DR. COYLE S. CONNOLLY, aboard-certified dermatologistand assistant clinical profes-

sor with more than 18 years of expe-rience, is committed to educatingthe public on maintaining healthyand cancer-free skin. In fact, nation-al and local media often seek his ex-pertise on a variety of skin-related top-ics. Outside regular office hours, Con-nolly Dermatology offers free skincancer screenings. He has also beennamed by South Jersey Magazine asone of the Best Physicians for sever-al consecutive years.

Connolly Dermatology specializes

in clinical and cosmetic dermatologyfor all ages in a warm, friendly and ef-ficient office setting. Their philosophyis not to make patients feel guiltyabout spending time in the sun, butrather to educate patients and theirchildren on how best to protect them-selves from sun damage and recog-nize the warning signs of skin cancer.For example, any non-healing area ornew, changing mole may representskin cancer.

Recently, South Jersey Magazinespoke with Dr. Connolly on the subjectof skin cancer, skin aging and advance-ments in diagnoses and treatments.

Top Dermatologist Dr. Coyle S. Connolly

Discusses Skin Cancer Awareness and Aging Skin

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Q: Why is it important to visit a dermatologist yearly?A: The skin is the largest organ and the first line of defense againstthe sun’s damaging effects. Just as one gets a yearly physical orOB-GYN appointment, one should schedule a head-to-toe skin can-cer exam with a dermatologist. Since skin cancer may occur onboth sun-exposed and non-sun-exposed areas, the back, scalp,mouth, hands, feet, etc., should be checked as well. Early detectionis the key since skin cancer is highly curable when caught early.

Q: Many people worry about their skin’s appearance as theymature. What are the signs of aging skin and how can weprotect it?A: The most common signs of aging skin are wrinkles, dark agespots, blotchy skin, and broken blood vessels. More than 90 percentof perceived aging is caused by the sun. The key to prevention is pro-tection. Simple steps like applying sunscreen daily and frequently, wear-ing hats, sunglasses and finding shade contribute to a healthylifestyle. Cosmetically, we can reverse the signs of aging through pre-scription creams, chemical peels, laser treatments and injectable prod-ucts such as Botox and Juvederm. We customize a skin regimen and treat-ment options based on an individual’s realistic goals and budget.

Q: Indoor tanning use among young people is skyrocketing. What arethe risks involved with this behavior?A: Cancer-causing ultraviolet rays in tanning beds are even more powerful thanthe sun’s rays. Young patients and females in particular are spending moretime in these tanning centers. Just one indoor tanning session increases yourchances of developing melanoma by 20 percent. Other risks include pre-

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mature wrinkles and eye damage. Recently,the FDA increased its classification of tanningbeds and lamps from Class I (low to mod-erate risk) to Class II (moderate to high risk).If artificial tanning is something you havedone or continue to do, I urge you to stop andlook for skin bronzers or tanning sprays asan alternative.

Q: You have said skin cancer is now anepidemic. What are you seeing in youroffices and how do you diagnose andtreat skin cancer?A : Skin cancer has reached epidemic pro-portions and is the most common form of allcancers. Every day we diagnose many skincancers, including basal cell, squamous celland malignant melanoma (the most dan-gerous type). We have discovered skin can-cers in patients as young as 10 and as old as99. As a dermatologist, I am trained to rec-

ognize the tell-tale visual signs of skin cancer. Wealso use the latest technology to assist in the de-tection of abnormal dark moles and melanoma.MelaFind is an innovative handheld optical de-vice that uses light to see under the surface ofthe skin. MelaFind may be helpful in determin-ing whether a patient needs a skin biopsy or not.It does not replace a dermatologist’s insight butit can act as a second opinion in certain cases.

We also offer Mohs micrographic surgery.This technique removes skin cancer layer by lay-er until it is completely eradicated. The best cos-metic results are achieved since only the cancercells are removed without taking excessiveamounts of normal skin. This is an example ofour multifaceted approach providing our patientswith the latest diagnostic techniques and treat-ment options.

Q: What is the difference in treatment a pa-tient can expect from a board-certified der-

matologist compared to a spa or non-der-matologist?A: Education and experience make the differ-ence. A dermatologist completes a minimumthree-year training residency after medicalschool, specializing in all aspects of the skin, hairand nails. Some spas or salons offer skin treat-ments that may feel good yet fall short of ther-apeutic expectations. Under a dermatologist’ssupervision, medical grade products and ad-vanced combination therapies will yield betterresults. We have more powerful options underour scope of practice.

Connolly Dermatology has multiple officesthroughout New Jersey, which makes derma-tology accessible for all our patients whereverthey may reside. We pride ourselves on runningon time without long waits for appointments.We are compassionate and encourage our pa-tients to ask questions about their skinhealth. ■

Connolly Dermatology has offices in Cinnaminson, Turnersville, Hamilton Township, Linwood, Barnegat, Whiting and Cape May Court House. To make an appointment with Dr. Connolly,

call (609) 926-8899 or visit ConnollyDermatology.com for more information.

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