A Closer Look at the Numbers

Research consistently shows that men are more likely to be diagnosed with melanoma and have a higher mortality rate than women. This trend is especially pronounced in older men, suggesting a cumulative risk over time.

Other Factors Increasing Risk

• Genetic Factors at Play: Some men may be at an inherently higher risk of developing skin cancer due to their genetic makeup. Understanding these risks is key to developing personalized prevention strategies.
• Occupational and Recreational Exposure: Many men spend significant time outdoors, exposing them to UV radiation throughout their lives. This constant exposure without adequate protection can lead to accumulated skin damage, increasing the risk of skin cancer.
• Awareness and Education: Unfortunately, there is a general lack of awareness about skin health among men. This is compounded by a scarcity of targeted educational campaigns to promote preventive measures among this demographic.

Early Detection, Better Outcomes

Dermatologists are trained to detect skin abnormalities that may be overlooked by the untrained eye. Regular skin exams allow these professionals to scrutinize the skin for any signs of change or abnormality.

When it comes to melanoma, one of the most aggressive forms of skin cancer, early detection can be life-saving. Understanding the critical window for treatment significantly influences treatment outcomes and overall prognosis.

The Importance of Early Detection

• Increasing Survival Rates: Statistics consistently show that patients whose melanoma is detected and treated in its early stages have a dramatically higher survival rate than those diagnosed later. This emphasizes the importance of regular skin exams and vigilance in monitoring changes in the skin.
• Mitigating Spread: Melanoma can spread quickly to other parts of the body, including vital organs. Detecting and treating melanoma while it is still localized to the skin prevents metastasis, drastically improving the chances of successful treatment.
• Preserving Quality of Life: Early detection and treatment not only enhance survival rates but also help preserve the patient’s quality of life. Late-stage melanoma treatments can be invasive and may involve extensive surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation, all of which carry significant physical and emotional burdens.

Regular annual exams allow dermatologists to build a comprehensive history of a patient’s skin, making it easier to notice changes over time. This long-term relationship with a skin professional enhances the continuity of care, ensuring that any skin condition alterations are promptly addressed.

Challenging Stereotypes

The stereotype that skincare and dermatology are mainly feminine concerns has deep historical and cultural roots. For decades, beauty and skincare products have been marketed predominantly to women, creating a narrative reinforcing these practices as feminine.

It is crucial to challenge and dismantle these misconceptions. Skin is the largest organ of the body, and everyone, regardless of gender, needs to take care of it. Educating the public and raising awareness about the universality of skincare and dermatology is vital to breaking down these barriers.

These stereotypes can have dangerous consequences, leading men to neglect their skin health, resulting in late diagnoses of skin conditions, including skin cancer. It’s imperative to address these stereotypes and emphasize that skincare is a health necessity, not a gendered choice.

Conclusion

Annual skin exams are a critical component of preventive healthcare for men. They play a vital role in the early detection of skin issues, provide personalized skincare advice, and contribute significantly to long-term skin health. Empowering men to take charge of their skin health involves challenging stereotypes, providing tailored resources and support, and normalizing dermatology as a crucial part of men’s health routine.

Village Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama, is committed to fostering a culture of skin wellness for all. Embracing annual skin exams is a proactive step toward safeguarding your skin’s health and ensuring a future where skin conditions are caught and treated early.

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A Physician Assistant (PA) is a healthcare professional that serves as an extension of the Physician to provide accessible, quality healthcare. They are an integral part of the health care team and practice medicine under the direction and supervision of a licensed physician. PAs are nationally certified and state-licensed.

At Village Dermatology, we are fortunate to have 2 amazing PAs available for our patient’s dermatology care. Both Amanda Lanier, PA-C, and Kelly Fordham, PA-C, are licensed Physician Assistants with years of dermatology experience. However, before we discuss our PA\’s, let\’s review some of the most common questions we hear about physician assistants.

Why were physician assistants introduced into healthcare? What do they do? And what kind of training do they receive before they\’re allowed to see patients? Read on to find out.

Physician Assistants: A Brief History

In the mid-1960s, there was a shortage of primary care physicians in the United States. A doctor at the Duke University Medical Center in North Carolina, Eugene A. Stead Jr., MD, recognized the need for additional trained workers to improve and expand healthcare. He enrolled four Navy Hospital Corpsmen who had already received considerable medical training during their military service. These four individuals constituted the first physician assistants\’ class.

