NAILING IT — THE SURPRISING SIGNS OF MELANOMA

Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer that originates in the melanocytes — the cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives skin its colour. While more rare than other types of skin cancer, it’s also more dangerous due to its tendency to spread to other parts of the body if not detected early.

• Superficial spreading melanoma is the most common type (found in about 70% of cases). It typically appears on the trunk of the body in men and on the legs in women.

• Nodular melanoma grows quickly and is more likely to spread. It often presents as a blue-black or reddish bump.

• Lentigo maligna melanoma typically occurs in sun-damaged areas, such as the face and neck, and is often found in older patients

• Acral lentiginous melanoma appears on the palms, soles of the feet, or under the nails, and is more common in people with darker skin tones. 

Melanoma under the nails

Known as subungual melanoma, this condition is rare but potentially deadly if not caught early. It often appears as a dark stripe or discolouration under the nail and can easily be mistaken for a bruise or fungal infection. The legendary reggae musician Bob Marley died from this form melanoma, which began under his toenail. His case highlights the importance of recognising and treating this form of melanoma early. You also need to beware of the dangers of UV nail dryers. 

Causes and risk factors

Several factors increase the risk of developing melanoma:

• UV exposure from the sun or tanning beds can damage the DNA in skin cells, leading to mutations.

• Less melanin puts you at higher risk, since this pigment provides some level of protection against UV radiation.

• Family history of melanoma naturally increases the risk.

• Moles (especially if they are abundant or atypical) increase the potential of developing the condition.

• Weakened immune systems, as can happen with immunocompromised people, can make them more susceptible.

What to look out for 

Early detection is crucial, so be vigilant about: 

• New moles or growths on the skin, or changes (size, shape, colour) to existing ones. This is a helpful guide. 

• Nail changes such as dark streaks or discolouration under the nails, especially if they do not heal or grow out with the nail.

If you notice any suspicious changes in your skin or nails, come in and see us as soon as possible. 

Treatment

Depending on the type and stage, melanomas can be approached with a combination of: 

• Surgery to remove the tumour.

• Immunotherapy, which helps boost the body’s immune system.

• Targeted treatments via drugs that hone in on specific genes and proteins contributing to cancer growth.

• Chemotherapy, though this is a less common approach for melanoma.

• Radiation, which uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells, especially if the melanoma has spread.

Prevention and early detection

This is often contingent on reducing UV exposure and regularly monitoring your skin for changes.

• Use sunscreen — A broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30+ is best, even on cloudy days. Try to avoid direct sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when UV rays are strongest, and wear protective clothing when you are out in the sun. 

• Avoid tanning beds — They emit harmful UV radiation and increase the risk of skin cancer.

• Check yourself — Monitor your skin monthly, paying special attention to areas not exposed to the sun, including under the nails.

Stay sun-safe!

BOTOX — THE NEW WEDDING MUST-HAVE

On a day when all eyes are on you, you naturally want to look and feel your best. Enter Botox (yep, you read that right). Here’s why this super-protein should be a non-negotiable on your wedding list! 

You’ll be ready for your close-up

What turned Botox into a household name is its ability to reduce the appearance of wrinkles by temporarily relaxing the muscles that cause fine lines. You’ll look smoother and more youthful, and your wedding photos will pop! 

You’ll still look like you 

When administered by a qualified professional, Botox results look so subtle and natural, no one will even know. You’ll simply look like the best, most radiant version of yourself.

You’ll stay fresh as a rose 

Botox works wonders with curbing excessive perspiration by blocking the nerves that activate sweat glands. So when you’re making your name on the dance floor, you won’t look shiny or feel sweaty. It also helps with conditions like overactive bladder and migraines. Win!  

You’ll get a kick of confidence

When you look your best, you feel your best, allowing you to enjoy your wedding day without worrying about your appearance. This boost can make a big difference in how you carry yourself and interact with your guests.

You’ll keep that glow 

Since the effects of Botox typically last between three and six months, your face will maintain that fresh, dewy look well past your honeymoon — and folks will simply think marriage agrees with you! 

You can fit it into your schedule 

Brides are busy, and Botox requires minimal downtime. The procedure usually takes less than 30 minutes with little or no downtime, and minor side effects like redness or swelling are rare and typically go away quickly. Just book your appointment a couple of weeks before the wedding, and you will be glowing and gorgeous!

TROPICAL THREATS

Outdoorsy Caribbean guys (and gals!) embrace the natural landscapes and coastal beauty of our tropical surroundings to create unforgettable experiences. Unfortunately, many of them end up with unwanted souvenirs in the form of tropical diseases. Here are a few you need you be aware of before getting out there…

Leishmaniasis  

Beach lovers beware! Caused by parasites, leishmaniasis is a vector-borne disease transmitted through the bites of infected sandflies. 

It can take several forms:

• Cutaneous, which appears as skin lesions or ulcers in the area of the bite 

• Mucocutaneous, which affects the mucous membranes of the nose, mouth, and throat, leading to potential disfigurement and other complications if not treated quickly

• Visceral, which attacks vital internal organs like the spleen, liver, and bone marrow, causing fever, weight loss, and anaemia

It’s important to take precautions against sandfly bites, including using insect repellent — especially at beaches or on trails that are sandfly-prone — and wearing long-sleeved clothing. Otherwise, be prepared to take antimony-based drugs, used to treat parasitic infections, some of which may have to be administered intravenously and naturally have side effects. 

Please don’t dismiss symptoms as “just as a sandfly bite” — we have seen a few cases recently after the disease having been dormant for a long time. Early detection and prompt treatment are crucial for successful recovery and to prevent unwanted progression and complications.

