Understanding Skin Cancer

One of the saddest realities that we, humans, face is the risk of illness. It gets even sadder when the illness we face is terminal or leading to death. There are various diseases that may be considered terminal, but among those that are very common today is skin cancer. In fact, among the different types of cancer, this one is said to be the most common. Although there are three forms of this disease - basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma - the fact that it is terminal should be enough to alarm us. As we know, there is still no definitive cure for the disease, that's why the best defense we have against it is prevention.

Fortunately, there are some things we can do to prevent skin cancer. One is by simply avoiding the sun when possible. If we must go under the sun, we should never forget to apply sunscreen on all exposed body parts. Some people apply sunscreen everywhere on their body except their face. Of course, the face should have all that sunscreen because it's probably the most exposed among all skin surfaces in one's body. Overexposure to the sun's rays is known to cause melanoma, but overexposure to ultraviolet radiation can cause basal cell carcinoma.

It is important for parents to know that their children could be the most at risk because of their young age. These kids tend to have very thin skin compared to that of adults and because of this, the sun's rays can more easily penetrate through their bodies. Skin cancer is known to start in childhood, so it is important that parents always get their kids in the habit of using sunscreens.

Another thing we can do is boost our immune system by consuming foods that are known to have this effect. For example, citrus fruits are great for this purpose because of their high ascorbic acid or Vitamin C content. When we have a weak immune system, we have a greater chance of developing cancer. That's why we need to strengthen our immunity to decrease the odds of getting the disease.

Sometimes, however, cancer may just be in our genes, but it doesn't mean we should just accept this without a fight. Even if a lot of our relatives were affected by this disease, we should, instead, make it a motivation for us to work harder at reducing our own risks by living a healthy lifestyle. This means making the right food choices and regularly exercising. For people who are genetically predisposed to cancer, eating foods high in antioxidants is a must. Antioxidants are substances that prevent cellular mutation which characterizes all types of cancers.

'Tan tax' call after study links sunbeds to increased skin cancer risks

Indoor tanning increases the risks of developing skin cancer, particularly among under 25s, said the University of California study which estimated sunbeds may account for over 170,000 non melanoma cases in the US alone.

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Pbs Jim Lehrer: Recurring Melanoma

John McCain is 72 and has had recurring melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Urge PBS' Jim Lehrer to ask McCain about his health records during Friday's debate: www.pbs.org This debate will deal with foreign policy, and McCain's health issues constitute a national security issue, especially when you consider how his secrecy about medical records echoes the Bush administration's legacy of lies. Will McCain's health limit his capacity to make tough decisions regarding diplomacy and military action? We don't know, because McCain is keeping his medical records a tightly held secret, made available to just a handful of journalists for three hours under close supervision. Send a quick e-mail to Jim Lehrer, moderator of Friday's debate, with the subject line: "Ask McCain to Disclose His Health Records in Full." Then, donate to Brave New PAC today so we can get this ad on the air. We have the right to have an open discussion about this grave issue, and now we have the chance to bring transparency and accountability to politics.

Tanning beds' toll: At least 170,000 skin cancers a year

At least 170,000 cases of skin cancer each year are linked to indoor tanning, according to an analysis published online Tuesday in the British medical journal BMJ.

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Call for tighter sunbed regulations

Researchers have called for tighter regulations around the use of sunbeds after a study found that indoor tanning significantly increases the risk of skin cancer - particularly in younger users.

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Adjuvant Treatment for Melanomas

In medical terms, a mole is referred to as a melanocytic nevus. Moles appear on the skin as flat or raised dark spots, which can vary dramatically in size and shape, occurring virtually anywhere on the body. A mole is formed when melanin, which is a brown pigment produced by skin cells, develops in high concentrations on the skin.

As a result, most nevi are brown or black in color. They are so common that they have a wide range of classifications. Skin moles are so common that just about every person will develop one or more sometime in his/her life. Despite this fact, skin moles are among the most difficult skin conditions for modern medicine to properly treat.

Fortunately, the vast majority of moles are benign and pose no health threat, though they can be unsightly, which causes many people to seek their removal. However, in some instances, a mole can develop into a cancerous melanoma. If a mole is suspected to be a melanoma, it is important to have a test done to confirm this.

High risk melanomas may require adjuvant treatment. In the United States most patients in otherwise good health will begin up to a year of high-dose interferon treatment, which has severe side effects but may improve the patient's prognosis. This claim is not supported by all research at this time, and in Europe interferon is usually not used outside the scope of clinical trials.

Metastatic melanomas can be detected by X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, PET and PET/CTs, ultrasound, LDH testing and photoacoustic detection. Various chemotherapy agents are used, including dacarbazine, immunotherapy, and local perfusion. They can occasionally show dramatic success, but the overall success in metastatic melanoma is quite limited.

IL-2 is the first new therapy approved for the treatment of metastatic melanoma in 20 years. Studies have demonstrated that IL-2 offers the possibility of a complete and long-lasting remission in this disease, although only in a small percentage of patients. A number of new agents and novel approaches are under evaluation and show promise. Clinical trial participation should be considered the standard of care for metastatic melanoma.

In 2005, a phase III clinical trial for a melanoma vaccine was halted after showing little benefit compared to placebo. In 2008, Israeli scientists from the Oncology Institute of the Hadassa Medical Center in Jerusalem announced they developed a vaccine that prevents recurrences of the disease among previous sufferers and increases chances of survival for current ones.

As for other traditional treatments, laser and electrocautery treatments are not always effective because they only reach the outermost layers of the skin, while moles penetrate very deep into the dermal tissue, often beyond the reach of these treatments. Surgery involves cutting out the mole. The resulting wound requires stitches, which will in turn leave a scar.

More Evidence for Increased Skin Cancer Risk with Indoor Tanning

Exposure to ultraviolet radiation through indoor tanning devices is associated with increased risk for nonmelanoma skin cancer, according to a meta-analysis in BMJ .

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Symptoms of skin cancer

The symptoms of skin cancer are the easiest symptoms to detect. This is because cancer of the skin usually manifests itself in abnormal skin growths that are in plain sight. Although these may sometimes look like a simple sore or a pimple, when it fails to heal over time, this can immediately alert the patient that something is wrong. Also, most cancerous skin growths often ooze some fluid, bleed, and crust or scab over, which are more telltale signs that it is more than just a simple growth. These, however, are usually painless, which is why some people still fail to report their case, leading to delayed treatments.

If you see a new growth on the skin that looks abnormal or does not seem to heal or go away, these should be reported to a doctor. Although many skin growths such as moles are nothing to worry about, it is still best to seek the advice of a medical professional. When a growth is cancerous, however, you can usually tell over time as they often change in size or color.

Symptoms of the Most Dangerous Type of Skin Cancer

The most dangerous type of skin cancer is malignant melanoma. This usually forms on the trunk or on the legs. Although these don't get constantly exposed to the sun, these areas usually get rare but very intense exposure to the sun, such as when a person spends an excessive amount of time at the beach without applying skin protection products. However, melanomas can also form from an existing mole or freckle, so it is sometimes difficult to identify as well. Keep in mind that when a freckle-like spot on the skin is multi-colored and combines shades of brown, black, red, white, and blue, then it could be a melanoma, not a freckle, which is just light to dark brown in color. Melanomas also have an irregular or uneven border, while a freckle usually have clear-cut borders.

Diagnosing Skin Cancer

Experienced doctors who are trained in diagnosing skin cancer can often recognize its symptoms with one look. To get an idea of the full extent of the disease, however, a complete examination of the entire skin surface will still be needed. Once some symptoms are spotted, a specialist will do a biopsy to determine whether cancer cells are indeed present in the skin cells. This is the surest way to diagnose whether the disease is present or not and to determine its specific type.

