What are women’s specific issues?

Women experience many unique health issues throughout their lives, including specific skin conditions. Your skin can change during pregnancy and menopause. Plus, you have a risk of specific types of cancer that are unique to a woman’s reproductive organs.

At Seacoast Dermatology, the doctors provide a holistic approach to treatment that takes into account each women’s lifestyle, diet, and nutrition as well as their personal and family medical history. They seek to educate women about their skin and issues that can develop over a lifetime to help with prevention and early detection.

What is the impact of sun exposure on women’s skin?

Although men and women are at risk of skin cancer due to exposure to UV rays, there have been significant increases in young women being diagnosed with the deadliest of skin cancers: melanoma. Melanoma is the second most common form of skin cancer in women ages 15-29.

Exposure to sunlight and tanning beds is a risk factor for all types of skin cancer, including melanoma. Tanning beds may cause upward of 400,000 cases of skin cancer annually according to research.

Women should wear adequate sunscreen and clothing to protect themselves from the sun as well as to avoid indoor tanning.

What is vulvar skin cancer?

The American Cancer Society reports that American women have a one in 133 chance of developing vulvar skin cancer in their lifetime. As you get older, your risk increases, with 80% of cases in women older than 50. Vulvar cancer affects the outer female genitalia, usually appearing on the outer lips of the vagina and appear as a lump, itching, or bleeding.

Many women are unaware of the risk and the dermatology providers at Seacoast Dermatology, provide education about it. Pap smears at your OB/GYNs office do not check for vulvar cancer.

What anti-aging treatments are available for women?

Healthy aging and maintaining a youthful appearance are important for many women. For some women, this means maintaining a healthy lifestyle and making vitamin and dietary choices that promote healthy skin.

For other women, it may also mean skin rejuvenation and wrinkle-reduction techniques such as retinoids, Botox, dermal fillers or laser procedures – all offered at Seacoast Dermatology.

What dermatological issues can be caused by women’s hormones?

Hormonal changes during pregnancy, menopause, and middle age can make women susceptible to certain skin changes. Examples include:

• Acne
• Rosacea
• Hair loss

The team at Seacoast Dermatology, offers treatments, including nutrition recommendations, medical aesthetics, and topical applications to treat these concerns.