The term “skin lesion” encompasses various color changes, bumps, patches, rashes, and other skin abnormalities. Freckles, moles, itchy patches, dry skin areas, and many other marks fall under this category. While most are harmless, some can be life-threatening.

1. Not All Brown Spots Are Moles

• Moles consist of melanocytes, pigment-producing cells, appearing flat or raised, brown, black, or pink, often emerging early in life. Typically, moles cease to develop after age 40, with potential progression to skin cancer over time.
• However, not all dark spots are moles; they could be benign freckles or sunspots, flat pigmented areas resulting from UV exposure. Post-40 brown spots are commonly seborrheic keratosis, elevated brown bumps with a waxy or crusty texture, lacking melanocytes and thus posing no skin cancer risk.

2. Scar Tissue Can Mimic Brown Spots

Dermatofibroma presents as a flat or slightly elevated bump with white to purple scar tissue at the center, encircled by a brown rim, typically benign.

3. Rashes: A Surprising Skin Lesion Culprit

Rashes, comprising skin lesions, may span small or large skin areas. Among the common triggers is a reaction to personal care items such as creams, lotions, soaps, and shampoos, with fragrances and other ingredients often causing irritation. Even clothing-related products like detergents and fabric softeners can elicit reactions due to lingering chemical residues.

If suspecting a product-related rash, switching to a gentler, fragrance-free alternative is advisable. Sensitivities can develop at any time, irrespective of prior usage experiences. Persistent rashes warrant dermatological evaluation to pinpoint the cause.

4. Skin Exam Frequency: Individualized Approach

No universal guidelines dictate Chatsworth dermatologist follow-up frequencies. Generally, scheduling an appointment upon noticing concerning skin changes is wise. During the initial consultation, family history assessment and skin cancer risk evaluation inform subsequent screening intervals. Early detection, facilitated by professional assessment, significantly impacts outcomes.

Let’s explore some common queries about birthmarks and dispel associated myths.

Birthmarks, ubiquitous yet overlooked, serve as distinctive identifiers.

The causes and functions of birthmarks remain uncertain in science. Nonetheless, various myths persist regarding their origins, characteristics, and significance.

What Constitutes a Birthmark?

A birthmark is a pigmented spot or discoloration beneath the skin, typically present at birth. While some may fade over time, others may persist and intensify.

Initially benign, birthmarks can undergo abnormal growth, resembling a proliferation of cells rupturing the skin. Left unaddressed, such anomalies can yield sizable, potentially malignant tumors.

These irregularities manifest as dark patches on the skin, constituting a form of malformation.

What Defines a Malformation?

A malformation denotes a soft, lumpy, bluish skin discoloration stemming from abnormal veins, resulting from diminished blood flow within vessel walls and subsequent clotting.

These deviations are synonymous with birthmarks, congenital anomalies, or vascular malformations.

Vascular malformations can manifest across various bodily regions, with prevalence in the limbs, face, and torso.

Myths Surrounding Birthmarks

• Maternal Impression: Alleges that intense maternal emotions during pregnancy, coupled with physical contact, induce corresponding birthmarks on offspring. Lacks empirical substantiation.
• Prosperity Significance: Falsely attributes predictive or character-defining qualities to birthmarks. They represent solely superficial pigmentations devoid of metaphysical implications.
• Solar Eclipse Influence: Commonly ascribes birthmarks to maternal eclipse exposure or parental dietary effects. Unsupported by scientific rationale.

FACT: Birthmarks Can Expand
Indeed, birthmarks can enlarge, posing injury risks due to proximity to the skin’s surface, potentially leading to hemorrhage or clotting. Immediate medical intervention is advisable.

When to Consult a Dermatologist?

A simple tactile examination of a birthmark, detecting irregularities or protuberances, warrants further investigation via MRI to assess depth and extent. Subsequent treatment recommendations hinge on diagnostic findings.

While birthmarks typically parallel bodily growth, disproportionate or aberrant enlargement necessitates prompt medical evaluation.

