Understanding Causes and Treatments for Female Hair Loss.

We’re back with another Derm Deep Dive, a series where we provide expert advice from our board-certified dermatologists about common skin conditions and treatments. This month, we collaborated with Dr. Gregory Delost of our Mentor, OH location. August is Hair Loss Awareness Month, and we’ve asked Dr. Delost to weigh in on the causes of hair loss in women and treatment options. 

The Unique Challenges of Female Hair Loss 

Our hair is an important part of our identities and one of the ways we can express ourselves and our personalities. When an individual experiences hair loss, whether from aging or another trigger, it can impact their self-esteem and everyday life.  

Harvard Health found that one-third of women in the U.S. will experience hair loss at some point in their lifetime, and 85% of men will lose a significant amount of hair by age 50.  

Because hair loss issues are so widespread and often leave individuals wondering what to do, Hair Loss Awareness Month is a great opportunity for dermatologists to spread the word about hair loss conditions and treatments.  

For this blog post, we will focus on female hair loss, which has several causes and can affect women at any age. Fortunately, there are treatment options to get women closer to the healthy head of hair they love.  

What Causes Hair Loss in Women? 

There are several reasons why women lose their hair. Some female hair loss is temporary, while other types are more permanent or require treatment to manage.  

Let’s start with temporary hair loss. While frustrating and even a bit scary to see hair falling out and thin or bare patches form on the scalp, temporary hair loss occurs because of a specific trigger and will regrow once that trigger is resolved.  

Here are some common causes of temporary hair loss: 

Postpartum hair loss: Losing hair after having a baby actually isn’t true hair loss – it’s hair shedding as your body adjusts to falling estrogen levels. During pregnancy, the body holds onto hair, so you aren’t experiencing normal daily hair shedding. After giving birth, all that hair falls out. It may be a bit shocking but it should taper off by four months postpartum and normal hair growth resumes at about one year postpartum. To reduce the appearance of thin or bald spots from postpartum hair loss, we recommend: 

• Avoiding heavy or intensive conditioners, as these can weigh down hair 

• Using a volumizing shampoo to make hair appear fuller 

• Only conditioning the ends of your hair to avoid weighing your hair down 

Recovery from a major illness or surgery, or weight loss of 20+ pounds: A major trauma or change to the body can cause telogen effluvium, where more hairs than normal begin shedding at the same time. Similar to postpartum hair loss, hair falls out all at once but will taper off after a few months and normal hair growth resumes.  

Cancer treatment: Chemotherapy targets rapidly-dividing cells, which include hair follicles. Hair loss during chemotherapy treatment is normal, and hair typically grows back once the treatment is complete; however it may be thinner or patchy, something you can manage with different treatment options.  

Psoriasis on the scalp: This condition can cause temporary hair loss as the skin is inflamed and irritated. Once your scalp psoriasis has been treated, normal hair growth typically resumes.  

Alopecia areata: This autoimmune condition causes your immune system to attack the hair follicles, leading to patchy hair loss or hair thinning. Alopecia areata can be triggered by stress or disease, but with management and treatment, you can expect normal hair growth to resume.  

Traction alopecia (hair damage or breakage): How we treat our hair is so important to its overall health and strength from the roots to the ends. Hairstyles that pull the hair can damage follicles over time and lead to hair loss. Shampooing your scalp and conditioning your hair keep it healthier and moisturized. Avoid excessive hair brushing and keep exposure to extreme heat, such as hair straighteners or curling irons, to a minimum. 

Scarring hair loss: Inflammatory or autoimmune disorders can lead to hair loss caused by hair follicle destruction. This type of hair loss can also be caused by skin injuries or burns. Systemic and aggressive treatment may be required, to help avoid permanent scarring and hair loss. Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA), is a specific type of scarring hair loss, it often begins in the center of the scalp as a small, balding, and round patch that grows over time. While more common in Black women, this type of hair loss develops in men and people of all races. If you have this type of hair loss, you want to treat it early. Starting treatment early can prevent CCCA from spreading outward and causing more permanent hair loss. 

Female Pattern Hair Loss 

Female pattern hair loss affects millions of women and typically begins in a woman’s 40s, 50s, or 60s. While it is a normal part of aging, hair loss at any point in one’s life can feel frustrating and have a significant impact on daily life.  

Female pattern hair loss is an ongoing condition that doesn’t improve with time, but unlike male pattern baldness, women do not lose all of their hair; rather, it becomes thinner and sparse in patches. 

It can be treated a number of ways depending on the severity of your hair loss and specific situation. Read on to learn about different treatment options for female hair loss.   

Find Your Hair Loss Treatment Plan 

Treatments for hair loss may help stop or slow down hair loss but will not regrow an entire head of hair. The sooner you begin treating hair loss the better, as female pattern hair loss will continue as you age.  

