Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops in melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin (the pigment that gives skin its color). While less common than some other skin cancers, it is more dangerous because it can spread to other parts of the body if not caught early.

The leading cause is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. Other risk factors include a family history of melanoma, having many moles, fair skin, and a weakened immune system.

The ABCDEs are a helpful guide for recognizing potential melanoma:

• Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn't match the other.

• Border: The edges of the mole are irregular, ragged, or blurred.

• Color: The mole has uneven colors, including shades of black, brown, tan, and sometimes white, red, or blue.

• Diameter: The mole is larger than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser), although melanomas can sometimes be smaller.

• Evolving: The mole is changing in size, shape, or color.

No, most moles are benign (noncancerous). However, any changes in a mole should be evaluated by a dermatologist.

Other symptoms can include a new mole that appears, a sore that doesn't heal, spread of pigment from the border of a spot into the surrounding skin, redness or a new swelling beyond the border, 1 itchiness, tenderness, or pain.

We will perform a visual skin examination and may use a dermatoscope (a magnifying tool). If melanoma is suspected, a biopsy (removal of a small tissue sample) will be performed for laboratory analysis.

Treatment depends on the stage of melanoma. Options include:

• Surgical excision: Removing the melanoma and a small margin of surrounding healthy tissue.

• Mohs surgery: A specialized technique for precise removal of skin cancer.

• Lymph node biopsy or dissection: If the melanoma has spread to the lymph nodes.

• Immunotherapy: Drugs that help the body's immune system fight cancer.

• Targeted therapy: Drugs that target specific genetic mutations in melanoma cells.

• Radiation therapy: using high energy beams to kill cancer cells.

• Chemotherapy.

Early detection is crucial for successful melanoma treatment. When melanoma is found and treated in its early stages, the survival rate is very high.

Prevention strategies include:

• Limiting sun exposure, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

• Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

• Wearing protective clothing, including hats and sunglasses.

• Avoiding tanning beds and sunlamps.

• Performing regular self-skin exams.

• Having annual skin checks by a dermatologist.

Schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible. Early evaluation is key.

The rash is caused by an allergic reaction to urushiol, an oil found in poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. Urushiol can adhere to skin, clothing, pets, and tools, leading to exposure.

Symptoms typically develop within 12 to 72 hours after exposure, but can take up to a week or two in some cases, especially after a secondary exposure.

Symptoms include:

• Redness

• Itching

• Swelling

• Blisters (which may weep fluid)

• Streaks or lines where the plant brushed against the skin

No. The fluid within the blisters does not contain urushiol and cannot spread the rash. The rash spreads only if urushiol remains on the skin, clothing, or other surfaces.

Prevention strategies include:

• Learning to identify poison ivy (leaves of three, let it be).

• Wearing protective clothing (long sleeves, pants, gloves) when outdoors.

• Applying barrier creams containing bentoquatam before potential exposure.

• Washing clothing, tools, and pets that may have come into contact with the plant.

Immediately wash the exposed area with cool water and soap. The sooner you wash, the more likely you are to remove the urushiol before it penetrates the skin.

For mild rashes, over-the-counter treatments may include:

• Calamine lotion to relieve itching.

• Cool compresses to reduce swelling.

• Oral antihistamines to reduce itching.

• Hydrocortisone cream.

Consult us if:

• The rash is severe or widespread.

• You have difficulty breathing or swallowing.

• The rash affects your face, genitals, or eyes.

• You develop signs of infection (fever, pus, increased redness).

• Over the counter treatments are not providing relief.

We may prescribe:

• Oral corticosteroids (like prednisone) to reduce inflammation.

• Stronger topical corticosteroids.

• In severe cases other immunosuppressant medications.

A poison ivy rash usually resolves within 1 to 3 weeks. Severe cases may take longer to heal.