Broad-spectrum sunscreens

There are two types of ultraviolet (UV) rays emitted by the sun — UVA and UVB. UVA rays cause premature skin aging, including wrinkling and age spots. UVB rays cause sunburn. Both are potential risks for skin cancer. For all-around protection, look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects you from both types of rays.

The difference between chemical and mineral sunscreens

Chemical sunscreens contain man-made ingredients, such as oxybenzone and avobenzone, while mineral sunscreens use natural ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. When chemical sunscreens are absorbed into the skin, a resulting chemical reaction dissipates the sun’s rays.

Mineral sunscreens stay on top of the skin to deflect UV rays. Chemical sunscreens can appear invisible, while mineral sunscreens give your skin that white, slathered-on appearance because they remain on the surface. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends wearing SPF 30 daily.

What does SPF stand for? 

SPF stands for “sun protection factor.” This is a measurement of how effectively a sunscreen will protect you from UVB rays. Use a sunscreen with a rating of SPF 30 or higher, because SPF 30 will provide 97 percent protection.

In studies one ounce is used for full body application, which is equivalent to a shot glass of sunscreen so a small squirt of SPF 30 for the whole body is not really SPF 30.

What does UPF stand for?

Similar to the SPF rating, UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) is a rating used for photoprotective clothing and hats. A UPF rating of 25 means that the clothing allows 1/25 (four percent) of UV rays to penetrate the fabric, 50 (1/50) lets in two percent, and so on.

Is sunscreen safe for babies?

The FDA recommends that you NOT use sunscreen on babies younger than six months. This is because their skin is still immature and prone to irritation. It’s best to keep them covered up and shaded. For children older than six months, mineral sunscreen is recommended for the same reason.

What is nicotinamide?

Also known as niacinamide, this is a supplement that has the potential to protect against certain types of skin cancers. Further studies are needed, but preliminary evidence suggests that it may prevent lesions in people with sun-damaged skin. It also may offer some UV ray protection, but the use of sunscreen is still encouraged.

What is Heliocare?

Heliocare comes from the Polypodium leucotomos fern, native to Central and South America. This fern has developed its own protection against free radicals in the environment. Available as a nutritional antioxidant supplement, it is taken once daily. It is not intended to be a replacement for sunscreen, but an added defense against the sun’s rays.

Dr. DeSilva’s Advice

Dr. DeSilva says, “If you must spend a lot of time outside, avoid the hours when the sun is at its hottest. Stay well hydrated and seek out shade when possible.” If you already exhibit signs of sun damage, DeSilva Dermatology can help minimize the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and blotches.

Contact our office for options for skin care, sun protection, procedures such as Botox and fillers and/or lasers for rejuvenation such as our CoolPeel or Secret RF devices.

The post San Antonio Summer Suncare appeared first on San Antonio & Boerne Dermatologist.

A common mole is a skin growth that develops when pigment cells (melanocytes) grow in clusters. Most adults have between 10 and 40 such moles. They are usually found on areas that receive most sun exposure.

They can appear at birth, but usually appear later in childhood and continue to develop until age 20. They tend to fade away in older people.

A common mole is usually smaller than 6mm (the size of a pencil eraser). It is round or oval and has a smooth surface with a distinct edge. It is often dome-shaped. People with darker skin tend to have darker moles than people with fair skin.

Can a common mole become a melanoma?

Yes, but a common mole rarely turns into melanoma. However, people with more than 50 common moles have an increased risk of developing melanoma, which is why it is essential to have regular dermatological exams.

Dysplastic nevus.

What is a dysplastic nevus?

A dysplastic nevus looks different than the common mole. It may be bigger and its color, surface and border may be different. It is usually larger than 6mm, but can be smaller. It can be a mixture of several colors, from pink to dark brown. It is usually flat with a smooth, scaly or pebbly surface. It has an irregular edge that can face into surrounding skin.

Like a common mole, it is usually seen on areas exposed to the sun. Unlike a common mole, however, it can also be present on areas not exposed to the sun, like the scalp, breasts and areas below the waist. People with dysplastic nevi usually have more common moles as well.

Can a dysplastic nevus turn into melanoma?

Yes, but most do not, remaining stable over time. However, researchers estimate that the chance of melanoma is about 10 times greater for someone with more than five dysplastic nevi than someone who has none. Dysplastic nevi are categorized into mild, moderate or severe categories.

What should you do if you have dysplastic nevi?

Protect your skin from the sun and by no means use sunlamps or tanning booths. Doctors recommend that you check your skin once a month and consult your dermatologist with concerns.

