4 ways to protect your skin and health with our specialty care

Excision is a surgical procedure to remove cancerous tissue and is typically the preferred treatment for many types of skin cancer. By making board-certified dermatologist Dr. Huayi Zhang your first choice for care, you can trust that the cancer will be treated precisely and in the least invasive manner possible. Bluebonnet Dermatology is delighted to present four effective ways to safeguard your skin and promote overall health in collaboration with our specialty care team in McKinney, Texas.

No. 1: Make prevention a daily habit.

Just one blistering sunburn as a child or adolescent is associated with more than double the risk of developing melanoma later in life. While basal and squamous cell carcinoma are the most common skin cancers, melanoma is the most dangerous. Dr. Zhang and our professionals can advise on ways to protect the skin from harmful UV damage from the sun and artificial sources, like tanning lamps. Remember: There is no such thing as a “healthy tan.” It is important to incorporate broad-spectrum sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection into your daily skin care routine and to practice sun avoidance measures when necessary.

No. 2: Get into a healthy routine with professional screenings.

You eat well. You exercise. You don’t smoke. Yet, if you fail to get regular professional screenings or skin checks, you are putting the health of your skin and body at risk. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends that individuals, regardless of skin type and tone, visit a licensed and qualified dermatologist like Dr. Zhang at least once a year. You should see us more frequently if you are at increased risk of developing skin cancers. What puts you at increased risk, you ask? Factors include a history of indoor tanning, sunburns, and unprotected exposure to harmful UV radiation. Being a redhead and having fair skin or a close biological relative with skin cancer also increases your risk.

No. 3: Prioritize self-exams.

A lot can happen in between annual screenings. So, being vigilant about checking your skin at home is important. During your screening, Dr. Zhang can also advise on what to look for and how to perform self-exams. You may even enlist the help of a spouse, partner, or friend to regularly check tricky spots that are hard to properly see on your own (such as your back). You should look for the “ugly ducklings” on your skin. These spots may stick out in some way from the surrounding tissue. For instance, you may notice a freckle that looks bigger or darker than the others. It’s not only about appearance. If you notice any changes, including how the freckle, mole, or spot feels, it can be a cause for concern. These changes include sudden soreness, persistent itchiness, or a sore that crusts and never seems to heal or recur fully.

No. 4: Don’t ignore the signs.

Skin cancer can often be treated successfully when diagnosed early. Even melanoma has a more than 99% five-year relative survival rate when treated at its “localized” stage before the cancer has spread. However, the American Cancer Society reports that the survival rates decline drastically the more that the cancer is allowed to spread – to a five-year survival rate of 75% and 35% when regional and distant sites of the body or organs are involved, respectively. With Dr. Zhang‘s considerable specialized knowledge and experience, she can make an accurate diagnosis that may add many quality years to your life. The nature of your diagnosis will then determine the “next steps,” which could include minimally invasive techniques to remove or excise the cancer and surrounding tissue. Excision techniques are often appropriate for many non-melanomas and early-stage melanomas.

If you are due for a screening or are concerned about a spot, contact Bluebonnet Dermatology today. You can reach our McKinney, TX team at (469) 663-8838.

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