Skin  Conditions  in  Organ  Transplant Recipients

Our most recent meeting on June 11, 2014 featured Carole Hazen MD as our guest speaker. Dr. Hazen specializes in dermatology and MOHS surgery and practices in New Hyde Park. The topic of the presentation was ‘Skin Cancer, Sun Exposure And The Transplant Recipient’. Thank you Dr. Hazen for an informative presentation.

Helena McDermott graciously submitted the following report.

On Wednesday evening, we had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Carole Hazan, Director of Aesthetic and Surgical Dermatology of NY. As a kidney recipient, I am aware that there are increased risks of developing skin cancer, due to the immunosuppressants that I am prescribed. I was glad Dr. Hazan took the time to explain the types of skin markings to look out for, treatments for various forms of skin cancer and also the methods of prevention.

Dr. Hazan stated that there are 50,000 new cases of Melanoma every year.

This is the most serious form of skin cancer because it spreads and it is most often detected by the patients themselves. The most common form of skin cancer is called Basal Cell Carcinoma, which appears to be a “sore that doesn’t heal”, according to Dr. Hazan. 90% of skin cancer diagnoses are in the form of Basal Cell Carcinoma, which luckily does not spread to the internal organs.

There are six types of treatments that Dr. Hazan would conduct depending on the type of skin cancer. The ED and C is when the area of skin under goes a scrape and burn, cryotheraphy is when the marking is frozen off, and radiation therapy. After these treatments there is a 20% to 30% chance the skin cancer will reoccur. Topical cream and Standard Excision is also used as a form of treatment. Another type of treatment is Moh’s Micrographic Surgery, which is used on sensitive areas and larger legions, usually two or more centimeters. With Moh’s, there is only a 1% to 2% chance that the skin cancer will return.

Means of prevention are pretty standard: using sunscreen, sun avoidance and skin surveillance. Dr. Hazan couldn’t emphasize these practices enough, and she stated that most people are just not applying sunscreen correctly. ”

Dr. Hazan explained that in order for sunscreen to work effectively it must be applied a half an hour before sun exposure and applied every two hours.”

She mentioned using a “shot glass” of sunscreen with each application. The best kind to get is the thick and pasty kind and not a liquid or a spray. Dr. Hazan said she brought two bottles of sunscreen for a weekend vacation with her family; and a bottle of sunscreen should definitely not last you the entire summer! She also emphasized that sunscreen should be used all year round with an SPF of at least 30. Skin cancer develops over time and is not from just one burn.

The group had many questions for Dr. Hazan and she answered each one thoroughly.

Dr. Hazan recommended all transplant recipients visit a dermatologist and have a full body check each year. As a mother, I was wondering which sun block was best for an infant and young child. She told me Blue Lizard, Water babies and Coppertone were safe and effective and that she uses them on her three children.
We thank Dr. Carole Hazan for coming to speak with us and we look forward to talking with her again. If you are looking for a dermatologist for your annual skin exam, Dr. Hazan’s Aesthetic and Surgical Dermatology of New York office in New Hyde Park and she is also a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Dermatology at the NYU Langone Medical Center.

Medical Expertise
Eczema/Atopic Dermatitis, Contact Dermatitis, Basal Cell Carcinoma, Psoriasis, Mole/Nevus, Itching, Keloids, Mohs Micrographic Surgery, Hair Transplant, Occupational Skin Disease, Acne, General Dermatology, Alopecia/Hair Loss, Laser Surgery, Pigmentary Disorders/Melasma, Melanoma, Cosmetic Dermatology, Skin Malignancies/Hemangiomas, Lupus of the Skin, Herpes (Simple/Zoster)