Latest news with #dermatologist
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
I'm a skin cancer expert - there's one body part that's most at risk...because no one puts sun cream there
An expert in the deadliest type of skin cancer has urged the public never to forget their ears when applying sun cream—as that's the part of the body where many of his patients develop lethal melanoma. Dr Michael Park, a dermatologist based in Minneapolis, the US, shared a video to Instagram that told of the 'big chunks' of skin he regularly cuts out of peoples' ears because they have forgotten to apply sunscreen to this delicate area. 'I don't know where people got the idea of "it's just skin cancer, it's not that big of a deal",' he told his 6,000 followers. 'But let me make something really clear. Melanoma, if not caught early, will kill you,' Dr Park warned. He continued: 'I don't know anyone who wants to get a large piece of skin cut out of them, but personally I think there are certain areas that are way worse than other—and one of those places most people forget to apply sunscreen to. The ears.' Melanoma is the most dangerous type of the disease, accounting for four out of five skin cancer deaths. Research shows that nearly 90 per cent of cases are caused by over exposure to ultraviolet radiation, either directly from the sun or sunbeds—meaning they could be prevented. Research shows that up to 70 per cent of people in the UK make catastrophic failures when it comes to sun protection, such as failing to reapply sun cream and not applying the lotion before going out in the sun. 'Aggressive squamous cell carcinoma on the head and neck will also kill you,' Dr Park added. This type of cancer is the second most common type of skin cancer in the UK, and starts in the top layer of the skin. Non-melanoma cancers—basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas—can usually be easily treated especially if they are discovered early. However, the main treatment for the disease is surgery. 'Although the most common type of skin cancer—basal cell carcinoma—will likely not kill you, you literally have to cut it out,' Dr Park explained. This can include cutting out the cancer, known as an excisional biopsy, or freezing the affected skin, which forms a scab that drops off after a few weeks—known as cryosurgery. However, surgeons will often have to cut out some healthy skin, to make sure the cancer doesn't spread, Dr Park warned. He said while completing his medical training, where he spent over a year at a melanoma specialty clinic, he regularly saw skin cancer developing on peoples' ears. 'We don't just cut out the cancer, but the skin surrounding it, to make sure that it doesn't come back,' he said. 'So this summer, unless you want to look like Vincet van Gogh, make sure you put sunscreen on your ears.' Social media users flooded the comment section of the dermatologist's video. One user said: 'I had basal cell carcinoma. It was located inside the ear and they had to cut it out and it was no picnic. It was very painful'. Another user said: 'I've gotten sunburn too many times on my ears!' This comes as data by Cancer Research UK shows that last year, rates of the cancer reached a record high, with new melanoma diagnoses increasing by almost a third in just a decade. Now, experts are warning that melanoma cases are on the rise again. Melanoma typicaly presents as moles that have uneven edges. When diagnosing the deadly disease, dermatologists look out for asymmetry, border, colour, diameter and evolving, known as the ABCDEs. With warmer weather fast approaching, research suggests that 21,300 cases of the disease could be expected this year, the majority of which could be avoided by taking precautions such as applying sunscreen regularly and staying out of the sun. The NHS advises staying out of the sun during the hottest part of the day, between 11am and 3pm in the UK, keeping arms and legs covered and using sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. Currently around 15,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with melanoma each year—the UK's fifth most common cancer—with the incidence rate rising faster than any other common cancer. How the cancer is treated depends on whether the cancer has spread, with only 27 per cent of patients diagnosed at stage four surviving beyond five years. This comes as patients with the deadliest type of skin cancer are set to be given fast-tracked access to a revolutionary cancer vaccine on the NHS. The needle-free injection is custom-built for patients to stop their melanoma returning—which experts believe will herald a new era in fighting the disease. It works by boosting the immune system's response, helping it to 'attack' proteins that are specific to melanoma tumours, preventing them from returning. Currently, around half of patients diagnosed with melanoma respond to immunotherapy. But those who don't are at a higher risk of their cancer getting worse.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
‘I started planning my funeral' says Love Island star as she reveals terrifying cancer scare
