Sunburn is a skin condition that occurs when the skin is overexposed to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiations. You can see sunlight and feel the heat (infrared radiation), but you can’t see or feel the UV radiations. The UV rays can damage your skin even on cool, cloudy days.

The sunburn can vary in severity and is classified into three levels based on the extent of the damage to the skin: first-degree, second-degree, and third-degree sunburn.

The signs of sunburn can start to appear in as little as 10 minutes and skin can turn red within a few hours of being burnt. It will continue to develop for the next 24 to 72 hours and, depending on the severity, can take days or weeks to heal. A mild sunburn can be treated at home, whereas a severe and blistered sunburn requires prompt medical attention.

The UV index in Australia is very high during summer and exposure for a longer period can result in sunburn and may lead to higher risk of getting skin cancers in future. Learn more about why Australia has a high skin cancer rate.

The long term effects of recurrent sunburn include premature skin ageing and an increased risk of skin cancers.

Early detection of sunburn and the possible link to skin cancer is key, book your consultation with one of our doctors at Elixir @ Hunter Maitland even if you are looking for a skin cancer clinic in Newcastle.

Sunburn levels

Sunburns are categorised based on the severity of skin damage. The two most common types of sunburn include first degree burn and second degree burn.

First-degree sunburn: This is the mildest form of sunburn and affects the outer layer of the skin. The symptoms include redness, pain, and swelling in the affected areas of the body. The affected area may feel hot to the touch, and there may be some peeling as the skin begins to heal.

Second-degree sunburn: This is more severe and affects both the outer and underlying layers of the skin. The symptoms include blistering, intense pain, and swelling. There may also be fever, chills, nausea, confusion, tiredness, muscle cramps. Second-degree sunburn requires medical attention to prevent infection and promote healing.

Third-degree sunburn: This is rare with sunburns but can still be possible. This is the most severe form of sunburn. It affects all layers of the skin and the fatty layer below that, and can cause permanent damage, such as scarring, skin discoloration, and increases the risk of having skin cancers. The symptoms include deep tissue damage, severe pain, and the formation of blisters that cover a large area of the skin,severe dehydration and systemic symptoms including a heat stroke or shock. Third-degree sunburn is an emergency and requires immediate medical attention.

The impact of sunburn

Sunburn can have a significant impact on a person’s health and well-being. In addition to the physical discomfort and pain, sunburn can increase the risk of skin cancers, can cause premature ageing, and other skin changes like irregular pigmentation and prominence of capillaries creating redness on the affected areas. Long-term exposure to UV rays can also damage the eyes, leading to cataracts, macular degeneration, and other vision problems.

All types of sunburn, whether serious or mild, can cause permanent and irreversible skin damage. This could lay the groundwork for skin cancers to develop. Further sunburn only increases your risk of skin cancer.

Preventing sunburn is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing long-term damage. Wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen with a high SPF, and avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun during peak hours are all effective ways to prevent sunburn. It is also important to stay hydrated and seek medical attention if symptoms of sunburn are severe or do not improve over time.

In conclusion, sunburn is a common skin condition that can range from a mild self-limiting condition to life-threatening. Understanding the different levels of sunburn and their symptoms is essential for preventing long-term damage and maintaining skin health. By taking precautions and seeking medical attention when necessary, individuals can enjoy the outdoors safely and without fear of sunburn.

How to avoid sunburn?

Sunburn can be avoided by taking the following precautions:

1. Wear protective clothing: Wearing long-sleeved shirts, pants, hats, and sunglasses can help to shield the skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
2. Use sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher at least 15-30 minutes before going outside, and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
3. Seek shade: Limit exposure to direct sunlight by seeking shade under an umbrella, tree, or other shelter.
4. Avoid peak hours: Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun during peak hours (between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.), when the sun’s rays are the strongest.
5. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water and fluids to prevent dehydration, which can worsen the effects of sunburn.
6. Be aware of medication interactions: Certain medications, such as antibiotics and acne treatments, can make the skin more sensitive to the sun’s rays. Check with a doctor or pharmacist to determine if any medications you are taking could increase your risk of sunburn.
7. Protect your eyes: Wear sunglasses with UV protection to prevent damage to your eyes from the sun’s rays.
8. Be cautious on reflective surfaces: Water, snow, and sand can reflect the sun’s rays and increase the risk of sunburn. Take extra precautions when near these surfaces.

