Blog Archive

Most people know it’s important to slather up with sunscreen before spending a day at the beach in the middle of summer, but what about cloudy days? Are you safe when you can’t see or feel the sun?   Dermatologist Dr. Clement Banda of MD Vein & Skin Specialists encourages all...

While acne doesn’t cause serious physical health issues, it can tank your confidence. You might need the boost cosmetics provide by minimizing the appearance of acne blemishes, even when you may fear that makeup is making your acne worse.  Dermatologist Dr. Clement Banda of MD Vein & Skin Specialists is...

While common warts are harmless growths caused by certain strains of a common virus, they can be unsightly and occasionally a source of pain. Fortunately, they’re easy to treat, but not all home remedies do the job. Sometimes, you may need to see a specialist about your warts. Common body...

Since skin cancer is by far the most common form of the disease, you’re wise to be on the lookout for changes occurring on your skin, often the first sign of trouble. Some changes, like skin tags and epidermoid cysts, are usually benign.  The stakes of cancer mean that it’s...

Do you experience leg fatigue, swelling, or cramping at the end of a long day? These symptoms could be due to poor circulation. While some discomfort in your legs is normal after extended periods of standing or physical activity, persistent issues with blood flow can affect your daily life, mobility,...

Venous reflux disease (VRD) is also known as chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). A condition that’s more common in women than men, VRD usually affects the feet and legs first.  Leg cramps have several causes, and often, there’s no known reason for them. However, impaired blood flow from VRD may be...

Spider veins are primarily a cosmetic concern, but sometimes, they can be a sign of more serious health problems. Usually, the primary treatment is removal.  There are multiple approaches to treatment, including surgical alternatives, but one of the most commonly used techniques is sclerotherapy, an injectable process with several variations....

While acne affects as many as 50 million people in the United States, it’s generally associated with puberty and adolescence. For some, however, acne remains a problem and sometimes even emerges in adulthood. Adult acne can develop anytime, even if you had clear skin in your teen years. It’s not...

Nighttime leg cramps can be painful annoyances, but they’re generally harmless. However, if your legs also feel unusually heavy, there could be other reasons behind your leg cramp experience, which could suggest a doctor’s visit is necessary.  Heaviness in the legs could be a temporary reaction to overuse, but when...

After a long day on your feet, it's not unusual to notice your ankles are puffy and swollen, a condition known as edema. When it’s an occasional problem with a clear reason, edema isn’t usually a cause for concern.  If your ankles and feet frequently show signs of swelling that...

Moles are common. Most have between 10 and 45 scattered across their bodies, though the number varies widely between people. Moles usually don’t become cancerous, but in rare cases, they can be the starting point for melanoma, the most aggressive and dangerous form of skin cancer.  When moles do become...

As the most prevalent cancer in the United States, skin cancer is a genuine concern for many. If you spend a lot of time in the sun, whether working, playing sports, or tanning, your risk may be even higher. Exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays can make your body’s...

Your legs and feet are the extremities furthest from your heart, and when it comes to the blood returning to the heart and lungs, it’s here that veins face the greatest internal pressure. This pressure can be so great that veins stretch, and tiny valves that aid the one-way blood...

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. Like any other form of the disease, skin cancer involves out-of-control growth of cells. Basal and squamous cell skin cancers are the most common. Though melanoma is...

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) declare clearly that most skin cancers result from exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun. While sunlight has health benefits, your risk of skin cancers skyrockets without protection from UV. Skin cancers are by far the most common form of cancer...

When veins start to fail within your body, a wide range of problems can begin. They may be minor and cosmetic, but they can also be serious and life-threatening. While there are medical treatments for most conditions, the most powerful allies in preventing vein disease are lifestyle changes you make and maintain. ...

The most common form of cancer in the United States is skin cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While people with some skin types may be more susceptible to cancer, anyone can develop one of the many forms of the disease. Two types of skin cancer dominate the...

The average American has between 10 to 40 common moles. These generally cluster above the waist in areas that are often exposed to sunlight. You may develop new moles until about 40, and older people often see common moles fade.  Moles are made from clusters of skin pigment cells and aren’t...

