Friday, 24 May 2013

How To Identify Cancerous Skin Moles

The general rule of ABCDE applies when trying to identify whether a mole is possibly related to skin cancer. However, this kind of identification is only convenient to the naked eye and may not be accurate. Further laboratory tests, skin biopsy and skin examination has to be done by a qualified skin dermatologist and pathologist to correctly identify whether a mole has cancerous cells.

A – Asymmetry.  Asymmetry shows that a mole is a possible cancer when one half of the mole takes a different shape, texture or form.

B – Border. Cancerous moles tend to have borders which are not regular.

C – Color. Cancerous moles do not have consistent color.  Most often, cancerous moles have different gradients of colors and are not even throughout the mole.

D – Diameter. Cancerous moles tend to have large diameters. Moles with diameters that are larger than a pencil’s eraser are more likely to be cancerous.

E – Evolving. Moles that grow and show continuous sign of changing shape have higher possibility to be skin cancer.

Below is a diagram showing examples of normal skin moles (left) and skin moles that are cancerous (right).

Is Skin Cancer Curable?

Yes, skin cancer is curable if found in its early stages. There are various treatment options available in the market, among a few are listed in the websites below. Though the results of different treatment may vary, it usually takes at least a combination of 3 kinds of expertise to be involved in the process of treatment, the dermatologist, the pathologist, and the oncologist. Some may even want to consult skin surgeons for second opinions.

Skin Cancer Treatment options:

http://www.webmd.com/melanoma-skin-cancer/detection-treatment-skin-cancer

http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/cancer-help/type/skin-cancer/treatment/which-treatment-for-skin-cancer

Sunday, 30 December 2012

Mole Removal Cream Review

There are many kinds of mole removal cream available on the shelf today. Some mole removal creams use natural ingredients and some creams use syntetic ingredients. It is still not proven which types of cream work better as different people with different skin types produce different results when compared to each other.

From a general perspective, it would be better if one would try out mole removal creams that are made from natural ingredients before resorting to using syntetic or biomedically engineered creams to solve the problem with mole removal. Be sure to read the instructions very carefully before applying any kind of cream on the skin, some people are allergic towards certain kinds of ingredients or creams and may result in the problem getting worse rather than solving the problem. It is essential to ensure that all ingredients that are used in the mole removal cream to be safe, tested, and widely recognized before using the mole removal cream.

Be sure to apply creams on well cleaned surface area of the skin and do not mix different creams when applying on the surface area of the skin. This is to ensure that there are no other chemicals or reactions that will alter the chemical composition of the creams. Altered chemical compositon may produce unwanted results.

Some dermatologist recommend using some kind of skin disinfectant to steralize the surface area of any kind of germs and bacteria that could cause skin infection before applying the mole removal cream on the surface area.

Mole removal creams work in different ways. Some mole removal creams penetrate the surface of the mole, and ceases nutrition from blood vesseles to reach the mole. The mole then dries up and drops off within a couple of days.

Some mole removal creams are corrosive and is supposed to be used in small portions to the surface area. These kind of cream  actually corrodes into the moles similar to the behaviour of acid and thus causes a more stinging effect on the surface of the skin. These corrosive creams should be used under the supervision of a skin specialist to ensure that it does not cause more damage to the other areas of the skin that is not part of the mole. Excessive usage of corrosive skin creams can result in unrepairable damage and may even lead to gangrine if the wound is not treated under favourable environment conditions with the necessary procedures and with the right apparatus.

Ultimately, the patient has a right to know whether he or she is able to make progress with the mole removal cream. The patient has to assess the risk and choose the best way he or she is willing to address the task of removal of the skin mole.

Among the different kinds of mole removal creams available in the market are as follows :

1) Dermatend

2) Heal Moles

3) Blemish Be Gone

Friday, 13 January 2012

Painless Mole Removal Techniques

Moles can not be removed without surgery or without an incision being made into the skin, however, one can opt not to go thru surgery to remove a skin mole. Skin moles that are not protruding from the surface of the skin can be hidden using a few simple to follow techniques.

The first way is to add skin foundation "make up" which has the same colour of the skin. This is a quick way of hiding moles without going thru the pain and long recovery of surgery. This also can be done without the supervision of dermatologist.

Secondly, one may choose to use stick ons which are placed over the moles. These stick-ons are skin look alike and others can hardly notice the difference between real skin and the skin with the stick-ons . These skin look alike stick ons are found only at selected pharmacy stores.

