REPAIR & RESTORE sun-damaged skin

Words by Connie Wirta

As the number of Americans diagnosed with skin cancers continues to rise, many people have become more aware of the dangers of sun exposure. They’re also noticing the toll that the sun has taken on their skin.

Many common skin conditions can be effectively treated with laser therapy or intense pulsed light therapy, says Dr. Michael Blankinship, a dermatologist at the Essentia Health – South University Clinic in Fargo.

Ultraviolet rays from the sun damage skin and cause cells to mutate. Sun exposure can cause damage at any age, but the cumulative effects make many conditions more likely as we age.

Dermatologists and staff at the Essentia Health Skin Renewal Center offer a variety of treatments to repair and restore sun-damaged skin. They have medical training not often found at spas or salons. The physicians also can identify any medical risk factors or potential complications.

Dr. Michael Blankenship uses a laser to repair skin damaged by the sun’s ultraviolet rays.

When choosing who will repair your sun-damaged skin, Dr. Blankinship says it’s critical to determine if the person has had proper training, especially when it comes to lasers. “The person needs to know how to select the right laser and the correct energies,” the physician explains.

“We choose a specific laser so the target is affected and the surrounding tissue is spared as much as possible,” Dr. Blankinship explains. The precision of the lasers causes fewer side effects, he adds.

Dr. Blankinship suggests planning ahead if you’d like treatments before a social event, such as a wedding or graduation. “Remember, your skin needs time to heal after the procedure,” he says. “Set aside at least two to three months, or up to six months if you need more extensive treatment.”

HERE ARE FOUR COMMON CONDITIONS CAUSED BY SUN EXPOSURE AND HOW THEY CAN BE TREATED:

Actinic Keratosis

SYMPTOM: Rough, scaly, red patches

WHERE: Often on the face, nose and ears

TREATMENT: Prescription creams, cryotherapy or photodynamic therapy

WHAT HAPPENS: Cryotherapy uses a light spray of liquid nitrogen to kill the affected cells. “It’s like a controlled frostbite,” explains Dr. Blankinship. Photodynamic therapy begins with an application of a medicine followed by a treatment with a special wavelength of light. All three treatments kill the damaged skin cells.

CANCER WARNING: Actinic keratosis can develop into a skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma. “It’s a small number of cases, but there is no way to predict which ones will become cancerous so we recommend treatment of all of them to prevent cancer,” Dr. Blankinship says.

LENTIGINES (sun freckles)

SYMPTOM: Light to dark spots without scales

WHERE: Often on head, neck, arms, upper chest and upper back. If you use a tanning bed, they can grow anywhere.

CAUSE: Sun’s ultraviolet rays cause pigment cells to grow.

TREATMENT: Laser therapy or intense pulsed light therapy

WHAT HAPPENS: Special waves of light target pigment cells, which die. The lentigines turn dark, then peel off.

POIKILODERMA of CIVATTE

SYMPTOM: Reddish-brown or brick-colored areas

WHERE: Often on side of neck, cheeks and upper chest

CAUSE: Sun’s ultraviolet rays cause a thinning of the skin and makes small blood vessels more prominent.

TREATMENT: Laser therapy or intense pulsed light therapy

WHAT HAPPENS: Special waves of light target pigment cells and small blood vessels that die. The area turns red and then slowly lightens. Two or three treatments are often needed, which are scheduled four to six weeks apart.

Solar Elastosis

SYMPTOMS: Fine wrinkles, loose skin and uneven skin texture

CAUSE: Sun’s ultraviolet rays cause skin to thin and collagen to break down

TREATMENT: Laser therapy

WHAT HAPPENS: Special waves of light are used to removed pigmentation and resurface the skin. “We’re rewounding the skin and then allowing it to heal in a more controlled fashion, which stimulates collagen production,” Dr. Blankinship explains. “More collagen helps smooth out and tighten the skin, eliminating small wrinkles.”

TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT for a consultation, call 701-364-SKIN (7546). [AW]