Does Sun Damaged Skin Have to Lead to Melanoma Skin Cancer?

With all the publicity on skin cancer, a lot of people are wondering if sun damaged skin will automatically lead to melanoma skin cancer. The answer is that while some forms of this disease are linked to sun damage, you can still get melanoma even if you have never been burnt. This is illustrated by the fact that this particular form of cancer can appear on the soles of your feet which do not usually attract much attention from the sun's rays.

There are three forms of skin cancer being basal cell cancer, melanoma and squamous cell cancer. It is this third type that occurs most frequently on skin that has been repeatedly exposed to the sun. The most likely places it will be found are your forehead, arms, backs of your hands and your legs. It is a very curable form of cancer so long as it is treated early and hasn't spread elsewhere.

Melanoma skin cancer is by far the most dangerous form. It spreads much more rapidly than the other two types. The doctors are divided on what exactly causes this problem but the evidence suggests that trying to tan your skin a darker shade either by natural sunlight or tanning booths may increase your risk. The Australians and New Zealanders take a lot more care in the sun with everyone wearing a high factor sun cream, T Shirts and hats. But people will say this is because they are a thinner ozone layer and a more outdoor lifestyle. Perhaps these factors influence the high rates of skin cancer in that part of the world but more and more Americans and Europeans are falling victim to this disease.

So what can you do to reduce your risk? Don't get sun burnt and make sure your children are fully protected too. If you already have moles and freckles, it may be an idea to take a digital picture of them so that you have something to reference back to. This is particularly important if there is a family history of this illness as you may have a genetic predisposition to it.

Any changes in the texture, feel or appearance in your skin needs to be checked by a medical advisor. Don't be embarrassed about what appears to be only a small spot! This is how this type of cancer often begins and the earlier the diagnosis the better the prognosis. You cannot afford to be shy when it comes to your health!

You just cannot take chances with skin cancer. You need proper information and you need it fast. That is where we come in. Our Skin Cancer Site is full of information and advice about this skin condition, information that you need to know. Click on this link now. Skin Cancer Information

Stricken by Sunburn - Skin Cancer On the Nose

Skin cancer is commonly a result of sunlight exposure. Nearly three-fourths of cases diagnosed each year are caused by this factor. Sometimes it occurs because of frequent exposure, or it may result from a single bad sunburn. Those who experience a bad sunburn may worry about getting skin cancer on the nose.

How is it possible to tell whether the blemish on your nose is skin cancer? Skin cancer lesions differ from other sores or pimples in three primary ways. If, however, you even suspect the possibility of skin cancer, it is important to visit a physician as soon as possible. A certain diagnosis can only be made by surgical biopsy.

Basal skin cancer lesions are different from other sores in that they do not heal. They frequently appear, drain bloody or yellowish fluid, scab over, and then begin to drain again. They primarily appear on areas of the skin that receive frequent sun exposure, such as the face, neck, and upper back.

Squamous cancer tumors may look similar to basal carcinomas. Alternatively, they may be rough, scaly patches of skin that do not go away. If a sore does not disappear after a reasonable period, a physician who can help to determine whether the sore might actually be cancerous skin should evaluate it.

Both basal cell and squamous cell cancers are frequently found in areas exposed to sunlight. Because the skin on the surface of the nose is tender and receives frequent exposure to sunlight, this area of the skin is at greatest risk for developing one of these types of skin cancer. These cancers are very treatable with surgical removal.

Although the face and nose are primarily sites for nonmelanoma cancers, malignant melanomas can also develop on the face in some instances. This form of skin cancer is very deadly once it has spread beyond the primary site. Distinguishing between a melanoma and nonmelanoma can be very difficult, and so it is extremely important to seek early treatment if any kind of skin cancer is suspected.

One of the best methods to prevent skin cancer caused by sunlight exposure is with sunscreens. Agents that provide a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 are recommended for persons with fair skin. Small children should also be protected with a sunscreen offering an SPF of at least 30.

If you think you have skin cancer on the nose, see a doctor immediately to have it evaluated. Skin cancer is nearly 100 percent curable if detected in the very early stages, before it has spread beyond the primary site. Your life may depend on prompt evaluation and treatment of the sore on your nose.