Varicose veins are visible signs of increased pressure within the blood vessels responsible for returning blood to the heart. When valves inside the superficial veins of your legs start to fail, pooling blood forms the characteristic gnarled appearance of varicose veins and their smaller cousins, called spider veins.  There’s often...

Skin cancer is the most common form of the disease in the United States, most often triggered by excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, but sometimes occurring on body parts that aren’t usually open to the sun. It’s not always clear why skin cancer starts, but there are things you can do to...

It’s common for skin to show signs of dryness in the the cooler winter months. As you moisturize your lower legs to combat the itchiness that often accompanies dry skin, take a look at the conditions surrounding the areas that itch.  Are your ankles showing signs of edema, the retention of...

Swelling of the lower legs is common since your body works against gravity to move fluids back to the heart. It’s likely not a problem if you have widely spaced episodes with a likely cause, such as hours of sitting or standing.  When leg swelling becomes persistent, it’s a symptom you should...

Varicose veins often affect the legs, creating blue or purple veins that can bulge and show through the translucent surface skin. A smaller cousin called spider veins may appear as red or blue web-like veins. These signs of a vein disorder can be warning signs of serious blood vessel issues,...

As you get older, you might find that simple cuts and scrapes on your lower legs take longer to heal. When this delayed healing happens because of increased blood pressure in leg veins, the open sore is called a venous stasis ulcer. Sometimes, the wound can form because of the...

The National Cancer Institute estimates that melanoma will be the fifth most common cancer in the United States in 2022. This estimate excludes basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers, emphasizing the comparative danger that melanoma represents.  While very few melanoma lesions develop from moles, these lesions often resemble moles as they develop, and the...

It’s common, as you get older, to develop lesions, growths, and discolorations on your skin. Generally, these aren’t health-threatening, though it’s natural for you to be concerned about cancerous growths. We’ve written previously about recognizing the signs of skin cancer, and any new or unusual growth should be assessed for its...

Perhaps you’ve had a busy day, and your legs are tired. You’ve been on your feet, and you notice a little bit of swelling around your ankles. Your legs show some spider and varicose veins, but your grandparents had them, so perhaps it’s just a genetic cosmetic condition.  All these...

Ideally, blood flow through your body is a one-way journey in a closed loop, starting and ending at the heart. However, venous insufficiency is a condition where blood flows backward and pools, typically in your legs.  Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) results when valves in your veins start to fail. They play...

The miracle of pregnancy and childbirth is a time of great change for both mother and baby, and one of the fundamental and necessary changes is to the mother’s blood flow. With the demands of two bodies, this source of nutrient distribution is crucial.  The physical changes to the mother’s...

Like any cancer, skin cancer results from the abnormal growth of cells that cause tumors. The most common risk factor for skin cancer is unprotected exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, typically in the form of sunlight or tanning booths. However, it’s also possible to develop skin cancer on parts of your body...

There’s no pain quite like that of a leg cramp during sleep. When you’re shaken from a dream to deal with the sharp, stabbing pain of a muscle spasm, it feels through the haze that there’s something seriously wrong. Usually, though, after a moment of distress, the cramp eases.  You’re...

Edema in your ankles, feet, and legs often stems from poor circulation in your legs. When leg veins start to fail, you could see symptoms like varicose veins along with the swelling that’s characteristic of the condition.  When left untreated, edema in your legs can lead to skin conditions, including...

Blood flow through your legs, particularly back to the heart, is the most challenging point in your body. Veins have a series of internal valves that help prevent the backward flow of blood. It’s common for these valves to fail as you get older, leading to venous insufficiency that allows...

The reasons behind painful intercourse are sometimes hard to determine, since sexual response is complex, depending on both physical and emotional factors that can coexist in many combinations.  When you have persistent pelvic pain or painful sex that resists conventional treatments, consider pelvic congestion syndrome, an underdiagnosed venous condition that...

Americans can expect over 4 million cases of nonmelanoma skin cancer every year, and almost 200,000 additional melanoma diagnoses. It’s the most common form of cancer, and it can also be one of the most survivable forms of the disease, as long as irregularities are detected early.  While visiting a...

Skin changes are part of the aging process, but it doesn’t mean that you can dismiss all skin conditions as part of getting older. In some situations, your skin color may provide clues about your overall health.  Because of their location as the farthest point from your heart, your ankles...