Stead based the curriculum of the first PA program on his knowledge of fast-track physician training during World War II. The first batch of PA students graduated from Duke University in 1967. The program was a great success and received federal backing as early as the 1970s, given the continuing physician shortage. Over the ensuing decades, the physician assistant profession has grown into a more formal one with accreditation standards, examinations, and requirements for continuing medical education. Presently, there is a high demand for PAs in the United States. The profession grew 300% from 2011 to 2014 and is estimated to grow by more than 30% between 2018 and 2028.

What do physician assistants do?

PAs work interdependently with Physicians to provide diagnostic and therapeutic patient care in virtually all medical specialties and settings. They take patient histories, perform physical examinations, order laboratory and other diagnostic studies, prescribe medications, and develop patient treatment plans. Their job descriptions are diverse and include clinical practice, patient education, team leadership, medical educations, health administration, and research. For many patients, a PA is their principal healthcare provider. This is very true for our patients at Village Dermatology, as they have experienced the quality care that our PA\’s offer them and prefer the availability of appointment slots offered by our PA team.

A 2014 poll commissioned by the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) found that the overwhelming majority of patients (more than 90%) think of PAs as trusted healthcare providers who provide excellent service. Also, physician assistants add value to healthcare teams, improve the quality of healthcare, and improve health outcomes for patients. Some of the key advantages of physician assistants, as perceived by patients, include:

• PAs explain things about health and treatment in ways that patients can understand.
• It is easier to get appointments at a medical practice that employs PAs.
• Most patients have great relationships with their PA.
• PAs focus on all of the patient\’s healthcare needs.
• PAs provide high-quality medical care at every appointment.
• Seeing a PA is associated with increased patient satisfaction.
• PAs educate patients about how to stay healthy or prevent illness.

How are physician assistants trained?

PAs are trained at the master\’s degree level. There are currently over 260 PA programs in the country. Admission is highly competitive, requiring a bachelor’s degree and completion of prerequisite courses. On average, incoming PA students bring with them more than 3,000 hours of direct patient contact experience, having worked previously in a medical profession. PA programs are approximately 27 months (three academic years). The PA school curriculum is modeled on the medical school curriculum that involves both didactic and clinical education training. In the didactic phase, students take courses in basic medical sciences, behavioral sciences, and behavioral ethics. In the clinical phase, students complete more than 2,000 hours of clinical rotations in medical and surgical disciplines, including family care, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, general surgery, emergency medicine, psychiatry, and other fields such as dermatology. Upon graduation from an accredited PA program, they must pass a national certification exam and maintain their certification by completing 100 hours of continuing medical education (CME) every two years and a recertification exam every 10 years.

Where do physician assistants work?

Physician assistants can work in practically every healthcare setting, including medical offices, hospitals, nursing homes, community health centers, and many more. As PAs expand in their roles, so do the sub-specialties within this group of practitioners. They are no longer limited to internal medicine or family practice. One can find PAs in CV surgery, radiation oncology, plastic surgery, dermatology, among other areas.

How are PAs part of my dermatology care at Village Dermatology?

At Village Dermatology, we have two physician assistants, Amanda Lanier, PA-C, and Kelly Fordham, PA-C. Our PAs are highly trained and can function as your main dermatology provider no matter the reason that you come in. For example, they can see you for your skin cancer screening, and if you require biopsies or other treatment, they can perform these procedures. They can also diagnose and treat many different medical conditions, including acne, rosacea, psoriasis, eczema, and many others. At Village Dermatology, they are also able to perform numerous cosmetic procedures, including chemical peels, lasers, and microneedling, just to name a few.

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A nurse practitioner (NP) is a healthcare provider who works independently to manage people’s medical problems and prevent illness. Nurse practitioners often specialize in a specific patient population, for example, children, adults, women, or elderly individuals. Some nurse practitioners may specialize in a medical field such as cardiology, oncology, or dermatology. Currently, Village Dermatology is extremely fortunate to have the expertise of Wendy Cantrell, DNP, CRNP, available to serve our patients. Wendy is a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner (CRNP) with years of experience in dermatology. However, before we get to that information, let’s examine some of the common questions you might have about nurse practitioners.