A FORMER Love Island star has revealed she started planning her own funeral amid a terrifying cancer scare. Liana Isadora, who appeared on the reality show in 2016, has shared the moment she feared for her future as a warning to those who still use sunbeds. 3 3 The star - who had a ten year addiction to sunbeds - shared a TikTok describing how she feared she had melanoma and believed it was a 'death sentence'. Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer that has a tendency to spread around the body. She explained: 'I literally went home, cried my eyes out and started planning my funeral. I was DISTRAUGHT, convinced I was going to die and it would all be the fault of my own ignorance.' In the hard-hitting clip, Liana started: 'If this is melanoma, then it's a death sentence. Imagine hearing those words at the age of 28, because that was me exactly two years ago today. Full context, I was an extreme sunbed addict for 10 years. 'I had a sunbed in my house, I used tanning nasals, tanning injections, and then I went to a dermatology appointment, I had a symptom of melanoma, and these were the exact words that a dermatologist told me.' She continued: 'I don't know if it was a bit unprofessional for them to be so abrupt, but I am so grateful that they did say the word death sentence to me, because it was the one and only thing that scared me enough to make me stop using sunbeds cold turkey. I've never been on one since, and I'll never go on one again, and I'll never use tanning products again.' Liana was relieved to learn it wasn't cancer, but added 'who's to say this won't catch up with me in the future?' During her time on Love Island, Liana was coupled up with Adam Maxted but they were separated when they were voted, by the rest of the contestants, as one of the weakest couples. She was then coupled with Tom Powell before they got the boot. She now has a child with her boyfriend and often shares videos about how different her life is now. 3 Controversial Love Island star reveals she's secretly become a mum What is melanoma, what are the symptoms and how can you prevent it? Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer that has a tendency to spread around the body. It is diagnosed 16,000 times per year, and tragically takes the lives of 2,340 people per year. The number of people being diagnosed with melanoma is increasing, and it is the 5th most common cancer in the UK. But it is also one of the most preventable cancers, with 86 per cent of cases in the UK avoidable. The best way to protect yourself from melanoma is to be sun safe - wear SPF every day, wear a hat and sunglasses and keep out of the sun in the hottest hours. It is also advised to avoid sunbeds. People who are fair-skinned, have blue or green eyes, blonde or red hair and a large number of freckles or moles are more likely to get skin cancer. Surgery is the main treatment for melanoma, particularly if it is found early. This will involve removing the affected tissue in the skin. Radiotherapy, medicines and chemotherapy are also sometimes used to try and stop the cancer from growing. Treatment depends on the severity of the disease. What are the symptoms? The key thing to look out for are changes to an existing mole, or a new mole on your skin. Most experts recommend using the simple 'ABCDE' rule to look for symptoms of melanoma skin cancer, which can appear anywhere on the body. There are five letters/words to remember: A symmetrical – melanomas usually have two very different halves and are an irregular shape B order – melanomas usually have a notched or ragged border C olours – melanomas will usually be a mix of two or more colours D iameter – most melanomas are usually larger than 6mm in diameter E nlargement or elevation – a mole that changes size over time is more likely to be a melanoma A mole that changes size, shape or colour may be a melanoma. But other signs to look out for include moles that are: Swollen and sore Bleeding Itchy Crusty How deadly is it? Melanoma is a deadly form of skin cancer. The outlook of a person's disease depends on the stage of the cancer when it was diagnosed. Survival is better for women than it is for men. 'We don't know exactly why this is. It may be because women are more likely to see a doctor about their melanoma at an earlier stage,' says Cancer Research UK. The charity says that generally, statistics show that in England, more than 85 out of every 100 people (more than 85 per cent) will survive their melanoma for 10 years or more after they are diagnosed. Around 100 per cent in England diagnosed with melanoma at stage 1 - when the cancer cells are only in the top layer of skin - will survive for five years or more after drops to 80 per cent for stage 2. Some 70 per cent live for a further five years when they are diagnosed in stage 3, which is when the cancer has started to spread to nearby lymph nodes. At stage 4, when the melanoma has spread elsewhere in the body, almost 30 per cent survive their cancer for 5 years or more. Cancer Research says the stage 4 data does not account for age differences. Age can affect outlook and younger people have a better prognosis than older people. Age can affect outlook and younger people have a better prognosis than older people. What is melanoma? Melanocytes are cells in the skin that give us the colour of our skin because they produce a pigment, known as melanin. When you sit in the sun, melanocytes produce more pigment (a sun tan), which spreads to other skin cells to protect them from the sun's rays. But melanocytes are also where cancer starts. Too much UV causes sunburn, and this is a sign of damage to the skin's DNA. The UV triggers changes in the melanocytes, which makes the genetic material become faulty and cause abnormal cell growth. People who burn easily are more at risk of skin cancer because their cells do not produce as much pigment to protect their skin. Those with albinism are at the most risk because their skin produces no pigment at all.
