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Check Yourself Out

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May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and we have a favorite way to honor the occasion…GETTING SKIN CHECKS!
As a company, we’ve encouraged every single one of our doctors and staff to get their skin checked, and now we’re asking you to take the same painless step to protect your skin.
DID YOU KNOW? A 15-minute skin check could save your life. Early detection leads to prevention.
Lower your risk and wear sunscreen every day. We’re offering our recommended brands at 20% OFF!

Are Sunscreen Chemicals Dangerous? ☀️☠️

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Since CNN published a news story about sunscreen earlier this month, there’s been a lot of buzz in the media and we have been receiving a ton of questions. In a nutshell, the story says that the four main chemicals used in chemical sunscreens—avobenzone, oxybenzone, ecamsule, and octocrylene—require more research before the FDA can label them “safe and effective.” The story also summarizes a new study showing that these chemicals absorb into the bloodstream at high levels, which has triggered a government safety investigation. 
That all sounds pretty scary, but rest assured that in reality, sun protection isn’t as risky as it may seem. There’s no conclusive proof that sunscreen chemicals harm the body after they are absorbed.
“These ingredients have been used for decades without any reported internal side effects in humans,” says Dr. Jessica Riley, a dermatologist at our Encinitas and San Clemente clinics. Plus, the participants in the research study applied about twice as much sunscreen as people do in the real world, so the results they saw probably wouldn’t resemble those of a regular sunscreen user. 
On the other hand, these chemicals haven’t been deemed innocent, either. “For a long time, no one thought that smoking was bad for you until it was scientifically proven,” says Dr. Riley. To be as safe as possible, use physical sunscreen, the kind that relies on zinc or titanium dioxide to deflect the sun’s rays. Dr. Riley always recommends that pregnant women and children use these kinds of sunscreens, which (as an added bonus) are the most effective.
Better yet, depend on something other than sunscreen for your main source of protection. “The first line of sun defense should be protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses, and sunscreen should be the last line,” says Dr. Riley.
The important thing is that you don’t let stories like these scare you away from sunscreen altogether. UV rays are inarguably dangerous and, unlike sunscreen, are proven to cause skin cancer, which is the most common cancer in the US. Choose a method of sun protection that feels right for you and stick to it! If you have any questions about how to keep your skin safe, from the sun or anything else, just make an appointment and we will talk you through it.
We even sell recommended sunscreen brands in our clinic (at 20% off this month!). See you in the sunscreen aisle!

The 10-minute, non-invasive melanoma test 🚫✂️

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Getting a skin spot checked is easy and painless, but some patients have to endure a little discomfort if their spot looks suspicious. That’s because, to check for skin cancer, our dermatologists have typically had to cut away a small skin sample, which makes some patients anxious. Thanks to a new technology, all that’s changing. We’re proud to use the new Pigmented Lesion Assay (PLA) test, which takes just minutes and doesn’t require any cutting of the skin.
The test takes skin cell samples with four adhesive patches, each one roughly the size of a quarter, which then go to a lab. The PLA rules out melanoma with 99% accuracy, and better yet, makes a lot of formerly routine surgeries unnecessary.
Best of all, it could lead to improved long-terms outcomes for melanoma sufferers. Using the PLA means that dermatologists can direct more time and resources toward patients with malignant growths, and the PLA removes a psychological barrier to getting tested in the first place. Early-stage melanoma is far more treatable than late-stage, so the decision to get tested early could save a life.
“The DermTech Adhesive Skin technology really has been a game-changer in my clinical dermatology practice,” says Dr. Stacey Tompkins in our La Jolla office. “I now can offer my patients the latest, cutting-edge tests to help determine if a mole is at risk for being or turning into a malignant melanoma. With four simple tape applications to the mole, the DermTech assay can tell us if a pigmented lesion is at low, moderate or high risk for being malignant by looking at certain high risk genetic markers. There is no cutting of the skin involved. This is such a tremendous boon for patients, as we can now assess a pigmented growth without having to cut the patient to obtain tissue. Many of my patients have been biopsied traditionally so many times, they are thrilled now to have this option.”
With the PLA, getting precise, cell-level data is as easy as a DNA ancestry kit, but in our case, we’re getting information to protect patients’ lives.
Dr. Brook Brouha recently had a young female patient with a mildly suspicious lesion on the back of her neck. “Given the age of the patient I’m not sure I would have done an invasive biopsy on this lesion. Since I have the non-invasive PLA test in my office, I chose to do that first. The test came back highly suggestive of Melanoma… Having the PLA gave me an additional option to obtain objective information to guide my clinical treatment decision!”
If you think you might be a candidate for the test, or if you have a child or needle-phobic person in the family, just make an appointment with one of our board-certified dermatologists. We’ll get you answers as quickly and painlessly as possible.