What kind of training do nurse practitioners receive? Where do they work? And how do they help improve healthcare in the United States? Read on to learn more.

Nurse Practitioners: A Brief History

The first nurse practitioner program was developed in the mid-1960s in Colorado as a certificate program by Henry Silver, MD, and Loretta Ford, RN, EdD. Ford is widely acknowledged as an international leader in nursing education. She was one of the first people to recognize that nurses with advanced education could improve healthcare, address the critical shortage of health providers, and improve access to healthcare in rural areas.

Silver and Ford jointly developed the nurse practitioner curriculum for pediatric practice. This program has been widely replicated in many fields of medicine, including gerontology, family health, mental health, and dermatology. The program developed by Ford and Silver became a master’s degree program in the 1970s. In 1977, the profession was further standardized with certification exams. The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners was founded in 1985. From an estimated 15,000 nurse practitioners in the US in 1979, the number grew to more than 200,000 NPs in 2015. It is estimated that there will be 244,000 NPs in the US by 2025.

What do nurse practitioners do?

What a specific NP does depends largely on their specialization and the state where they practice. In general, nurse practitioners provide healthcare services to a diverse population of patients in primary care, acute, and specialty settings.

A nurse practitioner is authorized to consult with a patient, obtain a medical history, perform an examination, order diagnostic tests, diagnose an illness, and treat a medical condition. Nurse practitioners also provide evidence-based counseling to patients to prevent illness and optimize health.

When you see a dermatology nurse practitioner, for example, you can expect to receive a thorough medical evaluation, diagnosis, medications (in some states), and individualized treatment plans for your skin, hair, and nail conditions. They will elicit a detailed medical history from you, conduct a physical examination, perform a medication review, and order and interpret laboratory studies if needed. The nurse practitioner may consult a dermatologist or other healthcare providers to provide you with comprehensive healthcare. Once the NP has diagnosed your condition, they will offer the appropriate treatment, follow up on your progress, and maintain detailed medical records.

The important thing to note is that NP’s do not see patients merely as people with a specific medical problem. Rather, they often serve as counselors, mentors, and advisors, and therefore provide a more holistic healthcare experience.

How are nurse practitioners trained?

Becoming a nurse practitioner takes up to 8 years of rigorous education. This includes 4 years to complete a bachelor’s level nursing program to become a registered nurse. Then, there are another 2-3 years to obtain a master’s degree. Plus, there’s additional time, approximately 1 year, to pass the certification examination.

A qualified nurse practitioner or APRN (advanced practice registered nurse) is one who has completed a master’s degree program or a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree. In addition to the master’s degree, NPs must have state licensure to practice. Those interested in further specialization must undergo credentialing from various associations such as the American Association of Critical Care Nurses or the Dermatology Nursing Certification Board.

As noted, an NP must complete a specialized nursing program and become certified in the specialty of their choosing. Meaning, when you see a dermatology nurse practitioner, you are seeing a healthcare provider who holds a masters or doctoral degree in nursing sciences, is licensed with the state as an advanced practice nurse, is board certified by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) or American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), and has specialization in dermatology medicine (Wendy has 20 years in dermatology). That’s a lot of education and training!

Where do nurse practitioners work?

Nurse practitioners work in a variety of medical settings and specialties. In addition to being a general NP, a nurse practitioner may specialize in a specific population of patients, for example, the elderly, children, or women. Also, nurse practitioners may choose to practice in a specific medical field, for example, family medicine, acute care, pediatrics, gerontology, neonatal care, women’s health, orthopedics, sports medicine, neurology, urology, and dermatology.

The scope of NP practice varies by state. In full practice states, nurse practitioners have complete authority, i.e., they can work without the direct supervision of a physician. In restricted practice states, NPs need to collaborate with a licensed physician who must sign off on certain medical decisions. However, even in these states, NPs still have more authority than registered nurses (RNs), and their responsibilities are similar to doctors.

How do nurse practitioners fit into my dermatology care?