Here are some common treatment options for female pattern hair loss: 

• Minoxidil: Commonly known as Rogaine, this treatment can stimulate hair growth and slow down hair loss.  

• Laser: Laser caps and combs have been shown to be successful at treating hair loss and stimulating hair growth; however, not much has been studied about the overall effectiveness or side effect potential for laser treatments.  

• Microneedling: Typically used in conjunction with Minoxidil or another treatment option, microneedling has been shown to stimulate hair growth. 

• Corticosteroid injections: This procedure can help stimulate hair growth and can be especially effective for those with alopecia areata.  

• Hair transplant: An effective and permanent solution to cover an area of baldness or thinness.  

• Platelet-rich plasma: This procedure separates platelet-rich plasma from your blood, which is then injected into the area of hair loss. It has been shown effective at slowing hair loss when repeated several times.  

• Prescription medications: In some cases, prescription medications like Propecia are recommended to slow or stop hair loss. You should consult with your dermatologist to see if a prescription medication makes the most sense for you.  

We don’t recommend medicinal treatments for temporary hair loss since it will grow back with time in these situations. However, if you are struggling with your temporary hair loss, here are a few quick tips to improve your hair’s appearance: 

• Use a volumizing shampoo 

• Avoid heavy or intensive hair care products that weigh hair down 

• Keep hair away from extreme heat treatments like curling irons that can damage it and lead to greater hair loss 

• Avoid hair styles that pull or break the hair 

• Use a conditioner formulated for fine hair 

If you’d like to meet with a dermatologist to discuss hair loss concerns, schedule an appointment at any of our offices in Indiana, Ohio, New Hampshire, and Maine, and start your journey to stronger hair! 

YORK, Maine — Optima Dermatology is opening a new practice in York on August 5th.

YORK, Maine — Optima Dermatology is opening a new practice in York on August 5th.

The practice will be Optima’s second in Maine and fifth in New England, with three existing practices located throughout New Hampshire.

Optima’s York practice at 10 Market Place Drive will be led by Dr. Joan Sisto, Dr. Virginia Barton, and Jacqueline Watts, PA-C.

Sisto has been serving patients in southern Maine and the New Hampshire Seacoast since 1999. She completed her residency in dermatology at Montefiore Hospital of AECOM and was named Chief Resident during her final year. She earned her Doctor of Medicine from Albert Einstein College of Medicine and was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society.

“It’s wonderful to be part of Optima’s continued growth and focus on increasing access to dermatology services in New England,” said Sisto. “I value Optima’s approach to dermatology as it reflects my own mission to treat my patients like I would want my friends and family to be treated.”

As summer kicks into full gear, many of us find ourselves jet-setting off to our favorite vacation spots. While it’s refreshing to take a break from our daily responsibilities, it’s crucial to remember that our skin care routine should come along for the ride. In a recent New Day Cleveland interview on July 12th, Dr. Delost, who serves patients in Mentor, OH, shared valuable insights on maintaining your skin’s health while traveling.

From the dehydrating effects of airplane cabin air to the harsh environmental factors of new destinations, Dr. Delost covers it all. He also offers practical tips and product recommendations to keep your skin glowing on the go. Don’t let travel stress or increased sun exposure take a toll on your skin—watch the full interview below to learn how to keep your skin healthy and radiant throughout your summer adventures.

A Portable Skincare Routine to Maintain Your Glow On-the-Go

It’s summertime – that wonderful season of vacations and weekend getaways. Vacation is for relaxing, shedding the stresses of everyday life, and perhaps indulging a bit more than usual. It’s refreshing to leave certain responsibilities behind, but some things should come along for the trip, like your skincare routine.

Packing up your at-home skincare routine isn’t the easiest to do – available luggage space is at a premium, and how can you possibly choose which products to bring and which to leave behind? Not to mention those pesky TSA liquid restrictions for carry-ons.

Plus, we know it can be challenging to keep up with routines when you’re on vacation, since letting loose is kind of the point, but the extra time in the sun and heightened activity only increase the need to maintain your skincare.

Luckily, our providers and estheticians have some great tips and guidance for maintaining a skincare routine while you’re on the go.

Traveling’s Toll on Your Skin

Vacationing is wonderful! But for your skin it can be quite the opposite, which is why your skincare routine shouldn’t take any time off.

There are a few ways traveling can impact your skin – even before you get to your destination – but there are ways to stay fresh, hydrated, and glowing on the go.

Flying

Our skin needs a little extra TLC while in flight, thanks to the depressurized – and therefore dry – cabin air. This low-humidity environment can leave skin dry, itchy, and even flakey, especially during lengthy flights.

