Business Focus: Perri Dermatology

Submitted Photos

Texas raised and Texas trained. As a child growing up in Corsicana, Dr. Anthony Perri learned the importance of early detection of skin cancer, as his own father was diagnosed with melanoma. Fortunately, the melanoma was treated before it became more advanced and his father is alive and well today due to a skin cancer screening.

“Having a father that is a melanoma survivor has certainly influenced my commitment to the early detection of skin cancer. I am dedicated to ensuring the community has accessibility to a board certified dermatologist,” says Dr. Perri.

As a board certified dermatologist, Dr. Perri treats all skin conditions and is committed to ensuring patients do not have to wait weeks or months for an appointment. He maintains an open access policy with several appointments reserved each day so patients can be seen immediately if they are concerned about a changing skin lesion or a severe rash. Dr. Perri’s practice has also eliminated many of the traditional barriers to dermatology access, as his clinic is open 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Just a few years after graduating and serving as chief resident of dermatology at he University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Dr. Perri became chief of the Dermatology section at Sadler Clinic and then founded his own practice, Perri Dermatology, PLLC. He has been selected as Top Doctor in H Texas Magazine for the past eight years and he has been honored as a Super Doctor in Texas Monthly Magazine 2015-2018.

Dr. Perri has two convenient offices: 9305 Pinecroft Drive in The Woodlands and at 4015 I-45 N League Line Road in Conroe. He is committed to educating the public about dermatology and maintains a daily dermatology blog on his website at www.PerriDermatology.com and www.facebook.com/TheWoodlandsDermatology.

Steps for Summer Sun Safety

According to the American Cancer Society, there is a direct link between sun exposure and the risk of skin cancer. Sunburns are linked to melanoma (the most deadly kind of skin cancer), and the more common basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers are generally found on parts of the body that have received years of everyday sun exposure. Fortunately, there are steps that can prevent over-exposure to the sun’s damaging rays:

Play it smart at midday

UV rays are a concern all year long, but they’re stronger during summer and during the middle of the day. The American Cancer Society recommends that people avoid direct exposure to the sun during the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. As a general guide, if your shadow is shorter than you are, it’s a good time to be indoors or in the shade. Don’t forget that sand, snow and water can reflect sunlight, increasing UV exposure.

Remember that sunscreens aren’t perfect

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends sunscreens with Sun Protection Factors (SPF) of 30 or higher. SPF 30 sunscreen, in theory, multiplies the amount of time people can spend in the sun by 30; however, a sunscreen’s SPF is only valid if the sunscreen is applied generously, according to package directions. Adults of average size need about one ounce—the amount it would take to fill a shot glass—to cover their arms, legs, necks and faces. Sunscreen should be applied every two hours, and should be reapplied sooner after sweating, swimming or toweling off. New sunscreen labels no longer use the words “waterproof” or “sweatproof,” but “water resistant” sunscreens state on their labels whether they will protect 40 minutes or 80 minutes in the water. The AAD recommends “broad spectrum” sunscreens, which protect against both UVA and UVB rays; however, no sunscreen provides 100 percent protection from the sun’s damaging rays.

Clothing does not block all damaging sun rays

UV rays can penetrate thin, lightly-colored clothing, especially when it’s wet. Dark-colored, tightly-woven fabrics are more protective; some manufacturers offer clothing that is treated to block UV rays.

Sun can damage eyes and lips, too

Use lip balm that contains sunscreen and wear sunglasses during times of sun exposure. Be sure to check the labels of sunglasses. If they say “UV absorption up to 400 nm” or “Meets ANSI UV Requirements,” the sunglasses block at least 99% of UV rays. If labels say “cosmetic,” they block about 70% of UV rays. If sunglasses are not labeled, it’s best to assume that they do not provide any protection from UV rays. Because UV protection on sunglasses is invisible, darker glasses are not necessarily better than lighter-colored glasses.

Remember to wear a hat

While caps protect the scalp and face, it’s better to wear hats with 2- to 3-inch brims that go all the way around, because they protect the vulnerable neck and ears.

No tan is a good tan

Although some people get “base” tans to protect them from burns, the American Cancer Society warns that tanning—even tanning from tanning beds—injures the deeper levels of the skin, where damage is cumulative.