What is Mohs Surgery?

Used to treat skin cancer, this very precise surgery is sometimes called by its full name, Mohs micrographic surgery. Physicians who perform it are specially trained dermatologists with a knowledge of cancer, pathology, and reconstructive surgery. Mohs surgery is the 1930s invention of Dr. Frederick Mohs, a University of Wisconsin professor of surgery.

When Physicians Use Mohs

Most tumors that a dermatologist Palo Alto treats with Mohs surgery are complex growths of either basal or squamous cell cancers. While physicians sometimes use the technique to treat superficial melanoma, this is rare. Experts classify skin cancer as complex under one or more conditions:

• It occurs in an area where maximizing function and appearance is crucial, such as the nose, lips, and ears.

• It develops in an area with above-average recurrence risk, like the temples or eyelids.

• It has recurred after initial treatment or had incomplete treatment.

• The tumor is large.

• Edges are not clearly definable.

• There is scar tissue in the area of the cancer.

• The malignancy develops in an area that has received radiation.

• The individual is immunosuppressed due to circumstances such as an organ transplant or certain types of leukemia.

• A patient is prone to developing multiple instances of skin malignancies.

How This Surgery Works

Administration of a local anesthetic is the first step in the procedure. Once the skin is numb, the physician scrapes the tumor with a curette to help determine the margin between malignant and normal tissue.

The surgeon systematically removes thin layers of tissue, using an electric needle as necessary to halt bleeding. Tissue is mapped regarding its precise location on the body using a labeling and color-coding system.

Each tissue section is processed and examined by the physician, who is looking for any sign of remaining cancer cells. Processing and examination of each tissue section takes about an hour, during which the patient is usually able to leave the facility.

If the surgeon spots malignant cells at the margin of the tissue, the patient must return. Matching the tissue to the map, the physician removes additional layers and repeats the processing and examination stages until sure that all the cancer has been removed. The final step in Mohs surgery is reconstructing any skin defect with stitches, a skin graft, or a flap.

The cure rate for new cancers is more than 99 percent. For recurrent malignancies, the Mohs success rate is 95 percent.

The Wonderful Versatility of Dermatologists

The skin's unique position as the body's largest organ and an external part makes it the target of many medical procedures. It also means that a dermatologist's job is far more varied than that of other types of doctors. One patient may come in for treatments to look 20 years younger, while the very next one may need treatment for a condition like melanoma. There is also plenty of overlap between the medical and cosmetic sides of the practice because patients want to look good even when serious conditions are involved.

Medical Dermatology This arm of the practice has medical conditions as its primary focus. Many patients first go to a dermatologist palo alto for acne treatment, but this is just the start of the possibilities. Dermatologists also treat psoriasis, eczema, rosacea, dermatitis, skin cancer, and many other conditions. A good general rule is that if a problem involves the skin, a dermatologist should be the first choice of practitioner. Often, medical and cosmetic dermatology overlap. For example, a person who seeks treatment for acne doesn't just want to get rid of the pimples.

He or she will also want to prevent scarring and get rid of any that already exists. A cancer patient needs to have the growth removed, but this needs to be done in a way that preserves the appearance of the skin as much as possible. Because cosmetic skill is needed for most treatments in any case, many dermatologists choose to expand their practices to also cover entirely-cosmetic procedures. Cosmetic Dermatology In most cases, the aim of this branch of dermatology is to allow patients to look younger or fitter than they actually are.

Wrinkle reduction or removal is a very popular choice when it comes to cosmetic treatment because it provides a dramatically younger look. Patients also improve their appearances by getting targeted fat reduction treatments. These treatments target double chins, areas that sag due to fat deposits, and the contour of the calves. The end result is a fitter appearance that would ordinarily take weeks or years of dedicated exercise to attain. These are just some of the services provided by dermatologists. With such a wide array of treatments and objectives, there's no doubt that these doctors are some of the most versatile to be found. Give one a visit any time there is a skin condition that needs to be addressed.

Clothing Suggestions for Eczema Sufferers

The skin condition called eczema is still fairly mysterious. There isn't a cure, but there are plenty of treatment options. Many of the best treatments are simply steps that can be taken to reduce the chance of a flare. Clothing choices for people who suffer from this condition are one of the first steps to help protect skin. Some fabrics are less likely to irritate skin than others.

What Fabric Choice is Best for Eczema Sufferers?

Wool clothes tend to feel scratchy for most people. It's not surprising to learn that they do commonly serve as a trigger for many people with sensitive skin conditions. On the other hand, many synthetics are also irritating because of substances used to create the fabrics. A dermatologist Palo Alto will probably suggest using 100 percent cotton as a good fabric choice for clothes. Cotton doesn't seem to irritate skin, and it can also serve as a protective layer against the possibility of contact with irritating products.