In a biopsy, a doctor will take cells or tissues from your skin and analyze them under a microscope. There are two types of biopsy: excisional and incisional. Excisional, which obtains a wider margin of tissue around the affected area, is more effective in diagnosing malignant melanoma. Incisional biopsy removes only a small sample of the growth. This is more common and can usually identify other forms of the disease.

For an accurate testing in China, you should trust only a specialized Chinese cancer hospital.

Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou is a Chinese cancer hospital fully equipped in diagnosing and treating skin cancer. It is up to date with the latest cancer treatment techniques for the accurate diagnosis of symptoms of skin cancer and other symptoms.

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Health Department promotes breast cancer awareness through BCCCP

Sampson County Health Department director Wanda Robinson, seated and Gail Lamb look over the Breast Cancer Awareness Rally and Health Fair flier that before it is distributed informing the citizens of the event that will be held Saturday, Oct.

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Sun tanning lotions

Isn't it funny to consider that some sunless sun tanning lotions have a stinky stench? Although, tanning lotions are primarily made to have a sun tan pores and skin with no direct exposure to sunlight, the stench ought to still be on everyone's concern. Attempt to imagine, you are walking on your way to the office wearing your preferred sun tanning lotion - with a STINKING smell. What do you consider folks might inform you? Will they shut up?

Or will they frankly inform that you truly stench obtaining a streak-totally free tanning lotion is best, but getting a streak-free of charge tanning lotion with reeking odor is totally busted. The funky odor is primarily due to the chemical response that is happening among your dead pores and skin cells and the Dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which is the main ingredient for most safe suntanning lotions.

This response can cause an orange effect on your pores and skin, but there's no will need to worry as it goes away the following time you carry a bath; But this does not utilize to all manufacturers of sunless tanning lotions as some of them have powerful odor and truly creates streaks and orange impact on your epidermis, no matter what pores and skin type you have. That's why, it is really essential to appear for the best sunless suntanning lotion offered in the industry. The greatest tanning lotion must very first have a cooling impact upon application and have fast-dry formulation.

Aside from that, you ought to appear for a product that is non-greasy and has no staining elements. Sun tanning lotions with staining aspects can result in tawny skin color and not tan pores and skin. And of course, you ought to seem for an item that completely has no funky or stinky smell.

You can figure out the ideal suntanning merchandise by scent. The best suntanning lotions that are accessible in the industry typically have mild and unisex fragrance, which means, you don't require taking one more shower to just get rid of the scent. Stinky stench is just one of the numerous issues you may possibly encounter if you invest in the incorrect manufacturer. In addition, obtaining this kind of manufacturer typically causes streaks and orange impact and not just generating reeking odor. So far better be careful and usually examine the content material section.

There you will locate if how very much powerful its odor by purely seeking to Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) articles. Almost certainly, the better the articles of this chemical, the higher is the tendency of getting a funky stench after the application procedure. Or merely test a sample in your epidermis as some stinky suntanning lotions can't be determined by immediately smelling to its bottle. The following are the extra ideas to get the finest out of your lotion for sunless tanning. Always keep in mind that everything ought to begin in you. First, washed your hands with soap and water, and exfoliate your epidermis by scrubbing all its dry parts like knees, elbows and shoulders.

Then, you have to wear gloves to prevent receiving orange palms. Rub the lotion straight to your skin and make certain to make it even. Apply medium to dark color all through your system which includes your knees and elbows and except your underarms, wrist and hands. Then, utilize a lighter shade close to your wrists and hands. Wait around for 15 minutes or till it dries up. And usually make positive that you have evenly lathered the tan lotion all by way of out your skin color, and don't even dare to overlook your face. Proper following the easy application method, wash your hands with soap and running h2o. And make positive that you have dried the option up before wearing your clothes.

And constantly use the finest suntanning lotion. With greatest lotions for suntanning, you will not just get a sexy and nutritious seeking skin color, but with a pleasant stench as nicely Sunless suntanning lotions are the excellent way to get your pores and skin naturally tanned without getting your self expose to direct sunlight. They are completely price-efficient. With this, you are not just avoiding pores and skin cancer but you are not prone to spending too a lot for your medication due to any epidermis complications.

UMSkinCheck, A Skin Cancer Screening App

UMSkinCheck is a free skin cancer screening app by University of Michigan Health System that allows users to complete a full skin cancer self exam using an iOS device.

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How to Spot Skin Cancer - 3 Easy Ways

Skin cancer is the most common type of human cancer, with an estimated 1 million new cases diagnosed yearly. There are three types:

• Basal cell carcinoma- Over 90% of all skin cancer cases in the U.S. BCC almost never metastasizes.
• Squamos cell carcinoma- About ¼ as common as BCC, more common in men than women. SCC can form in any squamos cells (skin, lining of hollow organs, passages of respiratory and digestive systems), and may metastasize.

These two are commonly called "non-melanoma". They are less dangerous, but should still be treated as soon as detected.

• Melanoma- This is the most deadly form of skin neoplasia (cancer). It does metastasize, sometimes quickly. It develops in melanocytes (pigment cells). Melanoma kills about 50,000 people per year in the United States.

Early detection is crucial. This type of cancer generally has an advantage over some other cancers, in that the early signs are usually visible on your skin. Here is a simple guide for how to spot skin cancer:

1. Asymmetry & Border irregularity- benign moles and blemishes are symmetrical (same across the surface) and have regular, smooth borders. Whereas, skin neoplasia will have a different appearance in half of the blemish. It will also have notched or uneven edges.
2. Color- A benign mole or blemish may range in color from pink to dark brown, but it is a solid color. Cancerous blemishes will have several colors and irregular patterns, or they will appear a different color than any other moles on your body.
3. Diameter- Benign moles are frequently less than ¼ inch, or about the size of a pencil eraser. If the blemish is larger than that, it is very likely some form of skin cancer.

You need to regularly examine your skin all over your body, but especially areas that may be exposed to sun. Most non-melanoma cancers are the result of intermittent sun exposure, rather than consistent. Also, tanning booth use commonly results in BCC, and sometimes melanoma.

Although BCC and SCC are generally non-fatal, if they metastasize, they become unmanageable and can damage other body parts to the point of failure. Do not underestimate the dangers of this type of cancer.

• Skin tears and ruptures due to untreated skin cancers can become dangerously infected.
• When cancer metastasizes, it spreads to other systems of the body. Melanoma can quickly spread to the lymph nodes.
• SCC can cause rupture of linings of internal organs.
• The immune system is weakened.
• Tumors may block circulation, causing necrosis.

Approximately ½ of all Americans who reach age 65 develop some form of skin cancer at least once. Regular self-examination and reporting any irregularities to your doctor immediately can mean the difference between early detection with simple treatment, and possible metastasized tumors that require more involved treatment. You are the first step. Know how to spot skin cancer. Detection is the first step in curing. Take the risks seriously, and take steps to protect yourself from the dangers of skin cancer.

Skin cancer cases

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the world. Over 2 million cases of this disease are diagnosed each year and if not detected early it can lead to surgery and even death. Every year between 40 and 50% of all cancer cases are diagnosed as skin cancer. There are two main types of skin cancer; malignant melanoma and non-melanoma. The most common types of non-melanoma cancer are Basal cell carcinoma and Squamous cell carcinoma, and approximately 79% of Malignant Melanoma cases relate to deaths. These cancers account for only 4% of all skin cancer cases but are by far the most dangerous. Melanoma is more likely than non-melanoma to spread to lymph nodes and other parts of the body. It is estimated that over 12 thousand people with some type of skin cancer will die this year.

The skin is the largest organ of the human body, measuring approximately twenty square feet for the average adult. It can be considered as the most resilient organ in the human body. The skin is divided into layers; the Epidermis (upper most), the Basement Membrane, the Dermis, and the Hypodermis/Subcutis. It covers the internal organs and bones and protects them from injury and germs, and prevents the loss of too much fluid. The skin is vital in the control of body temperature and it gets rid of some wastes through perspiration. Certain cells in the skin communicate with the brain to allow temperature, touch, and pain sensations.

