IF YOU CAN SPOT IT, YOU CAN STOP IT

Skin cancer is a scary topic, but when found and treated early, skin cancers are often curable. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends performing regular self-exams after an initial visit to your dermatologist. For most, a monthly self-exam is ideal, but ask your doctor if you should be doing checks more frequently.

At-home skin exams need to be a habit and not a burden. Studies are being conducted to determine if technology can help increase patient knowledge and behavior related to the detection of melanoma. Researchers are examining if reminders via email or text, along with online tutorials, could lead to more self-exams. As a result, this could lead to an increase in the early detection of skin cancer. Currently, similar learning programs and reminders have proven effective in cases of breast cancer screening, asthma control and sun safety, according to MedPage Today.

Having a doctor to perform a full-body exam will ensure that any existing spots, freckles or moles are normal. From there you can do exams at home, checking for any changes or new growths. A visit to Greenville Dermatology could be a preventative measure that will save you from concerns in the future. Call our office today to schedule an appointment, 864-242-5872. 

Patients Beware:

Although illegal medical procedures have always been a problem, the number of illegal medical spas in the U.S. is growing, and with it, the number of botched procedures and patient injuries. It is important that patients educate themselves on the dangers of these illegal “medspas” to ensure safety, and make the safest decisions possible.

According to the International SPA Association, over 1,500 medical spas opened in the U.S. from 2002 to 2010.These medspas or “medi-spas” provide services such as laser hair removal, microdermabrasion and Botox injections. Although these cosmetic treatments are considered medical procedures, in many cases, medical professionals are not supervising. Many times, patients assume the person performing the procedure is a registered nurse or otherwise certified, but licensed staff in these businesses are becoming increasingly rare.

Dr. M. Christine Lee, a California dermatologist, is an avid supporter of more extreme regulations after treating patients since 2000 with nerve and eye damage, severe burns and permanent scars from medspas. In 2004, she saw over a dozen women with faces covered in black stripes, due to burns from a botched laser hair removal treatment, all from the same medical spa. Lee said she now sees at least five patients every month with treatments gone wrong.

Illegal medspas have become such a problem as of late, that the State of California has taken a step toward correcting the issue for good, and is implementing punishment with a bite. California governor Jerry Brown has signed into law a bill which will greatly increase fines and jail time for anyone found guilty of illegally operating or aiding in the illegal operation of a medical business.

The message to heed from the medspa situation is this: before going through any type of medical procedure, make sure that both the business as well as the personal service provider are in compliance with state laws and certified. A white coat does not guarantee a person’s safety in the outcome of such serious procedures. All procedures done through competent physicians and professional companies result in successful and enjoyable results. This is one of the many benefits of turning to a board certified dermatologist for all of your skin care needs.

For more information on safe cosmetic procedures, consult Dr. Miller at Greenville Dermatology.

Makeup That is Good for Your Skin?

Many of us may be ashamed to admit this, but we probably are not always as proactive as we should be when it comes to daily skin protection, specifically on our face. It is a common misconception that you don’t need to wear sunblock while out running errands or walking the dog, but even just a few minutes in the sun can lead to long term skin damage.

In the past, many sunblocks made for the face were notorious for causing breakouts and irritation. Thankfully, cosmetic companies have begun adding SPF to their products in an effort to help protect against the sun’s harmful UV rays.  Since there is no such thing as too much sun protection, using makeup with an SPF is the perfect solution to anti-aging and skin protection, all while looking your best.  Oh and doctors’ orders- be sure that when choosing a sunscreen or makeup product with SPF that it is 15 or higher!

At Greenville Dermatology, we offer GloMinerals , which is a mineral based makeup that protects and heals the face. Of all the protective products offered, the GloMinerals facial moisturizer is a client favorite.

At your next appointment, ask our medical aesthetician Trivette Hatcher about the benefits of using mineral based makeup and if mineral makeup might be right for you!

New Office Location Opening Soon

We are proud to announce our new office location. It will be located on the "easy side" of Woodruff Road. We will be opening our doors late August. Looking forward to seeing you soon!