Dermatologist in Chatsworth.

Have you ever observed a few small-sized lumps, either pale or yellow, around your nostril area, cheeks, or the skin encircling your eyelids? Milia is the medical term for those bothersome lumps, which are tiny sacs forming beneath the skin. They arise when small deceased skin flecks or the protein keratin become trapped beneath the skin and enlarge to a size of one to two millimeters. Typically, newborns are more prone to developing milia, although individuals of any age, sex, or race can acquire them.

If you are anxious about milia, this extensive manual is just for you. Continue reading to comprehend all facets of the skin condition. Let’s delve further into it and comprehend the causes, types, prevention, and treatment methodologies connected with milia.

What Leads to Milia?

Milia is brought about by expired skin cells that get ensnared beneath the layer of your skin and shape sacs. Your body will unavoidably shed dead skin cells to allow room for new cells to multiply and supplant the lost ones. This mechanism is termed exfoliation.

When expired skin cells fail to naturally slough off from the body, fresh skin cells grow atop them and ensnare the dead cells below as they do so. Your expired skin cells begin to harden and form sacs around your nostril, cheeks, trunk, extremities, and thoracic region.

Milia could also emerge due to alternative factors, including:

• An injury or prolonged exposure to sunlight, inducing skin harm
• Utilization of corticosteroid creams or ointments for a protracted duration
• A symptom of an inherited ailment or insufficiency
• An autoimmune reaction
• Lack of adhering to an adequate skincare regimen
• Employing makeup or cosmetics that obstruct your pores
• Inadequate sleep
• You endure a skin disorder such as eczema, rosacea, or dandruff

Types of Milias

Here are the most notable types of milias recognized in medical settings.

Neonatal Milia
It’s approximated that up to half of all infants can have milia. They generally fade away on their own after a few weeks. The nostrils are the most prevalent site for neonatal milia, but it can also manifest on the scalp, cheek, upper torso, and inside the oral cavity.

Remember that neonatal milia and neonatal acne are two distinct conditions. Milia are often of a uniform size and lack any redness, unlike the pale lumps of neonatal acne, which can fluctuate in size and are frequently accompanied by redness.

Milia may already be evident from birth, although neonatal acne typically does not emerge until approximately two weeks postpartum.

Primary Milia
The forehead, eyelids, genitalia, and cheeks are common sites for primary milia to manifest. Primary milia can impact individuals of any age, including youngsters and grown-ups. They may dissipate on their own after a few weeks, but they may also persist for several months if left untreated. Additionally, they can appear at the nasal furrow in young children.

Milia en Plaque
This condition leads to multiple milia being clustered around a wider, flatter area that is elevated above the adjoining skin. Such skin patches or plaques commonly possess distinct boundaries that can be accurately outlined. Milia en plaque can affect individuals of all ages. Nevertheless, it is most prevalent in middle-aged females. The typical sites for its manifestation are on the eyelids, face or jaw, and behind the ears.

This problem is quite uncommon and is mainly linked to various other skin conditions, such as:

1. • • Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum
     • Lichen Planus
     • Discoid Lupus Erythematosus
     • Multiple Eruptive Milia

It is likewise a rare type of milia, characterized by the gradual emergence of multiple lumps in the same area over several weeks or months. In numerous instances, this is the solitary symptom. However, the affected area could also feel slightly irritated or itchy. Such milia are most likely to develop on the upper arms, upper torso, and face.

Traumatic Milia
This condition, which follows a skin injury, is also termed secondary milia, and it may encompass the following:

1. • • Skin resurfacing techniques, such as laser resurfacing, dermabrasion, etc.
     • Prolonged exposure to sunlight
     • Blistering resulting from an allergic reaction or skin condition

How Can You Prevent Milia?

While there is no foolproof method to evade acquiring it, milia and other skin conditions can be averted by appropriately caring for your skin as an adult.

