Ask Dr. Yuliya

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. What is one of the worst things you can do if you are concerned about a spot or mole that appears to be changing? Don’t rely on Dr. Google! The internet and social media can be beneficial for gaining insight and information about a possible skin cancer diasnosis. In fact, 72 percent of adult internet users have searched for health information online, including to locate resources, to deep dive about a diagnosis, find clinical trials ...and stay ahead of current research trends. But not all information on the internet is factual. Distinguishing misinformation from fact can be difficult to navigate. Always check for sources and check to see how old the data is, when learning online. Speak to your doctor, never hesitate if you see a mole or spot that changes, bleeds or itches, and schedule an exam if you have any questions. Use the internet to educate yourself but do so wisely.

Does your bottle of sunscreen last you for years? You may be applying it wrong. One ounce of sunscreen, or the equivalent of a shot glass full, is the amount you should be using to cover exposed areas of the body. If you’re planning on spending a long time outdoors, you should reapply every 2 hours or after sweating or swimming, since it does wear off. When looking for a sunscreen, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends a broad spectrum one that will block both ...ultraviolet A (known as UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays of the sun. Both can cause cancer. Make sure to select an SPF of 30 or higher and pick one that is water resistant. As one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, using sunscreen will lower your risk of skin cancer as well as early skin aging that is caused by spending lots of time in the sun.

May is Skin Cancer / Melanoma Awareness Month. The American Cancer Society estimates that about 106,110 new melanomas will be diagnosed this year in the United States with nearly 44,000 being women. Over 7,000 people are expected to die of melanoma. Melanoma is the most deadly form of skin cancer. It can suddenly appear without warning but can also develop from or near an existing mole. It can appear anywhere but is most common on the upper back, torso, lower legs, head a...nd neck. As melanoma frequently spreads to the lymph nodes and most internal organs, early detection and treatment is important. If detected early and treated properly, melanoma is highly treatable. To spot skin cancer early, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends paying attention to the ABCDEs of melanoma: Asymmetry: one half of the mole doesn’t match the other half. Border irregularity: the edges are ragged, blurred or notched. Color: varies from one area to another. Diameter: melanomas are usually greater than the size of a pencil eraser, they can be smaller. Evolving: when a mole or skin lesion looks different from the rest or changes in size, color or shape. If you notice any spots or moles that itch, change or bleed, have it checked out by a dermatologist right away.

Everyone is at risk for skin cancer. How much do you know about basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma? These are the most common forms of skin cancer and are known as non-melanoma skin cancers. They arise in the top layers of the skin and occur on any sun-exposed area of the body. They are often found on the ears, face, bald scalp and neck. Basal cell carcinoma frequently looks like a pearly bump. Squamous cell carcinoma often looks like a rough, scaly area ...or an ulcerated bump that may bleed. Non-melanoma skin cancer spreads slowly but if left untreated, can lead to disfigurement. If you see anything on your skin that changes, itches or bleeds, it is important to make an appointment with your dermatologist and have an exam. Skin cancer is highly curable when caught early and treated properly.

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Over 5 million cases are diagnosed in the United States each year, making skin cancer America’s most common cancer. Thankfully, skin cancer is also one of the most preventable forms of cancer. Do you know the 6 surprising places that skin cancer can develop? Scalp... Eyelids Hands Lips Feet Groin Skin cancer impacts people of all ages, races and nationalities. To help prevent skin cancer, it is important to seek shade, wear sun-protective clothing including sunglasses with UV protection and a wide brimmed hat and to always use a broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 or higher.

Happy National Women’s Health Week! Small decisions that you make each day have a big impact on your overall health. Here are a few that will help your day to day life: Get enough sleep. For optimal performance, aim for 8 hours of sleep a night. Your body needs to recharge and sleep is the downtime to do it. ... Don’t be distracted while you drive. Each day in the United States, 9 people are killed and more than 1,000 are injured in crashes that involve a distracted driver. Stop smoking. It harms every organ of your body and impacts your overall health. Don’t wait. Stop now. Get to know your history. Learn and share your family’s medical history, especially the health risks for diseases and cancer. Schedule me time. Take some time just for you each week! Self time isn’t selfish, it is self-care. Show you care. Encourage your female friends to celebrate National Women’s Health Week this week to make sure they’re taking good care of themselves, too!

Abnormal vaginal discharge happens when the vagina’s microbial community goes out of balance. When the amount of good microbes decreases and the bad microbes increase, this imbalance can lead to things like yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis. Elements that can disrupt the vaginal ecosystem include: Use of antibiotics or steroids Douching or cleansing the vagina ... Uncontrolled diabetes Hormonal birth control or IUDs Sexual activity including having a new sexual partner Prolonged or irregular bleeding or spotting Hormonal changes through the menstrual cycle Generally having less vaginal Lactobacillus bacteria Menopause or pregnancy Possible impact fro smoking and diet Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can also cause abnormal discharge. A common, curable STI is Trichomonas vaginalis , or a parasite. Chlamydia and gonorrhea can cause abnormal discharge, too. Some STIs will not present symptoms so regular STI testing is always a good idea. Things that signal an issue include vaginal fluid becoming unusually thinner, thicker or more textured. The color can be gray, green, yellow or brown. The volume can expand unexpectedly. Probably most obvious is a change in the smell, including metallic or fishy.

