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One in five people develops skin cancer during their lifetime, and sun damage is a common cause. If you struggle with sun-damaged skin or suspicious lesions, turn to Goodman Dermatology and Mohs Surgery in Sun City West and Sun City, Arizona. Seth Goodman, DO, and Matt Goodman, MD, offer an array of treatments that revitalize aging skin and eliminate imperfections. Schedule an evaluation by calling the office or booking an appointment online today.
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What is sun damage?
Sun damage occurs because of unprotected exposure to ultraviolet rays, which tends to damage skin cells and increase wrinkles, dark spots, and other common signs of skin aging. It may also cause skin cancer, which the experts at Goodman Dermatology and Mohs Surgery can remove. It’s never too late to protect your skin from the sun.
What does sun damage look like?
Sun damage may appear as any of the following:
Sunburned skin (redness)
Blistering
Wrinkles
Skin discoloration (e.g., melasma, dark/age spots)
Moles
Freckles
Keratosis (scaly, rough patches of skin)
Chronically chapped lips
New or changing skin lesions
The three common forms of skin cancer include basal cell carcinoma (arising from the basal cell layer), squamous cell carcinoma (arising in the squamous cell layer), and melanoma (arising from the melanocyte cell), which is a more aggressive form of skin cancer.
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What increases the risk of sun damage?
Unprotected sun exposure and artificial UV exposure increase your risk of sun damage, including skin cancer. To reduce this risk, wear sunscreen or protective clothing when you’re outdoors (especially during the warmer summer months), and avoid using tanning beds.
How do I know if I have sun damage?
The Goodman Dermatology specialists examine your skin and discuss your medical history and lifestyle habits to determine what type of sun damage you have and how to best treat it. If needed, they may take a small tissue sample (biopsy) and examine skin cells under a microscope to determine if you have cancerous tissues.
How is sun damage treated?
Treating sun-damaged skin at Goodman Dermatology may involve:
Liquid nitrogen
Chemical peels
Microdermabrasion
Laser treatments
Removing cancerous tissue
Mohs surgery
You might be a candidate for more than one type of treatment to refresh sun-damaged skin, take years off your appearance, or become cancer-free. Continue to protect your skin from the sun using sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 30 (at least 50 if you have a high risk of sun damage).
Schedule a dermatology evaluation at Goodman Dermatology by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today to take advantage of sun damage treatment.