In the past self-tanners had a reputation of turning skin orange, streaking and splotching, but board-certified dermatologist Amanda Friedrichs, MD, FAAD offered says these basic tips for applying a self-tanner will provide even coverage and longer-lasting results:

•Exfoliate. Prior to applying a self-tanner, use a washcloth to exfoliate the skin. Using an exfoliating product also will help remove the dead skin cells. Spend a little more time exfoliating where the skin is thickest, such as the ankles, knees and elbows.

•Dry the skin. Drying your skin before you apply a self-tanner helps it go on evenly.

•Apply in sections. Apply the self-tanner in sections, such as the arms, legs and torso. Massage the sunless tanner into the skin with a uniform circular motion. Lightly extend the tanner from the wrists to the hands and from the ankles to the feet, taking care not to treat the entire hands and feet, such as the palms and soles. Wash and dry your hands after applying self-tanner to each body part to avoid tanning your palms.

•Dilute tanner on joints. Dilute the self-tanner on the knees, ankles and elbows since these areas tend to absorb more self-tanner than the rest of the skin. To dilute, lightly rub these areas with a damp towel or apply a lotion.

•Allow time to dry. Wait at least 10 minutes before getting dressed. It is best to wear loose clothing and try to avoid sweating for the next three hours.

Self-tanning products will make you look tan, but it is important to remember that you still need to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher when you are outdoors,” said Dr. Friedrichs. “While self-tanners are a safe alternative to tanning, people need to be vigilant about protecting the skin from sun exposure and avoid indoor tanning to reduce their risk of skin cancer and premature aging of the skin.”

Dr. Friedrichs’ tips are demonstrated in Self-tanner: How to apply, a video posted to the Academy website and the Academy’s YouTube channel.

In the Panama City area alone, The News Herald, WJHG and WMBB all helped make their readers and viewers aware of the danger of skin cancer, and pointed them toward treatment.  Action News is Jacksonville also hosted a segment, and many online community calendars across the region noted the free event. In doing so, these media groups may very well have saved lives.

Have you had a recent skin cancer screening?  Do you know someone who hasn't had one in a while?  Don't hesitate -- Call and schedule an appointment today!

Click here to see video of the segment:  http://www.firstcoastnews.com/video/default.aspx?bctid=1630561281001

May is Skin Cancer/Melanoma Awareness Month

Florida has the highest rate of skin cancer in the country. May has been designated as melanoma / skin cancer detection month with Monday the 7th known as melanoma Monday. It's a reminder to get checked for this most aggressive form of skin cancer.

By Neysa Wilkins

Melanoma is where skin cells within moles become malignant and can rapidly spread to other areas of the body.

Of the different types of skin cancer, melanoma is the most deadly and accounts for about 75% of all skin cancer fatalities.

Dr. Jon Ward of Gulf Coast Dermatology says "melanoma is the type of skin cancer that if it gets deep enough in your skin it can get in your lymph nodes and spread and can be very devastating. A lot of young people do get melanoma and once it gets to that depth, just 3/4 of a millimeter, very thin, you can have problems."

Many melanomas pop up on the face and arms but they can also develop in other areas of the body, including the eye, underneath nails and inside the nose and mouth.

While it's typically a less common form of skin cancer, melanoma is on the rise.

Dr. Ward says Gulf Coast Dermatology has found more than 50 skin cancers in just the last 30 days.

"I think it's due to the time of year that people are getting undressed, wearing less clothing out doors and they're seeing spots and that's prompting them to come in and get checked and when we take those samples and our pathologist looks at them, he's finding melanoma in many of those cases."

Sunburns, and the use of tanning beds are two risk factors associated with melanoma.

"I like to tell my patients, tanning is for your skin like smoking is for your lungs.

They both cause cancer, and we know it."

Saturday, May 12th, Gulf Coast Dermatology will be holding free skin cancer screenings at several locations around the area, including in Panama City, Panama City Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, and Fort Walton Beach.

For more information on times you can log onto gulfcoastderm.com.

To see the story on WJHG's website, click HERE.

Melanoma Monday: reminder to check skin

News Herald Staff Reports

After soaking up the rays this weekend, the American Academy of Dermatology is asking everyone to check to make sure that fun in the sun didn’t spark a serious disease.