Employ Moisturizers and Sunscreens
Always shield your skin from the sun and keep it moisturized. Milia is a condition that frequently arises from overexposure to the sun. Your skin will eventually become leathery, making it more problematic for the dead cells to slough off.

Consistently applying sunscreen and moisturizer will render your skin radiant and supple, enabling it to mend and replenish itself as needed. Always remember to utilize sunscreen—even when it’s chilly outside—especially if you spend a lot of time indoors near a window.

Avoid Heavy Ointments and Creams
These can irritate your skin and clog your pores, hindering your body’s natural exfoliation process.

Ensure Your Face Is Tidy and Clean
Your skin pores can become obstructed due to the accumulation of dirt and perspiration. Acne and other skin problems may arise as a result. Cleansing your face of the grime and oil that accumulates throughout the day will aid your skin in exfoliating naturally. Keeping your face clean and fresh will aid your skin in shedding the dead cells that gather there.

Educate Your Child
If both you and your offspring have a history of milia outbreaks, ensure your children grasp the importance of caring for their skin. Good habits are best ingrained in youth. When your children are old enough to comprehend, teach them how to shield themselves from the sun’s rays, including how to apply sunscreen and how to utilize caps and other protective attire.

Dermatologist in Chatsworth.

Understanding Cysts

A cyst is a sac filled with fluid that develops just beneath the skin’s surface. They are a common occurrence and are typically harmless.

They may appear yellow or white.
A dark plug may be present that can be squeezed to release pus.
Sizes vary but can grow up to a few centimeters wide.

While cysts are generally painless, they can become tender if they become infected.

These cysts develop due to the production of a protein called keratin by the skin. Keratin cells normally move to the skin’s surface when they die to be shed, but sometimes they multiply and move deeper into the skin, forming a sac.

Anyone can develop cysts, but they are more likely to occur after puberty, in individuals with acne, or those with damaged hair follicles. It’s important to note that skin cysts are not contagious.

Spontaneous Resolution of Skin Cysts

Unless a cyst becomes infected, it usually resolves on its own. If it continues to grow or becomes painful and inflamed, it may be infected.

Most cysts are benign and do not require medical attention. However, attempting to burst them can lead to infection and further complications. If infection is suspected, consulting a doctor or dermatologist is recommended.

Understanding Lesions

Skin lesions can result from skin injury or damage, altering the skin’s appearance in the affected area. They can manifest anywhere on the body.

Flat marks differing in color from the surrounding skin.
Raised bumps.
Fluid-filled blisters.
Raised bumps containing pus or white fluid.

Conditions such as acne, birthmarks, and sunburn may be classified as skin lesions.

Various factors can contribute to the development of skin lesions, including sunburn, allergic reactions, injuries, bacterial or viral infections, and underlying medical conditions.

Sometimes, lesions may itch, swell, or cause pain, but this does not necessarily indicate infection. Seek medical attention if the lesion enlarges, causes severe pain, bleeds or leaks pus, and fails to heal.

Contagion and Treatment of Skin Lesions

The contagiousness of skin lesions depends on their cause. Viruses and bacteria can spread to others, causing similar lesions. For instance, impetigo is a contagious condition resulting in skin lesions.

Treatment for skin lesions varies depending on their cause. Typically, topical lotions or oral medications are prescribed. In some cases, further investigation may be necessary to address underlying conditions. Cancerous lesions may require surgery or other treatments.

Consulting a doctor is essential to determine the appropriate treatment for your skin lesion.

Understanding Lipomas

Skin lipomas are soft, fatty lumps that form beneath the skin’s surface and usually do not require treatment. They are typically painless and characterized by:

Soft, ‘doughy’ texture.
Variable sizes, ranging from pea-sized to several centimeters wide.
Minimal movement when pressed.
No associated pain.
Slow growth rate.
Matching skin tone in color.

Lipomas result from an overgrowth of fat cells, with individuals having a family history of lipomas at a higher risk of developing them.