Here at Village Dermatology, we see our nurse practitioners as an integral part of the medical team. There is so much demand for experienced dermatology care that many of our patients prefer to see our nurse practitioners because of their dermatology expertise and availability to see patients in a more timely manner. We are so thankful that we can provide our patients with outstanding nurse practitioners like Wendy Cantrell, DNP, CRNP. If you would like to schedule an appointment with any of our medical providers, please call us or fill out a form, and we will get you in as soon as possible.

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Botox for Depression: New Study Shows Promising Findings

Everyone has heard of Botox, and many know of its amazing benefits outside of aesthetic use.  Botox was first approved for therapeutic use more than three decades ago. It was developed as a treatment for eye muscle disorders like blepharospasm (involuntary blinking) and strabismus (crossed eyes). Over the years, doctors found they could use Botox to treat a variety of health conditions. As the use of Botox has increased over the years, a surprising finding has emerged. People who receive Botox, whether it is for cosmetic reasons or a medical condition, have significantly lower rates of depression.  Furthermore, we here at Village Dermatology have had a myriad of patients over the years that do not have a clinical diagnosis of depression, express a “mood-lifting” benefit after receiving their Botox treatment. So, when this study came out, we were very intrigued to read this information.  This is our attempt at summarizing the information in the study.  If you want to read the entire study, we have provided a link at the bottom of this article.

 Depression: A Global Disease

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 250 million people worldwide suffer from depression. In the United States, major depression is one of the most common mental health disorders. More than 17 million Americans report at least one major depressive episode in the past year, representing roughly 7% of the population.

Depression can result in severe functional impairment. It interferes with a person’s ability to carry out day-to-day activities. Symptoms of depression include sadness, anxiety, and a lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities. Depressed people are often irritable, frustrated, and restless. They may suffer from sleep and appetite disturbances. Feelings of worthlessness, helplessness, and guilt are common. Depression can also lead to trouble with concentration, decision making, and memory.

Due to its profound impact on a person’s health and quality of life, it’s important to recognize and treat depression.

Uses of Botox: Much More Than Facial Rejuvenation

Botox is best known for its use in facial rejuvenation. Botox injections for the treatment of facial wrinkles are the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures in the United States. They’re a safe, FDA-approved treatment to get rid of crow’s feet and frown lines. But what many people don’t know is that Botox is also approved for several medical conditions besides cosmetic use, including:

• Hyperhidrosis (abnormal sweating not related to heat or exercise)
• Migraine prevention
• Neurogenic bladder (lack of bladder control due to nerve problems)
• Overactive bladder (uncontrolled urge to urinate)
• Urinary incontinence (loss of bladder control)
• Spasticity (tight or stiff muscles)

Botox for Depression: Yes, It Works

Over the last decade, several clinical trials and studies have shown that facial Botox injections are very effective in treating depression. However, many doctors remain unconvinced because some of these studies were small. Also, it was not possible to reliably blind the patients (in a double-blind clinical trial, the patient and physician do not know whether the patient is receiving the actual drug versus a placebo). Due to the obvious cosmetic effects of Botox, it hasn’t been possible to conduct a double-blind trial in cosmetic patients.

Moreover, the mechanism by which Botox has an antidepressant effect remains unclear. It is thought that Botox relaxes the “grief muscles” that are used to express negative emotions like sadness, anger, and fear. This breaks the feedback from the face to the brain that reinforces these emotions.

New Study Results: Botox Can Treat Depression

A new study has looked at more than 45,000 clinical reports of adverse events related to Botox injections submitted to the FDA. These reports include Botox treatments not only for cosmetic purposes but also for other frequent medical indications and injection sites. In total, the authors looked at over 13 million reports submitted voluntarily to the FDA’s MedWatch program by physicians, other healthcare providers, and patients. The reports related to patients on treatment with antidepressants were eliminated from the study to avoid confusion.

The results showed that patients who received Botox had a significantly lower incidence of depression. The study confirmed the antidepressant effect of facial Botox injections shown by previous clinical trials. Surprisingly though, the antidepressant effect of Botox was also noted for other sites of injection and medical conditions. In other words, when Botox was used for migraine prevention, muscle spasms, torticollis (neck pain), blepharospasm (involuntary blinking), hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), urinary bladder disorders, and sialorrhea (excessive salivation or drooling), it had an antidepressant effect.