Skin cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells that when left unchecked, spread from the skin to other tissues and organs of the body. More cases of skin cancer are being diagnosed as time goes on. Studies have shown that heavy exposure to the sun's ultraviolet radiation (UVR) lead to skin cancer and other skin problems. These studies have shown that 65 to 90% of melanomas are caused by over exposure to ultraviolet light (sunshine, tanning beds and tanning lights), but it has also been shown to run in families and may also be genetic.

The second most common form of skin cancer is Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and approximately 700,000 cases are diagnosed each year with approximately 2,500 deaths. It is one of the less aggressive skin cancers in that when detected early it may be easily controlled or removed through minor surgery. This cancer is an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells arising in the Squamous cells, which compose most of the skin's epidermis (upper layers).

This type of cancer is mainly caused by cumulative UVR exposure over the course of a lifetime and may not occur until many years after receiving the original damage to the skin, which makes it necessary to see a dermatologist at its first signs. The most common areas for this cancer are those that are frequently exposed to the sun, such as the rim of the ear, lower lip, face, bald scalp, neck, hands, arms and legs. Skin damage can appear as wrinkling, changes in pigmentation, and loss of elasticity in the skin.

Exposure to UVR s the cause for most cases of Squamous cell cancer. The condition develops due to the fact that UV radiation damages the DNA in an individual's skin cells. The more damage to the DNA, the more likely the skin cells will grow out of control and develop a Squamous cell carcinoma. Most cases of Squamous cell cancer may be prevented, and there are several ways to do this; by applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, avoiding midday sun, limiting your time in direct sunshine, don't use tanning beds or lamps, and checking your skin regularly.

Squamous cell cancer is a easily treatable and preventable type of skin cancer. However, it can still be deadly and needs to be detected and treated early. Squamous cell cancer very rarely causes further problems when identified and treated early. Untreated, it can grow large or spread to other parts of your body, causing serious complications. Call for an appointment with your health care professional if you observe a sore or spot on your skin that changes in: appearance, color, size, texture, or if an existing spot becomes painful or swollen, or if it starts to bleed or itch.

Evelyn and Don are co-owners of Ladies Hair Care By ED where they offer a selection of all natural organic/herbal products for hair, health and skin care. Visit them at http://www.ladieshaircarebyed.com and discover the quality selections they have for the health and care of your body.

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Desert gardening: It's not for sissies

Desert gardeners are an ambitious lot that endure mouthfuls of dust, chipped fingernails and risk spontaneous human combustion.

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Cancema Skin Cancer

Cancema, the black salve. Sounding like something out of a nightmare or a horror book, cancema is rather considered by many to be a tremendous combatant against skin cancer. It is interesting to note that it is used not only to combat skin cancer in people but in their pets as well.

Cancema is completely natural. Also known as bloodroot, cancema is a medication that history points to as having been used by Native Americans to fight skin cancer It is primarily known to have been used for this purpose by the Abanaki tribes on the upper east coast, the Ojibwe tribes, living near Lake Superior and the Cherokee tribes, living further to the south. For this reason, cancema is also known as Indian mud

By whatever name it is known, it is believed by many to be one of the best healers of skin cancer

.

Many people who have used Cancema, are at first horrified by the way it seems to work. The moles or whatever form of skin cancer upon which it is put react in what is by site a horrific way. The areas turn into pussing, oozing sores, then they heal up, leaving deep cavities in their place. As terrible as these seem, the, the deep cavities heal and the skin smooths over, As the skin cancer seems to be healed, those people who were at first repulsed and offended by the appearance of the healing area, become amongst the biggest supporters of Cancema.

Upon applying the Cancema to the cancerous areas, it is important to cover the area with some sort of bandaging. A soft, cotton wrap is often recommended. White is the best, to avoid any dye getting into the open wounds. Some people take a white sock and cut the foot part off and pull the sock up over the bandaging, taping the sock right to the bandaging. It is important to remember not to put tape upon the skin itself.

Cancema in the form in which it can be purchased, is made from the bloodroot and from ginger combined, both in their natural states.

More and more in today's world, people are leaving what we know as traditional medicines in favor of their natural counterparts. Are they making wise decisions? Only time will tell and then we will always wonder, "Well would it have healed anyway?"

Cancema is viewed by many to be one of the best combatants in the world against different forms of skin cancer. If you consider using it, investigate wisely. Talk to your doctor, talk to those who have used it in the past. Get their impressions and then make your decision. Is the black salve a nightmare or a dream come true in the matter of successfully fighting skin cancer.

Basal cell carcinoma

Skin cancer is the most prevalent of all cancers. When our body comes in the contact of sunlight there may be chances of skin cancers. and it results in sunburn and blistering. There are three forms of skin cancer:

o Squamous Cell Carcinoma - This skin cancer may appear as a bump or as a red, scaly patch. It is the second most common skin cancer found in fair-skinned persons and is typically found on the rim of the ear, face lips and mouth.

o Malignant Melanoma - This is the most deadly of all skin cancers and it is estimated that 7,300 Americans die annually from melanoma. Like the less aggressive skin cancers, it is almost always curable when detected in its early stages. Excessive sun exposure, particularly sunburn, is the most important preventable cause of melanoma.

o Basal Cell Carcinoma - This skin cancer usually appears as a small, fleshy bump or nodule, most often on the head, neck and hands. Occasionally these cancers may appear on the trunk as red patches.

Skin cancer is treated with an array of surgical procedures that are dependent on the need of the individual patient. Early detection and removal offer the best chance for a cure. The best defense against skin cancer is to avoid over exposure to sunlight (including tanning), which is the main cause of skin cancer, especially when it results in sunburn and blistering. Actually every one knows that we are facing problem of ultraviolet rays due to losing ozone layer in our atmosphere. And seek shade between 10am and 4pm when ultraviolet rays are the most intense and apply sunscreen.

If you are facing any kind of skin problem then you should go for dermatologist. So that they can diagnose your skin problem at time and give you treatment according to the problem.

Skin cancer symptoms

Skin cancer is a disease that can be easily caused by a person's living environment or working environment. Thus, the number of people suffering from or being diagnosed with it is continuously increasing. Unfortunately, many patients do not seek treatment in time because they are not familiar with skin cancer symptoms.

Experts say that the early detection of the disease can help increase a person's chance of fighting the disease. To facilitate in the timely diagnosis and treatment of the disease, here are the skin cancer symptoms related to its different forms.

Symptoms of Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma is a type of cancer that grows very fast. Its main symptom is a skin ulcer in a nodus or cauliflower shape with a remarkable inflammation surrounding it. It can penetrate the skin and can even cause pain to the bones. Aside from pain, the ulcer will also be accompanied by a foul smell caused by a pyogenic infection that often occurs in such types of skin ulcer. In the latter stages, this disease may lead to huge ulcers on the patient's head; these may easily bleed and will require regular treatment.

Symptoms of Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma is harder to identify, mainly because it has no early symptoms. The only symptom that has been associated with this, in the early stages, is a stiff papule that grows on the skin, usually on the nose, cheek, forehead, or the back of the hand. These will have no inflammation. Eventually, it will cause major ulcer lesions in irregular shapes. These grow slowly but usually do not spread to other parts of the body. It only invades the tissues of the skin internally.

Identifying Skin Cancer Symptoms

Since the disease usually manifests itself through skin ulcers or blemishes, it is important to be able to identify which ulcer or blemish can be caused by cancer and which is just a regular blemish.

A skin ulcer caused by cancer will usually be a mixture of brown, black, red, white, and blue in color. The color of the nevus of the ulcer tends to change. It will also have a rough surface with some peelings, and may also be accompanied by bleeding. The skin around the lesion may also suffer from edema, turning either grey or white in color. Most of the time, they will also feel itchy or tender; they can also be painful at times.