For people with more than five dysplastic nevi, your dermatologist may conduct a skin exam once or twice a year because of the increased chance of melanoma.

What is melanoma?

A melanoma patch.

Melanoma is a skin cancer that begins in melanocytes. It is dangerous because it can spread to other parts of the body, including the lung, liver, bone and brain. The earlier it is detected and removed, the more likely the treatment will be successful.

In men, it is often found on the head, neck or back. In women, it is often found on the legs or lower legs. People will dark skin are less likely to develop melanoma, but when they do, it can be found under the fingernails and toenails, on the palms of the hands and on the soles of the feet.

Melanoma sometimes runs in families, and if you’ve had melanoma before, your risk is heightened for developing more. Long term sun exposure, use of tanning beds and severe, blistering sunburns also increase your risk.

What does melanoma look like?

One of the first signs is a change in the shape, size or feel of an existing mole. It can also appear as a new colored area on the skin. They’re usually uneven in color, with shades of black, brown and tan. They may also have areas of gray, red, pink or blue. They are irregularly shaped, and the surface texture can be hard or lumpy or ooze and bleed.

There’s an “ABCDE” rule that describes the features of early melanoma:

• Asymmetry. The shape of one half does not match the other half.
• Border that is irregular. The edges are often ragged, notched, or blurred in outline. The pigment may spread into the surrounding skin.
• Color that is uneven. Shades of black, brown, and tan may be present. Areas of white, gray, red, pink, or blue may also be seen.
• Diameter. There is a change in size, usually an increase. Melanomas can be tiny, but most are larger than 6 millimeters wide (about 1/4 inch wide).
• Evolving. The mole has changed over the past few weeks or months.

How is melanoma diagnosed?

The only way to diagnose melanoma is to remove tissue and check for cancer cells. Usually, this procedure only takes a few minutes and can be done in your doctor’s office.

If any mole changes in size, shape or color or becomes symptomatic (starts burning, itching, causing pain or bleeding), contact your dermatologist to schedule an exam. They are the only professionals that have the expertise to diagnose using a hand-held magnification device.

If you have concerns about moles, call DeSilva Dermatology at (830) 331-4150 to schedule a consultation today.

Information provided by the National Cancer Institute.

The post Identifying Types of Moles appeared first on San Antonio & Boerne Dermatologist.

• It becomes thinner, loses fat, and no longer looks as smooth as it did.
• Your veins and bones can be seen more easily.
• Scratches, cuts, or bumps can take longer to heal.
• Years of tanning or being out in the sunlight for a long time may lead to wrinkles, dryness, age spots and even cancer.

However, there are things you can do to protect your skin and to make it feel and look better. Here are some important tips:

Dry, Itching Skin

Many older people suffer from dry spots on their skin. It’s often found on their lower legs, elbows, and lower arms. These dry patches can feel rough and scaly. Some of the possible reasons for dry skin are:

• Not drinking enough liquids
• Spending too much time in the sun or tanning
• Being in very dry air
• Smoking
• Feeling stress
• A reduction in sweat and oil glands, which is common with age

Dry skin also can be caused by:

• Health problems such as diabetes or kidney disease
• Using too much soap, antiperspirant or perfume
• Taking too many hot baths
• Medications

Because older people have thinner skin, scratching can cause bleeding that can lead to infections. Talk to your doctor if your skin is very dry and itchy.

Here are some ways to help dry, itchy skin:

• Use moisturizers, like lotions, creams, or ointments every day.
• Take fewer baths or showers and use milder soap. Warm water is less drying than hot water.
• Try using a humidifier to add moisture to your room.

Bruises

Older people may bruise more easily than younger people, and it can take longer for these bruises to heal. Some medicines or illnesses may also cause bruising. Talk to your doctor if you see bruises and don’t know how you got them, especially on parts of your body usually covered by clothing.

Wrinkles

Over time, skin begins to wrinkle due to environmental effects. Ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun can make the skin less elastic. Gravity can cause it to sag and wrinkle. Certain habits, like smoking, can also wrinkle the skin.

If you want to reduce wrinkles, talk to a board-certified dermatologist about possible treatments.

Age Spots and Skin Tags

Age spots, once known as “liver spots,” are flat, brown areas often caused by years in the sun. They are bigger than freckles and commonly show up on the face, hands, arms, back and feet. Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen that helps protect against two types of the sun’s rays (UVA and UVB) may prevent more age spots.

Skin tags are small, usually flesh-colored growths of skin that have a raised surface. They become common as people age, especially for women. They are most often found on the eyelids, neck, and body folds such as the armpit, chest and groin.

Age spots and skin tags are typically harmless, although sometimes skin tags can become irritated. If your age spots or skin tags bother you, talk to your dermatologist about having them removed.