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
The unbelievably subtle 'spot' on woman's nose that turned out to be cancer - doctors forced to remove chunk of her face
A mother has shared the incredibly subtle sign of her skin cancer that struck twice, and resulted in a 'big gaping black hole' in the side of her nose. Kerry-Ann Buckell, 35, from East Grinstead, spotted a red puss-filled bump on her nose in 2021 and thought it was just a pimple. She squeezed the spot and didn't think much of it, but it kept reappearing over the next three weeks. Despite bursting the pimple every time it reappeared, it would soon come back again, prompting the celebrity hairstylist to seek medical advise. Her doctor was concerned and referred Ms Buckell to a dermatologist for further checks and a possible biopsy. Starting to fear the worst, Ms Buckell looked up her ailment online, where all answers seemed to point to a terrifying diagnosis. 'The words skin cancer practically jumped off the webpage', she told That's Life magazine. 'But I convinced myself that it was just a white-head.' She added that she always wore SPF and has never been a 'sun-worshipper'. Despite lockdown restrictions, Ms Buckell was seen quickly and, following a biopsy, she was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma—a common form of skin cancer, affecting around 75,000 people in the UK every year. Ms Buckell had missed the main symptom of the disease— a growth or unusual patch on the skin, which usually affects areas that are exposed to the sun. Luckily, as is usually the case with basal cell carcinoma, unlike ultra-deadly melanoma, it had not spread. She said: 'I had read about people who loved being in the sun who had got skin cancer, but that wasn't me, so it left me very confused when they confirmed my diagnosis. 'It hadn't spread. But the realisation that I had cancer was hard to swallow.' The biopsy removed the growth and Ms Buckell recovered well—until three years later in November 2024, when she noticed another spot on the side of her nose. She tried to burst it with her fingers, but the spot would not stop bleeding. She said: 'I noticed another spot, this time double the size, that wouldn't budge'. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kerry-Ann Buckell / KB Hair Extensions (@kbhairextensions) Two weeks later, the spot was still there, and, as a single mother to her 10-month old son Albie, Ms Buckell was becoming increasingly concerned. 'As much as I tried to stay in denial, I knew what it was', she said. The hairstylist was referred to a dermatologist who confirmed that the cancer was back. Ms Buckell had the disease removed, which left her with a big black hole on the side of her nose. 'This time, it was much bigger,' she said. 'It was scrapped off and I was left with a big gaping black hole on my face that made me really self-conscious.' Ms Buckell's nose has since healed and she has recently opened up her own hair salon after taking a course in trichology—the study of diseases and disorders of the hair and scalp—to help her understand warning signs. She also checks her client's scalps for any signs of skin cancer. 'Never did I think skin cancer would appear as a regular looking spot', she said. 'I'm now doing everything I can to encourage skin safety.' She is now urging people to take precautions before heading out into the sun. 'It might leave you glowing at first, but it could result in your life being on the line.' It takes a scarily low number of sunburns – only five – to make you vulnerable to skin cancer, which kills more than 2,000 people in the UK every year. The deadliest type is melanoma, which penetrates into the deep layers of the skin and can spread to other organs. Non-melanoma skin cancers, like basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas, are slow growing, starting in the top later of skin, meaning that doctors can almost always cure them. Common symptoms include a spot that won't stop bleeding—due to the fragile nature of the tumours—a bump that appears darker than the surrounding skin, and crusty patches of skin that feel rough or itchy. Whilst this type of skin cancer is relatively harmless, patients often have to undergo invasive operations to remove large chunks of their skin, in order to remove the cancer—which in some cases can be disfiguring. The most harmful type of sunrays are UVB rays which hit the outer most layer of the skin and cause sunburn, as well as UVA rays which penetrate much deeper. Both of these are ultraviolet, meaning they can cause skin cancer. A worrying 90 per cent of skin cancer cases in the UK are a direct result of sunburn and using sunbeds, according to Cancer Research.
