A skin cancer screening is full-body examination of the skin. During the exam, the patient undresses and puts on a gown to allow the entire skin surface, including the palms and soles and scalp to be checked for suspicious growths. The exam is quick and painless. Some people may be apprehensive about being completely undressed in front of a doctor or nurse. But, in our office extra care is taken to uncover only one small area of the body at a time to preserve one’s privacy.

1. Remove present band-aid or dressing after 24 hours. Clean the wound gently with soap and water.

2. After cleansing, apply an antibiotic ointment, ie. Polysporin (double antibiotic) ointment, Bacitracin ointment, or Vaseline (white petroleum jelly). Neosporin or triple antibiotic ointment is acceptable, but carries an increased risk of causing an allergic reaction, even if you’ve never developed a reaction in the past.

3. The wound should be cleaned and the dressing changed two times a day until the wound has healed completely. Keep the wound covered with a dressing at all times. Studies show that wounds heal faster when covered. Allowing the wound to “dry out” or develop a “scab” may result in painful or delayed healing.

4. Please call our office at (972) 649-6644 if you see signs of infection such as:

Increasing redness and swelling, yellow drainage (pus), or increasing tenderness or pain.

A dermatologist specializes in the identification and treatment of skin cancer. Additionally, in our office skin cancer checks are performed with a dermatoscope. This is a hand-held optical device which magnifies skin lesions, allowing better differentiation between benign and malignant (cancerous) skin lesions. A more accurate exam means earlier diagnosis of malignancies, such as melanoma, and fewer unnecessary biopsies (surgical sampling) of benign (harmless) lesions.

The ABCDs of moles refer to the key characteristics used to evaluate a mole or skin lesion for potential signs of melanoma, a type of skin cancer. Here’s what each letter stands for:

A – Asymmetry: A mole is asymmetric if one half does not match the other half in size, shape, or color. Symmetry is generally a sign of a benign mole, while asymmetry may suggest a malignant one.

B – Border: The border of a suspicious mole may be irregular, jagged, or poorly defined. Benign moles typically have smooth, even borders.

C – Color: A mole that has uneven or multiple colors (such as brown, black, red, white, or blue) can be a warning sign. Benign moles are usually a single, consistent color.

D – Diameter: Melanomas are often larger than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser), though they can be smaller. If a mole increases in size or is larger than this, it may be a concern.

In addition to the ABCDs, it’s also important to monitor for any changes in the mole’s appearance, such as bleeding, itching, or tenderness, which could indicate a problem. If you notice any concerning signs, it’s always a good idea to see a healthcare professional for evaluation.

For most adults, an annual full-body skin examination is recommended. Examinations may need to be performed more often for individuals identified as high risk for skin cancers due to personal or family history.

Yes, skin cancers do occur in darker skinned ethnicities, such as those of Asian, Latino, African descent.

Many prescription and over-the-counter medications, including those that are applied topically, may pose dangers if taken during pregnancy or lactation. As with all medications, you should notify your doctor if you are or suspect that you are pregnant or if you are breastfeeding.

Everyone is at risk for sun damage, so both darker and lighter complected individuals should wear sunscreen. 

Fair skin is more prone to sunburn and long-term damage, but people with darker skin are also at risk for sun damage, including hyperpigmentation, skin aging, and even skin cancer. Melanin, the pigment in your skin, offers some natural protection, but it doesn’t shield you entirely from UV radiation.

Cosmetic dermatology focuses on improving the appearance of the skin, hair, and nails, offering non-surgical solutions for a range of aesthetic concerns. 

One of the most popular procedures in cosmetic dermatology is Botox injections, which temporarily paralyze facial muscles to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, particularly around the forehead, eyes, and mouth. Botox is often used as a preventative treatment for aging, helping to smooth dynamic wrinkles before they deepen over time.

Similarly, dermal fillers like hyaluronic acid-based products (e.g., Juvederm or Restylane) are injected into areas such as the cheeks, under-eye area, and lips to restore lost volume, smooth wrinkles, and enhance facial contours.

Chemical peels involve applying a chemical solution to the skin to exfoliate the outer layers, revealing fresher, more youthful skin beneath. Chemical peels can address issues such as sun damage, hyperpigmentation, acne scars, and fine lines. The intensity of the peel varies depending on the desired outcome, ranging from superficial peels that target the outermost layer of skin to deeper peels that penetrate more layers for more significant results. Laser skin resurfacing is another option that uses focused laser light to remove damaged skin and stimulate collagen production, improving skin texture and tone. This treatment can treat a variety of concerns, including acne scars, wrinkles, and sun damage.

For those with issues like hyperpigmentation (dark spots) or rosacea, cosmetic dermatology offers treatments such as IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) therapy, which uses broad-spectrum light to reduce redness, discoloration, and improve overall skin tone. These treatments are often less invasive than surgical options, requiring minimal downtime while still delivering noticeable, lasting improvements to the skin’s appearance.