Dr. Michael Steppie and the providers at Associates in Dermatology have spent decades educating the community about establishing a consistent skin-care routine.

Of the many benefits to calling Florida home, the weather certainly ranks at the top of the list. Whether you are dipping your toes into the sand at the beach, spending the day on the golf course, dining al fresco or relishing in any number of other outdoor activities the region has to offer, there is no shortage of ways to bask in the abundant sunshine.

But as we enjoy more time with family and friends outdoors, it’s become more important than ever to establish a consistent routine for year-round skin care protection. Just one blistering sunburn can double your chances of developing melanoma—the deadliest form of skin cancer—later in life.

Thankfully, Central Florida is blessed with a dermatology practice committed to offering dedicated care, cutting-edge treatments as well as convenient locations. For over 35 years, Associates in Dermatology has been synonymous with high-quality dermatological care in the local community. As the president and medical director of the practice, Dr. Michael Steppie has built a strong reputation thanks to his unrivaled passion for serving the community through clinical, general and cosmetic dermatology.

A board-certified physician who has completed residencies in dermatology and dermatologic surgery, he is renowned for his years of service in the field and is an accomplished surgeon with vast experience in the highly specialized treatment known as Mohs surgery, which is used for the removal of skin cancer tumors. Thanks to his extensive training and expertise, Dr. Steppie has been able to continually remain at the forefront of skin care services.

As the leader of the award-winning practice, Dr. Steppie’s commitment to the community goes well beyond routine dermatological care. “I feel my most important goal is to help patients avoid the effects of overexposure to the sun, premalignant growths and skin cancer,” he says.

To that end, Dr. Steppie has been particularly vocal in giving the area’s many outdoor lovers some words of wisdom as the American Cancer Society estimates nearly 100,000-plus new skin cancer cases will be diagnosed in Florida this year. “Those overall projections for new cancer diagnoses in 2024 ranks The Sunshine State among the top five in America,” Dr. Steppie warns.

To protect yourself from developing melanoma and other types of skin cancers, it is recommended that people adopt sun-safe practices whenever they plan on being outside. Even though melanoma can manifest in areas not exposed to the sun, studies have shown that exposure to UV radiation increases your risk of getting the disease.

What’s more, sun exposure adds up each day, which many folks are not aware of. So, while it is important for one’s health to get outside and remain active, taking certain precautionary steps can help reduce the risk of developing a serious skin condition.

“Excessive sun exposure is the single greatest cause of skin cancer—the most common form of cancer in the United States. And while it may sound unbelievable, the fact is that people who have more than five sunburns over the course of their lifetime are at a heightened risk to develop melanoma,” says Dr. Steppie.

During the brutally hot summer months, those spending time outdoors should regularly apply—and reapply—a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, even on cloudy days. For maximum effectiveness, combine sunscreen with other protective measures including wearing a hat with a three-inch brim all the way around; wearing clothing with a seal of recommendation from The Skin Cancer Foundation; choosing wraparound sunglasses that provide UV protection; and seek a spot in the shade whenever possible. These precautions are especially vital during the sun’s peak hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

“Some excellent ways exist to prevent much of this exposure, but many, especially men, tend to skip them. That is a major problem,” says Dr. Steppie. “If you are a male baby boomer, you have twice the risk of dying from melanoma than women. So having that self-awareness can go a long way in preventing skin cancer from forming. Ultimately, just because you are not going to the beach doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be using sunscreen.”

Throughout his career, Dr. Steppie’s highly influential work and unparalleled effort to educate patients about life-saving dermatologic solutions has earned him a mantle full of prestigious awards and recognitions, including being named a Top Physician by Orlando Family Magazine for the past seven years.

Of course, the first line of defense starts with the patient. The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Big See campaign aims to give people the tools to spot any irregularities. The three things to watch for: newly formed moles, spots that have changed in appearance or unusual spots that continuously itch, hurt, crust or bleed for more than three weeks.

Having that self-awareness can go a long way toward preventing skin cancer from forming, but ultimately your best chance for a proper diagnosis and individualized treatment plan would be to schedule an appointment with a professional.

“Like with most diseases, early detection is crucial and can lead to simple and straightforward treatments. But the longer someone waits to get examined, the skin cancer can eventually metastasize and become a life-threatening situation,” says Dr. Steppie.

At Associates in Dermatology, the highly skilled team of experts is focused on proper diagnosis and treatment. The practice specializes in MOHS micrographic surgery, which has a cure rate of up to 99% for most skin cancers. “At the end of the day, it’s important to regularly go for routine skin checks because the results can be more surprising than you might expect,” Dr. Steppie says.

And now with the kids getting ready to head back to the classroom, it’s important to know if their skin is ready for school. After spending long hours outside enjoying the final days of summer vacation “we tend to see more skin conditions flare for kids and teenagers during this time,” says Dr. Steppie.

Whether dealing with a family history of eczema, contact dermatitis or bouts of acne, lots of children head into the school year lacking self-confidence due to their physical appearance. While there are many over-the-counter treatments available, Dr. Steppie affirms there is no “one-size-fits-all” remedy and so professional guidance is vital.

“Scheduling an appointment with a professional is your best chance for a proper diagnosis and individualized treatment plan. After all, that’s what we are here for: to keep your family’s skin healthy for all the seasons to come,” he says.

It’s no wonder then why so many area residents entrust Dr. Steppie and Associates in Dermatology with their skin care needs. And the unrivaled level of care is never too far away thanks to the practice’s 16 convenient area locations, including in Celebration, Clermont, Dr. Phillips and Ocoee. This allows patients to visit any number of centers that are close to home, work or otherwise.

“Being accessible to our patients is a hallmark of the practice and it gives them comfort to know that they don’t have to travel great lengths to receive the expert care they are accustomed to,” says Dr. Steppie. “I’m honored that so many patients have relied on Associates in Dermatology for their various dermatological needs.”

Associates in Dermatology
16 locations in Central Florida including:
Celebration | Clermont | Dr. Phillips | Hunter’s Creek | Ocoee
(800) 827-7546
DermOrlando.com