If these skin cancer symptoms are observed, it is important for the patient to seek medical attention from a specialized cancer hospital.

Specialized cancer hospital in Guangzhou, China, Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou, is capable of providing fast, accurate, and effective diagnosis and treatment of all types of cancer. The hospital's experts are equipped and prepared to provide medical help to those suffering from skin cancer symptoms.

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How to Treat Eczema and Melanoma

Eczema is considered as a common term for many forms of dermatitis or skin inflammation. Melanoma, on the other hand, is more commonly known as skin cancer. The utmost goal of these managements is to achieve the optimum health or to prolong the life of the patient. Here we will learn the treatments available for these two diseases.

Atopic dermatitis is the most usual type of eczema. Nevertheless, there are various types of eczema. This disease can occur to anyone, although the disease usually occurs in newborns and children below five years old. Eczema will be permanently relieved by age three in around half of the affected newborns. Patients with eczema frequently have a family history of the disease or a family record of other sensitive responses to allergens, such as hay fever or asthma.

The objectives for the managements of eczema are directed to the prevention of inflammation, itching, and aggravation of the disease. Managements of eczema may include the use of drugs and the modification of the patient’s lifestyle. Treatments always depend on the age of the individual, type and severity of the disease, and general health condition. Applying ointments or creams on the skin of the patient will keep it well hydrated. Another important intervention for eczema is avoiding over-bathing. Applying emollient creams, for instance petroleum creams, is also suggested subsequent to a five-minute tepid bath sequentially to shut in the moisture while the skin is still damp. Lifestyle changes are as well suggested to avoid the aggravation of the disease.

Topical corticosteroids are occasionally prescribed to reduce the inflammatory response beneath the skin. These drugs can have a potency of mild, moderate, or high base on the severity of the manifestations. If itchiness is very severe, antihistamines are given to patients with eczema. There are two topical or cream medications are recommended by the Food and Drug Association of United States for the management of eczema, primecrolimus and tacrolimus. These medications fit in to a class of immunosuppressant drugs called calcineurin inhibitors and are prescribed in eczema patients over two years of age.

The most life threatening and the most dangerous form of skin cancers is malignant melanoma. The patient must seek the expertise of a specialist and confer immediate interventions and treatment choices with him. The type of treatment will depend on the situation of the patient. Various factors such as tumor thickness, stage, and size can be utilized as the basis of the physician when choosing a treatment modality.

The first preference of treatment may be the surgical extraction of the tumor. This procedure will entail a local anesthesia. Typically, a precautionary margin of one centimeter (vertically and horizontally) will be extracted. This procedure is performed to assure that damaged tissues are not overlooked. A surgery is done to remove the entire lymph node when the tumor has reached the lymphatic system. This is done to reduce the chance of the melanoma to spread to other organs or areas of the body.

Radiotherapy is also a good treatment option. This procedure utilizes X-rays to destroy diseased cells. Typically the affected portion must be exposed to radiation several times to achieve an effective dose, depending on the tumor stage and size. Chemotherapy is used in collaboration with surgery. This procedure utilizes chemicals, which have a particular toxic effect with cancer cells.

Great Melanoma Video

FOR TOOLS & INFORMATION: on this Melanoma Video This film was made possible thanks to the generosity of real Canadians and Americans whose lives have been touched by melanoma. These are not actors. We cannot thank this group enough for sharing their stories with us. We'd also like to thank Freelance Whales, the New York-based group who've lent their song, Generator ^ First Floor, to our film. They're incredibly talented - we thank them for their support and encourage you to find out more about them at freelancewhales.com. Over the past year, we've received messages from all around the world from people whose lives have been touched by this film. Thank you so much for reaching out to us, we're humbled by the support you've shown. We've also been flattered to see a number of other films "inspired by" Dear 16-year-old Me this is fantastic! We would ask that, in the spirit of mutual support, filmmakers who've taken inspiration from this work acknowledge as much by providing a credit and a link back. Thank you so much for watching & please pass this along.

Occurrence Factor of Skin Cancer

Facts about skin cancer are very important to understand as the disease is one of the deadliest ones worldwide and is also responsible for maximum number of cancer cases. Facts highlight some of the important causes, symptoms and statistics of the disease and also focus on the important forms of treatments available to cure the same.

Vital Facts about Skin Cancer

Exposure to Ultra-Violet (UV) rays in excess may lead to severe type of cancer and is also responsible for more than 90% cases of the non-melanoma types of the disease. Severity of the disease is so high that almost one person dies every day of the disease and the treatment becomes complicated if a person reaches advanced stages of the disease.

This is one of the most prevalent forms of cancer and accounts for more than 50% of the overall cancer cases. It occurs in almost equal numbers in both men and women and may develop at any age. Though the number of cases detected in areas of Asia, Africa and Latin America are low as compared to developed regions like North America and Europe, the numbers of deaths related to the disease are high in the prior regions. Caucasian race is more vulnerable to the disease as compared to other races. Chances of sunburns developing into a cancerous infection are quite high and especially small children are at a very high risk if they do not undergo apt treatment for sunburns in the childhood age.

This cancer, also known as skin neoplasia, is of two different types as melanoma and non-melanoma. Squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma are two different types of non-melanoma cancer. Melanoma type of skin cancer occurs in rare cases but is a severe kind of disorder and is more fatal as compared to non-melanoma types. Also, melanoma skin cancer spreads at a higher pace in comparison to non-melanoma types and is highly damaging to skin cells and tissues.

Facts about skin cancer also prove that it is quite common in people who have medical history of the disease. A person who is treated for this cancer in the past is quite susceptible to its redevelopment in future. One should avoid smoking and consuming tobacco or other carcinogenic substances as it may damage the person's body internally and deteriorate his immune system.

Other facts about skin cancer also point out that melanoma type of skin cancer is responsible for almost 75% of the overall deaths due to skin cancer. Also, the survival rate and life expectancy is much lower for melanoma type as compared to non-melanoma form of cancer. Change in the color of the skin, skin ulcers, injuries or infections in the skin that do not heal by normal medication and presence of excess moles are some of the important symptoms of the disease.

Facts about skin cancer can be understood well if the causes are correlated aptly with the symptoms. Diagnosis forms an important part of the disease and has to be effective enough to understand the actual location and root cause of the disorder. One needs to be careful while undergoing cancer treatments as they are quite severe and may put a bad impact on the victim's body if taken in inappropriate quantities.

Skin cancer protection

Skin cancer is another common type of cancer. As the name suggests, skin cancer is a cancerous condition of skin.

Types of skin cancer

There are three types of skin cancers: basal cell skin cancer, squamous cell skin cancer and the dangerous malignant melanoma. Since skin cancer is very closely associated to skin pigmentation, the fair skinned people are more at risk of developing skin cancer as compared to the dark skinned ones.

The cause of skin cancer

Prolonged contact with direct sunlight is what causes skin cancer. The main culprit in the direct rays of sunlight is the UV radiation (i.e. Ultra violet rays). Thus most of the preventive action against skin cancer is concentrated on avoidance of UV rays.

Protection against skin cancer

Protection against skin cancer is probably easier than the protection against other types of skin cancer. Still, a number of people ignore it and become target of this dreaded disease. Here is a list of things that can protect you from skin cancer:

1. Clothing: Since skin cancer is caused by prolonged contact of UV rays with your skin, the more you cover your skin with clothing, the lesser is your risk of developing skin cancer. Full sleeved clothes, long skirts and trousers, big hats/caps, high necks etc are all helpful in preventing skin cancer.

2. Sun screen lotion: There are a number of skin care products available in markets that offer effective protection against skin cancer. Sun screen lotions and creams that have a SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 15 or more are much recommended for use.

3. Avoid exposure to UV rays: This is the best protection against skin cancer. If you can time your outdoor activity during those periods when the UV rays are less intense, you are automatically protected against UV rays. Thus getting out either early in the mornings of later in the evenings is the best.