If people who suffer from this skin issue do need to wear synthetics, it's best to consider cotton underclothes to protect the skin as much as possible. For example, some people need to wear uniforms, and they may not get to choose the fabric. Sheets, upholstery, bedding, and other things may also come in contact with skin, so cotton is a good choice for these too.

Other Steps to Protect Skin From Irritation

Besides choosing the right fabrics, there are other ways to protect skin. For example, petroleum jelly and other skin lubricants may provide an extra layer of protection. These should be applied after bathing, and they might also be part of the morning routine before dressing. In the home, a humidifier that emits a cool mist may also help prevent skin from drying out.

Even the best fabrics won't help if they are laundered with irritating chemicals. It's also best to choose cleaning products without extra dyes or fragrances. If it's not clear which products are really safe for people with sensitive skin, a doctor may be able to suggest certain brands.

Reasons to See a Dermatologist in Palo Alto, California

Dry skin that lasts longer than the winter, a strange, recurring rash that just won't disappear completely, and even the dreaded acne: these are fairly common reasons to schedule an appointment with the local dermatologist. However, these talented skin doctors can diagnose and treat a variety of issues dealing with the skin that may surpass the ones mentioned above. If a patient is experiencing any skin woes at all that worry them, why not visit a dermatologist Palo Alto, California? Such a dermatologist may have offices across the state in such cities as Roseville, Cameron Park, Placerville, Pleasanton, Walnut Creek, and San Francisco. Here are some compelling reasons to book an appointment today.

Those who often notice that their skin gets patchy and red, but only during certain times and in certain conditions, can definitely benefit from a medical evaluation. It's likely that the dermatologist will diagnose symptoms like that as seborrheic dermatitis or eczema, but this could also be an indicator of a more serious health problem. Both psoriasis and lupus tend to manifest as red skin outbreaks, so it never hurts to know for sure.

If a patient has found that their overall skin tone across their body is uneven, this can be alarming. While yes, sunburn can cause this as can scarring from acne, this too can be attributed to grave medical conditions. For example, a patient could have connective tissue disease or lymphoma and not even know it. By visiting with a dermatologist, they can rule out what could be causing these skin color changes.

Everyone has itchy skin sometimes, especially in the winter. However, with a little lotion or other TLC, that itchy and flaky skin should clear right up. If it hasn't and more than seven days has passed, perhaps something more serious is to blame. Even skin cancer can cause itchy skin, so it's best to get checked out to make sure that this case of wintry skin is just that and nothing to worry about.

Acne plagues teens and eventually crops up for some adults. However, just because the patient thinks it's acne doesn't necessarily mean that it is. It could possibly be perioral dermatitis, which looks more like lesions, or even eczema. In those cases, acne treatments won't work. Lastly, it's best to go in to see a dermatologist annually. This doctor can check any sun spots, skin tags, or moles that have recently developed and let the patient know if these are dangerous or not. Don't wait. Call today.  

4 Signs It's Time to See a Dermatologist

A dermatologist is a doctor who specializes in caring for the skin, which is also the largest organ on the human body. Unfortunately, many people go their entire lives without ever seeing a dermatologist. As a result, these people are more prone to developing skin problems that go untreated, such as eczema, rosacea, or even a form of skin cancer. Specifically, there are a few tell-tale signs that it may be time to see a dermatologist Palo Alto area.

A Mole Has Changed Shape or Size

One of the first visible signs of skin cancer is that of a mole that has suddenly changed shape or grown in size. Sometimes, this symptom even occurs before skin cancer is present. Therefore, it's important for people to be mindful of the moles on their bodies and keep an eye on them. Any changes or deviations from a mole's normal state indicate the need to see a dermatologist. Specifically, a biopsy may need to be performed.

Sun Sensitivity Has Developed

Over time, the body can become more sensitive to the sun. In fact, some people even develop a sun allergy as they age. For many, a sun allergy means that an area of skin (usually on the chest or arms) breaks out into a rash or raised bumps that can be very uncomfortable. Those who have recently developed more sun sensitivity would be well served to see a dermatologist for an official diagnosis and to explore possible treatment options.

Presence of a Rash or Itchy Area

Anytime a rash or itchy area of the skin persists for more than a few days without relief, it's a good idea to see a dermatologist. There are lots of things that can cause rashes, so only a dermatologist will be able to assess the situation and provide the right treatment option for relief.

Never Been to a Dermatologist

Finally, those who are in their 20s or older and have never been to a dermatologist would be wise to schedule a general check-up, even if there are no obvious signs of a skin problem. Most health insurance plans will cover at least one visit to a dermatologist each year, even if it's not for a known medical problem. From there, one can feel better in knowing that they're taking good care of their body's biggest organ, the skin!