How to Recognize Malignant Melanoma - THE Skin Cancer You Don't Want to Miss

Most adults knows someone with skin cancer who's lived to tell about it. There are many kinds of skin cancer that are curable by surgical excision. However, there is one you don't want to miss: malignant melanoma.

A suspicious mole is usually the first clue to malignant melanoma. But what makes a mole suspicious?

Many, perhaps most people have a mole or two, often since childhood. Some people have dozens to hundreds. The typical mole that appears in childhood or young adult life is flat or slightly elevated and of a uniform color (flesh colored, tan, light brown, medium brown, dark brown, rarely black). The color of the mole depends somewhat on your underlying skin tone. Darker-pigmented individuals, that is, those with more melanin in the skin to begin with, are more likely to have darker moles. Also, the shape of benign moles is generally symmetric, with a smooth border.

A mole suspicious for skin cancer may exhibit the following characteristics:

• It may occur in people who have a family history of malignant melanoma (but not always)


• It is enlarging.


• The color is changing, becoming darker or more uneven.


• The border has become ragged or irregular.


• The shape is no longer symmetric.


• The mole develops itching or bleeding.

One mnemonic for remembering the above is ABCDE

• Asymmetrical


• Border is irregular.


• Color is not uniform (however very light-skinned individuals may have very light-colored melanomas)


• Diameter is greater than 6 mm (although smaller moles may also be malignant)


• Enlarging (or evolving, or elevating)

Do you have 75 friends? One of them will develop malignant melanoma during his or her lifetime, according to the journal, American Family Physician (Nov. 15, 2000). If the cancer is detected early, it can be surgically removed with little chance of further disease.

However, if the cancer is detected late, after it's already spread, odds of long-term survival are only 5%, even with chemotherapy.

What can you do to protect yourself? Keep an eye on your moles and show any suspicious lesions to your doctor. Stay out of the sun, particularly in mid-day. Wear a hat (especially you baldies) and use a sunscreen with at least SPF against UVA and UBV. Lastly, avoid tanning beds - that includes the pretty young women reading this article.

Copyright 2010 Cynthia J. Koelker, MD

Crohn's Disease and the Skin

Skin diseases related to crohn's disease are problems with little solution. Crohn's disease on its own is a highly complex disease with many manifestations. These manifestations could occur within the gastrointestinal tract and outside of it.

Skin rashes and other skin diseases are one of the many extra intestinal manifestations of crohn's disease. They could affect any part of the body. The sad news is that little is known regarding diagnosing and treating these skin diseases. The two most common skin diseases related to crohn's disease are Erythema nodosum and Pyoderma gangrenosum. Here are is in in depth explanation of these diseases.

Erythema nodosum
Erythema nodosum is one of the extra intestinal manifestations of crohn's disease on the skin. It manifests as tender nodules, usually on the lower legs. It is also common on the shins and may occur on other areas of the body such as the buttocks, calves, ankles, thighs and upper extremities. They are quite sore and can be hot and hard like a raised bruise.

Erythema nodosum is not known to be dangerous or contagious. The lesions begin as flat, firm, hot, red, painful lumps approximately an inch across. This happens when white blood cells swarm into the septae causing intense inflammation, swelling and the characteristic red, throbbing nodules. Erythema nodosum is also known as panniculitis, an inflammation of the fat that is located in a certain portion of the fatty layer of skin.

These lesions are more frequent among prepubescent children. It's also been observed that the condition is three times more common in women than men, possibly because women are more likely to take the drugs that can be associated with erythema nodosum. The condition also tends to develop somewhere between 20 and 45 years of age in adults.

In most people, no specific cause or trigger can be found, but patients with crohn's disease suffer from this condition as one of its extra intestinal manifestation.

Pyoderma gangrenosum

Pyoderma gangrenosum is a necrotizing skin disease.It may appear as a blister on the legs or arms, usually at the site of a minor trauma such as a cut. The lesions are painful and occur mostly on the lower extremities, either single or multiple, but can appear in any region of the body. Pyoderma gangrenosum is a rare condition of unknown etiology that was described as an extra intestinal manifestation of inflammatory bowel disease including crohn's disease in 1930.