4. Diet: Carotenoid fruits and vegetables are also known to help prevent skin cancer.

Detection of skin cancer

The various techniques for protection against skin cancer can only reduce your risk of contacting skin cancer. If you are really unlucky (or if you have not taken the protective measures against skin cancer), you might still get affected by skin cancer. In such a case, early detection can make the difference between curability and non-curability. Timely consultation with a qualified doctor, regular check-ups and accurate diagnosis can prevent skin cancer from becoming really dangerous for you.

Warren and Karen have been involved in the internet for a number of years and run several websites. They are most interested in providing opportunities for people to connect with information relating to business, health and creativity. Check out their Skin Cancer [http://skin---cancer.blogspot.com] blog for more information.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Karen_Lavender
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Stages of Melanoma

There are three ways that cancer spreads in the body. (1) Through tissue. Cancer invades the surrounding normal tissue. (2) Through the lymph system. Cancer invades the lymph system and travels through the lymph vessels to other places in the body. (3) Through the blood. Cancer invades the veins and capillaries and travels through the blood to other places in the body.

When cancer cells break away from the primary tumor and travel through the lymph or blood to other places in the body, another tumor may form. This process is called metastasis. The secondary tumor is the same type of cancer as the primary tumor. For example, if breast cancer spreads to the bones, the cancer cells in the bones are actually breast cancer cells. The disease is metastatic breast cancer, not bone cancer.

The Clark levels are used for thin tumors to describe how deep the cancer has spread into the skin. In Clark Level I, the cancer is in the epidermis only. In Clark Level II, the cancer has begun to spread into the papillary dermis. In Clark Level III, the cancer has spread through the papillary dermis into the papillary-reticular dermal interface but not into the reticular dermis. In Clark Level IV, the cancer has spread into the reticular dermis. In Clark Level V, the cancer has spread into the subcutaneous tissue.

The following stages are used for melanoma. In stage 0, abnormal melanocytes are found in the epidermis (Clark level I). These abnormal melanocytes may become cancer and spread into nearby normal tissue. Stage 0 is also called melanoma in situ. In stage I, cancer has formed. Stage I is divided into stages IA and IB.

In stage IA, the tumor is not more than 1 millimeter thick, with no ulceration. The tumor is in the epidermis and the papillary dermis (Clark level II or III). In stage IB, the tumor is either: not more than 1 millimeter thick and it has ulceration or it has spread through the dermis or into the subcutaneous layer (Clark level IV or V) ; or more than 1 but not more than 2 millimeters thick, with no ulceration.

Stage II is divided into stages IIA, IIB, and IIC. In stage IIA, the tumor is either: more than 1 but not more than 2 millimeters thick, with ulceration; or more than 2 but not more than 4 millimeters thick, with no ulceration. In stage IIB, the tumor is either: more than 2 but not more than 4 millimeters thick, with ulceration; or more than 4 millimeters thick, with no ulceration. In stage IIC, the tumor is more than 4 millimeters thick, with ulceration.

In stage III, the tumor may be any thickness, with or without ulceration, and either: has spread into a nearby lymph vessel and may have spread into nearby lymph nodes; or has spread to 1 or more lymph nodes, which may be matted (not moveable). In stage IV, the cancer has spread to other places in the body.

Most of the treatments require multiple visits to the doctor. Laser and electrocautery treatments are not always effective because they only reach the outermost layers of the skin, while moles penetrate very deep into the dermal tissue, often beyond the reach of these treatments. Surgery, the other option doctors commonly offer, involves cutting out the mole. The resulting wound requires stitches, which will in turn leave a scar.

Uva and uvb rays

Everyone knows that redhead sunburn easier. But do they get skin cancer easier? New research indicates that the pigment in their skin may instigate cancer even if they don’t suffer from sunburns. As you may have heard, getting sunburns in childhood is a risk factor for skin cancer, even later in life.

Who is prone to sunburn? Of course if you have light colored eyes, hair and skin, you are at higher risk. This combination is frequent among redheads. Redheads have a different type of melanin than people with dark hair. Blondes even carry some of the same pigments as redheads.

Duke University said that the melanin in redheads is more vulnerable to damage from the sun’s UV rays. Redheads, under exposure to the sun, developed a reaction of oxidative stress. This is where damage to DNA and cells may occur and over time, form cancer. Research used UVA and UVB rays for testing. UVA can cause damage without burning.

Sunscreens protect against UVB, but its not been shown to help against UVA. Sure, some protection is there, but the FDA will need to set guidelines for consumers. It all boils down to this: wear sunscreen and put it on your kids.

Here’s what you do:

1. Apply plenty of sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher and reapply every 2 hours or as indicated on the bottle.
2. Reapply after swimming, sweating, even drying with a towel.
3. Apply even during cloudy days.
4. Avoid the sun in the middle of the day. 10 and 4 is indoor time.
5. Wear a hat, clothing and sunglasses.
6. Take care of the kids. Overexposure early in life may lead to skin cancers later in life.

Even so, the FDA has a warning label:

'Warning -This product does not contain a sunscreen and does not protect against sunburn. Repeated exposure of unprotected skin while tanning may increase the risk of skin aging, skin cancer, and other harmful effects to the skin even if you do not burn.'

Stuart Simpson http://www.tanning-products-review.com

Article Source: ArticlesAlley.com

Prevention of Melanomas

Skin moles are so common that just about every person will develop one or more sometime in his/her life. Despite this fact, skin moles are among the most difficult skin conditions for modern medicine to properly treat. Most nevi are brown or black in color. They are so common that they have a wide range of classifications.

In medical terms, a mole is referred to as a melanocytic nevus. Moles appear on the skin as flat or raised dark spots, which can vary dramatically in size and shape, occurring virtually anywhere on the body. A mole is formed when melanin, which is a brown pigment produced by skin cells, develops in high concentrations on the skin.

Fortunately, the vast majority of moles are benign and pose no health threat, though they can be unsightly, which causes many people to seek their removal. However, in some instances, a mole can develop into a cancerous melanoma. If a mole is suspected to be a melanoma, it is important to have a test done to confirm this.

Minimizing exposure to sources of ultraviolet radiation, following sun protection measures and wearing sun protective clothing can offer protection. In the past it was recommended to use sunscreens with an SPF rating of 30 or higher on exposed areas as older sunscreens more effectively blocked UVA with higher SPF.

Currently, newer sunscreen ingredients (avobenzone, zinc, and titanium) effectively block both UVA and UVB even at lower SPFs. However, there are questions about the ability of sunscreen to prevent melanoma. This controversy is well discussed in numerous review articles, and is refuted by most dermatologists.

This correlation might be due to the confounding variable that individuals who used sunscreen to prevent burn might have a higher lifetime exposure to either UVA or UVB. Tanning, once believed to help prevent skin cancers, actually can lead to increase incidence of melanomas. Even though tanning beds emit mostly UVA, which causes tanning, it by itself might be enough to induce melanomas.

A good rule of thumb for decreasing ultraviolet light exposure is to avoid the sun between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. or avoid the sun when your shadow is shorter than your height. These are rough rules, and can vary depending on locality and individual skin cancer risk. When looking for danger signs in pigmented lesions of the skin a few simple rules are often used.

Almost all malignant melanomas start with altering the color and appearance of normal-looking skin. This area may be a dark spot or an abnormal new mole. Other melanomas form from a mole or freckle that is already present in the skin. It is very hard to distinguish the difference between a malignant melanoma and a normal mole.

Confirmation of the clinical diagnosis is either done with an excisional skin biopsy or a small full thickness sampling with a punch skin biopsy. This is usually followed with a follow up wider excision of the scar or tumor. Depending on the stage a sentinel lymph node biopsy is done as well, although controversy exists around trial evidence for this procedure.