As many as 60% of American adults know the sensation of being jolted awake by the pain of a spasming calf muscle. Though leg cramps typically don’t last very long, you’re temporarily unable to use the cramped muscle and, of course, your sleep is disrupted.  Though the process behind leg...

Varicose veins are, for many, a cosmetic issue, because the twisted, discolored blood vessels affect the look of their legs. Often resulting from long stretches of time spent sitting or standing, the veins start to fail and blood begins to pool, creating the characteristic appearance of spider and varicose veins. ...

It’s common for the skin of the lower legs to suffer from venous issues. Returning blood from the feet to the heart works against gravity for two-thirds of the day, placing a burden on the valves inside veins that help prevent the backward flow of blood.  Retaining fluids in the...

When you have swollen, puffy feet or ankles, it may be a sign of a long day on your feet, an injury to that part of your body, or a response to a disease or condition affecting you. No matter what the source, this fluid retention is called edema.  Even...

Accounting for about 600,000 cases per year, venous ulcers account for up to 90% of slow-healing ulcers on the lower leg. These ulcers are due to problems with the flow of blood returning to your heart and lungs, aggravated by the fact that your body works against the force of...

Your body is capable of developing a wide range of lumps and bumps, and one of the more common types are epidermoid cysts. Luckily, these are also one of the most harmless. While they can potentially develop anywhere on your body, they most often appear on your face, neck, and...

Circulation issues in your lower legs often stem from the failure of valves located along a vein’s length. These valves support the forward movement of blood during its journey back to the heart and lungs. In your legs, veins are often working against the force of gravity, placing extra pressure...

About 20% of all Americans will experience skin cancer by the age of 70. It’s the most common form of the disease and, fortunately, it’s also one of the most survivable. While moles on your skin are harmless, some forms of cancer can mimic their appearance or a cancerous lesion...

Usually forming between skin and muscle, a lipoma is simply an unusual store of fat. It’s not cancerous, nor will it usually cause pain, unless there are nerves or blood vessels nearby. However, lipomas appear as lumps under your skin, so it’s best to have these checked by a medical...

While there are places on your body where it’s normal to see blood vessels through the skin, like your wrists and hands, there are other places where the appearance of spider and varicose veins aren’t normal. Often, their appearance can be an aesthetic drawback, interfering with the normally smooth color...

The total cases of skin cancer every year outnumber the total of all other types of cancer combined. Fortunately, the vast majority of the cases are cancer types such as basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinoma that typically have successful treatment rates, particularly when detected early.  Melanoma, on the...

You may have plenty of symptoms tied to your menstrual period that already interfere with daily life for a few days each month. When leg veins begin to throb, too, a few days before your period, you have another distraction. However, it’s not your imagination. There are circumstances where hormones...

It’s easy to think it’s time to pack away the sunscreen somewhere around Halloween. Sunny days are still welcome, but there’s no sensation of dangerous heat hitting your skin in the middle of the day. You’re also dressed for the weather, with much less exposed skin. Beautiful fall days are...

The average person has about 100,000 miles of blood vessels in their body. Arteries deliver blood to your cells through a network of capillaries that then return blood to veins and complete the journey back to your heart.  Blood vessel research typically favors the arteries, so much is understood about...

No one likes warts, those patches of rough, scaly skin most often found on your hands. Avoiding them, though, can be tricky since it takes two to six months for warts to appear after infection. You can pick up the wart-causing strains of the human papillomavirus from contact with others,...

The unfortunate truth is that anyone can get skin cancer. It’s the most common type of cancer diagnosed in the United States, but there’s good news in the fact that it’s also one of the most survivable, especially when detected early.  Exposure to sunlight is often the biggest reason behind...

The twisted and gnarled blood vessels close to the surface of the skin of your legs, called varicose veins, usually thought of as producing only cosmetic effects. They take on blue or purple hues and may form skin bulges. These veins can do produce symptoms other than physical appearance, and,...

Occasional pelvic pain is part of being a woman. Often, it’s something that accompanies your menstrual cycle, when bloating and cramping may take up a day or more of your month. When pelvic pain lasts longer than six months, though, you’re not dealing with ordinary pain. It’s now chronic, and...

