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Skin cancer is a common form of cancer that mostly develops on the skin exposed to the sun, such as your face, back, and hands. However, it can also occur in other areas of your skin not ordinarily exposed to sunlight. Limiting or avoiding exposure to ultraviolet radiation can help you reduce your risk of skin cancer Coral Gables and checking your skin for abnormal changes can help you detect skin cancer at its early stages. Early detection of skin cancer improves the chances of successful treatment. Below are the three major types of skin cancer and their signs and symptoms.

Basal cell carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer that usually starts in the basal cells – a kind of cell that produces new cells as old ones die. It usually appears as a slightly transparent bump or a sore that won’t heal. Basal cell carcinoma can also occur as a brown, black, or blue lesion, a flat scaly patch with a raised edge, or a white, waxy, scar-like lesion. Most of the time, this type of skin cancer develops due to chronic sun exposure, which exposes you to more UV radiation. The ultraviolet radiation damages the DNA in basal cells resulting in a mutation that causes the cells to multiply rapidly.

Squamous cell carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma is a form of skin cancer that develops in the cells that make up your skin’s middle and outer layers. It is usually not life-threatening but can be aggressive, especially when left untreated. Like most types of skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma results from prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight. UV radiations can also be from lamps or tanning beds. Squamous cell carcinoma can appear as a firm, red nodule, a sore with a scaly crust, a scaly patch on the lip that evolves into a sore, or a red, raised patch in your anus or your genitals.

You can reduce the risk of squamous cell carcinoma by avoiding the sun during the middle of the day when the rays are strongest, wearing sunscreen all year round, checking your skin for any abnormalities, and reporting the changes to your doctor.

Melanoma

Melanoma is a serious type of skin cancer that develops in the cells that produce melanin (melanocytes). It can form anywhere in your body but mostly in areas that often get sun exposure, such as the face, neck, back, arms, and legs. They can appear as moles with irregular shapes and borders. These moles vary in characteristics, so you should report any abnormal skin changes to your doctor to help detect skin cancer at its earliest stages.

Skin cancer often develops in areas most exposed to the sun, including the face, ears, lips, scalp, chest, hands, arms, and legs. However, other parts that rarely see the light of the day, such as your palms, toenails, and genital area, are not exempted. It can also affect anyone regardless of skin tone. But melanoma is also likely to occur in areas not exposed to sunlight, including feet’ hands, and soles in people with darker complexions.

Consult your healthcare provider at Martha Viera, MD, if you have further questions to learn more. 

The microneedling concept has been available for a while, and the procedure is gaining more popularity amongst celebrities because of the benefits it produces, which are beyond incredible. This non-invasive procedure involves using controlled and superficial punctures conducted on the skin area by rolling with fine miniature needles, which perform miracles on the skin and make it smooth. At LUX Dermatology, you can get the best aesthetic treatment using microneedling Sparks to improve your skin appearance. Here are the reasons why you need to try this treatment:

1. Improves Skin Tone

When your skin encounters so many sun waves, it will be affected because the heatwave will accelerate the breakdown of the available collagen. When the sun is scorching hot, it can affect your hands and skin hyperpigmentation areas, and you will develop sunspots. A microneedling procedure is crucial to break up the hyperpigmentation of your skin and improve your skin cells turnover to develop a more even skin complexion.

2. Treat Scars

The treatment of your skin may help acne disappear. However, you may be left with lasting skin, impacting your self-confidence and self-esteem. Microneedling can be a lasting solution treatment if you want to remove those permanent spots on your skin. The procedure, when used, stimulates your skin area and improves the repair process. It will then allow the skin to fill in the parts recessed with acne scars and improve your skin look and texture.

In addition, the procedure is effective in removing scars on your body that were caused by surgery and trauma. We can also use this tool to remove your body’s stretch marks.

3. Helps in Stimulating Collagen Production

Microneedling Sparks is mainly referred to as a collagen induction remedy. The collagen available in your skin is a structural protein that helps your skin become strong and resilient. When you get older, production of this youth-promoting skincare will decrease, and you will begin to develop wrinkles and lines.

The use of microneedling can be used to develop micro-tears in your skin’s surface layer. The tiny tears created by this procedure help trigger the needed self-healing mechanism on your skin as it increases collagen production.