Elixir @ Hunter is a skin cancer clinic in Maitland, NSW. Book a consultation if you need your skin to be checked.

Skin cancer develops when skin cells are altered and start reproducing abnormally. As they grow and divide without stopping, they can spread to other places in your body through your blood or lymphatic circulation.

The question of ‘What causes skin cancer?’ is frequently asked by people on the internet.

Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide, with over 5 million new cases diagnosed each year. Australia has one of the highest skin cancer rates in the world.
In Australia melanoma is the second commonest invasive cancer of women after breast cancer. It is the second commonest invasive cancer of men following prostate cancer. Melanoma is now more common than either lung cancer or bowel cancer in Australia.

What causes skin cancer?

• Basal cell skin cancer is caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or tanning beds. The UV rays can damage the DNA inside your skin cells, causing the unusual cell growth.
• Squamous cell skin cancer is mostly caused by UV exposure, mainly the sun. Squamous cell skin cancer can also develop after long-term exposure to cancer-causing chemicals. It can also develop within a long standing burn scar or ulcer .
• The cause of melanoma remains unclear. The sun has a major role but there are other unexplained factors. Like basal and squamous cell skin cancers, melanoma can be caused by UV rays. However, melanomas can sometimes develop in parts of your body that are not typically exposed to sunlight.

Risk factors

There are several risk factors for skin cancers, including exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, genetics, and environmental factors.

1. Sun exposure – One of the most significant risk factors for skin cancer is exposure to UV radiation from sunlight. When the skin is exposed to UV radiation, it can damage the DNA in skin cells, leading to mutations and abnormal growth. Over time, this can lead to the formation of skin cancer.
2. Tanning Studios – Tanning including exposure to tanning lamps and beds, also puts you at risk. A tan is an injury response to excessive UV radiation, and repeated exposure to UV radiations in this way can trigger the process of formation of DNA damage leading to formation of skin cancers.
3. Fair skin – Skin cancer can affect everyone, regardless of their skin color. Pigment or colour of the skin is related to formation of melanin. Melanin helps to protect your skin from damaging UV radiation. People with fair skin (which means they have less pigment) have less protection against damaging UV radiation.
4. A history of sunburn – Having had one or more blistering sunburns as a child, teenager or adult increases your risk of developing skin cancer as an adult.
5. Moles – People who have many abnormal moles (dysplastic nevi) are at increased risk of skin cancer. Abnormal moles usually look irregular and are generally larger than normal moles. Abnormal moles are more likely to become cancerous.
6. Precancerous skin lesions – The risk of skin cancer may increase for people who have skin lesions known as actinic keratosis. These precancerous skin growths typically appear as rough, scaly patches that range in colour from brown to dark pink. Actinic keratoses are caused by the sun. The most common place for these precancerous growths is on the head, face and hands of fair-skinned people.
7. A family history of skin cancer – If one of your family has had skin cancer, you may have an increased risk of getting skin cancer.
8. Sunny or high-altitude climates – People who live in sunny warm climates are exposed to more sunlight than are people who live in colder climates. They are exposed to more UV radiation.
9. A weakened immune system – Immune systems have a crucial role to keep us healthy. People with weakened immune systems (such as people living with HIV/AIDS and those taking immunosuppressant drugs after an organ transplant) have a greater risk of developing skin cancer.
10. A personal history of skin cancer – 2/3rds of people who develop a skin cancer go on to grow a second skin cancer. If you have had two skin cancers the risk of a third is over 90%.
11. Exposure to certain substances – Environmental factors can also contribute to the development of skin cancer. Exposure to certain chemicals, such as arsenic or coal tar, can increase the risk of developing skin cancer. Additionally, exposure to radiation from medical procedures or nuclear fallout can also increase the risk of developing skin cancer.
12. Genetics – Genetics can also play a role in the development of skin cancer. People with a family history of skin cancer are more likely to develop the disease themselves. Additionally, people with certain genetic mutations are also at an increased risk of developing skin cancer.

