 |
|
|
| Message from the Doctors
|
 |
|
|
|
Be Sun-Safe with Sunscreen
While on the surface most sunscreens may look the same, they are in fact quite different. One of the things that make sunscreens different is the level of protection from UV exposure they provide.
 Broad spectrum sunscreen is best. According to the FDA scientific studies show broad spectrum sunscreens with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher ensure consumers the most effective protection from the sun’s ultraviolet A (UVA) and B (UVB) radiation. Broad spectrum refers to combined protection from both UVA and UVB.
The FDA has been working to ensure your sunscreen label tells you more about how the product protects you against the sun’s harmful rays. Under a new regulation, the agency has proposed that sunscreen labeling be expanded to provide a four-star rating system that informs consumers how well the product protects them against “Ultraviolet A“ (UVA) light. The system will be based on four stars with one being the least protection and four being the most. Similar to a restaurant rating system, the four-star system will give consumers valuable information when they are making their sunscreen purchase.
Sunscreens labeled with SPFs as high as 100+ are now available. Higher numbers do mean more protection, but many people mistakenly think that a sunscreen with an SPF 45 rating would give three times as much protection as one with an SPF of 15. This is not true. SPF 15 sunscreens filter out about 93% of UVB rays, while SPF 30 sunscreens filter out about 97%, SPF 50 sunscreens about 98% and SPF 100 about 99%.
Apply sunscreen liberally. Studies have shown that people commonly apply only ½ to ¼ of the amount of sunscreen recommended to achieve the rated SPF, so the actual protection they get is less. A “palm-full” of sunscreen should be used to liberally cover the arms, legs, neck and face.
Apply often. For the best protection, apply sunscreen 15-30 minutes prior to going outside, reapply every two hours and after swimming or sweating. Remember that sunscreen usually rubs off when you towel yourself dry, so you will need to put more on.
 The reality is that if you do not use sunscreen properly, you may expose yourself to a greater risk of skin cancer.
If you follow these steps, sunscreen will provide dependable protection. We wish you a sun-safe summer!
A message from your physicians at Windsor Dermatology
|
|
|
 |
August is
Psoriasis Awareness Month |
Each August, the National Psoriasis Foundation sponsors Psoriasis Awareness Month, dedicated to raising awareness, educating the public and dispelling myths about psoriasis. Psoriasis Awareness Month helps reduce the stigma surrounding the disease and promotes effective treatments that change patients’ lives.
Psoriasis affects as many as 7.5 million Americans and has no cure. It occurs when the immune system sends out faulty signals resulting in red, scaly patches on the skin that bleed and itch. Psoriasis is not contagious.
Windsor Dermatology actively supports NPF’s initiatives each year to help change the public perception of psoriasis. Our physicians, several of whom are psoriasis specialists, have seen more than 5,000 individuals with psoriasis over the past seven years. Windsor Dermatology’s Psoriasis Treatment Center of Central New Jersey is the state’s first complete facility for advanced psoriasis clinical research and therapies providing a wide range of services that were formerly only available at major university hospitals.
Fortunately, there are many excellent treatments that can greatly improve the quality of life for those afflicted with psoriasis. Treatment options can be customized for each patient to provide a much better quality of life, both long- and short-term. Several articles about psoriasis are available in the In the News section of our website www.WindsorDermatology.com.
|
|
|
|
| Out and About
|
|
|
“Dear 16 Year Old Me” is a particularly poignant video collage of young adults talking about their bouts with skin cancer as a result of excessive exposure to the sun and tanning beds when they were adolescents. From the perspective of an adult marred by skin cancer, the scars of which some of them still live with, they speak to their 16-year old selves about the dangers of tanning. Click here to watch the video. Back to Top
|
| |
| The Truth about Tanning Beds |
 |
|
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) recently moved indoor tanning devices into the highest cancer risk category: “carcinogenic to humans,” a category that also includes tobacco, arsenic and mustard gas.
More than 30 million Americans use tanning beds each year. Nearly 70 percent of tanning salon patrons are female, primarily aged 16 to 29 years, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI). The NCI also reports that women who use tanning beds more than once a month are 75 percent more likely to develop melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, when tan¬ning bed use started before age 35. That’s a huge risk factor.
The American Academy of Dermatology released a survey young people nationwide in May of this year that found the majority of indoor tanners are aware that using tanning beds can cause skin cancer. Yet most of them planned to continue tanning indoors because they thought tan people looked more attractive.
