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Applegarth Dermatology PC

Serving the areas of Valparaiso and LaPorte, Indiana

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Patient Education

INSURANCES ACCEPTED:

*Please note these are our top companies that we participate with.  This is not a complete list.  Please contact your insurace carrier to verify whether or not we are in your provider network.

Traditional Medicare

Railroad Medicare

Sagamore

Cigna

Encore

United Healthcare

CHA

Coventry

CCN

First Health

Aetna

PHCS

Multi Plan

UMR

Lutheran Preferred

Indiana Health Network

Anthem BCBS PPO

Anthem BCBS PDS

Caresource - Medicare Plan

AARP Medicare Complete

IU Health Plans - Medicare and Commercial

Tricare

Anthem Medicare Advantage HMO

AMBETTER

EFFECTIVE 2/22/19: WE ARE NOW ACCEPTING ALLWELL

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Our team of professionals and staff believe that informed patients are better equipped to make decisions regarding their health and well-being. For your personal use, we have created an extensive patient library covering an array of educational topics, which can be found on the side of each page. Browse through these diagnoses and treatments to learn more about topics of interest to you.

As always, you can contact our office to answer any questions or concerns.

 

melanoma-find-peace-of-mind.jpg
It’s natural to worry after being diagnosed with melanoma. Getting help dealing with worry and other emotions can bring peace of mind.

 

After a melanoma diagnosis, feelings of worry, fear, or anxiety can be overwhelming. To find out what can help ease these feelings, researchers talked with thousands of melanoma patients and survivors. Here’s what they said helps bring peace of mind.

  1. Take care of your emotional needs. Patients often say a cancer diagnosis feels overwhelming because it can affect every area of your life. Getting emotional support can help you cope.

    Where you can find help:
  • Call your local hospital. Ask if psychological services are available for cancer patients and survivors.

  • Contact the Cancer Support Community’s Helpline. Counselors are available Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

    You can reach a counselor by:
    Phone: 1-888-793-9355
    Live chat: Get help now

  1. Find something positive about your diagnosis. This may seem impossible now, but research suggests it really can help.

    In one study, patients who found something positive about their melanoma diagnosis were more satisfied with life. Two years after their diagnosis, they were also more likely to be more mentally alert. Those who found something positive kept their language skills, ability to reason, memory, and focus. Those who didn’t find something positive lost ground in these areas.

    Ideas that can help: If it seems there’s nothing positive about your diagnosis, here are some positive things that melanoma survivors say happened after their diagnosis:
  • Gave me a greater appreciation for life
  • Made me realize what’s important in life for me
  • Let’s me spend more time doing what matters most, such as spending time with family or doing activities that make me happy
  • Causes me to care less about everyday annoyances

  1. Consider massage therapy: Studies suggest that massage can help cancer patients. A study at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center found that patients who received massage therapy felt better. They had 50% less pain, anxiety, fatigue, and nausea. These effects lasted up to 48 hours.

    As a result of this study, a few insurance companies now cover massage therapy during cancer treatment.

  2. Try mind-body therapies: Research studies show that mind-body therapies can help cancer patients relax and feel better. Examples of mind-body therapy include meditation, yoga, biofeedback, and prayer.

    In one study, researchers found women who focused on calming thoughts while on chemotherapy had a better quality of life.

  3. Find the right dermatologist for you. Melanoma survivors say it’s important to find a dermatologist with expertise in treating melanoma and with whom you feel comfortable.

    If you feel uncomfortable with your dermatologist or don’t have a dermatologist, you can find one by going to Find a dermatologist.

  4. Protect your skin from the sun and avoid tanning beds. While lying in the sun may feel relaxing, protecting your skin from the sun and avoid tanning beds can help you stay as healthy as possible.

    Melanoma survivors say that having (had) melanoma motivates them to protect their skin. Many want to stay alive to care for their family. Others want to set a good example for their children, so they take sun protection seriously.

    In studies, some melanoma survivors said that being caught outdoors without sun protection makes them feel extremely anxious. To avoid this feeling, they plan ahead.

  5. Check your skin for signs of skin cancer and keep all follow-up appointments with your dermatologist. Studies suggest that after treatment, taking action to find melanoma early may ease anxiety and depression.

    Some survivors say they see a dermatologist because it’s an effective way to find a new melanoma early before it has a chance to spread.

    One survivor had this say about dermatology follow-up appointments, “I have this feeling of relief, even if she [dermatologist] finds something, because it’s going to be taken care of.”

If all of this seems overwhelming right now, try starting with one thing, such as thinking about the positive things you’re doing to fight your cancer.