Different Climates

Depending on where you’re traveling, you might be going to a completely different climate. Switching from a cold climate to a hot one, or from a humid climate to a dry one, can wreak havoc on your skin since it has little time to adjust to the change.

Different Environments

Planning to sit on a beach for several days? Maybe you’re headed into a big city. Environmental factors like sand, wind, and pollution can give skin a run for its money, especially exposed areas like the face.

Stress

Let’s face it – no matter how relaxing it is once you get where you’re going, there is always some travel stress you can’t avoid. Packing, leaving in time, catching a connecting flight, or long travel hours will cause some stress that can manifest on your skin, especially if you’re prone to stress-related breakouts.

Sun

Summer vacation and sunny days go hand-in-hand, but going from a 9-5 workday spent indoors to a 9-5 beach day under the sun is a shock to the skin and requires extra attention to prevent burns that can quickly put a damper on your trip.

Whatever factors might be at play on your vacation that can impact your skin, you can be prepared with skincare products that can take on anything your trip throws your skin’s way.

Overcoming the Challenges of Skincare While Traveling

Here are the top tips for overcoming some of the biggest challenges of maintaining your skincare routine while traveling.

Pack products to tackle your travel challenges. Whether it’s a change in climate, days in the sun, or a long flight, consider what you’ll need to care for your skin while you’re away. Here are a few recommendations for different travel situations.

• Hydration is critical for battling that dry cabin air. Pack a moisturizer you can apply before and during your flight to keep skin hydrated all flight long.
• If you’re headed to a sunny, warm destination, pack that sunscreen, moisturizer, and after-sun skin cream to protect and nourish your skin during and after time in the sun.
• If you’re prone to breakouts, make sure you’re traveling with the products you’ll need to manage it if it happens.

Decide how you can downsize your routine. Chances are you’re not going to pack up your entire skincare collection. What do you really need for the time you’ll be away? Our dermatologists recommend bringing at least these three essentials:

• Sunscreen or sunblock rich in antioxidants; make sure to reapply every 2 hours, protection is key to prevent burns, skin cancer and signs of aging! There are many SPF products out there, read on for some of our provider’s favorites.
• Cleanser to remove impurities such as dirt, oil and sunblock to keep pores clean.
• Hyaluronic Acid (HA) serum is lightweight, hydrating, plumping and gives a beautiful glow.

Invest in travel-size containers. If you can transfer some of your skincare products to smaller containers, consider purchasing some TSA-friendly sizes for your essentials.

Try new products before you leave. The last thing you want is to have a bad reaction to a new skincare product while you’re away. Try any new products ahead of time to make sure they work for your skin.

The Best Skincare Products to Bring on The Road

Some of our expert providers have weighed in with their favorite skincare products that they wouldn’t leave behind while on the road.

Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner, Sarah Winholt, NP-C, from our Milford, OH clinic, always travels with:

• Skinbetter TONESMART SPF 75 Sunscreen Lotion
• Skinbetter Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum

Licensed Esthetician, Michelle Nunez, from our Bedford, NH practice recommends the following products as must haves for summer on the road!

• Revision’s Gentle Foaming, or Revision’s Papaya cleanser for light exfoliation
• Revision’s C+ Correcting complex 30%  
• Alastin’s HA Immerse Serum
• SPF:
  • Isdin mineral brush – easy to reapply over makeupEltaMD sheer SPF stick for face and body – easy to pack!
  • Isdin Eryfotona, a 100% mineral SPF 50 sunscreen with an innovative blend of peptides, antioxidants and DNA Repairsomes, helping repair existing sun damage and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
  • EltaMD Aero Spray

Finally, Medical Aesthetics Provider and Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner, Jill Bickford’s from our Stratham, NH location, three must-have products when traveling are:

• Alastin’s Gentle Cleanser
• Alastin’s Restorative Skin Complex
• Alastin’s Hydratint – Hydratint doubles as SPF and light foundation and has become a favorite amongst the team in Stratham!

You might be taking a vacation, but your skin isn’t. Pack your skincare products for your trip and treat your skin just as lavishly as you treat yourself

As we enjoy the summer activities, our skin can often react to various environmental factors, leading to uncomfortable and sometimes serious rashes such as poison ivy, poison oak, swimmer’s itch, bug bites and tick bites, tinea versicolor, and more. Dr. Delost, working at our Mentor, OH location, recently went on New Day Cleveland to discuss the causes, symptoms, tips for prevention, and treatment options of some common summer rashes. Check out the full interview below!

Why You Should Skip the Tanning Bed and Try These Alternatives

Being summer-ready has historically also meant having bronzed, sun-kissed skin to show off at the beach on your vacation. There is an entire industry around getting tan, and a big player in that space is the tanning bed. But if you’re thinking of using one, you should first ask yourself: are tanning beds safe? 