Although lipomas can develop anywhere on the body, they are commonly found on the neck, shoulders, arms, and thighs.

Assessing the Risk of Cancer in Lipomas

Lipomas are non-cancerous growths; however, it’s essential to monitor them for any changes. While most lipomas do not require treatment, a dermatologist can provide options such as steroid injections or surgical removal if necessary.

Understanding Skin Tags

Skin tags are small, skin-colored growths that typically appear in areas such as the neck, armpits, groin, under the breasts, and eyelids. They can grow up to 5cm wide and may vary slightly in color.

These growths hang off the skin and may have a slightly raised appearance, resembling warts, but they are not contagious.

Causes of skin tags include hormonal changes during pregnancy, aging, type 2 diabetes, and chafing due to skin folds.

While often harmless, skin tags may require treatment if they impact self-confidence or regularly catch on clothing or jewelry.

Interpreting Skin Tags and Cancer Concerns

Although some individuals may fear skin tags indicate skin cancer, they are typically benign. However, any changes in color or size should prompt consultation with a dermatologist.

Distinguishing Characteristics of Cysts, Lesions, Lipomas, and Skin Tags

Several distinctions exist among cysts, lesions, lipomas, and skin tags.

For instance, cysts and lipomas form beneath the skin, while skin tags are visible on the skin’s surface. Cysts may release pus when squeezed, unlike skin tags, lipomas, and lesions. Seek medical advice if any of these growths begin to discharge pus.

Additionally, the causes of these conditions differ. While injuries may cause lesions, cysts, lipomas, and skin tags can result from internal factors such as a buildup of fatty cells.

Furthermore, while skin lesions may be contagious, cysts, lipomas, and skin tags are not.

Knowing When to Seek Dermatological Care

If you’re concerned about the progression of any skin growth, it’s crucial to consult a doctor. Watch for signs of infection, including pus discharge, fever, chills, or vomiting. Changes in size or color also warrant medical evaluation.

Understanding the nature of your skin growths can guide you in determining whether medical intervention is necessary.

Schedule a appointment with Dr. In Chatsworth

There exists numerous misconceptions about acne circulating the internet. Despite hearing various accounts of what causes acne, discerning the truth can be challenging. To provide clarity, we aim to debunk the top 12 myths surrounding acne.

• Only teens experience acne. Acne stands as the most prevalent skin condition, affecting individuals of all races and age groups. Approximately 30% of adults, encompassing both men and women, grapple with acne. While 85% of teens endure some form of acne, it extends beyond this demographic.
• Increased face washing resolves acne. Merely washing your face more frequently won’t alleviate acne. It’s advisable to cleanse your face twice daily; excessive washing may exacerbate the condition. While facial cleansing aids in reducing bacteria, moderation is key.
• Popping pimples is safe. This notion is erroneous. Squeezing pimples elicits inflammatory reactions and can introduce additional bacteria, exacerbating the issue. Moreover, it may lead to persistent acne scars.
• Sun exposure and tanning beds alleviate acne. Despite the perception of drying out the skin, sun exposure does not aid in acne healing. Instead, it can inflame and desiccate the skin, prompting increased oil production and worsening acne.
• Toothpaste eradicates pimples. Toothpaste and household remedies are unsuitable for skin application. Fluorides present in toothpaste may exacerbate acne. Opting for spot treatments containing salicylic acid is a preferable alternative for long-term skin health.
• Pores open and close. Contrary to popular belief, pores lack musculature and cannot expand or contract. Steam can facilitate the loosening of oils trapped in pores, giving the appearance of reduced size once cleared.
• Acne stems from unclean skin. Acne is not attributable to poor hygiene. Regular face washing, twice daily, is sufficient to eliminate surface oils and bacteria.
• Greasy foods trigger acne. Claims associating chocolate, fries, and similar junk foods with acne lack scientific substantiation. There is no empirical evidence linking these foods to acne, allowing for guilt-free indulgence.
• Exfoliation should be frequent. Vigorous scrubbing doesn’t eradicate acne; excessive exfoliation can exacerbate the condition by inflaming the skin.
• Acne exclusively affects oily skin types. Acne can afflict individuals with various skin types. Whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples can manifest across all skin types.
• Makeup induces acne. Makeup can only exacerbate acne when improper products are used. Oil-free, lightweight foundations are unlikely to cause issues, provided they are thoroughly removed at night. Consistently cleansing the face before bedtime is crucial to eliminate makeup and oil buildup.
• Acne resolves on its own, necessitating no treatment. Acne is a chronic condition, persisting over time. It exists beneath the skin’s surface, necessitating continuous management. Seeking appropriate treatment is essential for effective acne control.