 


Image: Thinkstock

 

References
Bonnaud-Antignac A, Bourdon M, et al. “Coping strategies at the time of diagnosis and quality of life 2 years later: A study in primary cutaneous melanoma patients.” Cancer Nurs. 2017;40(1):E45-E53.

Cassileth BR, Vickers AJ. “Massage therapy for symptom control: outcome study at a major cancer center.” J Pain Symptom Manage. 2004;28(3):244-9.

Oliveria SA, Shuk E, et al. “Melanoma survivors: Health behaviors, surveillance, psychosocial factors, and family concerns.” Psychooncology. 2013;22(1):106-16.

Poole, CM. “Tending to your spirits.” In: Melanoma — Not just skin cancer. South Carolina: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform; 2015:115-27.


Learn More

  • Acne
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Patient Education

Patient Education
  • Acne and rosacea
    • Acne
    • Acne scars
    • Acne products: How to avoid allergic reaction
    • Acne: Tips to help you see clearer skin
    • Adult acne
    • Isotretinoin: Treatment for severe acne
    • Rosacea
    • Rosacea: Skin Care Do's and Don'ts
  • Bumps and growths
    • Keratosis pilaris
    • Moles
    • Seborrheic keratosis
  • Color problems
    • Acanthosis nigricans
    • Melasma
    • Melasma:Tips to Make It Less Noticeable
    • Tinea versicolor
    • Vitiligo
  • Contagious skin diseases
    • Genital warts
    • Head Lice
    • Herpes simplex
    • Impetigo
    • Molluscum contagiosum
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    • Shingles
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  • Dry / sweaty skin
    • Dry skin
    • Hyperhidrosis
  • Eczema / dermatitis
    • Atopic dermatitis
    • Contact dermatitis
    • Dyshidrotic eczema
    • Neurodermatitis
    • Nummular dermatitis
    • Stasis dermatitis
    • Eczema: Tips to help children feel better
    • Eczema Bleach bath therapy
  • Hair and scalp problems
    • Alopecia areata
    • Hair loss
    • Scalp psoriasis
  • Itchy skin
    • Bedbugs
    • Hives
    • Poison ivy, oak, and sumac
  • Painful skin / joints
    • Hidradenitis suppurativa
    • Psoriatic arthritis
    • Scleroderma
  • Rashes
    • Lichen planus
    • Lupus and your skin
    • Pityriasis rosea
  • Scaly skin
    • Actinic keratosis
    • Psoriasis
    • Psoriasis Skin Care Guide
    • Psoriatic arthritis
    • Seborrheic dermatitis
  • Skin cancer
    • Basal cell carcinoma
    • Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP)
    • Imiquimod: A treatment for some skin cancers, genital warts
    • Melanoma
      • Next steps after a melanoma diagnosis
    • Merkel cell carcinoma
    • Sebaceous carcinoma
    • Squamous cell carcinoma
    • Skin cancer in people of color
    • Skin Cancer Prevention
    • Who's got your back
    • Can you spot skin cancer?
  • Skin, hair, and nail care
    • Skin care
      • How to Apply Sunscreen
      • How to Shave
      • Skin Self-Exam: How to Do
      • Face Washing 101
      • How to Apply Self-Tanner
      • Get the most from your skin care products
      • Dry skin relief
      • Preventing skin conditions in athletes
      • How to care for tattooed skin
      • How to care for pierced ears
      • How to Treat Diaper Rash
      • Skin Care on a Budget
      • How to Treat Boils and Styes
      • How to Treat Dandruff
      • How to Treat Shingles
      • How to Treat Cold Sores
      • How to Treat Hives in Children
      • Wrinkle Remedies
    • Hair care / hair loss
      • How to Style Hair Without Damage
      • Tips for Healthy Hair
      • How to remove gum without cutting hair
      • Coloring and perming tips
    • Injured skin
      • Tips for treating poison ivy
      • How to treat sunburn
      • Proper Wound Care: How to Minimize a Scar
      • How to Prevent and Treat Frostbite
    • Nail care
      • Manicure and pedicure safety
      • Tips for Healthy Nails
  • Other conditions
    • Diabetes warning signs
  • Videos

Our Location

1861 S. Sturdy Rd
Valparaiso, IN 46383
(219) 548-0360
 
3444 Monroe
La Porte, IN 46350
(219) 362-0161

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Appointment Request

Valparaiso, IN Dermatologist Applegarth Dermatology PC 1861 S. Sturdy Rd. Valparaiso, IN46383 (219) 548-0360 Dermatologist in Valparaiso, IN Call For Pricing
La Porte, IN Dermatologist Applegarth Dermatology PC 3444 Monroe St. La Porte, IN46350 (219) 362-0161 Dermatologist in La Porte, IN Call For Pricing
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