The authors of the study believe the mechanism of action of Botox in treating depression is more complex than simply grief muscle paralysis. But what’s clear is that cosmetic facial Botox injections in the glabellar region (between the eyebrows) have a protective effect against depression and its symptoms. This means, in the future, Botox could potentially be used to treat depression. However, further clinical studies are needed before Botox is approved as a treatment for depression.

Other reading on Botox:

How much does Botox cost?

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Tinea versicolor (also called Pityriasis Versicolor) is a yeast infection of the skin. This common medical dermatology condition frequently occurs in adolescents and young adults. It is caused by the fungus Malassezia, a type of yeast that can naturally be found on human skin. Usually, these microscopic organisms are not harmful, and in fact, protect you from infections and other pathogens that might cause diseases.

However, sometimes this yeast can grow out of control and can interfere with the natural pigmentation of the skin. When this happens, the skin develops discolored patches. These patches may be lighter or darker than the surrounding skin and commonly found on the upper part of the body (trunk and shoulders). This condition is not contagious nor painful at all, but it can cause some anxiety and depression to those that have it.

What Causes Tinea Versicolor?

Tinea Versicolor appears when the Malassezia rapidly overgrows on the skin. This phenomenon is yet to be explained, but some factors are known to promote the growth of this yeast on the skin. The following factors may trigger its growth:

• Oily skin
• Hot, humid weather
• Excessive sweating
• Hormonal changes
• A weakened immune system

Tinea Versicolor can occur to anyone, but in most cases, it appears more in teens and young adults.

Symptoms

Discolored patches on the skin are the most common symptom of Tinea versicolor. These patches are usually found at the upper body part, specifically on the arms, chest, neck, or back. These may be:

• White, pink, red, brown
• Lighter (more common) or darker than the skin surrounding them
• Dry, mild-itching, and scaling
• Unusual tanned spots

These spots are prone to disappear in cooler weather and might get worse when the humid, hot weather comes back.

Treatment for Tinea Versicolor

Tinea Versicolor, if not severe, can be treated with over-the-counter creams, lotions, or shampoos that are applied on the skin. In more severe cases, a visit to your dermatologist may be in order to have it professionally diagnosed and treated. Your type of treatment is dependent on the size, locations, and thickness of the infected area in your skin.

Some more popular options for treating Tinea Versicolor are as follows:

1. Topical antifungals

These are prescription and over-the-counter products that are applied directly to the skin. They can be in the form of cream, lotion, shampoo, foam, or soap and can control the growth of yeast.

Some available topical products:

• clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF, Mycelex)
• miconazole (Monistat, M-Zole)
• selenium sulfide (Selsun Blue shampoo)
• terbinafine (Lamisil)
• Ketoconazole (Extina, Nizoral)
• zinc-pyrithione
• ciclopirox (Loprox, Penlac)

1. Antifungal oral medication

If your Tinea Versicolor is severe, you will be advised by your doctor to take oral medication.

Some available oral medications:

• fluconazole (Diflucan)
• itraconazole (Onmel, Sporanox)

Conclusion

While Tinea Versicolor is a common skin condition, it can be treated effectively by a dermatology professional.  At Village Dermatology, we specialize in treating skin conditions of all types.  Our team of qualified dermatology professionals are here to serve your needs.

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1. Ignoring the label

There are a variety of sunscreens on the market. To effectively protect yourself choose a sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 or higher, is water-resistant and provides broad-spectrum coverage (meaning it covers you from both UVA and UVB rays)

1. Using too little

Adults need about 1 ounce (size of a golf ball/shot glass) to fully cover their body. Apply a liberally amount to all areas of the body before getting dressed and going outside to allow more time for your skin to absorb and provide the best protection

1. Applying too infrequently

Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours while outdoors and more frequently if your skin will become wet with activities such as swimming or sweating. Individuals who get sunburned usually don’t use enough sunscreen or didn’t reapply after being in the sun.

1. Relying solely on sunscreen

Don’t forget lip balm with SPF, wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses with UV protection, and UPF clothing. Heliocare is an oral supplement that works as an antioxidant to help prevent UV damage and skin aging when used in combination with sunscreen.

Sunscreen is meant to protect your skin against skin cancer and premature aging. However, it is not as effective unless it is applied correctly! Make sure you follow these tips to ensure adequate protection.

As always, if you have any questions about this information or simply need to speak with someone regarding your skin health, then please give us a call.