Why does our skin age? 👵👴

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Your skin probably doesn’t look the same as it did 15 years ago. (If it does, please share your secrets!) Both your DNA and external factors, like UV exposure, diet, exercise and your favorite sleeping position, determine how you age. As the years pass, the skin tends to get looser, dryer, and less even-looking for everyone.
 
Now for the good news—you can keep up a youthful look with smart daily choices and non-invasive procedures. Keep scrolling to read about some of the most common signs of aging and how you can turn them around.
Sun Exposure: ☀️
THE CAUSE: Daily sun exposure
THE RESULT: UV rays break down collagen and elastin, which form the flexible tissue under the skin’s surface. When that connective tissue breaks down, the skin gets weaker and less elastic, and that’s a recipe for sagging and wrinkles. Making matters worse, UV rays also damage skin at a DNA level which can leave dark spots and cause the development of skin cancer.
THE FIX:  Sunscreen with an SPF of 30+ limits your UV exposure and prevents sun damage before it starts. We sell dermatologist-recommended brands in all our offices! If you’re already seeing sun damage, chemical peels  or a variety of lasers including IPL photofacials can help reverse it with minimal downtime.
Facial Expressions: 😑
THE CAUSE: Repetitive facial expressions and your chosen sleeping position
THE RESULT: As the skin ages, it naturally grows less flexible. When it folds or creases—maybe because you’re smiling, frowning, or resting against a pillow—it eventually stops snapping back as easily. Over time, those folds and creases become permanent.
THE FIX: Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, or the new Jeuveau relaxes facial muscles, keeping them from bunching skin together and creating creases. That relaxed appearance smooths existing wrinkles and helps prevent new ones from forming.
Loss of Collagen: 🌊
THE CAUSE:  Natural loss of collagen and hyaluronic acid
THE RESULT:  When your skin ages, it holds less of these substances, resulting in a drier texture and a thinned out look.
THE FIX: Dermal fillers like Restylane or Juvederm family or Belotero can re-infuse the skin with hyaluronic acid, which leads to a firmer and smoother appearance.
Want to get closer to the fountain of youth? If you’re searching for the best anti-aging strategy for you, we’re here to help. Make an appointment and we’ll keep your skin looking its best for years to come. 
Yours in good health (and good looks),
The West Dermatology Team

Save Money On Botox

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You’re Invited to Botox Day! 💉
WHEN 📅: Thursday, May 16, 2019
WHERE 📍: West Dermatology, 4060 4th Ave Suite 415, San Diego, CA 92103
WHAT ❓:
+ 30 Botox units $50 off
+ 40 Botox units $75 off
+ 20% off All SkinMedica Products this day only
+ Special Raffle for Botox Day only!
+ Bring a friend that is new to West Dermatology- $25 for patient and $25 for friend
+ Download the Brilliant Distinction app and sign up prior to your appointment to enjoy your first $10 coupon to be used at the Botox appointment.
+ Our special Allergan representative will be available to answer any questions you have on products, Brilliant Distinctions, or treatments.
Call to RSVP today: (619) 313-6022