There’s no need to panic if you notice a new lump or bump on your skin. There are literally hundreds of conditions that could cause these, and most of them are harmless. Still, there are rare occasions when that bump could need treatment and even fewer that may suggest a...

Many people love the look of golden, tanned skin. But if you spend a lot of time in the sun, you may have made a decision that puts you at risk. Every time you overexpose your skin to the sun’s harmful UV rays, it causes cell damage that can lead...

The failing valves cause reversed flow of blood in the veins. What symptoms people get are due to this reversed flow of blood. This phenomenon is called venous reflux disease, venous incompetence, venous hypertension, or chronic venous insufficiency.  One of the signs of this pathological process is formation of varicose...

Medically known as nevi, you likely call these brown and black spots moles. Small clusters of skin pigment, most moles are harmless, and people usually have between 10 and 40 scattered over their body. In rare cases, moles can become cancerous, and they can also indicate raised risk for some types...

It might be unusual to think of irritation as a good thing, but if you’re unhappy with the appearance of varicose and spider veins, a little irritation is just what you need. If you haven’t heard of liquid sclerotherapy for treating varicose veins, it may be the solution you need...

Warts are small, raised growths that appear on your hands, feet, and other places on the body. They’re caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and are benign. Since there are more than 100 types of HPV, warts vary in appearance based on the type of HPV that caused the growth....

If you’re experiencing swelling in your legs and ankles, you could have a condition known as edema. Swelling from edema ranges from mild to severe, and it often leads to trouble walking. Edema may even make it difficult to breathe. Some patients report their symptoms are so severe that they...

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the world, and 1 in 5 Americans develops the disease during their lifetime. Skin cancer develops when abnormal cell changes occur in the outer layer of your skin. There are preventive measures you can take to reduce your risk of...

Spider and varicose veins may be keeping you from wearing your outfit of choice confidently. Luckily, there are professional treatments available that can diminish the appearance of those veins. Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive medical procedure that can help you gain back your confidence while avoiding adverse symptoms. At MD...

If your body is a car, the heart is the engine. It pumps blood through your body to supply oxygen to your organs and tissues. Even though the heart is a central part of blood flow, it relies on multiple accessories, like veins, to keep things moving. In your legs,...

Approximately 3.3 million Americans receive a diagnosis of non-melanoma skin cancer each year. An equally alarming number are diagnosed with the more deadly skin cancer of melanoma. The best way to beat skin cancer is to catch it in its earliest phases, by being alert to changes in your skin....

Did you know that in the United States, skin cancer is more prevalent than all other cancers combined? As skin care experts, we at MD Vein & Skin Specialists Columbia, Maryland, are passionate about delivering a holistic skin care treatment plan. We don’t only treat your skin problems, but go...

Discolored ankles can be unsightly to look at and affect your self-esteem and confidence, but what causes the discoloration and is there anything that can be done about it? If you’ve been skipping skirts and shorts because of the color of your ankles, Dr. Clement Banda has the lowdown on...

Between 25%  and 30% of adult Americans have varicose vein disease. Characterized by enlarged, bluish-purple veins just under the surface of your skin, varicose veins often appear on legs and feet. However, an extensive network of invisible, to-the-naked-eye, varicose veins For most people, varicose veins are painless. But for others,...

Your body uses a complex system of arteries and veins to carry blood throughout your body. Arteries carry oxygen-rich blood from your heart to your organs and muscles, while veins return blood back to your heart and lungs for reoxygenation. When veins get damaged, blood flow back to your heart...

If you’ve started seeing small, visible veins on your legs that look like webs, then you’re likely seeing spider veins. Blood can accumulate in the veins that push blood back to your heart if the valves in them get damaged. When blood accumulates in these veins, the veins can swell...

If you’ve ever been given compression stockings to wear on a long haul flight, you’ve probably been told that it’s to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT). But what is venous thrombosis, and why does it pose such a risk? Venous thrombosis is a condition caused by blood clots developing in...

Your body is filled with veins and arteries that transport blood to and from your heart. Your blood delivers life-giving oxygen and nutrients to your muscles and bone tissues. Arteries carry oxygen-rich blood from your heart, and veins bring blood back to your heart. Veins have one-way valves that keep...