Vogue
4 days ago
- Health
- Vogue
A Dermatologist's Guide to the Best Red-Light Therapy for Hair Growth
These days it feels like red-light therapy is the Swiss Army knife of skin care: It can help reduce fine lines, quell inflammation and redness, and even minimize acne. Another potential perk? The best red-light therapy devices for hair growth can also help stimulate the follicles to improve overall density and thickness. Vogue's Favorite Red-Light Therapy Devices for Hair Growth: Ali Shahbaz, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Austin, says research suggests that using red light on your scalp may indeed improve natural regrowth with consistent use. For the best effects, opt for a cap, comb, or helmet from a reputable manufacturer. To help us determine the best red-light therapy for hair growth, we asked a number of dermatologists to weigh in on all there is to know and consider. In This Story: Best Overall: CurrentBody LED Hair Growth Helmet Currentbody LED Hair Growth Helmet $859 CURRENTBODY Why We Love It: The unique shape of this red-light helmet gives you complete and optimal scalp coverage. Based on the results of clinical testing, CurrentBody claims that using this red-light hat for 10 minutes daily can increase the hair growth rate by 128% in 12 weeks. Nicole Ruth, DO, a board-certified New York dermatologist, previously told Vogue: 'As a dermatologist, I love the CurrentBody LED Hair Growth Helmet for its evidence-based use of red-light therapy to stimulate hair follicles and prolong the anagen, or growth, phase of the hair cycle.' She added that with consistent use, the device can improve hair density and thickness in patients with androgenetic alopecia or diffuse thinning. 'It offers a safe, noninvasive adjunct to topical and systemic treatments.' Read one Vogue contributor's full review here, as well. The unique shape of this red-light helmet gives you complete and optimal scalp coverage. Based on the results of clinical testing, CurrentBody claims that using this red-light hat for 10 minutes daily can increase the hair growth rate by 128% in 12 weeks. Nicole Ruth, DO, a board-certified New York dermatologist, previously told Vogue: 'As a dermatologist, I love the CurrentBody LED Hair Growth Helmet for its evidence-based use of red-light therapy to stimulate hair follicles and prolong the anagen, or growth, phase of the hair cycle.' She added that with consistent use, the device can improve hair density and thickness in patients with androgenetic alopecia or diffuse thinning. 'It offers a safe, noninvasive adjunct to topical and systemic treatments.' Read one Vogue contributor's full review here, as well. Red-Light Wavelength: 620–660nm 620–660nm Device Type: Helmet Helmet Target Treatment Area: Head Head Treatment Time: 10 minutes 10 minutes Specs: Various helmet sizes available, LED light diodes, FSA/HSA eligible Best Hat: HigherDOSE Red Light Therapy Hat for Hair Growth Why We Love It: From a company well-known for its high-quality light-therapy products, this red-light hat is an easy-to-wear device designed to promote scalp and hair health by increasing blood circulation to the scalp. What's more, it may strengthen hair at the root and even prevent shedding. From a company well-known for its high-quality light-therapy products, this red-light hat is an easy-to-wear device designed to promote scalp and hair health by increasing blood circulation to the scalp. What's more, it may strengthen hair at the root and even prevent shedding. Red-Light Wavelength: 650nm 650nm Device Type: Hat Hat Target Treatment Area: Head/scalp Head/scalp Treatment Time: 10 minutes 10 minutes Specs: FDA cleared, one-year warranty, 120 medical-grade LED bulbs Best Helmet: iRestore Essential Laser Red Light Therapy Cap for Hair Growth Essential Laser Red Light Therapy $499 AMAZON Why We Love It: This red-light cap is a favorite among a few of the dermatologists we spoke to. Carmen Castilla, MD, a board-certified New York dermatologist, says that she appreciates that it uses a combination of both diode lasers and LED, and she's seen improvements with her own patients after they've used the iRestore Cap. This red-light cap is a favorite among a few of the dermatologists we spoke to. Carmen Castilla, MD, a board-certified New York dermatologist, says that she appreciates that it uses a combination of both diode lasers and LED, and she's seen improvements with her own patients after they've used the iRestore Cap. Red-Light Wavelength: 655nm 655nm Device Type: Cap Cap Target Treatment Area: Head Head Treatment Time: 25 minutes 25 minutes Specs: 600mW, 120 light diodes (51 lasers and 69 LEDs), two-year manufacturer's warranty, FSA/HSA eligible Best for Medical-Grade Lasers: Capillus Ultra Mobile