Dermatologist in Chatsworth.

Skin warts are common, and there are many treatments. If home remedies for warts don’t work, you can try over-the-counter wart removers. If your warts still don’t disappear, you can turn to treatment by a doctor, who can freeze or cut off the wart.

Home Remedies for Warts

Here are some home remedies and treatments for common warts, such as plantar warts on the soles of the feet or palmar warts on the hands. For the most part, these remedies do not work very often.

• People try countless home remedies for warts, but most do not help. They rub warts with garlic, or apply a paste made of baking powder and castor oil. They crush vitamin C tablets into a paste to cover the wart. They even soak warts in pineapple juice. Prolonged application of duct tape also has its fans, although evidence does not support its use.

Over-the-Counter Wart Removers

Most dermatologists say it’s safe to try drugstore wart removers — as long as you’ve confirmed that it’s really a wart. Sometimes calluses or corns are mistaken for warts. If in doubt, ask your doctor.

• Many over-the-counter wart treatments contain salicylic acid. The success rate is about 50% over 6 weeks or so. Other treatments work by “freezing” the wart. After two or three treatments, each lasting about 10 days, the success rate is about 40% to 50%.
• There is also the option of over-the-counter freezing sprays which can kill the wart by freezing the tissue. The spray has to be applied directly to the wart area in an effort to freeze deep enough into the affected tissue. For this reason, these sprays are only really effective on smaller warts. If successful, the wart should disappear in a few days.
• Over-the-counter treatments aren’t recommended for common warts on the face or lips and should not be used on genital warts. See your doctor about treatments for those warts.

Warts Treatments From a Doctor or Dermatologist

If you go to a doctor, you can choose from many wart treatments. Some focus on destroying the wart and others on boosting your immune system so your body clears the wart. Among the options:

• Liquid nitrogen to freeze the wart off
• Prescription-strength salicylic acid applied at home to get rid of the wart
• Trichloracetic acid applied in the doctor’s office
• Laser or surgery to cut the wart off
• Topical immune system stimulants such as squaric acid, which is applied to the skin for several weeks to help fight the virus that causes the wart

Immune therapy for warts can take 6 to 12 weeks to work. Removing warts with a laser or surgery is the fastest treatment, but is also the most expensive and invasive. It also may cause scarring.

Chatsworth Dermatology

Stress and psoriasis often go hand in hand. Stress can exacerbate psoriasis symptoms, and living with psoriasis can be a source of stress. However, there are strategies to manage stress that may also benefit your psoriasis.

Learn techniques to relax. Try one of these stress-busters:

• Deep breathing
• Meditation
• Tai chi
• Yoga

These techniques can reduce stress levels and may complement your treatment. In fact, a study found that individuals who listened to meditation tapes during light therapy experienced double the improvement compared to those who received light therapy alone.

Engaging in long walks and taking relaxing baths are also effective ways to alleviate stress.

Consider getting a massage. A professional massage can:

• Relieve muscle tension
• Reduce stress
• Promote relaxation

If possible, seek out a massage therapist who has experience working with individuals with psoriasis.

• Build trust in your doctor. Establishing confidence in your doctor’s treatment plan is crucial for stress management. Remember, you and your doctor are partners in your health journey. If you feel uncertain or doubtful about your treatment plan, consider seeking a second opinion.