Thirdly, one may choose to wear gear that would hide portions of the skin having moles. The gear mentioned can be of any type, ranging from gloves for hands, long sleeve jackets for arms and shoulders, or even hats for the face.

Here is a video showing how moles can be removed by visiting the dermatologist using the shave technique. This technique shows a local anesthetic being administered prior to the procedure. Please consult your local dermatologist before attempting this procedure.

 
 
Some dermatologist advocate the usage of mole removal creams and skin tag removal creams. There are a variety of such skin creams available in today's market, however one has to consult the pharmacist and the dermatologist before atempting to use any cream. This advise is because some creams may have very strong effects and should be used only under strict observation of a skin specialist. Different people react differently to different skin solutions which suggests that the cream or skin solution be applied on a small surface area to test the effects before applying it on a wide surface area.

Sunday, 18 December 2011

Mole Prevention Methods

The best way to prevent moles from growing is to have a diet that has high content of potassium. Foods like bananas, apples and potatoes are a great source of potassium.

Vegetables that are rich in vitamin A are also good to prevent moles from forming. Fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamin C and vitamin E are also essential for mole prevention.

The use of sun screen or sun block is essential to mole prevention. This measure would prevent the skin from over producing melanin which plays a major role in mole formation.

Use skin care cream that hydrates and provides essential vitamins and minerals for skin repair. Skin creams normally are abstracts from plants which block moisture from leaving the surface of the skin. This action in return keeps the skin moist and hydrated for a longer period, as compared to without any cream. The moisture retains the shape and texture of the skin cells even in dry, air-conditioned, or sun exposed environments.

Avoid eating oily and spicy food. Food that is oily and spicy tends to activate the oil glands under the skin, providing an environment which is conducive for mole growth. Oily skin also is the perfect home for the growth of bacteria which can lead to acne and other skin conditions.

Drink plenty of water. Water is essential to keep the body's fluids in balance. It also helps flush the system from acidic or alkaline buildup in the body. Water helps the skin to hydrate and repair itself. Normal water consumption of 6 to 8 glasses per day is essential to keep the body hydrated. Water is the single most important element that acts as a medium to send electrolytes and nutrients that the skin needs to repair itself from damage caused by the harsh environment.

Exercise is another way to detoxify the body of unwanted fluids. Exercise helps blood circulation as well as providing the flow of nutrients and minerals to all parts of the body. Exercise also enables the sweat glands under the skin to work normally as it should and thus, creating a more healthy and resilient layer of skin.

Around 8 hours of sleep a day is essential for skin cells to repair itself from damage caused during the day. It is this time that the skin can regenerate new cells and repair damaged skin cells. Therefore, sleep does play an important role in keeping the skin looking radiant.

Sunday, 4 December 2011

Psychological Effects of Mole Removal

Moles are skin lesions that aren't a problem for many individuals. However, some people consider them a hindrance and become self-conscious over them, particularly if they're significantly noticeable. Many of them are also cancerous and cause pain or irritability which brings up the need for cosmetic mole removal.
Although cosmetic surgery seems like the ideal solution for those with harmful or annoying moles, keep in mind it's only half the battle. Individuals must often overcome anxiety over the surgical procedure, and regain self-confidence afterward. Sometimes, it's helpful for people to consult with a specialist about working through depression over their embarrassment about having visible moles. A qualified psychologist can help you answer the following questions before going through with surgery.
1. How do the characteristics involving your moles affect your daily life?
The kinds of symptoms one experiences with moles determine their need to remove them. Serious signifies may include itchy, bleeding, crusting or painful moles that get in the way of you enjoying the quality of life. Irregular shapes or colors are also clues that removal is necessary, as it may be indicative of skin cancer. If none of these symptoms are evident, it becomes a matter of addressing your likelihood of increasing your self-esteem without the mole(s).
2. What types of mole removal surgery are available?
There's several ways to remove moles surgically, and most of them are outpatient procedures. One typical technique is the mole punch biopsy which can be done by a dermatologist and involves a cylinder-like device that takes away the mole, leaving a small white scar. Another common method is laser treatment which generally costs more and most likely will be performed by a plastic surgeon, but tends to be the best options for moles on the face or other noticeable areas. On the other hand, individuals may opt to have their mole cut out, especially if it's a raised lesion. Lastly, individuals choose Cryotherapy, a medical therapy that focuses on freezing moles off. This approach commonly has the lowest side effects.
For more information on how you can help affected individuals cope with their anxiety over moles, check out resources that contain a graduate education in pyschology, counseling, or a related field.