Solution

• Reducing sun exposure helps. Suntan or sunburn means future skin cancer risk. Avoid outdoors 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM.
• Apply and reapply sunscreen regularly.
• Shade over the pool & playgrounds protects our kids.
• Long-sleeved shirts.
• Hats with a brim.
• Drive with windows up.
• Sunglasses.
• Long pants or skirts.
• 50+ Sunscreen.
• Umbrellas and shelters.
• Enclosed tractors.
• Check your own skin each month.
• See your doctor if any new or changing skin lesion develops.
• Have a regular skin checkup with a professional every 1-2 years.
• Patients who have had a melanoma need 6 monthly skin checks by a doctor for life.

Early detection is already known as the best way to ensure successful treatment of skin cancer before the disease develops further. Unlike other organs, your skin is always highly visible. That means you can proactively watch for signs of changes, unusual spots, or worsening symptoms.
We have a dedicated blog on how to detect early signs of skin cancers.

If you need skin check in Maitland or looking skin cancer clinic in Newcastle then call Elixir @ Hunter today!

Australia is a beautiful country and experiences some amazon weather in different states. Australia is known for its beautiful beaches, warm climate, and outdoor lifestyle. However, it is also known for having one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. In fact, skin cancer is the most common cancer in Australia. As per Sunsmart, More than two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime.

This is a significant health concern, and the question is: why does Australia have such a high rate of skin cancer?

UV Radiation

The answer to this question is multifaceted, and there are several contributing factors to consider. The first and perhaps most obvious reason is the country’s location. Australia is located near the equator, which means that the sun’s UV rays are stronger and more intense than in other parts of the world. This increased exposure to UV radiation means that Australians are at a higher risk of developing skin cancer.

UV radiation is classified into three types based on wavelength:

• UVA (315-400 nm): UVA rays have the longest wavelengths and can penetrate deep into the skin. They are primarily responsible for skin aging and can contribute to skin cancer.
• UVB (280-315 nm): UVB rays have shorter wavelengths and are more energetic. They are the main cause of sunburn and play a significant role in the development of skin cancer.
• UVC (100-280 nm): UVC rays are the most dangerous, but they are mostly absorbed by the Earth’s ozone layer and do not reach the surface.

The Impact of UV Radiation on Skin Health

UV radiation can cause significant damage to the skin, leading to various types of skin cancer. The primary effects include:

DNA Damage

UV radiation can directly damage the DNA in skin cells. This damage can cause mutations, which may lead to the uncontrolled growth of cells, resulting in skin cancer. The body attempts to repair this damage, but repeated exposure over time can overwhelm the repair mechanisms, increasing the risk of cancer.

Immunosuppression

UV radiation can suppress the local immune response in the skin, making it easier for cancerous cells to develop and proliferate. This immunosuppression can also reduce the skin’s ability to fight off infections and other skin conditions.

Outdoor Lifestyle

Another contributing factor is the country’s outdoor lifestyle. Australians love to spend time outdoors, whether it’s at the beach, playing sports, or simply enjoying the beautiful scenery. This means that people are often exposed to the sun for long periods of time, which can increase their risk of developing skin cancer.

In addition to the outdoor lifestyle, there is also a cultural factor to consider. Australians often pride themselves on having a tan, which can be seen as a symbol of health and vitality. Unfortunately, this cultural mindset has led to a significant number of people not taking proper precautions when it comes to sun exposure. Many Australians do not wear protective clothing or sunscreen, and they often spend hours in the sun without taking a break or seeking shade.