DID YOU KNOW?
Individuals who listened to meditation tapes during light therapy experienced double the improvement compared to those who received light therapy alone.

• Seek professional support. If you struggle to cope with stress related to psoriasis or experience significant anxiety or depression, consider consulting a mental health therapist.
• A therapist can assist you in addressing the emotional challenges associated with psoriasis and teach you effective stress management techniques.
• Pursue optimal treatment. While managing psoriasis treatment can be stressful, effective treatment can alleviate both psoriasis symptoms and stress. Achieving good control over your condition addresses the underlying cause of stress.

Understanding the Stress-Psoriasis Connection

The precise relationship between psoriasis and stress remains unclear, but it may involve an impact on the immune system. Some individuals experience their first psoriasis flare during periods of heightened stress.

Various aspects of psoriasis can contribute to stress:

• Stigma: Psoriasis may lead to feelings of self-consciousness and shame, making social interactions stressful.
• Financial burden: Psoriasis treatments can be expensive, leading to financial strain.
• Pain: Chronic pain associated with psoriasis can contribute to ongoing stress, particularly if arthritis is present.
• Treatment challenges: Ineffective treatments, time-consuming therapies such as light therapy, and drug side effects can all contribute to stress.
• Living with a chronic condition: Coping with the challenges of a chronic condition like psoriasis can be emotionally taxing.

Dermatologist in Chatsworth.

Tackling Eczema Flare-Ups

Melasma is a skin condition that causes darker spots to appear when the cells that give your skin color — melanocytes — are more active. This can happen because of sun exposure, pregnancy, stress, a medical condition, or after taking medications, such as oral contraceptive pills. Your melasma may be more noticeable if you have darker skin.

Although melasma may go away on its own, for some people, it can last for years. If your melasma bothers you, a board-certified dermatologist can create a treatment plan. Dermatologists also recommend following these tips to help make melasma less noticeable:

Protect your skin from the sun every day. One of the most common treatments for melasma is sun protection.

Since sunlight triggers melasma, it is important to protect your skin every day, even on cloudy days and after swimming or sweating. Whenever possible, seek shade when outdoors and wear sun-protective clothing, such as a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection. For more effective protection, select a hat that has an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) number on the label.

Apply sunscreen to all skin not covered by clothing. Choose a sunscreen that offers:

1. 1. • Broad-spectrum protection
      • Water-resistance
      • SPF of 30 or more

Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before going outside, and reapply it at least every two hours.

Along with protecting your skin from the sun, you need to stay out of tanning beds and never use sunlamps.

• Protect yourself from visible light with tinted sunscreen. Visible light has been shown to worsen melasma, especially for people with darker skin tones. Use a tinted sunscreen that contains iron oxide in addition to having an SPF of 30 or higher.
• Choose gentle, fragrance-free skin care products. If a skin care product burns or stings when you use it, the product is irritating your skin. This may darken dark spots.
• Cover up with makeup. It takes time for melasma treatments to work. Covering an uneven skin tone caused by melasma may boost your self-esteem if the appearance bothers you. If you choose to cover your melasma, a Chatsworth dermatologist can give you tips for getting natural-looking results.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. Our expert, Saira George, M.D., takes on some common myths about this disease, and has some tips to reduce your risk.

Think you’re safe from skin cancer? It’s the most common cancer in the United States. It’s also one of the most preventable. The primary cause is too much sun or tanning bed exposure.

More than 2 million Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer this year. Most skin cancers, like basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, are highly curable. But one form – malignant melanoma – is much more serious.

The good news is you can reduce your risk for skin cancer. It helps to understand your risks and how to protect yourself. Get the truth behind some of these skin cancer myths.

Myth 1: Dark-skinned people don’t get skin cancer.

No one is immune to skin cancer. People of all skin colors, including people who are African-American, Hispanic and Asian, can develop skin cancer.

