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COSMETIC DERMATOLOGY SPECIALS FROM SSDP

 

ELASTIDERM EYE CREAM

 and get a FREE Obagi Elastiderm Complete Complex Serum. This antioxidant eye serum reduces puffiness under the eyes and replenishes elasticity and collagen for tighter, smoother-looking skin.**
 
NU-DERM TRANSFORMATION KIT
Buy an Obagi Nu-Derm Starter Set for Normal to Oily Skin and get an Obagi Sun Shield SPF 50 sunscreen for free! The Obagi Nu-Derm Starter Set penetrates below the skin's surface to reduce signs of
aging and reveal younger, healthy-looking skin.*

 

**Savings available during the month of May 2013. Offer good while supplies last.

  

Please note: Cosmetic products are not covered by insurance. Sales tax applies to all purchases.

 

Call 1.508.535.DERM (3376), Option 7, or email us from the Contact Us page on the SSDP website to schedule a cosmetic consultation.

 

SSDP SUITS UP FOR SKIN CANCER PREVENTION & DETECTION MONTH 
SSDP dermatologists Leera M. Briceno, MD, Jay M. Ritt, MD, Katalin Kovalszki, MD, and Amy S. Chang, MD
 
With the season for outdoor activity set to begin, the doctors and staff of South Shore Dermatology Physicians (SSDP) in Easton are focusing attention on the dangers of melanoma and other forms of skin cancer through a new public awareness campaign.

 

Beginning on Monday, May 6, designated as Melanoma Monday� by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), and continuing weekly throughout the month, the physicians and staff at SSDP will don brightly colored t-shirts bearing the message, "Peace Love Your Skin," accompanied by an image of SPF 30 sunscreen. The orange, hot pink, and key lime-colored garments are being used to spread the word about the dangers of melanoma and skin cancer and the benefits of early detection.

 

In addition, SSDP physicians Leera M. Briceno, MD, Amy S. Chang, MD, Katalin Kovalszki, MD, and Jay M. Ritt, MD, conducted free public Skin Cancer Screenings for 50 individuals at Good Samaritan Medical Center (GSMC), 818 Oak St., Brockton, on Monday, May 6, and Thursday, May 9. Many skin conditions were diagnosed during the 90-minute screenings, including basal cell carcinomas and numerous benign and pre-cancerous skin lesions. Thirty-two percent of participants were advised to follow up with a Board certified dermatologist for a biopsy. 

You can learn more about melanoma and other skin conditions on the new SSDP website. Visit us online at www.southshorederm.com.


 

 

CHECK YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF MELANOMA DURING SKIN CANCER AWARENESS & PREVENTION MONTH 

     

Jay M. Ritt, MD By Jay M. Ritt, MD


In honor of Skin Cancer Detection & Prevention Month� in May, SSDP has decided to re-run these important tips about melanoma detection and prevention. If you have a question about your skin, contact our office at 508.535.DERM (3376) to schedule an appointment with one of our Board certified dermatologists.

 

1) What is melanoma?

Melanoma is a cancer of the melanocytes, which are the cells that produce melanin, the normal pigmentation in the skin, eyes and hair.

 

2) How does melanoma differ from other kinds of skin cancers?

Of the three major types of skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma), melanoma is the least common but the most dangerous because it carries a far greater risk of spreading to other parts of the body (metastasizing). Melanoma is almost always curable if it is recognized and treated early. If it is not caught early, melanoma can spread to other parts of the body where it becomes hard to treat and can be fatal.

 

3) What causes melanoma?

Among the factors that predispose one to melanoma are:

A personal or family history of melanoma

A large number of moles

Irregular or atypical/unusual looking moles

Having fair skin, light hair and eyes, and a tendency to sunburn easily

A history of blistering sunburns in childhood or adolescence

 

4) What are the warning signs?

The classic warning signs of melanoma can be remembered with the letters A-B-C-D-E. Check your moles regularly and visit your dermatologist if you notice any of the following indicators:

  • A is an Asymmetrical mole, meaning one half looks different from the other half
  • B stands for a jagged or irregular Border
  • C represents a variety of Colors, meaning the mole may show shades of brown, black, white, blue, or pink.
  • D means a large Diameter - greater than a pencil eraser. D can also mean very Dark.
  • E is Evolution. A significant change in the appearance of a mole or the presence of itching, bleeding or other symptoms.

5) Does a mole have to show all of the warning signs to be of concern?

No. Many melanomas exhibit only one or two signs.

 

6) Are there times when a melanoma does not exhibit the typical warning signs?

Yes. A nodular melanoma may have none of the A-B-C-D properties. It may start by looking like a blood blister or pimple on your skin. If you notice a growth that feels firm to the touch, is elevated above the skin surface and continues to grow for more than two to three weeks, have your skin checked by a dermatologist to rule out this rare but agggressive form of the disease.

 

7) Can melanoma be prevented?

Melanoma cannot be completely prevented, but you can decrease your risk by reducing sun exposure, especially during the mid-day hours, wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen with a high SPF, and avoiding tanning beds.

 

8) Speaking of tanning beds, is there a connection between indoor tanning and melanoma?

The National Cancer Institute estimates that long-term exposure to ultraviolet rays from tanning beds or the sun increases the risk of developing skin cancer. Women who use tanning beds more than once a month are 55 percent more likely to develop malignant melanoma.

 

 9) How often should one have a full body scan by a Board certified dermatologist?

For most people, an annual full body skin check by their dermatologist or primary care physician is sufficient. If a person has a personal or family history of melanoma, a large number of moles, or fair skin that burns easily, more frequent examinations may be needed. If you notice a new mole or a significant change in an existing mole, make an appointment with your dermatologist or primary care physician to have it checked. Don't wait.

 

10) What is the good news about melanoma?

The good news is that if it is caught early, melanoma is highly curable. The five-year survival rate for people whose melanoma is detected and treated before it spreads is 98%.

 

Learn more about the warning signs of melanoma on our website at www.southshorederm.com.

 

Jay M. Ritt, MD, is a Board certified dermatologist at South Shore Dermatology Physicians.  

 

Do you have a question about the information in this e-newsletter or other topics in skin health? Phone SSDP at 508.535.DERM (3376) to schedule an appointment with one of our Board certified dermatologists, or email us from the Contact Us page on the SSDP website.