The short answer is no – tanning beds aren’t safe for your skin. In this post, we’ll explain why they’re unsafe, and what you should know about them, and we’ll provide some great alternatives so you can achieve that tanned look without putting your skin in danger.

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Debunking Tanning Bed Myths

There’s a lot of marketing around tanning bed use that doesn’t mention the significant health risks it poses. Here are 5 myths about tanning beds – and the truth may surprise you!

Myth 1: Tanning beds are safer than the sun. 

Tanning beds have long been billed as an easy and effective way to get tan, and have even been falsely heralded as safer than the sun. 

But tanning beds emit levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation that are just as or more intense than the sun, making a tanning bed’s effect on the skin worse than sun exposure. UVA rays from tanning beds can be three times more intense than from natural sunlight, increasing the risk of developing skin cancer.

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) reports that tanning beds can increase the risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma by 58% and basal cell carcinoma by 24% – and using tanning beds before age 20 increases the risk of developing melanoma by 47%. 

Myth 2: Getting a “base tan” from a tanning bed reduces the risk of sunburn. 

One or two tanning bed sessions to get a “base tan” will not only have zero impact on whether you get a sunburn (you can still get a sunburn even with a deep tan), but it’s no safer for your skin than being exposed to natural sunlight. 

Myth 3: Tanning beds help your skin produce more Vitamin D. 

The body produces Vitamin D in response to UVB light, but tanning beds emit mostly UVA light, therefore having no impact on your levels of Vitamin D. The best way to get it is through your diet by eating foods rich in Vitamin D, which is far more effective than UV radiation exposure. 

Myth 4: You can’t become addicted to tanning. 

The Skin Cancer Foundation reports there is evidence tanning can be addicting; 20% of women who took part in a Georgetown University Medical Center study showed signs of tanning dependence. Exposure to UV light has addictive qualities as it causes the release of mood-boosting endorphins, which then fade once the tanning session is over and can lead to feelings of depression or sadness.

Myth 5: There aren’t any serious risks associated with tanning beds.

Aside from the very serious risk of developing skin cancer, tanning beds can lead to other health concerns or injuries, including burns, premature skin aging, immune suppression, and eye damage such as cataracts and ocular melanoma.

Safer Alternatives to Tanning Beds

Sunless tanning options like spray tan or self-tanner leave your skin looking tan without the dangerous UV radiation exposure. 

One reason tanning beds are popular is that people believe they can’t get an even tan any other way. However, that’s simply not true.

When applied correctly, spray tans or self tanner look even and natural and won’t leave any splotchy, streaky, orange-hued coloration.

There are also a handful of additional benefits to choosing sunless tanner over tanning beds (or tanning in natural sunlight). 

• Preserve your skin. UV radiation can cause your skin to become leathery and more wrinkled over time. 
• Prevent pre-cancerous growths. Exposure to UV radiation can also cause pre-cancerous growths called Actinic Keratosis, or AK. These growths must be tested to rule out cancer and put you at higher risk of developing skin cancer.
• Conceal stretch marks. Contrary to popular belief, sunless tanning options actually do a better job of covering up stretch marks – tanning beds can make them more noticeable.
• Save time and money. This may be a basic argument against tanning bed use, but it’s not an incorrect one. Tanning beds can be expensive and require multiple uses to achieve a tan, whereas sunless tanner can last several days before fading with just a single application. 

Tanning Bed Risks Have Caught Lawmakers’ Attention

Because of the data showing increased risks of skin cancer associated with tanning bed use, especially for youth under the age of 20, many states have banned minors from using tanning beds. 

Jamie Piacentini, a board-certified nurse practitioner at Optima Dermatology’s Scarborough, ME practice, was instrumental in the passing of legislation in 2019 that restricts minors under the age of 18 from using tanning beds in the state of Maine. Piacentini is passionate about creating awareness and taking action around the risks of tanning bed use for anyone, but especially minors.   

The U.S. House of Representatives has also become involved in advocating for more upfront and clear language around the risks of tanning bed use. 

This awareness and action comes on the heels of a legislative committee study that interviewed staff at different tanning salons. 90% of staff questioned about safety risks were not truthful, with some saying there were health benefits associated with using tanning beds and no increased risk for a fair-skinned teenager.

In fact, individuals under the age of 30 are six times more likely to develop melanoma from tanning bed use – and skin cancer becomes more likely if an individual has already sustained a sunburn in their lifetime. 

The Bottom Line: Tanning Beds Aren’t Safe

If having tan skin in the summer months or year-round is important to you, sunless tanners like spray tanning and self tanner are great alternatives to tanning beds that keep your skin safe from UV radiation. 