Village Dermatology

Other recommended reading:

6 myths about skin cancer

How to check yourself for skin cancer

https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/prevent/sunscreen-apply

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1. Tanning beds are generally safer than UV rays from the sun

FALSE. Tanning beds have the same harmful UV rays as the sun and in much greater amounts. Using tanning beds increases your risk of skin cancer, including the deadliest form, melanoma.

1. Individuals who tan easily and rarely burn do not get skin cancer

FALSE. There is no such thing as a “healthy” tan. Any change to your natural skin color is a sign of skin damage, and tanning greatly increases your risk of developing skin cancer. When skin is exposed to UV radiation, it increases the production of melanin in an attempt to protect the skin from further damage. Over time this leads to skin cancer and premature aging.

1. Dark-skinned people are not at risk for sun damage and skin cancer.

FALSE. Naturally, dark-skinned individuals have a lower risk of skin cancer than fair-skinned people. It is still recommended that they take precautions and protect their skin and eyes from overexposure to the sun as they can still develop skin cancers and UV damage.

1. Only older people get skin cancer

FALSE. Prevention counts at all ages! Melanoma is the most common form of cancer in young adults ages 25-29, and the second most common form of cancer in individuals 15-29 years old. One of the biggest factors when it comes to skin cancer is your exposure to UV over the course of your lifetime, including your childhood years into young adulthood.  For this reason, monthly skin checks are so important to look for changes in size, shape, or color of spots on your skin or sores that do not heal. Pay extra careful attention to moles, especially flat, dark ones.

1. You need sun exposure to get vitamin D

FALSE. Individuals get enough of this essential nutrient from your diet and typical daily exposure. It does not require baking in the sun and increase your risk of skin cancer from excessive exposure.

1. Only sun exposure causes skin cancer

FALSE. Sun exposure is the primary cause, but other causes may include UV exposure from tanning beds/occupational equipment, family history of skin cancer and other genetic factors, increasing age, and a weakened immune system.

If you have any questions or concerns about any odd or noticeable spot on your skin, please don’t hesitate to give us a call!

Village Dermatology

We have more information about skin cancer below:

How to check yourself for skin cancer 

The post 6 Myths About Skin Cancer appeared first on Village Dermatology.

Most individuals don’t know that one out of every five people will be diagnosed with skin cancer during their lifetime?  Fortunately, the majority of cases are curable if they are diagnosed and treated early, which makes early detection crucial. What can you do?  First, see your dermatologist annually for a full-body exam.  If you are someone that is at a higher risk, more frequent exams may be recommended.  Monthly self-skin exams at home are just as important.  Look for any spots that are new (Hey, what’s that?), changing (your spots shouldn’t change) or unusual (one of these things is not like the others) and if you find any of the following, get it evaluated by your dermatologist as soon as possible.

You may be asking what is a self-exam, and how do I perform one at home?  In a well- lit room using a full-length mirror and handheld mirror, start with your scalp and work your way down.  Starting with the scalp, have a friend or family member flip through every section of the scalp.  For those with thick or curly hair, a hairdryer may be helpful so the scalp can be adequately examined.  Moving down on to the face, inspect your nose, lips, mouth, and ears – don’t forget the back of your ears.  Check hands front and back and between fingers and under nails (remove nail polish).  Continue up the arms front and back using your full-length mirror for those hard to see areas.  Check elbows up to underarms, yes things can hide out here too!  Next, check your neck and work your way down to the chest and torso.  For females, make sure to check the underside of the breasts. Using your full-length mirror and handheld check back of the neck, shoulders, upper back, and backs of arms.  Scan lower back, buttock, and backs of legs. Use your handheld mirror to check around the genitalia and groin. Sitting down, examine the front of the legs and finish with ankles and feet, including soles and between the toes.  Make sure to check toenails (again, make sure polish is removed).

A great campaign developed by the Skin Cancer Organization is called “The Big See.”  The goal of this campaign aims to inspire individuals to get to know their skin.  Furthermore, it encourages you to look in the mirror and keep these three words in mind: New, Changing, or Unusual. Check it out here https://thebigsee.org

The American Academy of Dermatology also has some great resources on their website on how to SPOT skin cancer.  Check out the link listed before for more information on what to look for and how to perform a skin self-exam.

https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/how-to-spot-skin-cancer

https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/find/check-skin

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The History of Telemedicine

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It could be seen as something new, strange, or unfamiliar to a generation of medical professionals; however, telemedicine has been in existence since the 18th century. Some doctors still find this concept strange, which is partly why the adoption of telemedicine technology in recent years has been quite slow (until recently with the COVID-19 situation).