Laser and electrocautery treatments are not always effective because they only reach the outermost layers of the skin, while moles penetrate very deep into the dermal tissue, often beyond the reach of these treatments. Surgery, the other option doctors commonly offer, involves cutting out the mole. The resulting wound requires stitches, which will in turn leave a scar.

Skin Cancer Awareness

Two young stars discuss how and people should be made aware of the risks. This was made for the UNiversity of Wollongong and if the cancer council saw it they would shoot us

Learn How To SPOT Skin Cancer

Preventing skin cancer is an ongoing health battle for every dermatologist. Tarzana and other areas of Los Angeles offer no shortage of patients with this preventable disease. With so much sunshine, it's tempting to get in the habit of forgoing sunscreen and simply basking in all that UV radiation with no protection. The beach body culture of California also encourages indoor tanning - a leading risk factor for deadly melanoma. Patient education is the most important tool dermatologists have at their disposal for combating cancer. What resources can doctors share with patients to increase awareness about sun safety and offer training in early disease detection?

SPOT Website Puts Spotlight on Skin Lesions

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) has devoted an area of its website to educating patients about how to "SPOT Skin Cancer". This resource was developed in response to a survey which revealed that many Americans don't know how to identify skin tumors and have little awareness of their risk for getting skin cancer. On the SPOT web pages, patients can:

· Find instructions for performing a skin self-exam

· Download a body mole map (for tracking the size, shape, location, and other characteristics of suspicious moles)

· Locate a dermatologist

·

Skin Cancer Facts to Know

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the US. More than 12 million people are diagnosed with this disease each year. About 20% of the US population will probably have one or more cancerous skin lesions in their lifetime.

Unlike other forms of cancer, suspicious skin lesions can be readily detected with a visual examination (the diagnosis is confirmed with a biopsy). This means patients have the opportunity to spot skin cancer before it progresses too far.

When caught early, even the most dangerous skin tumors are almost always easy to treat with a simple surgical procedure. For example, patients who have a melanoma lesion removed before the cancer spreads below the top layer of the skin (the epidermis) have a 5-10 year survival rate of close to 100%.

Don Mehrabi MD, FAAD is a dermatologist certified by the American Board of Dermatology currently practicing in Beverly Hills, California. He is also the creator of the http://bhskin.com website where you can find an extensive resource library covering many common dermatologic problems and aesthetic issues. Visit http://www.bhskin.com/education/ to learn more about skin health and beauty.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Don_Mehrabi
http://EzineArticles.com/?Learn-How-To-SPOT-Skin-Cancer&id=7138465

Tanning bed lotions

Know who would have that that a bull frog and a tanner had something in common. Well guess what, they do! The new Bullfrog Sunscreen Company offers a full line of sun and tanning bed lotions for residential and commercial use, to reduce your risk of tanning skin cancer. All of their products offer varying levels of sunscreen protection.

This new sunscreen and sun tan lotion line is bragging about its extra features that are perfect for the world we live in today. Their products are especially beneficial for those that enjoy the outdoors, for children, and for people who work outdoors and want to protect their skin

Their full line of creams and tanning lotions boast about their staying power. They are able to up to 8 hours, that’s nearly a full day of coverage with having to worry about reapplying.

Now if that’s not enough to tickle your fancy, this bullfrog is also a bug repellent. Nothing like having your frog on the job all day! Better yet, the manufacture guarantees that their product won’t drip no matter how much you sweat.

These pleasantly scented, non greasy lotions and creams are perfect for kids. No squirming and squealing because the lotion smells yucky. No fighting with them to stand still.

It’s also great for adults who don’t want to have a greasy residue on their skin. Very important if you work outside and don’t want to jeopardize you’re safely with slippery oily skin.

This line produces an SPF ranging from 15 to 45. This product line doesn’t cater for those people looking for a dark tan, but it does cater to those looking to protect their skin from burning and damage. It’s also a great product choice for those that burn easily.

If you or your children are out in the sun all day, give this line of sunscreens a try! It will stay on the kids while the run and play, and it will stay on you while you work.

Skin Cancer Risk Factors and Prevention

Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer for both women and men. The number of confirmed cases has steadily increased over the past few decades. Knowing your risk factors, how to identify the early stages of this disease and how to protect yourself from skin cancer is essential for early detection and effective treatment.

There are two types of skin cancer: melanomas and keratinocyte cancers. Melanomas are less common yet more serious than other types of skin cancer. It is important that you locate and receive treatment for all types of this cancer to prevent the spread into surrounding tissues.

A major risk factor for skin cancer is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight or tanning beds. UV rays can penetrate the skin even when it is cloudy, cool or hazy outside. There are some things you can do to limit your sun exposure. Many physicians recommend daily use of sunscreen. You should seek shade when spending time outdoors and try to avoid activities outside when the sun's rays are strongest, usually between 10am and 4 pm. Hats, sunglasses and protective clothing protect your skin from UV exposure. Stay away from indoor tanning beds as they have been linked to melanoma and squamous cell skin cancers.

Individuals with fair skin that freckles and burns easily are at a higher risk for this type of cancer than those individuals with darker skin. This is because pigment or melanin in your skin provides protection from UV radiation. If you have light-colored eyes and blond or red hair, you may be at a higher risk as well. According to the Mayo Clinic, some other risk factors include:

• Personal or family history of skin cancer
• Excessive sun exposure
• History of sunburns
• Moles
• Weakened immune system
• Increasing age

No matter what your risk factors, it is important that you examine your skin each month. Many skin cancers are highly treatable with early diagnosis. Look for any changes in moles or unusual areas on your skin. Schedule an appointment with a dermatologist for a thorough skin exam each year. These check-ups are the best way to make sure that your skin remains healthy.

If you or the dermatologist finds a spot on your skin that causes concern, he may take a biopsy of the area. If the lab finds cancerous or pre-cancerous cells, more tests may be needed to determine the stage, type and extent of the cancer. Once the cancer is staged, the physician will determine which treatment options will be most effective. Most skin cancers are highly treatable if found early. Follow up exams and tests will be needed to ensure that the cancer does not reoccur.

While there is no way to avoid UV exposure completely, taking a few precautions can make a big difference in the overall health of your skin. Be vigilant about your skin checks and contact your physician with any concerns. With a little bit of prevention and routine checks, you may be able to lower your risk for developing any form of skin cancer.

Chloasma cure with Grape Seed Extract

Are you one of the thousands of people looking for a chloasma cure? Unfortunately, there is no permanent cure, but avoiding the sun and using sunscreens is helpful to prevent chloasma. Orally taking some natural supplements like grape seed extract may also help to prevent chloasma.

Chloasma, also known as melasma, is a skin condition that commonly occurs after sun exposure and during pregnancy in women. Melasma can also be a sign of poor liver health and inadequate nutrition in some cases. This skin problem can be difficult to treat. It causes brown to gray patches on the forearms, neck, forehead, cheeks, and chin, above the upper lip or on the bridge of the nose.

Skin protection against harmful UV rays is important to prevent melasma, skin damage and skin cancers. A small study of healthy female volunteers suggests that grape seed extract in combination with other ingredients, may help to reduce the severity of sunburn.

Chemicals found in grape seeds help ward of skin cancer due to regular exposure to the sun. Researchers from the University of Alabama, Birmingham exposed hairless mice to ultraviolet-light. Some of the mice they fed a standard diet supplemented with grape seed proanthocyanidins, while control mice were fed a standard diet without this supplement. Research showed that grape seed extract appeared to inhibit suppression of the immune system caused by ultraviolet light.

Besides, Dr. Ray Sahelian, health care writer and author of 'The Stevia Cookbook' and 'Mind Boosters,' cites research showing physicians who administered a standardized extract of grape seeds containing the chemical, proanthocyanidin, noted significant improvements in the appearance of melasma-darkened spots.

Moreover, antioxidants are thought to improve chloasma, and grape seed extract is thought to have antioxidant activity. Grape seed extract contains vitamins C and E. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin with the ability to neutralize free radicals formed as a result of various metabolic processes in the body.