The risks of UV exposure are too great to take chances, especially if you’re under 20. Keep your skin healthy and glowing for longer and stay out of the sun’s harmful rays. And if you’ve already used a tanning bed, you can still protect your skin from developing skin cancer by stopping and switching to a sunless tanning option. And don’t forget to use sunscreen – spray tans and self tanner don’t provide any protection from the sun, and whether you’re tan or not, sunscreen is the only way to prevent sunburn, sun damage, and skin cancer. 

If you’d like product recommendations, have questions about your skin health, or just want a skin check, contact us today to set up an appointment with a provider in your area. 

Understanding Vitiligo and How to Reduce Its Appearance

We’re back with another Derm Deep Dive, a series where we provide expert advice from one of our board-certified dermatologists about common skin conditions or treatments. For Vitiligo Awareness Month, we’re speaking with board-certified dermatologist at our Mentor, OH location, Dr. Gregory Delost.

The Purpose of Vitiligo Awareness Month

In 2011, June was designated Vitiligo Awareness Month to help raise awareness and spread education about this skin condition that affects 70 million people worldwide.

Recognizing skin conditions within a designated month helps support individuals with these issues and promotes additional research toward treatment options and management strategies. Suffering from a skin issue can feel isolating and have an impact on our daily lives, but speaking openly, especially about lesser-known conditions like vitiligo, helps create a supportive community and widens access to treatment.

Vitiligo Awareness Month is an important time for Optima Dermatology and our team of skin care experts to remind everyone suffering from this skin condition that you aren’t alone and there is help out there!

While many individuals are happy living with vitiligo and consider it as part of their identity, many others struggle with this condition and need greater support and information about treatment and management.

In this blog, I’ll detail the best treatment options and the most effective approach for treating vitiligo.

What is Vitiligo?

Vitiligo is an autoimmune pigmentary disorder in which the immune system attacks melanocytes, the skin cells that produce pigment, affecting the coloring of the skin. Individuals with vitiligo will experience patches and spots of lighter skin that can occur in a small area or be more widespread. The level and amount of color loss can vary depending on the type and severity of your vitiligo.

Anyone can develop vitiligo regardless of skin color or tone. It is not contagious, but existing patches of discolored skin can become wider or spread to other areas of the body. The discolored patches are typically lighter than your normal skin tone or a milky white color.

There are different types of vitiligo, which I’ll explain in more detail below, and if you develop one type of vitiligo, it is possible for it to then develop into a different type over time. The best way to intervene with progression is with treatment and management.

Vitiligo can also mimic the symptoms of another skin disorder, tinea versicolor, a fungal infection on the skin that causes discoloration, so it’s important to see a board-certified dermatologist if you’re experiencing skin discoloration to ensure a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Different Types of Vitiligo

We classify vitiligo in two ways – its stage of development and its type.

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Vitiligo has three stages of development:

Localized: A small patch or patches of lighter or discolored skin on one or a few areas of the body. Vitiligo may remain in the localized stage for months or years.

Generalized: Scattered patches of color loss across different areas of the body.

Universal: A rarer stage of vitiligo in which people lose most of their skin color.

Vitiligo can move into different stages throughout your lifetime, and there is no way to predict how much color loss will ultimately occur, or how large or widespread the patches will be.

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When vitiligo appears, regardless of stage, it falls into three types based on its appearance:

Non-segmental vitiligo: With this type of vitiligo, patches of lighter skin will appear on both sides of the body, often on the same appendage or in the same location. This type of vitiligo can continue to grow as time passes.

Segmental vitiligo. This type of vitiligo typically affects one area or side of the body and after a certain amount of time, the color loss stops and the vitiligo stabilizes.

Mixed type vitiligo. This type of vitiligo is rare, but individuals who have mixed type experience both non-segmental and segmental vitiligo.

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Depending on your stage and type of vitiligo, your board-certified dermatologist will work with you to develop a treatment plan to manage your vitiligo, which can help minimize the spread and appearance of discoloration.

Vitiligo Treatment and Management

I’ve worked with many patients to treat and manage their vitiligo, and I recently spoke about it on New Day Cleveland and highlighted how far treatments have come in just the last few years.

Vitiligo, like many skin disorders, can affect a person’s confidence and impact daily life, but I’m encouraged by the greater acceptance and awareness around vitiligo that has helped individuals consider vitiligo as part of their identity rather than something they need to cover with makeup and hide away.

That being said, treatment and management help control vitiligo, and there are several options depending on your stage and type.

Topical Medication: There are topical creams specifically targeted to the immune cells that play a role in vitiligo. By scaring the immune cells away, the pigment can return over time. For some patients, I may prescribe a corticosteroid or a combination of a corticosteroid and another topical medication to help restore color. Ruxolitinib Cream (“Rux cream”) is the only the FDA approved RX cream to treat vitiligo, the images shown below show the results Rux cream can provide over time.