Today is Melanoma Monday, a national awareness day for melanoma and other types of skin cancer.  Melanoma is an aggressive form of skin cancer in which cancerous cells develop in moles and spread to other parts of the body.  About 75 percent of all skin cancer fatalities are caused by melanoma.

Melanoma is most often found in people with fair skin and those who experience a lot of sun exposure.  Sun burns and tanning beds are two of the greatest risk factors for melanoma.

Skin cancer is the only type of cancer that you can detect with the eye.  Dermatologists advise people to check their skin regularly and remember the ABCDE’s of checking for melanoma:

A – asymmetry.  Does the mole look even on all sides?

B – border.  Is the border of the mole even?

C – color.  Is the mole a uniform color?

D – diameter.  Is the mole one-quarter of an inch or smaller?

E – evolving.  Is the mole consistent in all characteristics?

An answer of no to any of these questions could be an indication of melanoma and you should seek medical attention, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation.

Melanoma is treatable with early detection, but when it spreads to other parts of the body, treatment options are severely limited.  Doctors say you should check skin regularly and thoroughly for signs of melanoma.

In recognition of Melanoma Monday, Gulf Coast Dermatology will be offering free skin cancer screenings Saturday, May 12, at locations in Panama City, Panama City Beach, Fort Walton Beach and Santa Rosa Beach.  For more information visit www.gulfcoastderm.com.

CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE STORY ON WMBB'S WEBSITE: SKIN CANCER SCREENING 

Modern Medicine: Free Skin Cancer Screenings

By Jessica Foster

Panama City, Fla. - Dermatologists say skin cancer is an epidemic, but early detection can save lives.

Gulf Coast Dermatology is offering free skin cancer screenings in an effort to stop skin cancer in its tracks.  Dr. Jon Ward says it's important to detect skin cancer before it progresses too far.  A simple check of the skin by a trained professional is quick and painless.  Dr. Ward says it's important to note changes in the skin, such as anything that changes size, shape or color or bleeds for no reason.

"In younger people, 24-29, skin cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in women and close to being the leading cause in men as well, explains Dr. Ward.

Using sunscreen and avoiding UV rays are ways to prevent skin cancer, but it is important to check for damage that may have already occurred.
If you would like a free skin cancer screening on Saturday, May 12th, call Gulf Coast Dermatology to set-up an appointment at one of the 13 screening sites.  The screening will last from 9 a.m. to noon at various locations in Bay and surrounding counties. To make an appointment or to check on the screening locations, call 877-231-3376.

Melanoma Monday has been set aside as a to raise awareness about melanoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer in which cells within moles become malignant (cancerous) and can spread rapidly to other areas of the body.

Of the different types of skin cancer, melanoma is the most deadly and accounts for about 75% of all skin cancer fatalities.

Melanomas can also develop in other areas of the body such as the eye, underneath nails and inside the nose and mouth. While melanoma is typically a less common form of skin cancer, in recent years the incidence of melanoma is on the rise.

Melanoma is more common in people with fair skin and those who have experienced high levels of UV exposure. Sun burns, and the use of tanning beds are two risk factors associated with melanoma.

On Melanoma Monday, we remind people to examine their skin regularly and seek medical assistance if they see any signs of a malignant mole. Early detection and treatment is associated with a much higher survival rate.  By creating an opportunity to educate the public about melanoma and encourage early detection, Melanoma Monday may have helped saved lives.

Melanoma Warning Signs – Just remember: ABCDE

A - Asymmetry: Is the mole asymmetrical? If you imagine a line drawn across the center of the mole, if the two halves do not match then they are considered asymmetrical. If you have an asymmetrical mole, seek medical assistance.

B – Border: Does the border or edge of the mole look uneven? If so, please seek medical advice.

C - Color: Is the mole one uniform color? If there are several colors or shades of a color within a mole this could be a warning sign. Seek medical assistance.

D – Diameter: How big is the mole? Melanomas often have a diameter of 6mm (1/4inch) or more (diameter is the length across the mole).

E - Evolving: Has the mole changed in shape, size or color? Have you noticed any other changes such as bleeding, itching or puss coming from the mole? These may be signs of a malignant mole so seek medical assistance.

