Associates in Dermatology

Dr. Michael Steppie

After three decades of providing dermatologic services from the grandparent to the grandchild, Associates in Dermatology continues to grow its network of clinics to ensure one is conveniently located in a community where you and your family live.

This past May, Michael Steppie, the president and medical director of this award-winning practice, was the proud sponsor of an event performed at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. “After months of sheltering in place due to the pandemic, the Frontyard Festival™ presented by AdventhHealth offers one of a kind live outdoor entertainment experience and I was so glad to be able to give back to the community”.

Dr. Steppie is a regular contributor to print, television and online media with articles and campaigns aimed at educating the public about the risks of skin cancer.

It is rather amazing the number of visitors or local residents that come to our state each year and spend part of their vacation in an emergency room or urgent care center being treated for second-degree burns.

The Florida sun can be brutal year round, which explains why the state has among the highest rates of skin cancer in the nation. Those with darker skin tones often believe they are at a lesser risk for cancer however, over the last twenty years, the incidence rate of melanoma among Hispanics has risen nearly 20%.

Skin damage builds up over time starting with your very first sunburn. The more you burn, the greater your risk of skin cancer. “Nobody’s perfect, and a sunburn can happen.” Says Dr. Steppie, but it is important to take it seriously and stop it from happening again. Even one blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence more than doubles your chances of developing melanoma later in life.

Since skin cancer survival rates are directly related to early detection, sharing your good habits can help save lives in your family tree.

Important sun-safety tips:

• Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin – even on cloudy days – year-round.

• Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before sun exposure. Use at least SPF 30 or + and one that protects you from UVA/UVB rays, and reapply every two hours and after swimming or sweating.

• Wear a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat (preferably sun-protective clothing, accessories and swimwear carrying a UPF 50+ label), and UV-blocking sunglasses.

• Seek shade when possible. The sun’s rays are the strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Also, water and sand reflect and magnify the damaging rays of the sun, increasing your chance of sunburn.

• Keep newborns out of the sun! Sunscreens should be used on babies over the age of six months.

Associates in Dermatology accept most healthcare plans and is now established in 17 Central Florida locations where it delivers a full range of general, clinical and cosmetic procedures keep patient’s skin, hair, and nails looking attractive and healthy.