LEARN MORE: Visit kp.org/sunscreen to learn more about skin care.
Kaiser Permanente Dermatology Physicians in the Central Valley
or not they have changed in size or appearance. Follow the “ABCDE rule” to distinguish a normal mole from melanoma: • Asymmetry: The two halves of a mole do not match. • Border Irregularity: The edges of the mole are ragged and uneven. • Color: Differing shades of tan, brown or black and sometimes patches of red, blue, or white. • Diameter: The mole is wider than a quarter inch in size. • Evolving lesion: This is a lesion that changes in size, shape, shades of color or symptoms, or has surface bleeding. Have your skin examined by a doctor every three years for people between 20 and 40 years of age and every year for anyone over the age of 40.
Insect bites and stings Wear clothing that covers the skin, and when needed, apply insect repellent containing DEET to clothing, shoes and exposed skin. In cases of bites or stings, remove the stinger (if applicable) and use ice to reduce pain, itching, and swelling.
Poison oak Learn what poison oak looks like, and if you come into contact with the leaves, flush the exposed areas with cold water for 20 minutes. Wash everything exposed, such as clothing. If a rash develops, using a topical steroid cream over 10 to 14 days can reduce itching. PUBLISHED YEARLY BY SAN JOAQUIN MAGAZINE
Moses Elam, MD
David Ruiz, MD
Joined Kaiser Permanente: 2005
Joined Kaiser Permanente: 2011
Interests: Golfing, bowling, fishing, and gardening
Interests: Bicycling, hiking, cardio-kickboxing, and traveling
Thomas Hall, MD
Olga Ulloa, MD
Joined Kaiser Permanente: 2006
Joined Kaiser Permanente: 2000
Interests: Reading, cooking, hiking and traveling
Interests: Art, hiking, and traveling
Elizabeth M. Kass, MD
John Willsen, MD
Joined Kaiser Permanente: 1994
Joined Kaiser Permanente: 2011
Interests: Hiking, reading and skiing
Interests: Duplicate bridge and golfing SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION & MEDICAL GUIDE 2012 47
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