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When should I be concerned about a spot?
by Nicholas Maxwell, PA-C August 2, 2022
One of the most common questions I am asked, “When should I be concerned about a spot?”. This is a complex question without one simple answer; however, I try to alert my patients to clues their bodies are telling them. The three biggest players in skin cancer are Basal cell carcinoma (BCC), Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and Melanoma. Fortunately for most of these malignancies, treatment is straightforward, safe and effective...if we catch them early.
Typically, BCC and SCC will tune you into their unwanted presence. These types of skin cancers generally show up as raised or depressed bumps or sores that will never completely heal, and may periodically bleed from time to time with/without trauma. These are also going to change in size, shape and color. A good rule of thumb I tell my patients, “Any spot that is bleeding easily, not healing, or if you have a particular spot that is keeping you awake at night thinking about… come in and let me look at it”. Either I’ll let you know that it is nothing to worry about, or we can start treatment ASAP, which gives us better outcomes medically and cosmetically.
What is the Best Sunscreen?
by Joseph B. Schneider DO May 17, 2022
I am often asked "Dr. Schneider, what is the best sunscreen?"
My short answer is, 'The one you don't mind putting on'.
Much like a treadmill, purchasing it is only the first step. You must use it appropriately and re-apply every few hours. If it stings or is bothersome, you are unlikely to use it appropriately. Generally speaking, I like the physical sunscreens better than the chemical type. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are the physical blockers. They sit on top of the skin and reflect the damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays. Most available physical sunscreens are now microencapsulated, meaning they do not look as white as the early versions of zinc oxide (like the stereotypical lifeguard of the 1970s). At dermatology offices, you can often find some that are tinted, so they blend in very well.
SPF of 15 will block out 94% of the suns harmful rays, SPF 30 get you to 97% and a 45+ is about the best you can get and maxes out at 98%. So don't be fooled into thinking 45 is 3x better than 15. The higher SPF, usually the greasier the product, so if you really hate the greasy feel, then go with the SPF 15 or 30.