It is also important to note that some Australians are more at risk of developing skin cancer than others. People with fair skin, red or blonde hair, and light-colored eyes are more susceptible to the harmful effects of UV radiation. Additionally, those with a family history of skin cancer are also at a higher risk.

How to protect against skin cancer?

Despite the high rate of skin cancer in Australia, there are steps that people can take to protect themselves. The most important thing is to limit sun exposure, especially during peak hours when the sun’s rays are the strongest. This can be achieved by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen with a high SPF. It is also important to learn how to detect skin cancer early and seek medical attention if they notice any changes in their skin. Early detection is key when it comes to treating skin cancer, and regular skin checks can help to identify any potential issues before they become more serious.

Australia’s high rate of skin cancer is a complex issue with several contributing factors. While the country’s location and outdoor lifestyle play a role, cultural attitudes towards tanning and a lack of awareness about the risks of sun exposure are also significant factors. It is important for Australians to take steps to protect themselves from the harmful effects of UV radiation, including limiting sun exposure, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen. By taking these precautions, Australians can reduce their risk of developing skin cancer and enjoy the country’s beautiful outdoor lifestyle safely.

Need Help?

Elixir @ Hunter is a skin cancer cancer clinic in Maitland with with two operating rooms, a dressing room and a modern laser and cosmetic room. We also provide cosmetic treatment. If you are located in Newcastle and needing skin cancer treatment then we are only a short drive away.

Our coverage area: Newcastle, Singleton, Rutherford, Branxton, Cessnock, Aberglasslyn, Lochinvar

The three common types of skin cancers are:

• Squamous Cell Carcinoma or SCC
• Basal Cell Carcinoma or BCC
• Malignant Melanoma or MM

Melanoma is the most dangerous amongst the common types of skin cancers. It usually starts as a simple skin lesion. The cancer cells then get into the bloodstream and can spread to any other part of the body. It is the spread elsewhere that can result in death. Oot of every ten people that die of skin cancer, eight die of melanoma.

Elixir @ Hunter is skin cancer clinic in Maitland, offering quality skin cancer treatment. Book your consultation today!

What does it look like?

It is generally a dark coloured mole that may have an irregular shape. Most of these lesions are flat lesions within the skin rather than sticking out from the skin. Most of them will appear just like a common flat mole with asymmetrical distribution of pigmentation but they are usually asymptomatic.

Most of these lesions are neither painful nor itchy, and most can’t be felt. Some melanomas can appear as a bump in the skin. A melanoma that can be felt is more serious than one that can be seen but not felt.

Most of the melanoma grows horizontally on the skin surface before they start going deeper. The depth of the melanoma is the most important prognostic criteria. Melanoma over 0.75 mm Breslow thickness (measuring scale for melanoma) can have more potential to spread in the body as compared to thinner melanomas. The melanoma that appears as a bump in the skin has more potential to spread as this type of melanoma starts to grow vertically almost from day 1, and these are the melanomas which can become life-threatening in as little as 6 weeks.

Risk Factors

The most common site for melanoma is on the arms, legs or back, but they can grow on any area of the skin including palms, soles and under the nails.

Around 90% of the melanomas are linked to damage from Ultraviolet or UV rays.

A genetic condition called “Dysplastic Naevus Syndrome” or “Atypical Naevus Syndrome” is a major risk factor for melanoma. Multiple dysplastic melanocytic naevus syndrome (MDMNS) is a condition where a patient has 5 or more dysplastic melanocytic naevi (DMNs). These people are at substantial risk of developing melanoma. MDMNS patients have a future melanoma risk more than 40 times the risk of other patients.

Dysplastic moles mostly look like very dark or black moles. They often have a strange irregular shape, like the map of a country, but are otherwise smooth to touch.

Patients with MDMNS are at high risk of melanoma. It is therefore essential that extreme measures are taken to avoid sun damage.