Vitamin E also plays an important role in maintaining healthy skin. Several studies, such as the one published in the August 2009 edition of the 'International Journal of Dermatology,' have found that vitamins E, C and A supplements, along with flavonoid drugs such as procyanidin for eight weeks can be safe and effective to treat epidermal melasma. However, it is important to follow dosage instructions carefully, as chronic overuse of vitamin E may increase the risk of death.

Like other skin conditions, treatment for chloasma includes both external creams and skin protection and internal balancing of hormones and nutrition. If you want to avoid possibly messy skin applications or potion-mixing, try grape seed extract. You are also advised to add more raw fruits and vegetables so as to get sufficient amounts of vitamins and minerals in your diet. Avoid processed and packaged foods that contain preservatives and artificial chemicals.

The Benefits, Joys and Danger of the Sunlight

For a long time we have been told to beware of the sun-rays and protect ourselves from the impact of sun rays upon our skin. The truth is probably not as bad and simple. Sunlight gives both benefits, and effects harm by exaggerated exposure.

The effects of sunlight upon the skin are due to the ultra-violet light. These light rays are generally divided in three kinds according to wavelength, UVA with longest wavelength and lest energy in each light quantum, UVB of shorter wavelength, and UVC of shortest wavelength and highest energy.

THE BENEFITS OF THE SUN-RAYS

If the exposure to sun light is moderate, the benefits outnumber the dangers. First of all sunshine has a good effect upon the mental health and well-being, both due to the visible light and to the warming effect.

The UVA rays in the sunlight stimulate the skin to produce vitamin D. This vitamin is necessary for the normal composition, growth and regeneration of bone tissue. By to low levels of vitamin D in the body, the bones tend to loose calcium and get thinner and weaker. Newer findings suggest that many people do not get enough of this vitamin through the diet or do not absorb enough from the intestines, and need this stimulation to get good enough levels of vitamin D.

Newer findings also suggest that moderate amount of sunshine does not promote the occurrence of skin cancer. On the contrary, in moderate amounts, exposure to sunshine seems to help prevent cancers of several types, especially breast cancer, colon cancer and prostate cancer.

The browning effect is the benefit that most people go for when engaging in sun bath. This effect comes from the UVA rays stimulating the melanocytes in the skin to produce more of the brown pigment - melanin. The increased amount of melanin will protect the skin against the harms of sun-rays, and make you tolerate greater amounts of sun before harmful effects occur. The sun rays also stimulate the upper layer of the skin to grow thicker, and this makes the skin more robust against damage. As long as this thickening is moderate, the thickening is a good effect.

THE DANGERS OF THE SUN-RAYS

The most visible danger of exaggerated sun exposure is the burning effect caused by the UVB rays. The effect is mostly due to immune cells in the skin releasing histamine. Histamine then causes blood vessels to dilate and also cause other symptoms of acute inflammation. Some cells will also be injured by the sunlight to such extend that they die, causing the upper layer of the skin to flake away.

Exaggerated exposure to sun can cause brown spots - liver-spots. Furthermore it can cause the cancer type called basal cell carcinoma. These effects are caused both from the UVA and UVB rays. This type of cancer looks like brown flakes or brown spots, and may be difficult to distinguish from liver-spots. However, this kind of cancer is little malignant, and is in many cases just a cosmetic problem.

But the UVA and UVB rays from too much sun exposure can also cause malignant melanoma. This cancer consists of melanocyte cells been transformed into cancer cell. Malignant melanoma often evolves from birth marks. This cancer can remain small for a long time, but can also spread and develop very rapidly and swiftly evolve into a serious disease. In its initial stages, the cancer looks like an irregularly shaped and abnormally or irregularly coloured birthmark. People having been exposed too much sun and often been sunburned form an early age, are in special risk for malignant melanoma.

Traditionally skin cancers were thought to be caused by the UVB rays, but newer findings suggest that the whole ultraviolet spectre participates in causing cancers. Therefore using solariums that gives off only UVA rays is not safe from cancer risk.

Too much sun exposure for a long time will increase the speed of skin aging and cause permanent changes in the skin, due to the effects of UVB rays. The wrinkles will multiply and aggravate. Also the blood vessels in the skin tend to become permanently dilated and areas of the skin will often get an abnormal or irregular thickness, some places too thin and other places too thick. Due to the widened blood vessels, the skin will be permanently red.

UVC rays are normally filtered out from by the ozone layer in the upper atmosphere. Nowadays this layer is wakened over certain areas in certain times. These rays are the most dangerous and easily cause cancer and other types of skin damage.

HOW TO AVOID THE DANGERS AND GET MOST OF THE BENEFITS

The best way to get just enough sun exposure to get the benefits, but not so much to suffer the harms caused by sun rays, is just to expose your skin for the sun some time, and then cover the skin by clothes.

The time recommended for naked exposure varies considerably. A person with brown skin can take much more than a pale person. The same is true about a person with thick skin. As you get used to the sun each year, you will gradually get browner and also tolerate more. If you take sunbath for the first time in the year, and you have not yet get used to the sun, 10-15 minutes may be enough.

However, often you want to expose your skin to the sun rays longer than an unprotected skin can tolerate, and then you have to use some topical sun protection. Sun balms are found with protection from 3 to 30. The protection factor is supposed to tell how many times longer you can be in the sunshine with the balm on, than without the balm. Be aware that the real protection factor may be less than that written on the bottle.

A balm with the factor 20 does not always really have that factor. If you know you can tolerate 0.5 hours exposure without protection, do not think that you really will tolerate 10 hours exposure with a balm of factor 20 on. The balm must also be renewed several times during the time you expose yourself for the sun. That is especially true if you take swims. The balm must neither be too old.

The face is the body part that it is most important to protect against the sun, since the face does not have any clothes on, and accordingly gets longest sun exposure.

Some kinds of nutrition seem to make the skin more robust against the impact from sun rays. It is for example wise to eat much fish and use olive oil in the diet. You should also attend to the news about the ozone layer, and always protect your skin in periods with weakened ozone layer.

Skin cancer awareness

Skin cancer awareness 15 second spot. Understanding the importance of an annual full body skin exam.

Melanoma Treatment - The Arsenal against a Fatal Disease

Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer and has been spreading like wild fire over the last decade. It is curable, but for melanoma treatment to be fully effective, early diagnosis is imperative. Melanoma treatment may take the form of surgery, chemotherapy in early stages, and biological or radiation therapies in extreme cases. Melanoma takes on four forms. Both superficial spreading melanoma, the most common form accounting for 70% of all melanoma cases and lentigo maligna begin as flat or elevated irregularly shaped tan, brown or black patches.

Both these forms of skin cancer begin as localized tumors, but left untreated, they penetrate deeper and spread to other parts of the body. Acral lentiginous melanoma is a superficial melanoma common amongst Asians and African-Americans.

Nodular melanoma is the most severe form, beginning as invasive cancer and when malignant, shows a lump. It accounts for 10-15% of melanoma cases. Prevention is always better than cure. Melanoma can be prevented by reducing the sun exposure, especially between 10am and 4pm with adequate clothing and sun blocks with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. Children are vulnerable to sunrays and it has been proved that juvenile sunburns greatly increase the risk of adult melanoma. Melanoma remedy is most effective in the early stages.

This means that you should be aware and alert about every symptom of the disease. You should be especially concerned about your existing moles changing shape or color and of course, new ones appearing unexpectedly. Typical melanoma moles are lop-sided with irregular borders. Advanced melanoma moles have swellings, oozing, itching or bleeding. Melanoma remedy varies according to the progression of the disease. Actinic Keratoses or sun damage leading to skin cancer can be treated by laser resurfacing, TCA peel skin peels or the application of Efudex cream.

