Mesa CA will tell you that the secret to beautiful skin is not covering up but peeling away. This is because the skin renews itself every day and the old, dead skin cells accumulate at the topmost layer of the epidermis. If these cells are not removed regularly, the skin pores become clogged, paving the way for bacterial infection. As cleansing is essential for beautifying the skin, medical experts have come up with various chemical peels that achieve optimal exfoliation. 

chemical peels

What are chemical peels?

These peels, when applied to the face, will make the skin blister, and the old skin will fall off. The new skin will be younger looking and smoother to the touch. Peels can be used on the hands, face and neck to great effect. 
What are the results they provide?

  • Reducing fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth and under the eyes
  • Reducing the effects of sun damage 
  • Improving the appearance of mild (not deep) scars
  • Treating mild acne
  • Reducing age spots and the temporary skin darkening that happens during pregnancy or through use of birth control pills
  • Making the skin look radiant and soft

How should skin be cared for after the procedure?

As the skin is sensitive after treatment, you should not apply make-up or any other beauty creams for a few days. Failure to do so may cause irritation. The only cream that you should apply is sunscreen as the new skin needs to be protected from harmful rays. A broad-spectrum physical sunblock of over 30 SPF should work well for this purpose. The other alternative is to avoid going out in the sun altogether for a few weeks. 



Wednesday, August 2, 2017

For a youthful appearance, go for Botox in Thousand Oaks

Botox injections have also been known in helping prevent chronic migraines in people.


Botox is the first drug that used the botulinum toxin. Products like Myobloc,  Xeomin, and Dysport also use botulinum. The dosage may be different between different products. So, they cannot be used interchangeably. 

Botox blocks chemical signals from the nerve which mostly cause muscles to contract. Botox is mostly used to temporarily relax facial muscles that are the cause of wrinkles. 

Facial wrinkles will include

Crow’s feet that fan out of the corner of the eye
Forehead furrows
Frown lines that appear between the eyebrows

What are the other uses of Botox?

Botox can be used to treat conditions that may affect the functions of the body.

Cervical dystonia

The neck muscles will contract involuntarily to cause your head to twist into an uncomfortable position. 

Lazy eye

Due to the imbalance in the muscles that are responsible for the positioning of the eye, this condition can occur.

Muscle contracture

Neurological conditions like cerebral palsy can cause your limbs to pull toward your center. These contracted muscles can be relaxed with the help of Botox. 

Hyperhidrosis

This condition will see you excessively sweat even though the temperature may be not hot, or when you are not exerting yourself. 

Chronic migraine

Botox may help in reducing the frequency of headaches if you are experiencing migraine. 

Bladder dysfunction

Botox can help in reducing urinary incontinence due to an over-reactive bladder. 

Eye twitching

Botox can help relieve twitching and contracture of muscles around the eyes. 

Botox will usually work after a few days of treatment. The effects may last for months or longer, depending on the problem that was treated. In order to maintain the effect, regular follow up injections may be required.

To Learn More About Botox, Please Visit Daphne I. Panagotacos, M.D.