4. Helps in the Delivery of Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP)

The available Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP) is crucial to the skin as it acts as a regenerative medicine with a high concentration of essential healing properties in your blood. This will include specialized proteins, platelets, and growth factors. Therefore, if you have aesthetic goals, it would be best to consider microneedling sparks treatment to help accelerate your body’s repair process.

The procedure works best when the PRP is used for your treatment when a sample of blood is removed from your body and then applied to your skin before a specialist starts the microneedling procedure. We use the tiny needles to drive the healing properties into your skin surface area from the PRP to help maximize the skin beautification process.

If you have been affected by skin damage, it would be best to visit LUX Dermatology for a microneedling Sparks treatment. The procedure is simple, safe, and effective in improving the entire skin appearance and structure. Book an appointment to discuss your issue with a specialist at our facility.

Cosmetic innovations keep on making it easier to lead a quality life. Today, the Jeuveau New York specialists offer a new way of fighting wrinkles and fine lines on your face. Jeauveau™ has been approved by the FDA to manage facial wrinkles that make you look upset or angry even when you are not. It can help you look younger and gain confidence and self-esteem, improving your quality of life. The treatment employs the latest aesthetic technology and is available for both men and women wishing to enhance the appearance of wrinkles and lines with a few simple cosmetic injections. Here is more information about the treatment.

What it is

Jeauveau™ is derived from Botulinum toxin A like Dysport®, Botox®, and Xeomin®. It is one of its kind and seems to be replacing other Botulinum toxin injections like Botox, which have been the most popular cosmetic procedures in the past years. It has become one of the latest anti-aging treatments effective in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It was clinically developed and is exclusively dedicated to improving the esthetics of your facial structure.

Jeauveau™ Benefits

Jeauveau™ treatment has been FDA approved to manage the glabellar lines or the 11 lines. Therefore, you might benefit from the medicine if vertical lines are between your eyebrows. These lines mainly occur due to aging, after years of squinting, scowling, frowning, or furrowing your brows. However, other Botulinum toxin A-based injectables have been approved for use in other facial areas and can manage forehead lines, laugh lines, and crow’s feet.

How Jeauveau™ Works

Generally, Jeauveau™ acts like a neuromodulator. It can reduce the appearance f facial lines and wrinkles by targeting the muscles that cause those facial defects. It relaxes the muscles responsible for laughing, smiling, squinting, furrowing, and frowning. It is normal to repeat such actions more times every day, even without realizing it. But it is these actions that cause wrinkles and fine lines. Laughing and smiling will give you laugh lines, furrowing and frowning will provide glabellar lines and forehead wrinkles, while squinting will give you crow’s feet. Therefore, once Jeauveau™ relaxes the muscles controlling the actions, the movements in your skin are reduced, minimizing the effects of those actions.

Good Candidates for Jeauveau™

Anyone experiencing moderate to severe glabellar lines can benefit from Jeauveau™. Also, it can help anyone who desires to stop furrows or wrinkles before they start developing. Understand that your body starts aging during your mid-20s when you might not experience visible signs. Therefore, Jeauveau™ offers you an opportunity to counter the aging signs before they occur. It means you can stay ahead of aging.

Comparing Jeauveau™ to Botox Cosmetic

There are apparent similarities between Jeauveau™ and Botox injections. Both treatments take about 20 minutes, and the results manifest after about a week. Also, results in both treatments last for about 3-4 months. But there is also a difference between the two treatments. One clear difference is that Jeauveau™ is at the time approved for treating glabellar lines only, while Botox is approved to treat wrinkles and lines in other places of your face. Botox is also approved for medical purposes.

Schedule your Jeauveau™ consultation appointment today at Lumos Dermatology to understand more about the treatment. Your provider will evaluate your needs to help determine the right wrinkle relaxer for you.

Primary care is the branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and nonsurgical treatment of diseases and conditions that affect the human body. It is a vital part of our healthcare system, as it is the first point of contact for patients seeking medical care. That is why it is advisable to speak to Dr. Andrew Chow if you feel unwell.

Here are some common primary care diagnoses that you should be aware of:

Diabetes mellitus

It is a group of metabolic disorders characterized by the lack of insulin in the body, leading to excess blood sugar levels. Diabetes mellitus is a leading cause of death worldwide.

