New Gel Used to Treat Precancerous Lesions

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, with one in five Americans developing skin cancer through the course of a lifetime according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. In the past people did not know the risks of pre-mature aging and disease from sun damage. However, current data shows an absolute link between long term skin damage and sun exposure in the form of wrinkles, age spots and possibly cancer. The Skin Cancer Foundation reported that over the past 31 years, more people have had skin cancer than all other cancers combined.

Dermatology Associates of Atlanta’s board certified dermatologists and providers know the importance of protecting your skin from and preventing sun damage.  Actinic keratosis is the most common type of pre-cancerous lesion, affecting more than 58 million Americans. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, about 65 percent of all squamous cell carcinomas arise in lesions that were previously diagnosed as actinic keratosis.

Although actinic keratosis can be a frightening diagnosis, a newly FDA approved gel may be effective in treating the condition.  We have discussed topical treatments in a previous blog used specifically for acne; this new topical gel is designed to treat precancerous skin lesions within several days. According to the New England Journal of Medicine, previous treatments took weeks, and sometimes months, to effectively address this condition. The new gel product, Picato®, is applied for one to three days rather than over a span of weeks or months.

The study researched more than 900 people with actinic keratosis on their face, scalp or body. The results showed that the gel cleared the lesions nearly 43 percent of the time when used on the face or scalp, compared to with nearly 4 percent for the placebo. This medicine has the potential to be very beneficial as patients are more likely to adhere to the treatment instructions’ short required application time.

Other treatments for pre-cancers include photodynamic therapy, cryosurgery, and laser treatments. Determining the best treatment for the patient is imperative in treating the condition before it can become skin cancer.  The providers of Dermatology Associates of Atlanta stress to their patients the importance of getting a skin cancer body check annually to catch skin problems early because skin cancer .

If you would like more information on skin cancer treatment and prevention or to schedule a skin consultation, please contact our office today. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google + for the latest skincare news and information.

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Check out Skin Medics Medical Spa’s May 2012 Skincare Special

Through the month of May, receive $150.00 off Acai Berry Lactic Peel with microdermabrasion treatment (regularly priced $350.00) at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta‘s Skin Medics Medical Spa.  Eliminate dead and dull outer layers of skin and smooth fine lines and wrinkles.  Patients notice a clearer complexion and brighter skin.  Contact us at (678) 552-2163 to schedule your appointment or for more information.

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Don’t Miss Our Special on Chemical Peels!

Now through January 31st, 2012, you can save $50 on some of your favorite Skin Medica® chemical peels from Skin Medics™ Medical Spa. Enjoy a Vitalize Peel® for only $100 to reduce the appearance of melasma, sun damage, and acne with one treatment and no downtime. For a deeper peel that will improve moderate to severe acne, acne scarring, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation, try our Rejuvenize Peel™ for $200. Contact us to schedule your appointment today.

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Dermatology Associates of Atlanta’s January 2012 Cosmetic Day Is Coming!

If you’re ready to begin 2012 fresh-faced, join Dermatology Associates of Atlanta‘s Skin Medics™  Medical Spa for our first Cosmetic Day of the year. Wednesday, January 11th, 2012 we’ll be offering great deals on facial fillers like Juvéderm™, Restylane®, and Radiesse®. You can also save on Botox® and Dysport® injectables which work to smooth wrinkles around the eyes and forehead. Make sure to take advantage of our specials on cosmetic laser treatments and Skin Medics™  Medical Spa‘s featured products, too.

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Simple Skincare: Maximizing Skin Health with a Few Easy Steps

For those with no serious skin conditions, skincare can be something that often falls to the wayside when schedules get busy during the holiday season. However, even if you don’t suffer from rosacea or acne and aren’t ready for wrinkle treatments, it’s important to take care of your skin now to prevent future issues like the signs of aging or even skin cancer. There are four main steps to maintaining healthy skin: cleanse, exfoliate, moisturize, and apply sunscreen.

Cleanse: Choose a cleanser that works with your skin type (dry, oily, combination, sensitive, normal), and wash your skin once or twice a day with warm water. Over-cleansing can dry out your skin, and washing in very hot or cold water can cause broken capillaries or visible facial veins. Those with dry skin should choose a creamy cleanser, and oily-skinned individuals should opt for a clear cleanser. If you wear makeup, make sure to remove it with a makeup remover before going to bed to prevent dirt and bacteria from building up in your pores.

Exfoliate: In order to protect you from outside elements, your skin is constantly regenerating new skin cells. However, sometimes dead skin cells don’t slough off as easily as they should. Exfoliation helps to remove the dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. Using a gentle scrub with small polishing particles, lightly rub the face in a circular motion working from the inside out.

Each person’s exfoliation schedule depends on his or her skin type. Those with more sensitive facial skin may need to stick to weekly exfoliation, while those with more durable or oily skin may exfoliate more often. The key to exfoliation is gentleness. Remember that the exfoliation process is supposed to leave the skin healthier afterward, not irritated and red.

Moisturize: There are multiple moisturizers on the market that work well for individuals of all different skin types. Cleansing the face removes any dirt or oil that could clog pores, but it also often strips the skin of its natural moisturizing and protective oils. By applying the appropriate moisturizer for your skin type, your skin can replenish the oils eliminated by the cleanser and protect itself from outside elements.

Apply Sunscreen: Of all the skincare steps one should take, applying daily sunscreen is the most important. The main cause of wrinkles is unprotected sun exposure. UV rays hasten the aging process, breaking down the support structure behind the skin creating lax tissue that makes us look older than we are. A simple daily application of a broad spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen on facial skin can help prevent advanced signs of aging as well as skin cancer. There are currently many moisturizers on the market that include SPF for a combination of the last two steps.

Skincare is often much simpler than people think. A quick 4-step regimen takes less than 10 minutes to complete and sets you up for healthy skin now and in the future. Our Skin Medics™ Medical Spa can formulate an easy skincare program catered toward your age and skin type.

For individuals who may suffer from dermatological problems like psoriasis or eczema and need more than a simple skincare regimen, we recommend you make an appointment with one of our highly trained dermatologists. We can also offer information on our other services like vein removal, laser tattoo removal, facial rejuvenation, and treatment of other skin conditions.

You can keep up with DAA’s latest news on Facebook and Twitter as well!

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