Regular careful skin checks are essential and are the key to MDMNS. In most of these people, melanoma mostly grows from normal looking skin rather than from existing dysplastic moles. As such, simply removing lots of dysplastic moles is not the answer.

These patients need a regular 6 monthly professional skin checkup and they also need to check their own skin every 2-3 months or even every month. There are parts of your skin you can’t see. Ask your partner or friend to check these areas for you. If any new or changing mole develops between the scheduled appointments, do not wait. Please make an appointment to see your doctor as soon as possible.

Where can melanoma spread into the body?

Melanoma can spread anywhere. The commonest site is lymph nodes. It can also spread to nearby skin sites. It is more serious when it spreads to places like the lungs, liver and brain. A spread to these distant sites has a concerning risk of death.

What is the usual treatment?

Skin melanoma lesions are invariably excised. Melanoma treatment is almost always in at least two stages.

The doctor will initially take out just the lesion with a narrow margin to confirm the diagnosis and to check the depth and other prognostic factors of the melanoma.

Once the diagnosis and other prognostic factors are confirmed, a wider excision is organised. This second excision requires a wide ring of non-involved skin being removed from around the melanoma. The clearance is usually 1 or 2 cm of apparently normal skin on all sides.

Early diagnosis and treatment of a melanoma is the key to maximising survival. Try to catch the melanoma before it has spread.

Can the melanoma come back?

Wide excision with the recommended melanoma margin guidelines minimises the risk of recurrence of melanoma.

The chances of recurrence of melanoma depends on individual factors including: the thickness the cancer penetrates the skin, its body location, whether the cancer had an ulcer on its surface, whether there are lymph nodes involved and whether it is spread to other places in the body.

What happens if a melanoma spreads in the body?

While usually fatal in the past, there are now new treatments available for metastatic melanoma. If you have a metastatic melanoma, you will be referred to a medical oncologist, a specialist in these cancer drug therapies.

If the melanoma has spread to a single site, surgery can be helpful.

Radiation is not commonly used for managing melanoma, but it can be useful when a site of spread produces marked local pain.

Risk of getting more melanomas after a diagnosis of melanoma

Any person who has developed a melanoma is susceptible to further skin cancers. This includes a further lifetime risk of getting melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers.

It is recommended to have regular and ongoing skin checks for life.

How to reduce the risk of getting a melanoma?

• Reducing sun exposure helps. Suntan or sunburn means future skin cancer risk. Avoid outdoors 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM.
• Apply and reapply sunscreen regularly.
• Shade over the pool & playgrounds protects our kids.
• Long-sleeved shirts.
• Hats with a brim.
• Drive with windows up.
• Sunglasses.
• Long pants or skirts.
• 50+ Sunscreen.
• Umbrellas and shelters.
• Enclosed tractors.
• Check your own skin each month.
• See your doctor if any new or changing skin lesion develops.
• Have a regular skin checkup with a professional every 1-2 years.
• Patients who have had a melanoma need 6 monthly skin checks by a doctor for life.

If you need skin cancer treatment in Newcastle or Maitland then call us today and book a consultation. Our coverage area: Newcastle, Singleton, Rutherford, Branxton, Cessnock, Aberglasslyn, Lochinvar

Common types of skin cancers – BCC, SCC, Melanoma

Basal Cell Carcinoma or BCC

BCC or Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer. BCC almost always never spreads beyond the original tumour site, and the cure rate after a surgical excision is above 95 percent in most body areas.

So, is this form of cancer even something to worry about?