The methods of communication and, more specifically, telemedicine, have gradually evolved and improved over time from the initial invention of the electrical telegraph and, later, the telephone.

During the U.S Civil War, the telegraph was used for ordering medical supplies and also to notify family members about deaths or injuries on the battlefield. There is evidence that it was also used to communicate medical conditions and medical care from long distances.  It is important to note that before the invention of the telegraph and the telephone, communication inventions did not necessarily improve the practice of telemedicine. The popular long-distance medium of communication before these inventions was the mail.  As you might imagine, the use of mail to engage in any useful form of medical care was very difficult.

So, what is telemedicine? How did it start and its use over the years? What is its relevance to the health industry? Let’s dig into the facts.

Telemedicine – The Beginning

Telemedicine basically provided the tools for connectivity between people whereby recipients of care and their providers were unable to physically be in the same place at a time.

This idea of communicating with someone not physically present primarily started when ancient societies wanted to establish important communication between the settlements who were faced with internal and external threats.  So, inventions like smoke signals, drums, and horns were developed as a means of alerting someone at a distant location about developing information.  From these very humble beginnings, we can see the rise of telemedicine follow the rise of technology very closely.  This subsequently invented the establishment of clinical connectivity that now exists between patients and their health care provider(s).

Surprisingly telemedicine is not something that started to gain popularity in the technology age. For example, in 1924, the newspaper called Radio News had a black and white cover of a doctor conducting a patient assessment through a radio transmission.  That picture is here on this blog.  This was foreshadowing of what was going to happen over the next 100 years.

It wasn’t long before the medical field started to use the technology offered to them to better care for their patient.  For example, according to the medical literature, the first radiologic images were sent by physicians via telephone in 1948, which spanned 24 miles in Eastern Pennsylvania.

Some of the early use of telemedicine devices consisted of:

• Transmitting EKG rhythms from remote locations to a hospital via the use of voice radio channels
• The use of interactive television microwave link to transmit clinical data
• Using a coaxial cable to transmit fluoroscopic images
• Remote transmissions of EKG and X-ray data

Telemedicine in modern healthcare

Following on from when telemedicine first started, the past fifty years has seen it move into more mainstream use. Kaiser Permanente hospital announced in 2016 that they had seen patients via virtual telemedicine applications more than they have through the traditional in-person visits.

Prior to that, Kaiser Permanente hospital in 2014 to 2015 made use of telemedicine technology by:

• Viewing 37 million tests online
• Sending 20 million emails
• Scheduling over 4 million patient appointments
• Processing more than 17 million patient prescriptions

Although the telemedicine devices used presently might seem similar to those used in ancient times, modern health technology has improved this equipment to become smaller in size but greater in its range of features.

Devices such as fitness wristbands, heart rate monitor wearables are some examples of the modern-day health tools that are used to track patient’s vital data in real-time.

Popular amongst physicians are smart glasses and smartwatches, which in the long run, will become useful in relieving some of the tedious workloads of these doctors. For instance, some medical students at Stanford medical school have founded a digital health start-up that makes use of Google Glass to automatically transcribe medical records while performing patient examinations.

All these concepts and more are just evidence that with the combination of technology, there is more in place for telemedicine than its humble beginnings year ago.

There are still lots of uncharted territory and possibilities in the telemedicine industry that have not yet been explored by both private and government-owned research firms. However, given the explosion of this type of medical care recently, one can only imagine that more firms are going to start investing in this sector.  We here at Village Dermatology have always leaned into technology and welcomed any advances in technology that make our job of serving patients easier and more effective.

Currently, we are conducting patient visits virtually and will continue to do so even after this current situation calms down.  If you would like to have a virtual dermatology visit with any of our providers, then please call us or fill out the form on this page.

Stay Healthy!

Village Dermatology

For more information about Telemedicine check out our other blog entitled \”What is telemedicine?\”

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