Light Therapy: Exposure to UV light for a certain amount of time can help trigger color restoration in the skin, and is most effective at treating vitiligo on the face and neck. Because light therapy works slowly, I may prescribe this treatment with a topical medication.

Oral Medications: If your vitiligo is progressing rapidly, I may prescribe an oral medication like prednisone to help slow down the spread and give us time to use an additional treatment.

Surgery: In serious cases, skin graft or cell transplant surgery are options to move healthy, pigmented skin, or cells from healthy skin, to the affected areas of the body. 

It’s important to understand going into treatment that it does take time. The skin’s pigmentation cells need time to return, so results are not immediate, but we have seen remarkable results with these treatments.

Because the skin’s pigment cells tend to congregate around hair follicles, treatment is especially effective on the face compared to the palms of the hands or soles of the feet.

One easy way to help prevent the spread of vitiligo is to practice good sun protection when outdoors. Skin with vitiligo burns easily as there is no pigment to protect it from the sun’s rays, and sunburn can worsen the condition.

Find Your Treatment Plan

Vitiligo can affect anyone at any age, but there are great treatment and management options for everyone. It’s important to visit with a dermatologist to diagnose your vitiligo and begin a treatment plan that is best for you.

I’d love to meet with you to start a conversation about treating your vitiligo. Schedule an appointment with me at Optima Dermatology’s Mentor, OH practice to establish a treatment plan that will work best for you.

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, an important time to discuss skin cancer prevention and early detection. Sun damage, as we know, is dangerous for our skin as it can lead to the development of skin cancer. When you protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays, you reduce your risk of developing skin cancer and premature skin aging.  Dr. Gregory Delost of our Mentor, OH practice recently joined Nicole Marcellino of New Day Cleveland to talk about the common types of skin cancer, the importance of annual skin checks, and tips for choosing and applying sunscreen!

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, an important time to educate about skin cancer prevention and early detection. Our skin is our largest organ, which makes it more susceptible to damage. Sun damage, as we know, is dangerous for our skin as it can lead to the development of skin cancer.

Compounding the risk is the reality that individuals often don’t get their skin checked by a dermatologist or conduct regular self-exams at home. Both are important ways to identify any abnormalities on the skin that should be tested or treated to rule out skin cancer. 

Early detection of skin cancer is key to making treatment more effective, and although skin cancer is usually visible, it often goes undetected without a professional dermatologist conducting a thorough skin check.

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U.S., with nearly 10,000 people diagnosed every day. These rates are only increasing – especially among women and those under the age of 40 – making spreading awareness a critically important mission.

In this post, we collaborated with a board-certified dermatologist of our Scarborough, ME, location, Dr. Daniel Cuozzo, to discuss how to check for skin cancer and identify abnormalities. We’re also going to walk you through something called the ABCDEs of Melanoma, which provides a guide to follow in what to look for to identify Melanoma skin cancer.

How to Perform a Self-Exam for Skin Cancer

The more regularly you conduct a self-exam, the more likely it is that you will notice any new or different spots on your skin and be able to intervene early. There are elements of our skin that naturally change over time, but you should always err on the side of caution and see a board-certified dermatologist with any concerns.

Here are the American Academy of Dermatology Association’s recommendations for how to perform a self-exam for skin cancer:

1. Use a full-length mirror in a brightly lit space to examine the front, back, right, and left sides of your body. Raise your arms to view hard-to-see places.
2. Examine your underarms, forearms, the palms of your hands, and your fingernails.
3. Look at the soles of your feet, your toenails, the spaces between your toes, and the backs of your feet and legs.
4. Examine your neck and scalp using a small hand mirror, being sure to part your hair for a better look at different areas of your scalp.
5. Check your back and buttocks, also using a hand mirror.

The ABCDEs of Melanoma

Melanoma is a serious skin cancer because it can spread from the skin to other parts of the body. Once it has spread deeper into the skin or other parts of the body, it becomes more difficult to treat. However, when detected and treated early melanoma is usually curable, making a compelling argument for self-exams and annual skin checks with your dermatologist.

When conducting a self-exam, here is the ABCDE rule for identifying the warning signs of Melanoma.

A – Asymmetry: One side of the mole is not like the other.

B – Border: There is an irregular or poorly defined border around the mole.

C – Color: The mole is multiple shades of color (usually brown), but can also be pinkish or even black.

D – Diameter: A mole diagnosed with Melanoma is typically the size of an eraser head or larger, but it can be smaller.

E – Evolving: Your mole either looks very different from other moles on your body or has changed in appearance from when you first noticed it. These evolutions can include color, size, or shape.