Even though BCCs are locally invasive and don’t spread to lymph nodes or blood stream usually, there can be some aggressive forms of BCCs which rarely can metastasise. In addition, BCCs in areas like lips, ears, nose and eyelids can create a lot of tissue destruction if not removed early. As they are very slow growing, patients take them very lightly sometimes and by the time the patient seeks a medial consultation, they start to bleed, ulcerate, and can be hard to remove and may need a skin graft or a skin flap repair especially around the eyes, ears and nose. BCCs over the lower part of the nose or in the ears can go deeper into the cartilage if left unattended, making surgery difficult. Once you’ve been diagnosed with a BCC, it’s very likely that you will develop more over the years, leading to continuous treatment and possibly even disfiguration.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma or SCC

SCC or Squamous Cell Carcinomas are the second commonest type of skin cancers. They can be quite aggressive at times. While the majority of SCCs can be successfully treated, if left to grow, they can become very invasive, can penetrate deeper layers of skin and spread to surrounding lymph nodes and to other parts of the body.

The pre-cancerous lesions for SCCs (Actinic Keratosis or Bowen’s disease) can grow over a few years before they turn into invasive Squamous cell carcinoma.

Actinic keratosis is the most common precancerous lesion that forms on skin damaged by chronic exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun and/or indoor tanning. Actinic keratosis results from long-term exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Actinic keratosis often appears as small dry, scaly or crusty patches of skin. They may be red, light or dark tan, white, pink, flesh-toned or a combination of colours and are sometimes raised. Because of their rough texture, actinic keratoses are often easier to feel than see. The lesions frequently arise on sun-exposed areas of the face, lips, ears, scalp, shoulders, neck and the back of the hands and forearms.

Actinic keratosis that turns cancerous almost always turns into Squamous Cell Carcinoma, the second most common type of skin cancer. Untreated SCCs can become invasive, and even life-threatening.

Catching and treating the actinic keratosis before it becomes an SCC can make a huge difference in your treatment experience. You want to get them early, before they go invasive, mostly to prevent possible invasion into the skin and internal organs. This is especially important in the head and neck region, as those cancers can be more aggressive in these areas. You’re also going to get less scarring than if you waited to remove a growth until it was cancerous.

Only about 10 percent of actinic keratoses will eventually become cancerous, but the majority of SCCs do begin as actinic keratosis. Unfortunately, there’s no way to tell which actinic keratosis will become dangerous, so monitoring and treating any that crop up is the only way to be sure.

What do actinic keratosis look like?

They vary widely. They could be thick, red, scaly patches or they could be red bumps with a tan crust or could present with a raised little horn-shaped part, called a cutaneous horn. Pay attention to anything that keeps coming back or doesn’t heal, just as you would while examining your skin for signs of fully formed skin cancers. I tell my patients that if they have any concerning areas like that, to call the clinic and we will see them as soon as possible. That way we can treat them early and prevent formation of squamous cell carcinoma

Actinic keratosis can be treated easily with simple procedures like cryotherapy or with some cancer burning creams, laser ablation or with curettage and desiccation.

Actinic keratosis on lips is called Actinic Cheilitis. You might think you have severely chapped lips, but that could be a warning sign of actinic cheilitis. This precancerous condition typically appears on the lower lip as scaly patches or roughness. Left untreated, it can evolve into a Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Lip which can be very aggressive.

The SCCs can also present as a wart-like growth or a cutaneous horn. You might think you’ve developed a wart, but these funnel-shaped growths that look like a tiny horn on the skin may have a SCC in the base.

A superficial form of SCC is called Bowen’s disease or Squamous Cell Carcinoma – in – situ. You might think you have a patch of dry skin. But if the patch doesn’t heal, looks scaly, red or crusty and starts spreading outward, it could be a superficial type of SCC called SCC in situ. At this stage, it is not dangerous and the treatment is easy, but if left untreated, it can progress and turn into an invasive SCC which will need a full excision and will leave a much bigger scar.

Melanoma

It can be difficult to comprehend just how big a difference early detection makes with melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer. Treating a Melanoma early rather than after it is allowed to progress could be lifesaving. To fully comprehend the significance of timing, it can be helpful to understand exactly what happens to a melanoma when it advances to a later stage, and what it means when a melanoma spreads beyond the original tumour site.