Everyone’s vagina is different. So there is no universal normal for vaginal discharge. Your vagina is a unique, finely-tuned ecosystem with a delicate balance of pH, bacteria and moisture that is sensitive to changes both external and internal. During your menstrual cycle, you may notice different types of vaginal fluid which changes along with your hormones in consistency, volume and appearance during your cycle. Vaginal fluid changes when you’re aroused as well as du...ring pregnancy. So if you notice something off in your vaginal fluid suddenly, it is worth checking out as it could indicate an infection. Things to know about your own discharge: Color and consistency: your discharge changes with your body’s production of cervical fluid. At the start of the cycle, it is dry or sticky with less discharge. During the mid to late follicular phase, it becomes creamy and whitish. Prior to and during ovulation, it becomes similar to stretchy, wet, transparent egg white. After ovulation, it turns dry and sticky again. Discharge volume: The most discharge is produced in the days before and including ovulation, increasing through the first phase of their cycle. After ovulation, volume decreases. Discharge smell: Discharge can be odorless or have a mild smell that isn’t unpleasant. When it mixes with urine or blood during menstruation, that can influence how it smells on your underwear. Knowing what your general smell is will help you detect when something changes or is wrong.

Gynecological visits are important for women of any age. If you’re in your 60’s, there are specific areas we will concentrate on. Sexually, vaginal dryness and decreased sexual desire are common due to hormonal changes. The vulva is also an area of concern and will be monitored during the annual visit. In the vaginal area, irritation or pain related to a loss of estrogen can lead to conditions like lichen sclerosis, which can be uncomfortable and even a pre-cancerous indic...ator. Breast exams and mammograms are important as breast cancer risk increases as we age so they will be part of the appointment. Regular pelvic exams, Pap smears and HPV tests are still a good idea, as women of any age can get vaginal or cervical cancer. Pelvic exams can detect other conditions, so they are recommended. It may be decided that Pap smears are no longer needed if you have had a total hysterectomy for noncancerous reasons or if you’ve had a few negative Pap smears in a row. You may be provided a script for a bone density test, as osteoporosis is a serious concern. Better safe than sorry.

Up next in our quest to learn about lubricants are oil-based lubricants. Oil-based lubricants come in two different types. The first is natural and the second is synthetic. Though oil-based lubes are inexpensive, safe and easy to find, they can irritate skin and stain fabric. Natural-based oil lubricants like coconut, avocado, vegetable and olive oils are ideal for a variety of sexual experiences and genital massages. They’re safe to eat and safe for the vagina. Coconu...t and Uberlube are popular oil-based lubes. Synthetic oil-based lubes like body lotions and creams are good for external masturbation and not much else. These can irritate the vagina and could lead to a vaginal infection. Both types of oil-based lubricants can destroy latex condoms, cause condom failure and stain fabrics.

Selecting a vaginal lubricant is easy if you know the facts. Today we focus on silicone-based lubricants. Silicone-based lubricants are tasteless and odorless. The texture is smooth and slippery. They last the longest so you don’t need to reapply as often as water-based lubricants. They’re hypoallergenic and safe to use with latex condoms. Plus, they’ll hold up underwater so they’re fine for shower intercourse. Because it lasts longer, it is harder to wash off so residue... may be left behind. They also aren’t advised for use with silicone sex toys because it can break them down, making them gummy over time. Some popular brands are Wet Platinum and Replens.

Which vaginal lubricant is right for you? Let’s look at water based lubricants today. Water-based lubricants are the most common type and come in two varieties: with or without glycerin. The glycerin type has a slightly sweet taste and is less likely to cause vaginal irritation and longer shelf life. Many flavored or warming lubricants contain glycerin. They do dry out quickly and because of their sugar content, they can contribute to yeast infections. Popular brands ...include Astroglide and K-Y Jelly. The glycerin-free lubricant can taste bitter, so it isn’t the best for switching it up between oral and penetrative intercourse. Isabel Fay and Carrageenan are popular brands without glycerin. Both types are cost-effective, available at many stores and are easy to find and safe to use with condoms. They also won’t stain sheets. Pro tip: If you’re considering organic or vegan lubricants made of botanicals or other eco-friendly ingredients, natural lubricants might be for you. Free of parabens, these use organic ingredients that are better for the environment and safe for your vagina. They are the most expensive and have a shorter shelf-life. Some popular brands include Aloe Cadabra, Good Clean Love Almost Naked and Sliquid Organics.