Some of the symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and blurred vision. If left untreated, diabetes mellitus can lead to severe complications such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.

Hypertension

It is a condition that is characterized by high blood pressure. Hypertension is a risk factor for several other conditions, such as heart disease and stroke. Your doctor will likely diagnose you with hypertension if you have symptoms such as headaches, nosebleeds, and shortness of breath

Heart disease

Heart disease is a broad category that encompasses several conditions that affect the health and performance of the heart. These include coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, and more.

You need to know about chest pain, shortness of breath, and irregular heartbeat. Heart disease can lead to serious complications such as heart failure and death if left untreated.

Cancer

Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by the abnormal growth of cells in the body. There are many different types of cancer, with the most common being breast cancer, lung cancer, and colorectal cancer.

Some symptoms include a lump or mass in the body, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue. If left untreated, cancer can be fatal.

Stroke

A stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, usually due to a blood clot. It can lead to severe complications such as paralysis and cognitive impairment.

Your doctor will likely diagnose you with stroke if you have sudden weakness or numbness in one arm, difficulty speaking, or confusion. Prompt treatment for stroke is essential to reduce the risk of long-term complications.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

It is a group of lung conditions characterized by the obstruction of airflow in the lungs. COPD is a leading cause of death worldwide. Your doctor at Triad Primary Care will likely diagnose you with COPD when they notice shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing. If left untreated, COPD can lead to respiratory failure and death.

Depression

Depression is a mental health condition characterized by sadness, loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities, sleep disturbances, and more. You need to know the common symptoms: loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite, and sleep disturbances. If left untreated, depression can lead to severe complications such as suicide.

These are just some of the common diagnoses you may encounter in primary care. It is essential to be aware of these conditions to seek treatment early if you experience any symptoms. If you have any concerns, be sure to speak to your doctor.

Hemorrhoids are one of the most-known issues affecting your rectum and anus. However, pain in the anorectal zone can result from an extensive range of conditions. To avoid the problem from becoming severe, you should seek immediate medical care for proper diagnosis and treatment. The team at Surgical Specialists of NY are experts in proctology Astoria and experienced in developing customized treatment plans via non-surgical therapies and opt for surgery only when needed. Call or book an appointment online today if you have anorectal symptoms such as itching and anal pain.

What Exactly Is Proctology?

This field of medicine deals with conditions that affect your rectum and anus. The field specialist known as colorectal surgeons or proctologists is expert surgeons with a tremendous experience in the non-surgical treatment of anorectal problems.

What Are the Common Proctology Conditions?

Proctology concentrates on the treatment of several benign anorectal diseases. Some of the common conditions that can affect your anorectal region include;

• Anal Fistulas and Fissures

A fistula is generally an abnormal tunnel between your skin and anus because of an infection. On the other hand, a fissure is a minor tear in the anal lining.

• Hemorrhoids

This condition results when your rectum and anus veins become swollen and enlarged. If you suffer from internal hemorrhoids, you might notice bright red blood in the toilet after the bowel movement. On the other hand, external hemorrhoids often cause itching, pain, and skin irritation.

• Anal Condyloma

Anal condyloma is often referred to as anal warts. The condition advances when you get infected with the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus. 

• Perianal Dermatitis

This is a problem that causes a rash around your anus. Perianal dermatitis causes contact and allergic dermatitis, inflammatory skin conditions, infections, poor hygiene, and cancer.

• Pruritus Ani

You probably have pruritus ani if you have an itchy and irritating feeling around your anus. This itchiness might develop without any specific reason. The issue also happens as a symptom of several conditions, including hemorrhoids, anal fistulas, incontinence, and anal fissures.

• Anorectal Abscess

An abscess is a painful and swollen puss-filled anal gland caused by infections.

What Should You Expect During Diagnosis of Anorectal Conditions?

When you walk into a proctologist’s office, they will begin by reviewing your medical history and symptoms. Your proctologist will also do a physical examination, which will determine whether you require extra diagnostic testing such as ultrasound, anoscope, MRI, flexible sigmoidoscopy, and digital rectal exam. Diagnostic imaging shows the function and structure of the sphincter muscles, rectum, and anal canal.

What Are the Available Proctology Treatments?