Every melanoma has the potential to become deadly, but the difference between a melanoma-in-situ and one that has begun to metastasise cannot be overstated. There is a drastic change in the survival rate for the various stages of melanoma, highlighting the importance of detecting and treating melanomas before they have a chance to progress. It’s impossible to predict exactly how fast a melanoma will move from stage to stage, so you should be taking action as soon as possible.

There are different types of melanoma

• Superficial spreading melanoma – This is the most common type of melanoma making up about 50% of all melanomas diagnosed. This melanoma usually appears as a dark spot with irregular borders that spreads across the skin.
• Nodular melanoma – Nodular is one of the most rapidly growing types of melanoma. It appears as a raised lump or ‘nodule’ and can be brown, black, pink or red in colouring, or have no colour at all. About 15% of all melanomas are nodular.
• Lentigo maligna melanoma – Lentigo maligna melanomas begin as large freckles. They are commonly found in older people, often in areas that have received a lot of sun exposure such as the face, head, neck and upper body. This type of melanoma makes up 10% of all melanomas.
• Acral lentiginous melanoma – Acral is a rare type of melanoma that tends to grow on the palms of hands, soles of the feet or under the nails. It accounts for about 3% of all melanomas.
• Other, less common types of melanoma include desmoplastic and naevoid melanoma. Mucosal melanomas can be found in tissues in the respiratory, digestive, and reproductive tracts. Uveal (ocular) melanomas develop in the eye.

If you need help with skin cancer treatment in Newcastle, Hunter Valley then book an appointment with Elixir @ Hunter. Our coverage area: Newcastle, Singleton, Rutherford, Branxton, Cessnock, Aberglasslyn, Lochinvar

Skin ageing is a continuous time-dependent and multifactorial phenomenon of reduction in size and number of cells in the skin, and reduction in the rate of many organic functions in the skin. Many skin functions decline with age, such as cell replacement, response to an injury, barrier function of the skin, sensory perception of the skin, immune response of the skin and temperature regulation. In addition, the reduced production of sweat and reduced function of skin glands resulting in skin dryness.

The cutaneous stigmata of ageing may affect an individual’s mental wellbeing, body image and quality of life. Ageing, unfortunately, is a fact of life and the older population is increasing in number. Obviously, no one can remain young forever, but cosmetic innovations through scientific research are progressing very rapidly. Patients are able to significantly delay the visible ageing process by practising preventive skin care and taking advantage of many chemical treatments available for facial rejuvenation.

Elixir @ Hunter is a cosmetic and skin cancer clinic in Maitland, NSW. Visit our  skin rejuvenation page to learn more.

The various methods for skin rejuvenation are:

Cosmetics

Cosmetics are topical agents used to improve personal grooming, appearance and self-image.

The best cosmetic a person can wear for preservation of his or her youthful appearance is sunscreen. It can cause an apparent reversal of some signs of photoaging and keep the skin youthful looking.

Moisturisers reduce the loss of humidity from the surface of skin by deposition of an oil film, avoiding evaporation, and helps minimise the appearance of fine wrinkles, and maintain appropriate level of skin humidity. Fine wrinkles are more visible when skin is excessively dry.

Vitamin A based creams are used to rejuvenate the skin by creating peeling of the top layer of skin, triggering regeneration of the new skin cells.

Antioxidants like Vitamin C and Vitamin E creams work by reducing the number of sunburn cells which appear after exposure to UV radiation. Topical application of these cream decreases the redness and swelling, and number of sunburn cells.

Chemical peels

Chemical peeling involves the application of an acid to the skin to produce a controlled and predictable injury to the epidermis and variable portion of the dermis. Destruction of epidermis and, in some cases, superficial dermis produces oedema (swelling), and, hence, appreciable improvement in appearance.

A new era in dermatologic treatment began with the introduction of retinoids around 4 decades ago. Retinoids are Vitamin A based agents, and may be used orally or topically for a wide variety of skin disorders. Topically and in higher concentration than the ones used for the keratolytic effect, some retinoids may be used as a peeling agent with very good results.

