Your skin is your protection. It’s the very first line of defense for anything you come into contact with. For this reason, you should be adamant about maintaining its health.
Here to teach us five of the main reasons you should never neglect your skin’s health is Jackie Hollcraft, PA-C at our newest location in Canton, OH.
Even without a pandemic, many of us do neglect routine skin cancer checks. But with skin cancer being the most common type of cancer in the US with 1 in 5 experiencing it in their lifetime, AND with it being highly treatable if caught early- it’s really not an appointment to skip!
Seeing your dermatology provider for a skin check once a year can aid significantly in early detection of skin cancer. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, of all cases, 99 percent are curable if they are diagnosed and treated early enough.
“Also, between annual skin checks you may develop new or changing lesions. Having those “spots” checked can be key for early treatment of skin cancer or help in alleviating your concern if the lesion is benign.”
COVID can be scary, and so can skin cancer! If you have been diagnosed with skin cancer, you should absolutely have it treated as soon as possible.
Dermatologists along with other healthcare professionals saw a decline in patients following through with their cancer treatments, especially earlier this year when COVID was new and people were too scared to go anywhere, even to medical offices. The problem is, some types of skin cancer are fast-growing, which can mean a more extensive surgery to remove it. Or, even worse, some cancers can progress, worsening the patient’s prognosis.
The providers at Apex are highly experienced at curing skin cancer, having collectively treated over 50,000 cases. Each provider does many of their own excisions, and Dr. Jorge Garcia-Zuazaga and Dr. Patrick Killian perform Mohs skin cancer surgery, which is the gold standard treatment for skin cancers on the face and neck.
“Skin cancer can typically be treated right here in our office with a relatively simple outpatient procedure. The patient comes in with cancer and walks out cancer free!”
Many people suffer from skin conditions that never go away, such as psoriasis, rosacea, and eczema. An important part of living with these chronic conditions is managing the symptoms and preventing flare-ups. A partnership with a trusted dermatologist is key to keeping these conditions in check.
“The prescription treatment options for dermatologic diseases has increased significantly over the past 10 years. We now have an array of treatments to choose from that are clearing chronic skin diseases like we have never seen before. It is an amazing thing to watch a patient take control of their disease rather than allowing the disease to control them.”
Another reason never to neglect your skin’s health- you shouldn’t have to suffer if we can help! Dermatologists can dramatically improve any skin ailment, as well as shorten the length of time it takes to treat it! From acute rashes to acne flare-ups, dermatologists are your allies in getting your skin clear and getting you back to your life without pain or nuisance of skin conditions.
“Attempting to treat skin problems with over the counter products may help alleviate symptoms only temporarily. I often have patients come into the clinic after weeks of self-treating a rash that has now worsened and they have suffered for weeks, they are now unable to sleep and are extremely uncomfortable. Getting skin problems properly diagnosed and treated in a timely manner can alleviate symptoms and shorten the healing time.”
And finally, a top reason to take care of your skin is your mental and emotional health. Most of us will have our self-esteem impacted positively or negatively by how we look. Seeing a dermatologist who can help you address concerns such as aging or discoloration can have a major impact on how you feel.
And some of us are even more affected by our skin, as some conditions such as acne, psoriasis and anything that can cause pain or itch have been shown to clearly link with mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.
“Healthy clear skin can bring about confidence and a boost in self-esteem. A dermatology provider can help you establish a good skin care routine. They can assist you in navigating the myriad of skin care products and treatments that are best suited to your skin type and lifestyle. If you are feeling anxious or stressed about how your skin looks or feels, let your dermatologist support you on the road to clearer skin and a healthier you.”
Apex Dermatology is dedicated to transforming lives through healthy skin, always. We prioritize your safety and health and have put additional protocols in place to keep our patients and staff safe in our offices. In addition, we offer virtual visits. And as always, same-day appointments are available. Don’t put off taking care of your skin! Schedule today!
Jackie Hollcraft is certified by the National Commission of Certification of Physician Assistants and is an Ohio State licensed Physician Assistant. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in 2002 and Master’s Degree in Physician Assistant Science in 2003, both from Saint Francis University in Pennsylvania. Jackie began her Physician Assistant career practicing Family and Pediatric care in a medically underserved community in northern California. This opportunity helped develop her medical and patient care skills, which allow her to provide comprehensive care to all her patients. She is skilled in medical and surgical dermatology for patients of all ages. She diagnoses and treats both acute and chronic skin conditions and provides skin cancer screenings. She enjoys getting to know her patients and providing them with excellent skin care.
Jackie has been practicing Dermatology in Chico, CA since 2006. She returned to her hometown and joined Apex in 2020 to serve the Canton community. She enjoys spending time outside with her husband and four children.