How to protect your skin against itchy, sneezy allergy season ☀️🌷🤧

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For some people, spring weather means travelling with Kleenex at all times. Seasonal allergies can be a bear, and they don’t just affect your nose and sinuses – they affect your skin, too. Below, we’ve explained a few skin problems that seasonal allergies can cause, so you can stay prepared, plus how to solve them.
Dark circles: Seasonal allergies can mean more fluid in the veins, which shows through the skin under the eyes as dark circles. Though dark circles aren’t uncomfortable, some people combat them with under-eye creams containing caffeine or cover them up with cosmetic concealers. We love Sente’s Illumine Eye Cream or Colorescience Total Eye.
Puffy eyes: If you’re allergic to pollen or mold, your eyes may become irritated, water, and puff up in the spring. Lessen the swelling by taking antihistamines, wearing a cold compress, or (even though it’s no fun) spending time indoors.
Aggravated eczema: Those with eczema are extra vulnerable to itchy, irritated skin during allergy season, and annoyingly, scratching only makes symptoms worse! We recommend that people with eczema stock up on SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Masque or Pomega Healing cream, which will alleviate the irritation.
Red nose: Nasal congestion and sneezing are maybe the best-known allergy symptoms. Those symptoms can affect your skin, too, if you rub your runny nose, which will make the area red, flaky, and sore. To bring down the redness, choose your tissues carefully and pick a brand with added lotion or calming ingredients. Then, apply a non-irritating moisturizer to the area to soothe the inflamed skin. We recommend Calecim’s Recovery Night Complex.
Whatever seasonal allergy symptoms you may have, we’re here to answer questions, look at anything concerning, and above all, help you live more comfortably. Enjoy the brighter days, and come see us when you need us.
Yours in good health,
The West Dermatology Team

How To Choose The Right Dermatologist for Your Chronic Skin Condition

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Is it a rash? A bad breakout? Or are you developing a persistent skin problem that is affecting your health, comfort and self-confidence? Chronic skin conditions such as psoriasis, rosacea, acne and eczema can be painful and debilitating. While a general practitioner may be able to diagnose your skin problem, only the expertise and experience of a dermatologist can diagnose, comprehensively relieve symptoms, treat the specific skin condition and provide overall care for the body’s largest organ.
However, it can be stressful trying to find the right dermatologist. Here are tips on selecting the right dermatologist –so you get the healthcare you need, and the medical attention you deserve.

Seek Medical Dermatologist Referrals in Hillcrest

Ask your primary care doctor for a list of dermatologists to help narrow down your options. Also ask family, friends and other healthcare practitioners for recommendations. Once you’ve come up with a list, call each dermatologist’s office. Schedule a consult appointment so you can meet and interview the dermatologist.

Do Your Homework on San Diego Medical Dermatologists

Be proactive and take time to read the bios or profiles of dermatologists. Bios present overviews of their education, memberships and achievements –all relevant information for a potential patient like you. As for credentials, board certification is a key factor to consider. As well as whether the practice accepts your medical insurance.
Also take time to research the practice as a whole. Read patient satisfaction surveys which ask people about their experiences when it comes to scheduling appointments, staff friendliness and waiting time. Reviews on Google can be helpful too. All these testimonials from past and current patients could help you decide whether to move forward with a dermatologist or not.

Assess How the Doctor Communicates With You

You should be able to comfortably hold a conversation with your dermatologist. Carefully observe how a doctor responds to your questions.
  • Is he or she confident?
  • Are all your questions welcomed?
  • Do you feel engaged when being spoken to?
A good dermatologist should show interest in getting to know you, while respecting your decisions. And keep in mind that being able to employ an effective communication style could help lead to faster recovery.