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. The main cause of skin cancer is the sun, but artificial sunlight such as sunlamps and tanning booths can also cause skin cancer. Anyone of any skin color can get skin cancer, but people with fair skin that freckles easily are at greatest risk. Skin cancer may be cured if it is found before it spreads to other parts of the body.

There are three types of skin cancers. Two types, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, grow slowly and rarely spread to other parts of the body. These types of cancer are usually found on parts of the skin most often exposed to the sun, like the head, face, neck, hands and arms. However, they can happen anywhere on your body. The third and most dangerous type of skin cancer is melanoma. It is rarer than the other types, but it can spread to other organs and be deadly.

Since skin cancer is rarely painful, you should check your skin once a month for things that may be signs of cancer. Look for changes such as a new growth, a sore that doesn’t heal or a bleeding mole.

Check Moles, Birthmarks, or Other Parts of the Skin for the “ABCDE’s”

A = Asymmetry (one half of the growth looks different from the other half)

B = Borders that are irregular

C = Color changes or more than one color

D = Diameter greater than the size of a pencil eraser

E = Evolving; this means the growth changes in size, shape, symptoms (itching, tenderness), surface (especially bleeding), or shades of color

See your doctor right away if you have any of these signs to make sure it is not skin cancer.

Keep Your Skin Healthy

Getting some sun is good for you, but to protect your skin, be sure to:

• Limit time in the sun. It’s okay to go out during the day, but try to avoid peak times when the sun’s rays are strongest. During the summer, try to stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Don’t be fooled by cloudy skies — the sun’s rays can penetrate clouds. You can also get sunburned if you are in water, so be careful when you are in a pool, lake, or the ocean.
• Use sunscreen. Look for sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) number of 15 or higher. It’s best to choose sunscreens with “broad spectrum” on the label. Put the sunscreen on 15 to 30 minutes before you go outside. Sunscreen should be reapplied at least every two hours. You need to put sunscreen on more often if you are swimming, sweating, or rubbing your skin with a towel.
• Wear protective clothing. A hat with a wide brim can shade your neck, ears, eyes and head. Look for sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of the sun’s rays. If you must be in the sun, wear loose, lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and long pants or skirts.
• Avoid tanning. Don’t use sunlamps or tanning beds. Tanning pills are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and might not be safe.

“Aging skin doesn’t have to be a detriment,” says DeSilva Dermatology’s Dr. Thushan DeSilva. “There are many treatments available to improve its appearance and enhance its ability to protect your body — which is one of your skin’s main purposes.”

Call DeSilva Dermatology at (830) 331-4150 to schedule your consultation today.

The post Skincare and Aging appeared first on San Antonio & Boerne Dermatologist.

Your skin is full of nerve endings that help you feel things like heat, cold and pain. If you couldn’t feel these things, you could get badly hurt and not even know it!

Why is healthy skin important?

Since your skin plays such an important role in protecting your body, you should keep it as healthy as you can. This will help you keep from getting sick or having damage to your bones, muscles and internal organs.

What you might not know about your skin

Skin is actually your body’s largest organ by size. Your skin helps keep your body temperature even. If you get too hot, blood vessels near the surface of the skin, called capillaries, enlarge to let the warm blood cool down.

Your skin also makes vitamin D when the sun shines on it. Vitamin D is important for the health of your bones and other parts of your body.

Keep it clean

Washing your skin, especially your hands, is very important for keeping it healthy. Hand washing keeps you from spreading germs to other parts of your body. It also keeps you from spreading germs that could give others a cold or the flu. To help keep your skin from getting dry, use water that’s comfortably warm, not too hot, when you take a bath or shower. If your skin is dry or itchy, try a moisturizing cream or lotion.

Enjoy the sun — but protect your skin

Your skin produces vitamin D when it is exposed to sunshine. Vitamin D helps keep your bones and other body systems healthy. However, too much sun can damage your skin and increase your risk for skin cancer. It may make your skin look old years too soon and can make it less able to fight off infections.

Whenever you’re outside, use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or 45 as well as zinc oxide as the main ingredient. Apply it evenly, and have a friend or parent help you with the hard-to-reach spots. Follow the directions that tell you how often to reapply it — one application won’t last all day!

What about tanning beds?

Tanning beds don’t offer a safe alternative to natural sunlight. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation damages your skin, whether the exposure comes from tanning beds or natural sunlight.