Varicose veins can cramp your style in the summer, making it nearly impossible to confidently wear shorts or swimsuits without others noticing the veins. Fortunately, varicose vein treatment exists. MD Vein & Skin Specialists in Columbia, Maryland has the methods, tools, and expertise to treat varicose veins so they are...

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. It is estimated that 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer during our lifetimes and that 9,500 of us are diagnosed with skin cancer every day. Most skin cancer is highly treatable if it is diagnosed early enough,...

What causes varicose veins? The first step to understanding how to prevent varicose veins is understanding what they are. One out of five adults has varicose veins. They're twice as common among women as men. These twisty, rope-looking bulges on the legs under the skin, which are often blue, can...

One minute you're in your groove during a workout at the gym, finishing a walk around the block, or even sleeping like a baby when suddenly you're doubled over with intense out-of-the-blue leg pain. Say hello to a leg cramp.Also called a "charley horse," a cramp occurs when the muscle...

Do you or someone you know have foot or ankle discoloration? Have you noticed swelling or indents from socks that worsen later in the day? These may be signs of Vein Disease.Ankle Discoloration / Areas of darker skin color in the lower leg, ankle or foot may be from hemosiderin...

Are you fatigued, tired, or have heavy-feeling legs at the end of the day? Do you have swollen ankles that get worse the longer you are on your feet? If so, did you know that fall is a great time of year to treat Varicose Veins?Fall is a great time...

Ambulatory Health Care Accreditation from The Joint CommissionMD Laser Surgery Center today announced it has once again earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Ambulatory Health Care Accreditation by demonstrating continuous compliance with its nationally recognized standards. The Gold Seal of Approval® is a symbol of quality that reflects an organization’s commitment to...

Turns out your mother wasn’t kidding! A nutrient called a bioflavonoid can help to strengthen the walls and valves of your veins. Bioflavonoids are plant pigments responsible for the color in fruits and vegetables, especially in dark leafy greens, berries, garlic and onions.Listen to Mom! Make a point to have...

Health Tip Tuesday:This yoga position stretches the hamstrings and helps to relieve pain caused by varicose veins. Start by sitting on the floor and stretching your legs in front of you. Hold your spine straight and slowly bend forward towards your toes, as far as you can go. Hold this...

Have you ever talked to a friend or searched online to find out about treatments for your varicose or spider veins? Were you left with more questions than answers? Do you want to get treatment but the concept of removing veins concerns you?Don’t worry you’re not alone.One of the most...

Because vein issues may arise from prolonged sitting or standing, exercise is an important way to keep your veins healthy. The blood circulation that happens during a calf workout helps to decrease the chance of a vein disease. Walking is helpful because it’s a low-impact activity that works out your...

Exercise is very important in maintaining healthy veins because it helps to keep the blood circulating. This week participate in the Worldwide Walking Challenge, WALK10K, and keep moving to keep your veins healthy!Free Leg Health ScreeningSchedule Your Free Leg Health Screening with Dr. Banda Today! Call (443) 681-6367 now, or if you prefer, fill...

Happy Easter from MD Vein & Skin Specialists! Wishing your Easter is decorated with love, peace, and the joys of Spring!

Health Tip Tuesday – Remember Your Sunscreen!Spring, Summer, and good weather is coming quick! Did you know that prolonged sun exposure can be harmful to your veins? If you are a fair-skinned person, sun exposure can cause spider veins on the cheeks or nose. As the weather gets better and...

We’re spending more time at work and sitting in front of a screen than ever before. We’re becoming less active, which can increase our risk of heart disease, stroke and other diseases. Take the first step to a healthier life by taking part in the American Heart Association’s National Walking...

Today is the first day of spring! Summer is right around the corner!

A friendly reminder from our staff at MD Vein & Skin Specialists to set your clocks ahead for Daylight Savings time Saturday night!

Prescription Strength Compression StockingsPrescription strength compression stockings help improve blood circulation and force fluid out of swollen legs and ankles.These stockings apply external pressure to the leg to reduce venous pressure within the limb. The pressure applied is greatest at the ankle and declines as the stockings move up the...