Pyoderma gangrenosum is a rare skin disease. At present, there are few well-designed published studies that help determine the optimal therapeutic strategy to use for the management of this illness. Dermatologist considers it as relatively uncommon dermatosis characterised by chronic, recurring ulcerations with distinctive clinical features. Despite it's association with numerous systemic diseases in 50 percent of cases, the pathogenesis is still uncertain and the treatment, a challenge.

Treatment includes wound care, antibiotics, corticosteroids, and immunomodulators. However, response to therapy varies, and many patients with pyoderma gangrenosum have disease that is refractory to these agents. It mainly affects children and young adults.

Protopic Eczema Treatment Linked To Skin Cancer

Today, the manufacturer of Protopic (tacrolimus) is faced with hundreds of lawsuits. Protopic has been on the market for the last five years as an eczema treatment. Since their launch about 5 years ago, both Protopic and similar drug Elidel (pimecrolimus) have been prescribed to 7.5 million people, including children. These drugs are now the a matter of concern that they can possibly cause skin cancer.

It was not until early January 2006, that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, warned of a cancer risk. It directed that manufacturer of Protopic and Elidel to add a warning black box in its product label of possible risks.

Until this time, Protopic and Elidel were touted as the wonder drugs for people with severe eczema. The advantage of these drugs was that they were steroid-free and were hailed as a welcome relief for those who did not wish to contend with side effects from steroids.

Protopic, and similarly Elidel, can control the symptoms of eczema that includes redness, itching and inflammation. They can be used in almost all parts of the body including the neck and facial area. The recommended use of these creams were about twice a day for six weeks or as directed by your physician.

There are now reported cases of skin cancer and breast cancer arising from using Protopic as an eczema treatment. The same goes for Elidel. More people now realize that both these drugs are classified as immunosuppressant. This simply means that anyone who uses this medication is exposed to a number of diseases, including cancer, because a person's immune system is relatively weakened.

Traci Reilly of Naperville in the U.S. thinks that the two widely prescribed medications may be responsible for her breast cancer. "I noticed a lump in my right breast which is the exact area where I was using the drug."

Reilly, 41, developed breast cancer after using Protopic and Elidel. She was prescribed these medications due to a condition called vitiligo that caused small patches of discolored skin on her body.

Vitiligo, a type of skin disease, may as well be the first signs of skin cancer. It is characterized with loss of skin pigmentation and may leave a milky white patch on the skin. (If you are using Elidel or Protopic for eczema pain treatment and observe this kind of symptom, stopped the medication and consult your physician immediately. )

There are also reported cases of lymphoma that are allegedly caused by Elidel. Lymphoma is a cancer of the tissues or lymph modes. Elaine Eklund had been using Elidel to treat a rash on her facial area and two weeks later she notice a lump on her neck. She is positive that Elidel is the cause of her lymphoma.

Tom Moore, an author of several books involving the pharmaceutical industry, speaks up for these unfortunate cases. "There should have been warnings from the start," he says.

He studied about 1,200 cases of suspected drug injuries pertaining to Protopic and Elidel reported to the FDA through 2005. Moore discovered more than 100 potential cancer cases in children and adults, although he believed that the numbers should be higher as many cases go unreported. Most of the 100 potential cases involve lymphoma or skin cancer, although it cannot be concluded that they are all directly linked to the drugs.

Moore cited a 2005 FDA report involving animals given high doses of Protopic. In one study, monkeys developed cancer after receiving the oral form of the Protopic. The animal study also showed that the higher the dose of Protopic used, the higher the rates of cancer became. With more cases of drug injuries reported, the FDA issued the requirement of the black box warning.

More long-term cancer studies involving the topical form of both drugs are now underway. However, human studies, as the FDA pointed out, may take ten years or more. Hence, if you wish to continue to use Protopic or Elidel as an eczema treatment, then be aware of the cancer risks. You are strongly advised not to use these drugs if you have a weak immune system or for babies or children less than 2 years of age.

How to Prevent Melanoma Cancer

In this article today I would like to discuss several tips, tricks, and techniques that anybody can use to help prevent and also reduce the risk of melanoma cancer.

In case you're not aware, melanoma is a cancer of the skin which is usually caused by repeated exposure to ultraviolet light or sunlight on our bodies.

