Taking care of your skin is important, and goes far past cosmetic dermatology. Though many of us think of our skin only based on its appearance, its wrinkles and sunburns and freckles, our skin is, in truth, the largest organ in our bodies. Therefore, it is crucial that we learn about it and take care of it, from cosmetic dermatology to disease prevention.
The skin renews itself about every month, constantly shedding old skin cells and growing new ones. Skin can develop a number of problems, from varicose veins to acne. Fortunately, these less serious problems are considered an issue of cosmetic dermatology, and have a number of treatments. Acne treatments, for example, can range from topical creams to oral medications, depending on the severity and classification of the acne. A dermatologist is often required to prescribe the stronger treatments, but many are even able to be purchased over the counter at any drugstore or even grocery store. Varicose vein therapy can not be done by a lay man, but varicose vein therapy and removal is common in any dermatology center. Other common skin complaints include birthmarks, scarring, stretch marks, and spider veins, among others. While these conditions may be unsightly, they are considered to be a matter of cosmetic dermatology, and in the vast majority of cases are not considered dangerous in any way.
However, sun damage to skin can lead to real health problems in many people, namely in the form of cancer. In 2018 alone, it is currently estimated that more than 100,000 melanoma cases will be diagnosed. Melanoma is a potentially deadly type of skin cancer, and it affects more than one million people in the United States alone. Regarding all types of skin cancer, it is estimated that nearly 20% of people in the United States are living with some stage of the disease, and more than 9,000 Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer every single day.
Skin cancer has a number of causes, but the most important and most common is exposure to UV rays. These rays can be found not only in the sun, but in tanning beds, which have been proven to cause cancer in the skin. Unfortunately, tanning beds are still all to common, and 70% of tanning salon patrons are female, mostly young women in their teens and twenties. Because of this, more young girls are diagnosed with skin cancer than otherwise would be.
Fortunately, there are steps one can take to prevent skin cancer from developing. First, it is crucial to avoid tanning salons and even tanning in general. When in direct sunlight, sunscreen that blocks the harmful rays given off by the sun should always be applied, and reapplied frequently if swimming or in the sun for an extended period of time. It is also important to inspect any and all moles on your body, as changes in an existing mole or the development of an irregular mole should be looked at by a dermatologist as soon as possible.