Fillers

As part of the ageing, the face undergoes contraction or shrinking of facial fat pads and few areas of the facial bone. A variety of filling substances are available in the market to fill up the lost fat pads and bony projections, and some of the defects susceptible to improvement are furrows and wrinkles, depressed scars, and skin roughness. Each method is highly effective when used for its correct indications and by skilled physicians.

Intense pulsed light

IPL is useful for the treatment of prominent capillaries and veins on the face, redness on face and neck, freckles, fine lines and wrinkles. Its multiple effects have made it an interesting modality for non ablative skin rejuvenation. Several studies have shown remarkable improvement of photoaged skin, and although the degree of improvement of fine lines may not be as impressive, IPL causes significant simultaneous improvement of other photoaging features, such as redness, prominent capillaries and veins and dyspigmentation or irregular pigmentation. In addition to its combined effect, it has a good safety profile, making it a suitable modality for photoaged skin of all types, and in treating large areas as chest and neck.

Fractional Laser resurfacing

The carbon dioxide laser was developed in the 1960s for skin and eye procedures. The 10,600 nm emission wavelength is strongly absorbed by water, which is the main constituent in the tissues.

The principle of ‘selective thermolysis’ is applied to the development of lasers to be used for resurfacing. This theory states that selective heating and damage of a target chromophore and tissue is achieved when an appropriate wavelength is delivered to an absorbing chromophore.

Resurfacing Co2 lasers produce excellent results for fine and deep rhytides, surgical scars, acne scars and the treatment of photodamaged skin with a minimal risk of long term side effects. Co2 laser wounds produce a more intense inflammatory response, and induce increased neocollagenesis compared to short term pulsed laser wounds for the same depth of tissue destruction. Clinically, better cosmetic outcomes are achieved for moderate to severe wrinkles, photodamage and acne scarring with the Co2 laser.

In Fractional Co2 laser, the depth and area of the resurfacing can be calculated and controlled in a much better way, leading to a better controlled inflammation and a more predictive outcome with better formation of collagen and improved appearance of skin. A better understanding of wound healing from a biochemical and molecular perspective together with fundamental knowledge of laser-tissue interactions has led to a more scientific approach to the development and analysis of all skin rejuvenation procedures.

Radiofrequency Microneedling

Radiofrequency microneedling works by selectively delivering radiofrequency energy with microneedline to create a deep remodelling of the skin. The treatment triggers formation of collagen in deeper layers of skin to improve skin tightening. It is a relatively non-invasive treatment to deliver heat to the target tissues while the outer layer of the skin remains relatively intact. By formation of new collage, this treatment improves textural irregularities such as fine lines, atrophic scar, skin wrinkling and sagging.

Surgical procedures

There are many surgical procedures available for skin rejuvenation. Dermabrasion and Dermaplaning are procedures used to remove the top layer of the skin and this improves the skin’s contour as new collagen and epidermis replace the abraded skin. The new skin generally has a smoother appearance. It is indicated for fine wrinkles, scar correction and perioral wrinkles.

Summary

The cosmetic ageing changes of the skin are not a direct threat to the physical well-being of the patient, but their psychological impact, particularly in regard to self-perception, self-esteem, and quality of life, can be significant. Successful ageing is characterised by good mental health and adaptive psychosocial functioning, resulting in life satisfaction. Skin rejuvenation is a medical way to reverse the visible signs of ageing in the skin, and to delay the appearance of these signs of ageing.

Choosing the ideal skin rejuvenation procedure depends on several factors, like relative efficacy for a given medical indication, length of recovery period, expertise of the clinician, possible adverse effects, risks and complications, and the relative cost of these procedures.

Elixir @ Hunter skin cancer clinic provides comprehensive skin cancer checkup, skin cancer treatment and various forms of skin rejuvenation procedures.  To discuss what skin rejuvenation procedures are good for your skin and to discuss more about your skin, please call our friendly staff on 02 40674119 to book a cosmetic consultation.