Top 10 things your derm wants you to know

1.       Wear your sunscreen every single day.

a.       Yes, it really is that important!  Our skin is attacked by UV rays daily, even when we are not outside (windows are not designed to stop ultraviolet light).  SPF 30+ is a non-negotiable.

2.       Look at your skin often.

a.       At least once a month check your skin over for new or changing spots.  Don’t forget your backside.  If you see something different, give us a call.

3.       No skin is perfect.  We all have spots, wrinkles and pores.  This makes us beautiful!  Instagram filters are not reality.

4.       Everyone 18 years of age and older needs a baseline skin cancer screening.

a.       Prior to this time, your pediatrician can refer for any suspicious spots.  If there is a strong family history of melanoma or other skin cancers you can always get an earlier screening.

5.       Natural/botanical is not always better.

a.       Poison ivy is 100% natural and causes a viciously itchy rash.  Essential oils and natural botanicals/fragrances can do the same.

6.       Wash your face nightly.

7.       Don’t pick your acne.

a.       This can scar and has never been shown to help blemishes heal faster. Use a hydrocolloid patch if you need a physical reminder not to touch your acne.

8.       Moisturize daily, right after the shower.

9.       The skin can show signs of internal distress.

a.       The hair sheds after a stressful period or with low vitamin D.  Eczema flares with stress.  Psoriasis flares with infections and different meds.  Autoimmune diseases like Lupus can show symptoms in the skin.

10.   Be your own advocate!  If a spot does not improve with time or treatment, or if your gut is telling you something is up, come in and tell us.  It is often very easy to take a sample of the skin to get a definitive diagnosis and treatment plan.