Friday, 2 December 2011

An Overview on Wound Management Techniques

Bruises, gashes, internal scarring, infections, and other forms of abrasion require extreme care. In order to help an individual heal, both healthcare and non-healthcare professionals must adhere to specific practices for the benefit of the injured individual. There's several remedies that are effective and can lead to full recovery if instructions are followed properly and the appropriate tools are used. Take a look at some options that could benefit you.

Medical Care


The most common antedote for wounds is the delivery of medical care at a healthcare facility. Specialists, such as nurse practitioners, are skilled at nurturing patients back to health in hospitals, health clinics, outpatient facilities, adult day cares, emergency rooms, and rehabilitation centers.They clean and dress wounds, administer fluids and medications, check vitals, prep individuals for x-rays of their injuries, monitor progress, and report signs of adnormality to physicians. They also educate patients about how to care for their wounds once they're released from the care of specialists.

Holistic Treatments


Another useful approach to wound management is the practice of holistic treatments. Many physical therapists, chiropractors, massage therapists, burn specialists, occupational therapists, and some nurse specialists provide a variety of natural remedies to assist patients. Deep tissue massages, homeopathic creams and disinfectants, traditional herbal medications, and vitamin supplements are often involved in efficient healing techniques.

Home Remedies


Superficial wounds and post-surgical scars may be cared for in the comfort of your own home. Many injuries require the use of gauze pads, band-aids, elastic bandages, soap, adhesive tape, closure strips and antiseptic wipes or sprays that can be applied by a non-professional. The intake of vitamin C supplements is strongly recommended during wound management, as the nutrients in it are known to help injuries heal faster.

Who Else Administers Wound Management Techniques?


Besides nurses, there's several other kinds of healthcare professionals that assist and make suggestions for wound management. Cosmetologists, plastic surgeons, dentists, and family physicians are examples of specialists that are qualified to treat injuries. The majority of healthcare professionals supervise medical assistants in wound management procedures, ensuring quality care and presenting new approaches in daily operations.

Thursday, 1 December 2011

How Ordinary Moles Can Turn Cancerous

Summary


By definition, a mole is a lesion that's located on or under a person's skin. The medical term for it is 'melanocytic nevus', as it contains nevus cells. Moles are typically acquired during the early stages of an individual's life, sometimes vanishing during the middle age.
The average person may have somewhere between 10 and 40 moles. The most common kinds are raised moles, flat moles, and skin tags. Those that lie in the dermis are embedded in the skin whereas those that on or covered by the epidermis are situated on the skin's outer layer. They're usually benign and range in size, although most of them are oval and not much larger than a pea or raisin. However, some of them, such as the displastic nevus, may resemble malignant skin lesions since they are discolored with an amorphous shape.

What is melanoma?


Some moles are melanoma which are harmful tumors that are a type of skin cancer. Although it's less common than other kinds of skin cancer, it's considered the deadliest form. Diagnosis tends to be more prevalent in females that reside in warm climates, as excessive exposure to the sun is one of the top causes of melanoma. Fair-skinned individuals with light colored hair and eyes are also more at risk.

What are causes of cancerous moles?


While ultraviolent (UV) light exposure may be the most typical cause of cancerous moles, there's also other ways to become afflicted with melanoma. Tanning beds are another common cause, as well as extreme exposure to x-rays. Additionally, those who have impaired immune systems from taking various medications at once are more susceptible to fall victim to melanoma. Frequent contact with chemicals in oil, soot, and tar are contributers as well.

How are cancerous moles diagnosed?


Dermotologists are skin specialists that are most likely to detect melanoma. They may run diagnostic tests if they see symptoms, such as darkish blue coloring and irregular shaped moles, on the skin. Most indications are easy to spot with the naked eye, and it's important to act on clues early to prevent mestasis, or the spread of cancer to other organs.

What treatments are available for cancerous moles?


There's several forms of treatment for cancerous moles that are often performed by nuclear medicine technologists or plastic surgeons. Many individuals choose to undergo cosmetic surgery to have their mole(s) removed. Some endure chemo and/or immunotherapy while radiation therapy is recommended for others.
Check out some skin cancer blogs for more information on cancerous moles.