While skin cancer occurs more frequently in lighter-skinned people, the death rates are higher in darker-skinned people.

“It is often diagnosed later, at a more advanced stage, because both doctors and patients may not even be considering the possibility of skin cancer developing on darker skin until it’s too late” says Saira George, M.D., MD Anderson dermatologist.

Myth 2: I need to get sun exposure to get vitamin D.

You don’t need to bake in the sun to get the vitamin D you need to stay healthy. You get enough of this essential nutrient from typical daily exposure and from food.

“Vitamin D is very important, and we’d be in a bind if the only way to get our levels up was through prolonged sun exposure,” says George. “Luckily that’s not the case. We can get Vitamin D from our diet, and avoid the increased skin cancer risks that come with excessive sun exposure.”

Myth 3: Only sun exposure causes skin cancer.

Sun exposure is the primary cause of skin cancer, but there are other causes:

• Ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure from tanning beds and occupational equipment
• Family history of skin cancer and other genetic factors
• Increasing age
• A weakened immune system
• People with fair skin and freckles, and multiple or unusual moles also face a higher skin cancer risk.

Myth 4: When it comes to sunscreen, the higher the SPF the better

SPF protection doesn’t increase proportionately with the designated SPF number. SPF 30 absorbs 97% of the sun’s burning UV rays, while SPF 50 absorbs just slightly more – 98%. And, SPF 100 absorbs 99%. So, choose a sunscreen with at least an SPF 30.

“A higher SPF does give you a little extra protection, but it’s still not a perfect block, especially in the real world where we all tend to apply too little and not reapply,” George says. “Your best protection is to stay out of the sun, especially between the peak hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and to wear protective clothing if you have to be in the sun.”

Myth 5: Sunscreen contains harmful chemicals.

The Food and Drug Administration regulates sunscreens as over-the-counter drugs. The FDA considers sunscreens to be safe and effective.

“We have lots of evidence that shows that too much sun can cause skin cancer and very little that shows current sunscreen ingredients cause any significant harm,” George says. “But I understand the concern people have about chemicals used in everyday products.”

For those who are wary, George says to consider simple mineral sunscreens that contain zinc or titanium oxide.

And remember, you can still be sun smart by covering up, avoiding peak hours of sun exposure, and limit time in the sun.

Myth 6: Only older people get skin cancer.

Prevention counts at any age. Melanoma is the most common form of cancer in young adults age 25-29 and the second most common form of cancer in people 15-29 years old.

And the younger you are exposed to the sun, the higher your risk for getting skin cancer later in life. This is especially true if you have had a blistering sunburn at a young age.

“When it comes to skin cancer, there’s a lot more at play than just age. The biggest factor seems to be your UV exposure over the course of your lifetime, including childhood and young adulthood,” George says.

Myth 7: A base tan prevents sunburns.

There’s no such thing as a safe tan or a tan that prevents sunburns. When ultraviolet rays from the sun or tanning booth hit your skin, they damage the DNA of your skin cells. To protect your cells, your body sends melanin, or pigment, to the surface of your skin. So, your skin gets color at the expense of your health.

“Tanning starts when the body senses that UV damage is occurring. Your body’s skin cells are trying to do the best they can to minimize any further damage but it’s not enough if you get more sun.” George says.

The minor protective effect a tan provides can be easily wiped out by additional UV exposure, leading to more damage. Sunburn happens when the UV rays are more than the skin can handle and repair.

Myth 8: You don’t need to wear sunscreen in the winter or on a cloudy day.

You should protect your skin from UV radiation even when it is not warm or sunny. Harmful UV rays are present year-round and can reach your skin and cause damage even through clouds.

Myth 9: Tanning beds don’t pose a skin cancer risk.

Nothing could be further from the truth. Tanning beds emit the same harmful UV rays as the sun, and in greater amounts.

Using tanning beds increases your skin cancer risk. That includes your risk for the deadliest form of skin.

Schedule a skin cancer screening today with Dermatologist in Chatsworth.