Location, Location, Location

When you live in a big city, location is key. If you’re searching for a medical dermatologist in San Diego for instance, you’ll need to find a clinic that is easily accessible to you without a lot of travel time. Additionally, don’t underestimate the importance of having available parking at your dermatologist’s office. Luckily, West Dermatology has 3 locations in San Diego: Hillcrest, La Jolla/UTC, and Encinitas.

Treating Chronic Skin Conditions with a Medical Dermatologist in San Diego

Chronic skin conditions make up 31% of all dermatology visits annually. Whether you have a serious skin condition or perhaps, you’ve found an irregularity after doing a skin self-check, choosing a dermatologist is a crucial, as well as personal decision. We hope these tips help you make an informed decision on finding the right practitioner.

Contact Us Today at West Dermatology

Taking care of your skin condition begins with a visit to the dermatologist. Contact West Dermatology Hillcrest today for more information and to discuss which treatment option is the best for you. Our board-certified dermatologists each have years of experience treating skin conditions and work diligently to find each patient the relief s/he deserves.

Get Fresh Air the Sun-Safe Way

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Now that the weather’s warming up, more people are leaving their cars in the driveway and biking to work. Cycling has many health benefits, like lower blood pressure and stronger muscles—that’s why many of our clinicians, like Dr. Mitchel Goldman, Dr. Brook Brouha and Dr. Shane Hamman in La Jolla, CA, choose to bike to work. Not only for the physical benefits, Dr. Goldman pedals to better health for the mood-boosting benefits as well. When participating in outdoor sports, like cycling, it’s important you take certain measures to protect yourself from the dangers of the sun.
Though cycling and outdoor sports strengthen the body and mind, the related sun exposure can actually harm you. Over time, the skin can show signs of sun damage, including cancerous growths. Thankfully, cyclists and other athletes can reap the benefits of exercise with minimal risks by taking simple preventative steps.
Choose the right sunscreen: You’ll want a broad-spectrum formula, meaning it offers both UVA and UVB protection. Pick something waterproof, so that you don’t sweat it off or rinse it away while swimming.
“I prefer Eryfotona Actinica from ISDIN,” says Dr. Goldman. “It has an SPF of 50+ and is 100% mineral-based for safe UVA/UVB protection. It stays on for hours, does not sting the eyes, and is not greasy.”
Find sun-protective clothing: Look for UV-resistant clothing from your favorite athletic brands. The higher the UPF (ultraviolet protection factor), the more effective the fabric is. Don’t forget to add a hat and sunglasses, or a visor with your bike helmet!
Pick a shady route: Trees and the shadows cast by tall buildings offer some protection against the sun.
Apply sunscreen before you go: It takes 15 to 30 minutes for sunscreen to absorb into your skin and offer its full benefits, so apply it before leaving your home.
Reapply: Put on more sunscreen every two hours, any time you get out of the water, or after periods of intense perspiration—whichever comes first.
Consider a supplement: “Heliocare Ultra is a vegan dietary supplement with a potent antioxidant formula that helps reduce harmful free radicals,” says Dr. Goldman. “I take one capsule every day when I am outdoors to complement sunscreen for protection from harmful ultraviolet radiation.”
The health benefits of outdoor exercise are clear, and you can get those benefits without harming your skin if you make smart choices.
Another great way to boost skin health? Check with your nearest West Dermatology dermatologist to figure out what works best for you, to keep you safe.

Atypical Moles: Know the Signs It’s Time to Get Your Mole Checked

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A mole is a growth of benign cells called melanocytes, which are responsible for the color of your skin. Normally, a mole is flat or raised, sometimes being flat for a long period of time before gradually becoming raised. Typically, it also has a smooth surface with a consistent color and border.
 
But how do you know when a harmless mole has put your skin, and ultimately your health, at risk? The team of board-certified dermatologists at West Dermatology wants you to know these signs, which you can look for via a skin self-check.

