As Fall’s cooler temperatures replace the sunny warmth of Summer, it’s time to get out the sweaters, brew up something with pumpkin spice — and get a post-summer skin check.

Dr. Peter Karlsberg and his physician’s assistant Michele Ayans provide top-notch, innovative cosmetic dermatological care at Ventura Institute for Dermatologic Arts, located in Ventura and Camarillo, California. Whether you are seeking to refresh your appearance with a treatment like Botox®, facial fillers or microneedling, or need a skin cancer check or treatment, we are here to help with a unique process that combines art and science for the best possible results.

Skin cancer

The most common type of cancer both in the United States and around the world, skin cancer will strike one in five Americans by the time they are 70 years old. It results from the abnormal growth of skin cells and is most often caused by harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun — and especially sun burns — as well as tanning beds.

Types of skin cancer

There are three common types of skin cancer.

Basal cell carcinoma

Often looking like a waxy bump, a flat scar-like lesion or a bleeding or scab-like sore that returns, basal cell carcinoma usually appears on the neck or face or other areas that are frequently exposed to the sun.

Squamous cell carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma also often occurs on places of the body that get a lot of sun including the face, ears, and hands. This type can look like a scaly, crusted, flat lesion or red, firm nodule.

Melanoma

Melanoma can occur anywhere on the body, including parts that are not exposed to the sun. In some cases, it looks like a mole that changes size or color or like a big brownish area with darker speckles.

Prevention

There are a number of steps that can minimize the risk of skin cancer. These include everything from avoiding the midday sun, which is typically strongest between 10 am and 4 pm, to wearing sunscreen every day and donning protective clothing and a broad-brimmed hat when spending time outside. Not using tanning beds is also important.

Detection and treatment

It is also important to have a check performed by a dermatologist if you spot anything suspicious on your skin or have had skin cancer in the past. If the diagnosis is skin cancer, there are a number of treatment options available. Catching an issue early makes for the best possible outcome regardless of the type.

If you have a concerning area on your skin or history of skin cancer, call us today at (805) 677-1600 to make an appointment.

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