Skin Cancer & Mohs Surgery
Up Close with Lauren ~ Melanoma Awareness Edition
Just like our patients, our Germain staff suffers from common skin issues, the occasional breakout and even wrinkles! Ever wonder what they do to look so fabulous? Find out on our Staff Blog post. Each month we will feature a different staff member their favorite products, routines, skin care battles and more. May’s feature is in honor of Melanoma Awareness month.
Head of Cosmetic Department
35 years young
Now, Lauren states, “I do not go outside anymore without applying sunscreen with a physical block 30 minutes prior to going out. With the diagnosis of atypical moles I am seen regularly for my full skin exam. I am thankful that my kids are sun conscience as well, so hopefully they won’t have to worry in the future.“
Brightening Polish
Skin Ton Enhancement Pads 6%
Magic Eyes
Advanced Vitamin C Brightening Serum
Matte Perfection SPF 50+
Skin Enhancing Cleanser 10%
Jane Iredale Liquid Minerals
Beating Melanoma~ Real Story of a Survivor
Melanoma Survivor
Hayley is a vibrant, fun-loving 35 year old mother of two. She has been a patient with us at Germain Dermatology for several years. Hayley recently visited us for a cosmetic appointment when Dr. Germain noticed a mole on her left calf. When asked about the area Hayley mentioned that it had been bothering her a bit as it had become mildly sensitive to the touch and more raised then usual. Although the mole had been there her whole life-the usually inconspicuous spot had developed many characteristics of an abnormal mole.
Upon closer examination Dr. Germain immediately decided the mole needed to be evaluated. She performed a biopsy and sent it to the lab for pathological evaluation. Pathology results returned and the diagnosis was Invasive Malignant Melanoma, Stage 1. Hayley returned the next day and had the entire Melanoma removed by Dr. McGowan, one of our on staff Mohs Surgeons. Luckily in Hayley’s case the cancer was caught early enough that removal wasn’t too intrusive, nor did the cancer spread. Melanoma is one of the fastest growing cancers, and any delay in diagnosis can cost you a life. If not caught early the melanoma can form roots that grow through the other skin layers and fatty tissues allowing cells the chance to enter the bloodstream and lymphatic system.
“It is so important to work with your dermatologist to make sure that you are checking your moles for any changes. Besides seeing your dermatologist once a year, doing self-exams at home may save your life. Every month you need to stand in front of a full length, well lit mirror with no clothes on. Look at the front of you, your sides and underarms. Then take a hand held mirror and look and your back, private area palms and soles — everywhere! If there is anything that you notice that is growing, changing or different, see your dermatologist. It may save your life,” says Dr. Germain.
Haley admits her Melanoma was probably caused from too much unprotected sun exposure through her younger years, but also notes skin cancer runs in her family — her mother is also a melanoma survivor.
Since her diagnosis and treatment Hayley is avid about wearing sunscreen at all times, not just on beach days, and takes precautions to avoid sun exposure whenever she can. She has continued skin checks with Dr. Germain as well as doing at home self checks.
For Hayley skin cancer truly hit home. She urges everyone to, “Be aware, know your body and pay attention to anything that may be abnormal. When in doubt, check it out!”
SPOT Orange~ Raising Awareness for Skin Cancers
May is Skin Cancer/Melanoma Awareness month, a cause that we take very seriously at Germain Dermatology. Skin Cancers, unfortunately, will effect 1 in 5 Americans despite the advances in medicine, which is why it is so important to use this month to raise the awareness and spread the education needed to prevent this disease!
The American Academy of Dermatology launched a campaign called SPOT Skin Cancer encouraging thousands of it’s members and supporters to commit to raising awareness and prevention options for Melanoma and Skin Cancers each May.
We are PROUD to be supporting this campaign and kicking off the month with SPOT Orange Melanoma Monday. A day to rally together in the effort of educating the public on how to perform self exams, how to get proper skin screenings and ways to protect themselves from becoming a statistic. Show your support on Monday, May 4th by wearing your best Orange gear (We understand this may be an issue for Gamecock fans, but it is for a good cause!).
Get your whole office to join, your friends, your family, whomever you can gather and snap a picture in support of Melanoma Monday. Share your photo on our Facebook, tag us on Twitter @Germain_Beauty or Instagram @GermainDermatology and one lucky person, office or group will have the chance to win a FREE Germain Rx Sunscreen of their choice. We will be sure to show off our staff rocking their orange, too!
Check out these great resources from the AAD:
Types of Skin Cancer
How to Detect Skin Cancer
Skin Cancer Quiz