Laser Therapy Cap for Hair Regrowth Capillus Ultra Mobile Laser Therapy Cap $350 AMAZON Why We Love It: Dr. Shahbaz highly recommends this easy-to-use cap as it features low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to stimulate hair follicles and encourage natural regrowth. He loves that it's hands-free, features 112 medical-grade lasers (not LEDs), has a discreet design, includes multiple power levels, and offers excellent scalp coverage. Dr. Shahbaz highly recommends this easy-to-use cap as it features low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to stimulate hair follicles and encourage natural regrowth. He loves that it's hands-free, features 112 medical-grade lasers (not LEDs), has a discreet design, includes multiple power levels, and offers excellent scalp coverage. Red-Light Wavelength: 650 nm 650 nm Device Type: Hat Hat Target Treatment Area: Head Head Treatment Time: 6 minutes (auto-programmed) 6 minutes (auto-programmed) Specs: 5mW laser, continuous output, head circumference of up to 23 inches, one-year limited warranty, FSA/HSA eligible Best for Androgenetic Alopecia: Theradome PRO Laser Hair Growth Helmet LH80 Theradome PRO Laser Hair Growth Helmet $995 AMAZON Why We Love It: This fully cordless hair-growth helmet features a laser-only design for deeper follicular stimulation, says Dr. Shahbaz. He loves that this device has a high laser count, ease of use, and, in his experience, good patient adherence. Plus, based on clinical research, the brand claims this device is effective at stopping hair loss and promoting regrowth for 98% of men and women with androgenetic alopecia. This fully cordless hair-growth helmet features a laser-only design for deeper follicular stimulation, says Dr. Shahbaz. He loves that this device has a high laser count, ease of use, and, in his experience, good patient adherence. Plus, based on clinical research, the brand claims this device is effective at stopping hair loss and promoting regrowth for 98% of men and women with androgenetic alopecia. Red-Light Wavelength: 680nm 680nm Device Type: Helmet Helmet Target Treatment Area: Head Head Treatment Time: 20 minutes 20 minutes Specs: FDA-cleared, six-month money-back guarantee, 80 lasers, FSA/HSA eligible Everything You Need to Know
Daily Mail
23-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Doctor reveals 'often overlooked' body part that you MUST clean everyday, or risk serious health issue
A skin doctor has warned that forgetting to wash behind the ears could lead to eczema, nasty infections and even life-threatening sepsis. According to Dr Roger Kapoor, a dermatologist at Beloit Health System in Wisconsin, this part of the body is rife for trapped dirt, oil and dead skin—yet people rarely think to clean it. Bacteria 'stuck' in the crease can migrate to open wounds, such as ear piercings or scratches inside the ear, and trigger dangerous infections, he added. ''I always recommend people wash the skin behind their ears intentionally and specifically to get into the creases of where the ear meets your skin,' he told Parade. 'It can always trap grime.' In severe cases, these infections could spread to other parts of the body and enter the bloodstream. While rare, this could lead to life-threatening sepsis—when the body attacks its own tissues, causing organs to gradually shut down. Dr Kapoor also flagged the risk of eczema, an inflammatory condition that causes sufferers to develop flaky, scaly patches which are often itchy and look red. The build up of oil, dirt and sweat can create a moist environment for bacteria and fungus to thrive, which can cause or worsen eczema as well as general skin irritation. Over time, the oil build-up can block pores, causing unsightly spots or acne breakouts. The combination of dirts trapped behind your ear is also likely to leave you with a foul smell. Dr Kapoor said while shampoo contains ingredients to help break down oil and bacteria, they are not the best option as it washes away when rinsing. This means the cleansing substances don't have contact with the skin for long. He advised using a gentle soap and scrubbing behind the ears with fingers to clean the area thoroughly. The dermatologist also recommended washing the arms of glasses regularly as they rest behind the ears and can easily transfer bacteria to the skin. It comes as a significant portion of Britons say they miss certain body parts during showers, like washing their feet (49 per cent) or toes (60 per cent), a 2020 survey by Plumbworld revealed. One survey, conducted by YouGov in 2019, found only half of people in the UK shower every day, with one in four only opting for one every two days. Nearly one in 20 Britons reported only shower once a week, and one in 100 once per month.