In the early stages, surgery to remove the tumor and the adjacent healthy tissues is effective enough to destroy the metastatic cancer cells. The amount of tissue removed depends upon the spread of the cancerous growth. Surgical melanoma remedy may also involve a skin graft to replenish the lost tissues. If the melanoma spreads to the lymph nodes, surgery may also involve removal of these. Advanced melanoma treatment includes chemotherapy. This either involves the use of cancer drugs in capsule form or intravenous injections to kill the cancer cells.

Biological and radiation therapies are the last bastions of melanoma treatment. In the former, laboratory-generated cancer-combating substances called biological response, modifiers (BRMs) like tumor vaccines, interleukin-2, or interferon-alfa are administered to the melanoma patient.

Radiation therapy involves the use of x-rays to destroy cancer cells that have spread throughout the body. This form of melanoma treatment can last several sessions. Its side effects include topical redness, dryness and rashes, which disappear over time. However, changes in skin color and texture may occur after a few years. Melanoma treatment should be undergone only under strict medical guidance to ensure complete remedy and prevent a recurrence.

Brown dots or Blood Moles

What are these blood moles?

Blood moles, also termed as skin moles, are also common moles that can appear from birth or during one's lifetime. No one is spared from developing moles. There are so many reasons for the development of these.

Sunlight is one of the reasons. Being exposed to the rays of the sun for long periods of time can make one vulnerable to the formation of blood red moles. They can be of different colors. Normally they are seen as black or brown dots. Some people might also be having red colored dots or pink colored dots. It's not common to see blue of pink dots, though.

The red moles pose great danger. You might experience excessive irritation if you scratch them a lot. Sometimes, this can also be accompanied by bleeding.

Even doctors do not think normal moles are anything to worry about. However, red colored moles are considered to be health concerns. Sometimes, to remove moles, doctors recommend surgery. You must learn all you can about red colored moles if you have them so you would know what to do and how soon you are to do them. Sometimes people want their red moles gone simply because they want to look more attractive. Some people feel that it is really embarrassing to look at the red moles. It becomes doubly worse if the red mole is on any part of the face.

Some of them are even trying out costly surgeries like plastic surgery to enhance their beauty and remove moles. When you have too many red moles, it might even lead to skin cancer. The moment the advanced stage is reached, curing it becomes more difficult. Therefore, the moment you notice red spots on your body, make sure cancer is not where they are leading to.

You have to take all the necessary tests and examinations to confirm it. Do not compromise when your health is at stake. It will be to your benefit if you catch these blood moles' possibility of leading to cancer early on so you can nip it in the bud. Seeing a dermatologist is the first thing you should do once these red moles start sprouting on any part of your body. This could actually be the one thing that will save your life.

The doctor should be apprised about the moles' locations, colors, and types, as well as the overall condition of your skin. While some moles are flat, some are slightly raised. The type of moles will largely determine the appropriate treatment to be applied. The doctor should also be told of the health history of your family. Immediately inform your doctor on your first visit if your cousin also had these red spots on his skin. The possibility of you developing skin cancer will be based on those clues and information you will provide the dermatologist. Caution is important in ensuring a sound body and great health.

In order to understand a little more relating to mole cream. Stop by http://www.molegone.net

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Skin Cancer

-Alex No Copyright intended

Determining Skin Cancer Moles

People nowadays are likely to develop skin cancer moles because of long exposure to sunlight. The good news is that this type of cancer is the most curable if detected at the early stage. But if it is not treated, can result to death.

Moles are growth on the skin that is clustered and often brown, black or flesh-color and appears anywhere on the skin. The normal average of moles is from 10 to 40. However, an individual who have more than 100 moles are at risk to acquire melanoma.

Listed below are types of mole cancer:

• Basal cell carcinoma that is developed on skin that is sun-damaged which is likely to affect Caucasian.

• Melanoma which is the rarest form of skin cancer and if not treated will spread to the other parts of the body and will then lead to fatality and is blue in color.

• Squamous cell carcinoma is targeting fair skinned people but affects men than women.it can destroy tissues and is invasive. Causing health problems and if untreated will lead to death.

• Actinic Keratosis can lead to squamous cell carcinoma if not cured early. It affects fair skinned people, eyes that are blue, hazel and green and individuals who have blonde and red hair. People who have weak immune system are also susceptible to acquire this type of skin cancer. This mole is typically rough, pink or red patches and.5 inch in size.

• Actinic cheilitis or commonly known as "sailors lip" or "farmers lip". The lower lip is affected and can lead to squamous cell carcinoma. People that are fair skinned, elderly, men and those that use tobacco are affected. The growth of this skin cancer is accompanied by cracking on the lips and dryness.

Here are the guides to be able to identify if the mole on your skin is cancerous. The ABCDE are vital in enabling you characterize the risky moles.

• A - Asymmetry. If the other half of the mole is not the same in size, color, thickness and shape.
• B - Borders. The edges are irregular, blurred, poorly defined and rough.
• C - Color. Uneven shades of brown and black or the mole has added colors of brown, red, black, blue and white
• D - Diameter. A mole that is greater than 6mm or the size of a pencil eraser.
• E - Elevation. Part of the mole is raised.

If you are suspecting that you have skin cancer moles, it is important to consult a dermatologist. They are the ones who are capable of examining the mole if it can cause health problems.

There procedures that can remove the moles that pose risk to your health. Don't get sun exposure when the sun is shining at its hottest (10am-3pm) and apply sunscreen. Be aware of the changes and have a skin check regularly.

Factors that Affect Melanoma Prognosis

Melanoma is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the skin cells called melanocytes. Melanocytes are found throughout the lower part of the epidermis. They make melanin, the pigment that gives skin its natural color. When skin is exposed to the sun, melanocytes make more pigment, causing the skin to tan, or darken.

The skin is the body’s largest organ. It protects against heat, sunlight, injury, and infection. The skin has 2 main layers: the epidermis and the dermis. When melanoma starts in the skin, the disease is called cutaneous melanoma. Melanoma may also occur in the eye and is called intraocular or ocular melanoma. There are 3 types of skin cancer are melanoma, basal cell skin cancer and squamous cell skin cancer.

Melanoma is more aggressive than basal cell skin cancer or squamous cell skin cancer. Melanoma can occur anywhere on the body. In men, melanoma is often found on the trunk or the head and neck. In women, melanoma often develops on the arms and legs. Melanoma usually occurs in adults, but it is sometimes found in children and adolescents.

Unusual moles, exposure to sunlight, and health history can affect the risk of developing melanoma. Anything that increases your risk of getting a disease is called a risk factor. Having a risk factor does not mean that you will get cancer; not having risk factors doesn't mean that you will not get cancer. People who think they may be at risk should discuss this with their doctor.

Risk factors for melanoma include the following: unusual moles, exposure to natural sunlight, exposure to artificial ultraviolet light (tanning booth), family or personal history of melanoma, being white and older than 20 years, red or blond hair, white or light-colored skin and freckles, blue eyes, and so on.

Possible signs of melanoma include a change in the appearance of a mole or pigmented area. These and other symptoms may be caused by melanoma. Other conditions may cause the same symptoms. A doctor should be consulted if a mole changes in size, shape, or color, has irregular edges or borders, change in pigmented skin, and so on.

Tests that examine the skin are used to detect and diagnose melanoma. If a mole or pigmented area of the skin changes or looks abnormal, the following tests and procedures can help detect and diagnose melanoma. Skin examination: A doctor or nurse examines the skin to look for moles, birthmarks, or other pigmented areas that look abnormal in color, size, shape, or texture.

Biopsy: A local excision is done to remove as much of the suspicious mole or lesion as possible. A pathologist then looks at the tissue under a microscope to check for cancer cells. Because melanoma can be hard to diagnose, patients should consider having their biopsy sample checked by a second pathologist. Suspicious areas should not be shaved off or cauterized.

Types of skin cancer

Here are some facts about melenoma and other types of skin cancer