Myiasis 

Be prepared to be grossed out — this disease, also parasitic, is caused by horse flies biting you, then laying their larvae in your skin. The live maggots feed off your tissue, causing localised irritation at the site, as well as broader, systemic pain. 

Should this happen, be on the lookout for signs of itching or swelling. You may also be able to see the maggots in the affected area. These will have to be surgically removed, especially if deeply embedded, as they can infect the surrounding tissue.  

To avoid myiasis, good personal hygiene is a must. Keep wounds clean and covered, and avoid flies like the plague. Prompt treatment is critical in preventing complications and accelerating healing.

Dengue 

Each rainy season we get warned about contracting this viral infection, most commonly transmitted via the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Symptoms include the sudden onset of high fever, severe headache, joint and muscle pain, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and a full body rash, though infants often get the rash under the soles of their feet.  

Treatment includes a combination of rest, hydration (coconut water is very effective), and pain relief medications. Intravenous fluids may come into play in severe cases to avoid the condition worsening to haemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome, which can be life-threatening and require immediate medical intervention. 

Though it can be hard to do in the Caribbean, to avoid dengue fever, you’ve got to avoid mosquito bites. Avoid the collection of stagnant water in your home, as that is a choice breeding ground for mosquito larvae; use an effective insect repellent; wear long-sleeved clothing; and sleep under mosquito nets if necessary.

Caterpillar bites 

We all know the story of caterpillars turning into beautiful butterflies, but in the tropics, we’ve got to think twice about touching them! 

Even fairly common species, like the Pseudosphinx tetrio that frequents frangipani shrubs, are best kept away from. Not only does it bite, but the plumeria it feasts on is toxic can can cause reactions in some people. Interesting side note: it turns into a moth, not a butterfly. 

Many other Caribbean caterpillars are known to cause skin irritation and allergic reactions, even from a mild brush against their venomous spines or hairs. Contact with these types, colloquially called “shinneys”, can cause redness, itching, swelling, and in some cases, more severe reactions like allergic dermatitis. 

It's therefore best to avoid caterpillars altogether. If you do touch one inadvertently, seek medical attention once any form of skin irritation occurs. 

SAY IT WITH FLOWERS!

The Greenhouse welcomes Mother’s Day with gorgeous bouquets!

Honouring our mothers with the vibrant hues and fragrant scents of flowers is a beloved Mother’s Day tradition. In the Caribbean, tropical flowers have long been used to express love, gratitude, and appreciation — and who better to say “thank you” to than Moms? 

That’s why The Greenhouse, our new, soon-to-be-opened wellness space, is offering amazing deals on beautiful Mother’s Day bouquets, each with their own symbolism and style. Whether you choose roses for love or lilies for devotion; the elegance of orchids or the luxuriousness of heliconias, each bouquet is sure to put a smile on Mum’s face (or brighten up any entertaining space if you’re hosting Mother’s Day lunch)! 

Somehow, the gift of flowers always manages to connect with people and convey the most heartfelt of sentiments — the love and gratitude we have for our mothers that that transcend words. This Mother's Day, let flowers from The Greenhouse show our Mums how remarkable we think they are. 

Call 476-7546 to find out more and to order.

MENOPAUSE MATTERS

Menopause is a natural phase in a woman's life, marking the end of her reproductive abilities. While many women are happy to bid farewell to that time of the month, menopause — including perimenopause, which can last years — is not just a simple biological event. Instead, it’s a complex journey that comes with a myriad of physical and emotional changes. For many women, the transition can be challenging, impacting their overall well-being and quality of life.

One of the primary struggles women face during menopause is hormonal imbalance. Estrogen levels decline and seemingly all hell breaks loose. Some of it, you might be prepared for: 

• Decreased libido

• Hot flashes

• Night sweats

• Mood swings

• Vaginal dryness

But there’s a lot more they don’t tell you about, and these symptoms can also wreak havoc: 

• Acne

• Allergies

• Bloating

• Brain fog

• Breast soreness

• Depression

• Fatigue

• Insomnia

• Irregular periods

• Joint pain

• Migraines

• Osteoporosis

• Panic attacks

• Racing heart

• Thinning hair

• Tinnitus

• Urinary tract infections

• Vaginal itching

• Weight gain

Menopause is no day at the beach. Symptoms can (and often do) disrupt daily life, affecting work, relationships, and self-esteem. There can also be limited understanding of and empathy for the massive changes women undergo, which can make the challenges of menopause even more difficult to shoulder.   

Fortunately, there’s help. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can replenish estrogen levels and alleviate symptoms, but since some HRT treatments have been linked to a higher incidence of certain cancers, you should consult your doctor to determine whether the risks outweigh the benefits. Estrogen creams are one form of HRT, applied topically to the skin to relieve vaginal dryness and discomfort. They often have anti-ageing benefits as well, improving skin elasticity and hydration.

One innovative treatment we offer is Candela’s CO2RE Intima therapy. It’s really proven to be a game changer! Minimally invasive and designed specifically for gynaecological applications, the treatment uses laser technology to rejuvenate vaginal tissue, addressing issues like vaginal laxity, dryness, and urinary incontinence. By stimulating collagen production, the CO2 Intima core treatments can improve vaginal health and enhance sexual satisfaction for menopausal women.

Smart and simple lifestyle changes can also help women navigate menopause more smoothly: 

• Adequate sleep

• Healthy, balanced diet (avoiding alcohol, smoking, spicy foods and caffeine have been said to help with hot flashes, a common symptom) 

• Mindfulness and meditation techniques (yoga, breath exercises)

• Regular exercise (helps with weight management, stress relief and mood stability) 

• Stress management (nature, hobbies, down time) 

• Support from friends and family, or even a professional if needed  

Armed with the right information, you can redefine menopause, use it an an opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery, and come out the other side stronger, wiser, and more empowered.