A wide range of diseases affect your rectum and anus; hence need different types of treatment. The experienced proctologist at Surgical Specialists of NY customizes your treatment, starting with the most suitable conservative therapy. Surgery is only recommended when highly necessary.

If you have noticed any problem in or around your rectum or anus, you should book an appointment with experts at Surgical Specialists of NY. Call or schedule an appointment with the online tool today.

A profession in athletics makes you highly prone to various injuries depending on the kind of sport you participate in. This has led to the emergence and spread of pain performance facilities. These facilities tend to attend to athletes’ injuries in detail, offering specialized care when dealing with these conditions to avoid the risk of recurrence. A common injury is shoulder pain Brunswick. Information about this injury and possible treatment plans are highlighted below.

What Does Shoulder Pain Involve?

Shoulder pain typically starts from the shoulder joint or the surrounding ligaments, muscles, or tendons. Arm or shoulder movements or activities may worsen shoulder pain that originates from the joint.

Conditions and diseases that affect structures in your abdomen or chest, like gallbladder disease or heart disease, may also result in shoulder pain.

Referred pain arises from a separate structure and usually does not cause shoulder pain or worsen when you move your shoulder.

Causes

Shoulder pain may arise from various sources, which may include:

• Brachial plexus injury
• Avascular necrosis
• Broken arm
• Joint inflammation
• Broken collarbone
• Dislocated shoulder
• Cervical radiculopathy
• Heart attack
• Frozen shoulder
• Osteoarthritis
• Impingement
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Polymyalgia rheumatica
• Septic arthritis
• Rotator cuff injury
• Tendonitis
• Sprains
• Thoracic outlet syndrome
• Tendon rupture
• Torn cartilage

Shoulder pain that comes with a sense of tightness in the chest or difficulty breathing may indicate a heart attack so immediate medical attention is required.

It is advisable to go to a medical professional if your shoulder pain occurs after an injury and is accompanied by:

• Inability to use your joint or move your arm away from your body
• A joint that looks like it is deformed
• Sudden swelling
• Intense pain

You may also visit your doctor if the shoulder pain is accompanied by:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Warmth and tenderness around the joint

Mild shoulder pain can be relieved using:

• Resting by avoiding using your shoulder in ways that may worsen or cause pain
• Pain relievers like ibuprofen and naproxen sodium may also help
• Applying an ice pack to the painful shoulder for about twenty minutes several times each day
• Learning exercises that strengthen and stretch your shoulder muscles and rotator cuff tendons
• Continuing to perform range-of-motion exercises to avoid frozen shoulder, especially if you are recovering from tendonitis
• Practice maintaining good posture that keeps your tendons and shoulder muscles in their proper positions
• A physical therapist who may help you safely and slowly to return to your regular activities

Diagnosis and Treatment

Your physician might do a physical exam and other imaging tests to recommend various treatment plans that include:

• Injection of an anti-inflammatory drug like corticosteroid
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• Physical therapy
• Surgery if and when other treatment plans are ineffective

Shoulder pain treatment may require observation over an extended period. Athletes may need specialized care during treatment to ensure the injury may not reoccur. Check us out online for any shoulder pain inquiries, or call our offices in Houston, TX.

Atrial fibrillation occurs when the heart’s upper chambers do not beat in coordination with the lower sections. Instead, the atria (upper chambers) beat in a fast and chaotic rhythm, impeding blood flow to the rest of your body. Most people with atrial fibrillation Frisco experience no symptoms, but atrial fibrillation may cause a pounding heartbeat, chest pain, dizziness, fatigue, and shortness of breath.

You may experience episodes of atrial fibrillation occasionally, or they may be persistent. Atrial fibrillation isn’t life-threatening, but it increases your risk of severe problems, including stroke and pulmonary embolism. The following article discusses the causes and potential complications of atrial fibrillation.

What causes atrial fibrillation?

To understand the causes of atrial fibrillation, you may need to understand the normal heart rhythm.

The heart has four chambers – two upper ones called the atria and two lower sections called the ventricles. The heart’s natural pacemaker within the right atrium is a group of cells called the sinus node. Usually, the upper atria contract first during each heartbeat, followed by the ventricles. The heart’s electrical system controls the timing of the heart’s contractions; when timed perfectly, these actions allow for an efficient pump.