This damage increases the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging, just like too much sun will. In fact, most tanning beds emit mainly UVA rays, which may increase the risk of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

Physical activity

Being physically active is good for your skin! It increases the flow of blood to the surface of your skin and brings oxygen and nutrients to your whole body. Sweating helps to flush out impurities from your skin. Get one hour or more of physical activity every day. This will be good for your skin as well as your heart, lungs, muscles and other parts of your body.

Be sure to drink enough water to replace the fluids you lose when you sweat. If you have any concerns about your health, talk to your doctor or a physical therapist to find out what kinds of activities are right for you.

A healthy diet

You really don’t need a special diet to keep your skin in good health. Eating a balanced diet will help you maintain a healthy weight and provide a variety of nutrients for your skin and your overall health. A balanced diet:

• Consists of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat dairy products like milk, cheese and yogurt.
• Includes protein from lean meats, poultry, seafood, beans, eggs and nuts.
• Is low in solid fats, saturated fats, cholesterol, salt (sodium), added sugars and refined grains.
• Is as low as possible in trans fats.
• Balances calories taken in through food with calories burned in physical activity to help maintain a healthy weight.

Get sufficient sleep

Getting enough sleep helps improve your overall health, which is good for your skin. Teens need at least nine hours of sleep each night, while adults need about seven to nine hours.

See your doctor

If you find anything unusual on your skin, like a mole that changes size or color or a patch that looks red or itches, make an appointment. For skin diseases, it’s important to see a doctor as early as possible to prevent permanent damage.

Start now

Healthy skin will help you look your best and feel good about how you look.

“At DeSilva Dermatology, we offer the services and products you need to keep your skin looking beautiful for a lifetime,” says Dr. Thushan DeSilva. “It’s never too early to start a healthy skin regimen.”

Call us at (830) 331-4150 to schedule a consultation or use our online request form.

The post Healthy Skin Is Important appeared first on San Antonio & Boerne Dermatologist.

As the years go by, your skin type may change, but there are always methods you can use to combat these effects. Check out this list and see where your skin type fits right now…

LET’S BEGIN

Take a close look at your skin. If it seems just right, not too dry or oily, with minimal flaws and an overall radiant glow, you have what can be considered normal skin. However, there are many more people with other skin types that need special care, including:

OILY SKIN

Oily skin is characterized by a dull or shiny complexion, large pores and blackheads or pimples (as a result of the buildup of dirt in the pores). Neglecting this condition will only make matters worse, leading to infections and even permanent scarring.

DRY SKIN

The polar opposite of oily skin, dry skin tends to have smaller pores, a rough complexion and red patches. Facial lines become more apparent, and such irritations as flaking and redness can occur. Those with chronic dry skin tend to look older that they need to.

SENSITIVE SKIN

This skin type is most likely to react to the environment. Sun exposure, lack of hydration and smoking can cause flare-ups in those with sensitive skin types. Symptoms include itching, dryness, redness and a burning sensation. Scarring and premature aging are just two of the potential symptoms of sensitive skin.

COMBINATION SKIN

If your skin seems perfectly normal in some areas, yet it appears dry or excessively oily in others, you have what’s known as combination skin. Many people do. It can be characterized by larger pores, blackheads and excessive shininess. Using the same cleansers and moisturizers on every skin area can make matters worse — the dry spots get dryer and the oily areas get oilier.

HOW TO KEEP YOUR SKIN LOOKING ITS BEST

• Use sunscreen and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.

UV rays damage the skin and make it age faster. They also put you at risk of contracting skin cancers such as melanoma.

• Use dermatologist-recommended cleansers and conditioners that are appropriate for your skin type.

If you care about your skin, don’t just grab any over-the-counter soap or lotion. Consult your dermatologist for expert advice.

• Remove your makeup before bedtime.

Makeup clogs your pores and inhibits your skin’s ability to breathe. If you sleep in makeup, you’ll continually grind it into your pores, resulting in irritation, breakouts and more.

• Keep your skin moisturized.

Keep in mind that your skin is an organ, and it needs to be respected as such. Moisturizing wards off aging and helps to prevent diseases such as eczema. It also helps your skin to rebuild itself – which it does so normally — to give you that healthy glow.

DeSilva Dermatology in Boerne, Texas, has the experience and commitment to excellence to handle all of your dermatological concerns. Since 2000, Dr. Thushan DeSilva has been providing the Alamo City and Boerne with the finest skin care, both medical and cosmetic. Schedule an appointment now and let DeSilva Dermotology take care of all of your skin care needs.

Dr. DeSilva says, “The single most important thing you can do for your skin is to use sunscreen with SPF of 30 or more with zinc oxide. And don’t forget to reapply!”

The post Do You Know Your Skin Type? appeared first on San Antonio & Boerne Dermatologist.