What You’re Looking For

New Moles
A mole is totally normal, especially if you have lighter skin, and it’s typically not much to worry about if you’ve had one since childhood or adolescence. However, a mole that develops during adulthood is likely to be more problematic.
 
According to the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, researchers have found in reviewing studies of more than 20,000 melanomas that more than 7 in 10 cases arose from new moles. Moreover, melanomas from new moles tend to be thicker or wider, which means a less favorable prognosis than those attributed to existing moles.
 
That’s why the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) strongly recommends that, in addition to your own regular skin checks every 3-4 months, you get regular (i.e., annual) professional skin checks, as they’re vital in preventing skin cancer or catching it in its early stages, as is protecting yourself from the harmful UV rays of the sun with broad-spectrum water-resistant SPF 30 or higher sunscreen.
 
Existing Moles
In addition to the valuable information the AAD provides on skin cancer protection, prevention, and detection, West Dermatology offers ways to know when it’s time to get an existing mole checked.
 
One is this: self-awareness. Be cognizant of any mole that changes shape, size, and/or color, regardless of whether it’s an existing one or a new one, as it means you should see your dermatologist ASAP.
 
An irregular mole is one that is no longer smooth or has a consistent shape or color. It also is one that bleeds, crusts over, itches, or oozes and/or causes pain or is tender to the touch.
 

Knowing Your ABCDEs Can Save Your Skin – And Maybe Your Life

 
An easy way to know what constitutes an irregular mole is to know your ABCDEs:
 
  1. Asymmetry: is each side of the mole the same? Asymmetry could indicate a more serious matter.
  2. Border: an irregular border – ragged, blurred, notched – is another sign.
  3. Color: a mole with different shades of brown, tan, or black, or that includes patches of white, red, or blue could symbolize something more dangerous.
  4. Diameter: a mole smaller in diameter than a typical wooden pencil eraser is considered normal, but when it’s bigger (more than 6mm in diameter), you may have a mole that should be professionally checked ASAP.
  5. Evolving state: if your mole changes in any of the above ways, including ways already mentioned (i.e., bleeding, oozing, etc.), then get it checked by a dermatologist ASAP.
When you know how to look and what to look for, you’ll know when you need to have your favorite dermatologist conduct a more thorough exam when and if you find an irregularity.
 

Contact West Dermatology for More about Moles

 
Knowing the signs of an irregular mole could be life-saving, so contact the mole experts at West Dermatology immediately if you notice an irregular mole.

What Makes Us Itch?

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WHAT MAKES US ITCH?
For the most part, itchy skin — caused by irritation of the skin cells or the nerves associated with them — is nothing to worry about and is usually treatable at home. Still, itching is unpleasant, and in rare cases, it can point to a serious health problem, so it helps to know the facts.
CAUSES
Itchiness is mostly caused by dry skin, allergies, or a skin disorder. More rarely, itchiness can result from prescription medications, thyroid dysfunction, or illnesses like diabetes or cancer. Itchy skin also comes with age, unfortunately: older adults’ skin retain less moisture, and menopause can cause itching, as well.
AT-HOME REMEDIES
Try taking shorter baths and showers in lukewarm (not hot) water. You’ll want to wash your skin with a mild cleanser and use a daily moisturizer. Both should be hypoallergenic and fragrance-free. Be careful, though: “unscented” means something different on labels than “fragrance-free,” and unscented products might not get the job done.
Whatever you do, don’t scratch! Scratching an itch just makes it worse and could lead to infection. Soothe your skin with over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion instead.
SEEING A DERMATOLOGIST
If your itching has lasted for more than two weeks, is all over your body, is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, or you’re just tired of the discomfort, then it’s time to see a doctor. An expert dermatologist like the board-certified clinicians at West Dermatology, can prescribe anti-itch medications and uncover any chronic conditions (like eczema) or underlying health issues (like liver disease), so you get relief for good.
If you’re itching for more information on your skin health, just make an appointment with us.
Yours in good health, 
The West Dermatology Team