Beyond these points, any skin abnormality, especially one that does not heal, is bleeding, itching, flaking, or changing in shape, color, or size, should be looked at by a board-certified dermatologist to rule out skin cancer and treat any other skin issue you may be suffering from.

Check at Home – and With Your Dermatologist

We’ve talked a lot about the importance of skin checks at home and at least once each year with your board-certified dermatologist. Seeing a dermatologist annually is a perfect complement to self-exams, not only for skin cancer prevention but to manage any other skin issues.

Here is what you can expect from a full body skin check visit:

• A skin check appointment is typically about 10 to 20 minutes long and begins with a conversation about your specific concerns, medical and family history, and any questions you may have.
• Depending on your medical or family history, you may be considered a higher-risk patient, in which case we pay close attention to specific areas of the body that are more susceptible to skin cancer. This information also helps us know what to monitor over time.
• We conduct a full head-to-toe exam, making note of any areas of the skin that we should monitor or test.

Keep Your Skin Cancer Awareness & Prevention Going All Year Long

We can’t stress enough that skin cancer awareness is important all year round.

Prevention goes beyond skin checks – daily sun protection is critical and includes wearing sunscreen daily with an SPF of 30 or more, especially on areas that are regularly exposed like your face, neck, chest, and hands. You should also wear sun protective clothing and seek shade when the sun’s rays are the strongest, between 10am and 2pm.

Skin cancer awareness leads to prevention, detection, and greater success rates for treatment.

If you’d like to schedule a skin check to discuss your concerns and questions about your skin health, contact us today to set up an appointment with a provider in your area.

Winholt and Her Team Provide Expert Medical Aesthetic and Cosmetic Dermatology Treatments

The newest addition to Optima Dermatology’s Milford, OH practice is board-certified Nurse Practitioner Sarah Winholt, FNP-C, who brings several years of expertise servicing patients in the Cincinnati and Columbus regions. 

Sarah has advanced training and extensive experience performing a range of cosmetic treatments, including neurotoxin injections – such as BOTOX® and Dysport® – dermal filler, laser treatments, microneedling, and more. 

Sarah, who is a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, earned her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in nursing from the University of Cincinnati, and she also holds a Bachelor of Science in Health and Rehabilitative Sciences from Ohio State University. 

Before focusing her career on medical aesthetics, Sarah worked as a Family Nurse Practitioner in an urgent care clinic, where she diagnosed and treated common dermatologic conditions. She also spent several years working as a critical care Registered Nurse (RN) in a hospital. 

A Patient-Centered and Care-Focused Approach

Having always been passionate about skin care, Sarah puts every patient at the center of her care, offering a personalized and thoughtful treatment experience. 

Sarah’s approach to care reflects Optima’s mission to treat all patients the way we would want our family and friends to be treated. Sarah makes it a point to ensure her patients understand every aspect of their diagnosis and treatment and enjoys collaborating with her patients to develop a customized treatment plan. 

We recently had the opportunity to learn more about Sarah, her approach, and the path that led her to become a board-certified nurse practitioner.

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How/when did you know you wanted to be a Nurse Practitioner? Were you always interested in dermatology and aesthetics and what was your path to get here? 

I always thought that I wanted to be a physical therapist. I played competitive soccer when I was younger, and I was always in and out of PT for different injuries. This gave me a lot of insight into that career. In undergrad, I started meeting nursing students and they were always so passionate about their career that it was very intriguing to me. I took a course to receive a nursing aide certification and I absolutely loved it. This is when I decided to make a career change.

I have always been passionate about skincare from a young age, so I knew that specializing in dermatology was my goal. I worked bedside as a critical care RN before graduating with my FNP. I wanted to be very experienced before I started working as a Nurse Practitioner. I have been a Nurse Practitioner for the past 5 years and I have specialized in cosmetic dermatology for the last 3 years.

What is your number one tip when it comes to taking care of your skin? 

Always protect your skin and apply SPF every day. The trick is to find a SPF that you love so you don’t mind putting it on every morning. There are so many great medical-grade SPF products out there right now. I can help you find your perfect match! 

What is your favorite aspect of being in dermatology? 

I enjoy creating customized treatment plans for my patients. It is rewarding to see the improvement of my patient’s skin and the confidence that it gives them. Additionally, I like that we are always advancing and growing as dermatology providers. The cosmetic and medical dermatology fields are rapidly changing with new technology and advancements, which makes it exciting to be continually learning the latest dermatological procedures.  

What do you enjoy most about treating your aesthetic patients and what is unique about your approach? 

I enjoy helping each patient reach their aesthetic goal. There is no better feeling than giving my patients the mirror at the end of their cosmetic procedure and seeing their faces light up when they see their results.

I believe in taking a comprehensive and personalized approach to aesthetic treatments. I take the time to understand each patient’s concerns and goals, which allows me to customize the treatment plan. I take a very natural approach to reach the best possible outcomes.