This does not bode well for the health of our young women, daughters and granddaughters.
It is imperative that we reach out to young people and young adults to correct this misconception that a tan is synonymous with good health.
|
|
|
|
If we have had success educating young people to avoid cigarettes, we should also be educating them to avoid tanning beds.
To date, more than 30 states restrict access to indoor tanning equipment, either banning use by minors or requiring parental consent. The New Jersey Senate and Assembly health committees recently approved legislation banning salons from serving minors even if they have their parents’ permission.
The damage caused by UV radiation from tanning beds is cumulative to the point of being irreversible. The earlier people start to tan, the higher their risk of developing skin cancer in their life times―and one in five Americans will, according to the AAD.
Fortunately, most skin cancers can be cured, including melanoma, if diagnosed and treated at an early stage. That’s why it’s important to visit a Board Certified dermatologist if you have a mole that has changed in color or size, or a new skin condition that is unusual to you.
To learn more view a recent article by Dr. Wendy Meyers.
Back to Top
|
|
|
| Summer Sun Tips |
|
|
It is not possible or practical to avoid sunlight completely, and it would be unwise to reduce your level of activity to avoid the outdoors because physical activity is important for good health. But repeated exposure to excessive sunlight can be harmful. These are some steps you can take to limit your exposure to UV rays.
Cover up. When you are out in the sun, wear lightweight clothing to protect as much skin as possible. Wearing a hat with at least a 2- to 3-inch brim all around is ideal because it protects areas such as the ears, eyes, forehead, nose, and scalp that are often exposed to intense sun. A baseball cap can protect the front and top of the head but not the neck or the ears, where skin cancers commonly develop.
Use sunscreen. Sunscreen products are applied to the skin for protection against the sun's UV rays (see related article), but it is important to know that the best protection includes sunscreen in combination with other sun-safe steps.
Wear sunglasses that block UV rays. UV-blocking sunglasses are important for protecting the delicate skin around the eyes, as well as the eyes themselves. The ideal sunglasses do not have to be expensive, but they should block 99% - 100% of UVA and UVB radiation. Check the label.
Avoid mid-day sun exposure. Limit exposure to UV light by seeking shade. UV rays are strongest when the sun is high in the sky between the hours of 10am and 3pm.
Protect children from the sun. Children tend to spend more time outdoors and can burn more easily. Protect children from excessive sun exposure by using the sun-wise steps described here. Babies younger than 6 months should be kept out of direct sunlight and protected from the sun using hats and protective clothing.
Back to Top
|
| |
| Annual Skin Check-Up for Healthy Skin |
|
|
Getting a Healthy Skin Check-Up at Windsor Dermatology is an important and easy preventative solution to ensuring the health of your skin. Schedule an annual skin check-up with Windsor Dermatology so your dermatologist can evaluate your skin and make note of any changes in skin condition. Give Windsor Dermatology a call today at 609.443.4500 or visit www.WindsorDermatology.com to schedule your annual Healthy Skin Check-Up.
Back to Top
|
|
| In the News |
|
|
Stay up to date on the latest news about Windsor Dermatology and dermatological treatments. Visit our website's
"In the News" section for recent articles and interviews.
Click here to watch a recent video where Dr. Bagel's discusses how vitamin D can help keep psoriasis plaques away. You can also view Dr. Bagel’s interview on "12 To Your Health" where he talked about how the skin can often be an indicator of more serious health problems.
Back to Top
|
|
| Patient Testimonials |
|
 “The treatment I have received at Windsor Dermatology has been caring, personal and competent. ” - Roseann B.
”I am always pleased with the short wait time, and the friendly professional staff at Windsor Dermatology.” - Kathy R.
“Dr. Bagel is the first dermatology doctor to effectively deal with my skin problems and issues. ” - Anonymous
“The staff really helped me work with my insurance company, thank you!” - Peter T.
Back to Top |
| |
| Windsor Dermatology: Healthy Skin Care
|
|
|
 When a medical or cosmetic skin condition arises, have it treated promptly at Windsor Dermatology. We now welcome patients Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings. You’ll be seen promptly by doctors who take time to explain your diagnosis and treatment and answer your questions. Windsor Dermatology accepts a wide variety of health insurance plans. Appointments may be scheduled Monday from 7:45 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday from 7:45 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday from 7:45 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 12 noon. Call 609.443.4500 or visit www.WindsorDermatology.com to schedule an appointment today.
Back to Top
|
|
|
