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Our dermatologists and skin cancer specialists in La Mesa hear many misconceptions about melanoma and other types of skin cancer. At Grossmont Dermatology Medical Clinic and Skin Cancer Treatment Center, we believe patient education is vital to diagnosing and treating common skin conditions and cancer. See how much you know about skin cancer with these facts and myths. Myth: Skin Cancer is Not Dangerous Downplaying the severity of melanoma can be harmful and lead to people delaying a skin evaluation for a suspicious growth or mole. While skin cancer is highly treatable, it is still deadly. The American Cancer Society reports that … Continue reading “Skin Cancer Facts and Myths, Test Your Knowledge”

When patients visit our doctors to ask about how they can improve acne scars, we sometimes suggest microneedling. Microneedling is one of the most popular cosmetic skin treatments we perform at Grossmont Dermatology Medical Clinic. It is a non-invasive procedure that safely treats patients of all skin types. This blog provides a brief explanation about what microneedling can do to improve acne scarring.   Understanding Microneedling Microneedling is a device that uses miniature sterile needles to rapidly poke tiny holes into the skin. Although microneedling does not cause any actual harm, it does cause just enough damage to make the … Continue reading “How Microneedling Improves Acne and Acne Scarring”

About 20% of Americans develop skin cancer at some point in their lives, but as far as cancer goes, it is one of the easiest types to survive. This is especially true for patients who seek treatment for their skin cancer early on. To get it treated early, you need to detect it early, so it’s helpful to know the warning signs to look for. The team at Grossmont Dermatology Medical Clinic advises you to keep an eye on the following potential signs of skin cancers: Moles To keep on top of melanoma risks, the number one thing to look … Continue reading “Warning Signs You Need to See a Dermatologist for Skin Cancer Risk”

While the doctors at Grossmont Dermatology Medical Clinic do remove many moles to conduct a biopsy, not all moles need to be suspicious or potentially harmful to your health to warrant removal. Some of our patients request mole removal for cosmetic purposes, knowing they can trust our experts to do so in a way that is aesthetically pleasing and leaves minimal scarring. This blog features reasons you may choose to undergo this quick procedure. You Believe It’s Too Prominent The location of a mole can alter your opinion about it. For example, having a mole on your leg may not … Continue reading “4 Reasons to Have Cosmetic Mole Removal for Clearer Skin”

Skin cancer is one of a few cancer types that you can see develop. Growths and moles form on the skin that can easily be studied at home and by our dermatologists at Grossmont Dermatology Medical Clinic and Skin Cancer Treatment Center in La Mesa. While 99 percent of skin cancer cases are curable, it depends on early diagnosis and treatment. Unchecked cancerous lesions may lead to disfigurement and become deadly as the skin cancer spreads to other areas of the body.   Everyday Habits That May Prevent Skin Cancer The single best thing you can do to mitigate your risk … Continue reading “Steps to Take for Early Skin Cancer Treatment and Prevention”

Hair loss plagues men and women alike, and few treatment options exist to restore hair growth. Research shows platelet-rich plasma (PRP) may be an effective way to improve your hair follicle quantity and quality. The theory behind PRP treatments for hair loss is that the isolated platelets in your blood reach deep into the scalp to the bottom of the hair follicle, stimulating hair regrowth through dermal papilla cells. Our dermatologists at Grossmont Dermatology Medical Clinic and Skin Cancer Treatment Center in La Mesa offer PRP treatments for men and women struggling with hair loss or skin concerns such as … Continue reading “Platelet-Rich Plasma Treatments Proven to Improve Hair Regrowth”

Many people toss aside their sunscreen when sweater-weather arrives in the fall and winter months, but this time of year is just as harmful (if not more so) than the summer sun. Cool and cloudy days and changing seasons don’t make the sun’s rays less dangerous. That fireball in the sky sends down UV rays whether it’s rainy, sunny or snowy. Our dermatologists recommend wearing 30 SPF or higher sunscreen year-round.  Winter May be More Dangerous for Your Skin There are two forms of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. UVA rays cause the skin to tan, develop dark spots … Continue reading “Why You Still Need to Worry About Skin Cancer in the Winter”

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a specialized treatment for pre-cancerous lesions. PDT uses a light-activated drug (or photosensitizing agent) to destroy pre-cancer cells without harming nearby tissues. The treatment triggers your body’s own immune system to strike the tumor cells not only in the treated area but other parts of the body. At Grossmont Dermatology Medical Clinic and Skin Cancer Treatment Center, we offer PDT to effectively treat pre-cancerous lesions. Are Treated with PDT?  In dermatology, Photodynamic therapy is an alternative option for actinic keratoses and pre-cancerous lesions because it limits the damage to surrounding healthy cells by targeting abnormal cells … Continue reading “What Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) Can Do For You”

Skin depressions caused by injury, acne or fine wrinkles make many people self-conscious, and makeup can accentuate rather than cover up these cosmetic concerns. Microneedling is an effective and minimally invasive way to smooth the skin for an even texture and appearance. The non-surgical treatment improves skin imperfections by creating micro-trauma with tiny needles and stimulates your body’s natural ability to repair the tissues without leaving a scar.  Generally,  a topical anesthetic cream is applied to the skin and a  handheld electrically-powered device called SkinPen makes microscopic punctures in the skin. Your body responds with inflammation that promotes new collagen … Continue reading “The Many Benefits of Microneedling”

It’s summertime, and you would love to appear bare-legged in public. However, doing so would reveal the unattractive spider veins on your legs. The dermatologists at Grossmont Dermatology in La Mesa explain how to prevent spider veins, as well as ways to eradicate them. Spider veins do not go away on their own. What are Spider Veins? Red, blue or purple spider veins look like skinny webs beneath the skin’s surface. They usually show up on the legs and thighs, although they can appear on the face and other areas, too. Spider veins do not hurt. They seldom indicate a … Continue reading “Can You Prevent Spider Veins?”