Where are some unexpected areas you treat with dermal filler that produce great results? 

An unexpected area to treat with dermal filler is in the hands. Our hands are often the first sign of our age. We can replace the lost volume in our hands with several syringes of dermal filler and it gives a very beautiful and youthful result.

What do you like to do when you are not treating patients? 

I enjoy taking Pilates classes, walking on the bike trail with my dog, and traveling on the weekends. Now that spring and summer are approaching, I spend most of my free time at the lake with family and friends. I enjoy paddle boarding and boating – but really anything on the water!

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What to Expect From Dermatological Care Delivered by Sarah and Her Team

Sarah and her team at Optima Dermatology & Medical Aesthetics offer exceptional services and have the advanced training and experience to ensure the highest quality of care. 

She is currently accepting new patients at our Milford, OH location. Request an appointment online or give us a call at 513-327-9244.

Rosacea Awareness Month: 4 Steps to Manage Rosacea

We’re back with another Derm Deep Dive, a series where we provide expert advice from our team of board-certified dermatologists about common skin conditions and treatment options. For Rosacea Awareness Month, we’re collaborating with Dr. Amy Polster and Dr. Meredith Reimer on how to manage this skin condition.

If You Have Rosacea, Here’s What You Should Know

Rosacea has a reputation as simply being facial redness, but it is more complicated than that. Importantly, rosacea is a chronic condition that can cause noticeable inflammation on the cheeks, nose, chin, forehead, or eyelids, which can then lead to redness, broken blood vessels, swelling, pimples, or pustules.

The National Rosacea Society reports that rosacea affects about 16 million Americans. While there is no known cause or cure for this chronic condition, it can be successfully managed and controlled with the right treatment plan.

Rosacea Awareness Month is an important time for us to remind everyone suffering from this common skin condition that you aren’t alone and there is help out there! Here are 4 simple steps to help manage your rosacea.

STEP 1: Identify Potential Triggers

The first step is to work with your dermatologist to identify what might be triggering your rosacea. Triggers can include any of the following:

• Sun exposure
• Hot or cold weather conditions, including humidity or indoor heat
• Hot baths, showers, hot tubs, or saunas
• Heavy exercise
• Alcohol consumption, especially red wine
• Harsh winds
• Emotional stressors, such as anger, anxiety, embarrassment, or general stress
• Certain foods, including spicy foods, aged cheeses, dairy products, and some chocolates
• Hot drinks, including coffee and tea

STEP 2: Create a Management Plan with Your Dermatologist

Second, your dermatologist will provide guidelines to help determine the best ways to manage your specific triggers. When it comes to triggers that exist in your everyday life, there are some best practice lifestyle changes that can help alleviate symptoms:

• On hot, sunny days, seek out shade, wear protective clothing, and use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher
• Protect your face and neck from cold weather, especially harsh winds
• Try to manage emotional stress through deep breathing exercises, meditation, or calming, relaxing activities like yoga or simply reading a book.
• Keep showers short to avoid overheating. If exercising, recognize when it’s time to take a break and drink water, and keep cold water on hand.
• Choose white wine instead of red if alcohol is a trigger, or try to avoid alcohol and opt for a mocktail or water.

Rosacea may be caused by triggers that are harder to pinpoint, or it may not be responsive to lifestyle changes. In addition to lifestyle changes, there are other treatment options your dermatologist may consider, including:

• Topical medications
• Oral antibiotics
• Laser treatments to treat broken blood vessels on the face, such as VBeam®

STEP 3: Give it Time

It’s important to remember that because rosacea is a chronic condition, symptoms won’t alleviate right away. Additionally, every patient is different, and the dermatologists at Optima Dermatology recognize that what works for one of our patients may not work for another.

The right treatment plan could take time to identify. We may have to try a few different therapies before we find one that works for your specific form of rosacea. Patients should allow up to 12 weeks for a treatment plan to do its job. Time to remission may vary – and therefore, patience is key.  

STEP 4: Stay Consistent

If you’re trying to eat healthier, having a vegetable with dinner one time won’t do much for your overall health. Making any kind of lasting impact requires consistency and a dedicated effort. To truly prevent flare ups – or at least minimize their frequency and severity – you need to be consistent with your treatment and not just treat your rosacea during flare ups.

It can be frustrating to have to wait for results, especially when dealing with an issue that impacts your appearance. However, rosacea treatment takes time and commitment. Improving a skin condition is part of our overall health and wellness, just like eating more vegetables. Consistency and patience will generate better results.

Are you located in the Cleveland area and experiencing signs and symptoms of rosacea? Do you need help identifying triggers and creating a treatment plan? Request an appointment today!