FAQ
What is melanoma?
Cutaneous melanoma is a cancer that is derived from the tumoral transformation of melanocytes, some of the cells that form the skin. Melanocytes are responsible for producing melanin, a pigment that protects against the harmful effects of sunlight. Under normal conditions the melanocytes may lead to visible dark agglomerations on the surface of the skin called moles. In Italy melanoma affects about 13 people every 100,000, with an estimate of around 3,150 new cases each year among men and 2,850 among women.
Is it important to check on the children?
Even if the child age melanoma is rare (2% of all melanomas), after puberty, the incidence of melanoma increases dramatically. Unfortunately, melanoma remains a potentially fatal malignant tumor, if moles are present on our skin, It is advisable to book a preventive dermatological visit to allow for an evaluation of risk levels. Such tests ought to begin already during childhood.
A preventive dermatological visit to evaluate an expert on risk level, with a special recommendation to start such tests in childhood.
Can we prevent melanoma?
Prevention is important. A major risk factor is the excessive exposure to sunlight.
The risk is proportional to the individual sensitivity. The amount of solar ultraviolet radiation that can be absorbed without risk depends on the individual’s ‘colors' (hair, eyes and skin) and the ability to tan. These characteristics are, in turn, conditioned by the population of membership and by how much the subject is exposed to the sun during the life. Some behaviors can reduce the risk of developing skin cancer. Firstly is important sun exposure in moderation since the age child, preventing burns. Everyone should also check periodically the appearance of their moles. This can be done by having a family member control the skin for them or by observing carefully the skin with the help of a mirror. When in doubt, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist. Usually are recommended the annual checkups.
Which are the risk factors?
For individuals with red hair, blue eyes and fair skin prone to burn, sun exposure, although not excessively prolonged, is a risk. Among risk factors are also an immoderate use of risk factors also immoderate use of tanning lamps. The risk factors for the insurgents moles in childhood are the number of skin lesions on the same subject, the size and further growth trend, the anatomical site of onset and the specific characteristics of that particular mole. Children should not be exposed to the sun except in the early morning and late afternoon.
Melanoma gives symptoms?
Melanoma gives symptoms rarely and often only in advanced cases. It tends to develop mainly in two ways: it can start with a change of appearance of the skin, which leads to the formation of a dark spot or a mole. It can also develop from a mole or a preexisting freckle. It can be difficult to distinguish between a normal mole and a melanoma. There are five characteristics that help in the identification of a melanoma, and these are easy to remember because their names start with the first five letters of the alphabet (ABCDE - Asymmetry, Border, Color, Dimension, Evolution). A is for Asymmetry: the shape of a half of the mole does not match that of the other one; B for borders: the outline of the mole is irregular, notched or blurred (so-called map); C for color: the color is not uniform. There may be black shades, brown and dark; you can also distinguish white areas, gray, red or blue; D is for Dimension: there is a change in the dimension, which usually grows. E for Evolution: melanoma changes in shape, size or thickness.
When is it advisable to proceed with a skin examination?
Thanks to dermoscope, a small microscope that is positioned on the skin, the dermatologist has the opportunity to examine in depth the characteristics of the moles. With the mapping of the moles, the dermatologist has the opportunity to view and locate topographically atypical moles. In this way, Over the course of subsequent visits the specialist may note if moles have undergone a change in form, color and other such characteristics. A mole is defined atypical if it has irregular and asymmetrical shape that can turn into melanoma.
ATOPIC DERMATITIS: What is it and how is it manifested?
It is an eczema that primarily affects children, but also adults. Skin redness with strong itching on the face, arms, hands and thighs. It presents with eczematous patches that appear in typical locations: the face, eyelids, neck and the folds of the forearms and popliteal cables (ie behind the knees) and trunk. Often associated with dry skin. In some cases it may be complicated by bacterial infections by Staphylococcus aureus. Very often a child with atopic dermatisis may experience difficulty with sleeping and feel restless owing to severe itching and the need to scratch one’s skin, thereby provoking superficial wounds.
What triggers flare of dermatitis?
In case of exacerbations it is better to go to the Dermatologist Specialist for clinical evaluation and treatment setting. It is important finding and the eventual removal of possible trigger factors.
What are the tips to follow for everyday life?
Garments for children must be preferably cotton or linen, whilst wool and synthetic fibers should be avoided because perspiration stimulates itching. It is useful to remove dust from the areas where the child is, so it is not recommended to use carpets and plush toys. It is better to prefer short showers in lukewarm water and oily cleansers. Atopic skin should be moisturized with emollient creams every day.
What is melasma?
It is a pigmentation disorder that affects the face and causes a significant psychosocial discomfort. It concerns mainly the female sex (90% of cases) with higher incidence among Latins America, and skin types IV-VI.
Which are the risk factors?
The cause of melasma is unknown, but risk factors include: genetic predisposition, hormonal factors; tendency to relapse especially after exposure to ultraviolet radiation and exposure to visible light; malnutrition, use of some cosmetics; drugs; thyroid disease.
Which treatments for melasma?
The therapeutic goals of hyperpigmentation are intended to reduce the stimulus to the production of melanin, decrease the production of new pigment by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase at various levels and with different mechanisms, remove already formed melanin (exfoliation) promoting epidermal cell turnover. Since sun exposure is an important etiological factor, the melasma therapy cannot be separated from the daily use of broad-spectrum sunscreens.
