Ingrid E Trenkle MD

SPF 30? SPF 50? SPF 100? What do those numbers really mean?

SPF (Sun Protection Factor) measures how well a sunscreen protects your skin from UVB rays, the rays primarily responsible for sunburn. While higher SPF numbers provide greater protection, no sunscreen blocks 100% of UV rays-which is why daily use and reapplication are so important.

Looking for a dermatologist-recommended sunscreen? Two of Dr. Trenkle’s favorites are ISDIN Actinica and ISDIN Eryfotona Ageless. Both offer excellent daily sun protection and are available for purchase in our office.

Your skin is with you for life- protect it every day!

Ingrid E. Trenkle M.D.
124 E Olive Ave
Redlands, CA 92373
(909) 798-9403

Ever wonder why your dermatologist uses a freezing spray during your visit?

Liquid nitrogen is used to freeze and destroy unwanted skin lesions, including warts, actinic keratoses (precancerous spots), and certain benign growths. This treatment, known as cryotherapy, is quick, effective, and can often be performed in just a few seconds right in the office.

Ingrid E. Trenkle M.D.
124 E Olive Ave
Redlands, CA 92373
(909) 798-9403

SPF is on almost every sunscreen bottle — but what does the number actually mean? ☀️🧴

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and measures how well a sunscreen helps protect your skin from UVB rays, the rays primarily responsible for sunburns and skin damage. In general, higher SPF numbers provide more protection, but no sunscreen blocks 100% of UV rays.

Daily sunscreen use is one of the best ways to help prevent premature aging, sun damage, and skin cancer. Don’t forget to reapply every 2 hours when spending time outdoors. 🤍

Ingrid E. Trenkle M.D.
124 E Olive Ave
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone (909) 798-9403

You may have seen your dermatology provider use one of these during your skin exam — but do you know what it’s for? 🔍

A dermatoscope is a specialized handheld tool that allows providers to closely examine the skin using magnification and light. It helps dermatologists evaluate moles, lesions, and other skin concerns in greater detail than the naked eye alone.

Dermatoscopes are especially helpful in identifying suspicious features that may indicate skin cancer or other skin conditions, making them an important tool for early detection and accurate diagnosis. ☀️

Ingrid E. Trenkle M.D.
124 E Olive Ave
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone (909) 798-9403

An excision is a procedure in which an entire lesion or suspicious area of skin is carefully removed for further evaluation. This technique is often used when a provider wants to remove and fully examine a mole, cyst, or possible skin cancer.

Because the full lesion is removed, excision biopsies can serve both a diagnostic and treatment purpose. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, and stitches are typically placed afterward to promote healing. 🤍

Ingrid E. Trenkle M.D.
124 E Olive Ave
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone (909) 798-9403

A punch biopsy is a procedure used to obtain a deeper sample of skin for accurate diagnosis. Using a small circular instrument, a tiny section of skin is removed to evaluate conditions involving deeper layers of the skin.

Punch biopsies are commonly used to help diagnose rashes, inflammatory skin conditions, suspicious lesions, and certain types of skin cancer. The area is numbed beforehand, and stitches may occasionally be placed depending on the size of the biopsy. 🩺

Ingrid E. Trenkle M.D.
124 E Olive Ave
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone (909) 798-9403

A shave biopsy is a quick and commonly performed procedure used to evaluate suspicious or abnormal skin lesions. During the procedure, a thin layer of skin is carefully removed for examination under a microscope. Shave biopsies are often used for raised moles, growths, or spots that may need further evaluation.

The procedure is typically fast, minimally invasive, and performed with local anesthesia for patient comfort. ☀️

Ingrid E. Trenkle M.D.
124 E Olive Ave
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone (909) 798-9403

Carcinoma and melanoma are both forms of skin cancer, but they can look very different. Basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas are typically more common and may appear as red, pink, scaly, or non-healing lesions — especially in sun-exposed areas. Melanoma is less common but more aggressive and often presents as an irregular or changing mole with multiple colors. ☀️

Knowing what to watch for and scheduling routine skin exams can help with early detection and treatment. If you notice a new, changing, or concerning spot, don’t ignore it. 🤍

Ingrid E. Trenkle M.D.
124 E Olive Ave
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone (909) 798-9403

You may have heard your dermatologist mention “freezing” a spot with liquid nitrogen — but what is it actually used for? ❄️

Liquid nitrogen is an extremely cold treatment commonly used in dermatology to remove certain skin lesions by freezing abnormal or damaged cells. It is often used to treat actinic keratoses (precancerous spots), warts, seborrheic keratoses, and other benign skin growths.

After treatment, the area may blister or scab before healing. This quick in-office procedure is an important tool for preventing and treating certain skin conditions early. ☀️

Ingrid E. Trenkle M.D.
124 E Olive Ave
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone (909) 798-9403

Checking your skin regularly is an important part of protecting your health. Use the ABCDEs of melanoma as a guide and pay attention to any spots that are new, changing, itching, or not healing properly. ☀️

When detected early, skin cancer is highly treatable. Schedule your yearly skin exam today.

Ingrid E. Trenkle M.D.
124 E Olive Ave
Redlands, CA 92373
Phone (909) 798-9403