In a regular heart rhythm, the sinus node releases electrical impulses through the atria (the two upper chambers), which pass through the atrioventricular node (the pathway between the upper and lower chambers). When the signals spread through the right and left atria, the sections constrict, forcing blood into the ventricles and the rest of your body.

For atrial fibrillation, many different impulses fire at once, causing a chaotic rhythm in the heart’s upper chambers (atria). Due to the fast and chaotic impulses, the upper chambers do not contract or squeeze blood effectively into the lower chambers (ventricles). Instead of the impulses traveling in an orderly manner, they all begin simultaneously, causing the AV node to bombard with signals. Although the AV controls or limits the number of impulses that get to the ventricles, many impulses still get through in a disorganized fashion.

As a result, the heart’s lower chambers (ventricles) contract irregularly, causing a rapid and irregular heartbeat. Atrial fibrillation often occurs due to problems with the heart’s structure. Examples of possible causes include:

• Heart attack
• Lung disease
• High blood pressure
• Sleep apnea
• Previous heart surgery
• Viral infections
• Coronary artery disease
• Physical stress due to pneumonia, stress, and other illnesses
• Congenital heart defect
• Heart valve problems

Possible complications of atrial fibrillation

Some people with atrial fibrillation live for years without problems, but it can cause blood clots. Since the upper chambers beat fast and irregularly, blood takes more time to flow through them, increasing the likelihood of clot formation. When the lump is pumped out of the heart, it can travel to the brain, causing a stroke or the lungs, resulting in pulmonary embolism. Blood clots can also travel to other body parts, including the kidneys and intestines. Over time, atrial fibrillation can significantly weaken the heart and lead to heart failure.

Consult your cardiologist at Prime Heart and Vascular to learn about the treatment for atrial fibrillation.

Arthritis can be a debilitating condition that limits one’s ability to move and perform daily tasks. However, there are ways to manage arthritis and make the most of life. One way is to find fun hobbies that can be enjoyed despite the pain and stiffness of arthritis Gramercy.

Here are nine fun hobbies seniors with arthritis can try out:

1. Birdwatching

Birdwatching is a great way to get outdoors and enjoy nature. It can be done from the comfort of your own home by simply looking out the window or by venturing out into your backyard or a nearby park. You need a pair of binoculars and a bird identification book, and you are good to go!

2. Gardening

Gardening is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the beauty of nature. It can be done in a small space, such as a balcony, patio, or larger yard. If you have arthritis in your hands, special tools are available to help make gardening easier.

3. Cooking or Baking

Cooking and baking can be great fun, especially when sharing your creations with friends and family. There are many recipes available that are specifically designed for people with arthritis. And, if you are not up for cooking or baking from scratch, there are plenty of quick and easy meals that can be made with just a few ingredients.

4. Arts and Crafts

Arts and crafts can be a great way to express your creativity. Many projects can be done without using your hands, such as painting or sculpture. Or, if you prefer working with your hands, there are special adaptive tools available that can help make arts and crafts easier. 

5. Photography

Photography is a great way to capture memories and share them with others. It can be done with a simple point-and-shoot camera or a more sophisticated DSLR camera. If you have arthritis in your hands, special tripods are available that can help make photography easier.

6. Reading

Reading is a great way to relax and escape from the stresses of everyday life. It can be done anywhere, at any time. And, if you have arthritis in your hands, there are unique book holders available that can help make reading easier.

7. Collecting

Collecting is a great way to focus on something positive and enjoy the hunt for new and exciting items. Many things can be collected, such as stamps, coins, cards, and more. If you have arthritis in your hands, special tools are available to help make collecting easier.

8. Traveling

Traveling is a great way to see new places and experience different cultures. It can be done locally by taking day trips or weekend getaways. Or, it can be done further away by taking longer vacations. If you have arthritis in your hands, special adaptive devices are available that can help make traveling easier.

9. Listening to Music

Listening to music is a great way to relax and escape from the stresses of everyday life. It can be done anywhere, at any time. And, if you have arthritis in your hands, there are special devices available that can help make listening to music easier.

These are just a few ideas for seniors with arthritis. There are many other fun activities, so get creative and have fun! Always consult with your doctor at DeLoor Podiatry Associates before starting any new activity.