Early Detection Is Crucial For Treatment Success

As with many other types of cancer, treatments are more successful when there is early detection. However, unlike most cancers, melanoma does normally not respond well to chemotherapy, radiotherapy or medication.

When melanoma is at a later stage and has metastasized (spreading to other parts of the body), treatment options are limited and palliative care (pain management) is the main course of action.

Drug treatments for melanoma, even when successful, do not provide a cure. They may extend life for a time measured in months not years. There will always be exceptions and some people with metastatic (stage 4) melanoma will live for many years after diagnosis.  However, the prognosis for advanced melanoma is normally not good hence early detection is critical for success.

For more information, please visit the official Melanoma Monday website (www.melanomamonday.org).  The site features free resources which includes a body mole map for download and comprehensive instructions on how to perform a skin self-examination.

As Gulf Coast Dermatology continues to expand, we’re making it easier and more convenient for our patients to make an appointment at an office near them. Come see us, and tell your friends!

Complete list of locations:

Saturday, May 12th
9:00am - 12:00pm

Gulf Coast Dermatology
Panama City
2505 Harrison Ave.
Panama City, FL 32405

Gulf Coast Dermatology
Panama City Beach
12111 Panama City Beach Pkwy
Panama City Beach, FL 32407

Gulf Coast Dermatology
Santa Rosa Beach
82 Mack Bayou Loop
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459

Gulf Coast Dermatology
Fort Walton Beach
928 Marwalt Drive
Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32547

Gulf Coast Dermatology
Niceville
4550 Hwy 20
Niceville, FL 32578

Gulf Coast Dermatology
Dothan
106 Westside Drive
Dothan, AL 26303

Gulf Coast Dermatology
Marianna
4378 Lafayette St.
Marianna, FL 32446

Bonifay (Doctors Memorial Hospital)
2600 Doctors Drive
Bonifay, FL 32425

Port St. Joe (9-12 EST - at Sacred Heart Hospital on The Gulf)
3801 E. Hwy 98
Port St. Joe, FL 32456

Gulf Coast Dermatology
Tallahassee (9-12 EST)
1350 Market Street, Suite 200
Tallahassee, FL 32312

Gulf Coast Dermatology
Sarasota (9-12 EST)
3231 Gulf Gate Dr. Suite 105
Sarasota, FL 34231

Gulf Coast Dermatology
Jacksonville (9-12 EST)
12276 San Jose Blvd.
Suite 722
Jacksonville, FL 32223

Experts Link Increase in Skin Cancer to Tanning Beds

By Corey Dobridnia, WMBB reporter

It's a common sight in the Sunshine State -- tanning.

"Obviously we live in Florida everybody wants to be tan," said Nina Gregor, owner of Exotic Exposure Tanning.

But a recent study by the Mayo Clinic says melanoma skin cancer cases have escalated. Dr. John Ward with Gulf Coast Dermatology Clinic is familiar with the study.

"Woman aged 18-39 were eight times more likely getting skin cancer versus thirty years ago. Men were four times greater risk," said Ward.

Researchers speculate that the use of indoor tanning beds and childhood sunburns may be the culprit.

"But remember, a tanning response is your body responding to damage to your DNA," said Ward. "If you’re not damaging your DNA, your body isn't going to make pigment to protect yourself."

Ward warns that indoor tanning may be far worse than natural sun.

"A cancer working group in the U.S. has listed ultra violet radiation, which is what you get from the sun and tanning beds, as a carcinogen equal to cigarette smoke. So if parents wouldn't let their child smoke cigarettes, that same parent should not let their children use a tanning bed."

While tanning bed owners may not agree with the study, both they and dermatologists agree there are alternatives to getting bronze.

"There are absolutely alternative to regular tanning beds. We do have a lot of clients who choose not to tan at all that come in strictly for spray tanning," said Gregor.

Gregor says for those who do not want to use a tanning bed, a spray tan will get you that bronze color you're looking for.

"The spray tan is a great alternative.  The color is amazing.  We have different base colors and boosters, so you can really customize the color for the client," said Gregor. "We can give you beautiful color."

Smart Tan Educational Institute has issued a rebuttal of the Mayo Clinic Study.

Link to WMBB's Skin Cancer/Tanning Article