Thanks to recent medical advances and technological advances, most forms of cancer are on the decline. Unfortunately melanoma is actually rising. Within one recent five-year span, the actual number of melanoma cases actually increased by 2.5%. There are many different speculations as to why this is the case, and some people think it's because the ozone layer is being depleted and so our bodies are being bombarded with more sunlight. But I tend to think it's just because we spend more of our time in tanning salons then we should.

So how can we prevent this dangerous disease?

The first thing you want to do is reduce your risk by minimizing your exposure to the sun. I know this is easier said than done for many people, especially if you work outside for a living. When you do go outside, be sure to wear a broad brimmed hat and sunscreen with a sun protection factor or SPF of at least 15. Also whenever you're outside for extended periods of time, try to find shade if at all possible and as much as possible, especially when the sun is the brightest between the hours of 11 AM and 3 PM in the afternoon.

Many people don't realize it but the more likely you are to freckle, and burn, the greater your risk for melanoma is. You also have a greater risk when you have excessive sun exposure before the age of 10 years old or have a personal or family history of any type of skin cancer whatsoever.

Early detection is incredibly important when it comes to this type of cancer because if you can catch it before it spreads much, if not most, of the damage can be neutralized. Every time you go in for a routine medical exam your doctor should perform a very comprehensive visual exam of your entire skin. It's not uncommon for a doctor to skip this and if yours does be sure to remind them to do it because it's incredibly important.

If you have a high probability of getting this cancer, if you have a family history or spend a lot of your time outside then it may be beneficial for you to have several skin exams throughout the year. I suggest you have one every quarter, which means four times a year. Doctors are okay for this type of examination but you may be better off going to the dermatologist.

So there you have several tips, tricks, and techniques that you can use to help prevent melanoma as well as help to reduce your overall risk to this potentially deadly form of skin cancer.

Mole Inflammation

Moles are normally harmless and appear in many different forms. There are blue nevi (Nevi is the scientific term for moles.) that have a lot of pigment, some that are brown to black and some that are flesh tone. Sometimes people are born with moles, which are congenital. Most of the time, they come from sun exposure and the person's genetic make-up. Moles can be flat, raised, round, small or large. They come individually or in clusters. Moles can darken as you age or if you're pregnant, or they may even go away. One thing that isn't normal with moles is inflammation. Mole inflammation may be a sign that there are problems with the mole tissue.

If you notice any changes in your mole such as inflammation you need to consult your physician. Other changes that require the expert eye of a skin doctor are changes in the size of the mole, color changes, shape changes creating irregular borders, bleeding, itching, darkening of the mole or even pain at the site of the mole. These are indications that something is occurring in the tissue. It needs to be check out and if it's nothing, you can be relieved. It might not be cancerous but if it is a precursor to skin cancer, your doctor might encourage you to have the mole removed as a precautionary act.

The method of checking a mole if you find mole inflammation, is to take a piece of the tissue and examine it. The fact is that those folks that have ten to twenty moles on their body have a higher incident of skin cancer. Not all mole inflammation comes from cancer, however. Inflammation of a mole can come from ways that aren't associated with skin cancer.

You can have a mole that is right in the line of a seam of clothing. The constant rubbing and irritation of the cloth against the skin causes inflammation. Usually when this occurs, it's important to seek a physician's advice about removing the mole. If the skin specialist says confirms your suspicion, you have several alternative courses of action.

1. You can do nothing and cover the mole when you wear clothing that rubs against it.

2. You can schedule an appointment with a doctor to have the mole removed.

3. You can use a natural mole remover and eliminate the mole.

Mole inflammation can also occur if you inadvertently nick the mole and it becomes infected. If the inflammation is excessive, you should seek the advice of a physician since it may be infected. Otherwise, apply an antibacterial lotion or cream to the area and keep it clean and protected from further infection.

Inadvertently scratching the mole without realizing it is another thing that causes mole inflammation. Sometimes actions are so automatic that you simply do them and don't realize it. If you have an inflamed mole, look from scratched surface areas around the mole. Be aware of your habits so you can stop them.

The rule of thumb on mole inflammation is that unless you know what caused it; always check with a skin specialist to make sure that the inflammation is nothing serious.