West Dermatology Dialogues

New Year, New Body ! Las Vegas cosmetic surgery.

2011-01-23T21:30:00.000-08:00

New Year’s resolutions often include losing weight. However, what if living an active healthy lifestyle has not resulted in a streamlined silhouette? Although liposculpture is not a treatment for weight loss, it can permanently improve body proportion and may sometimes be the only way to eliminate fat deposits that do not respond to diet and exercise. Also called liposuction, liposculpture, is currently a popular procedure in our society for body contouring. Specific areas of concern usually include the abdomen, hips, waist (or “love handles"), thighs, buttocks, neck and chin. Today, modern techniques are utilized which serve to improve cosmetic results. Patients are encouraged to maintain a healthy lifestyle in order to maximize and maintain desirable results. For more information about Cosmetic surgery please visit our website!

Scalp Psoriasis. What can I do?

2011-01-15T15:31:00.000-08:00

At least fifty percent of the 4.5 million adults who have psoriasis in the United States
have scalp psoriasis, a condition where skin cells grow too quickly can cause red
lesions covered with scales. Scalp psoriasis can be mistaken for other skin disorders,
like dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. Scalp psoriasis can be mild, with fine scaling, or
severe, with thick crusted plaques covering the entire scalp. Severe forms of scalp
psoriasis can cause hair loss and can extend to the forehead, the back of the neck and
around the ears.
While scalp psoriasis can sometimes clear on its own, it usually remains on the scalp for
long periods of time. Fortunately, many treatment options can help control scalp
psoriasis. When considering treatment options, it is important to select treatments that
are agreeable to you and your lifestyle. Treatments should fit into your available time,
cost and should definitely never be worse than the psoriasis itself.
Tar shampoos, tar medications and salicylic acids are usually able to treat very mild
cases. More sever cases of scalp psoriasis need a persistent and experimental
treatment plans to find one that will be effective. Systemic treatments are not usually
used just for scalp psoriasis, but can be used if psoriasis is present on other parts of the
body, or if it is a severe case. Topical medications and ultraviolet light can also be
helpful. Sometimes a person can become resistant to medications after repeated use.
Because of this, treatments should be combined and rotated.

If you would like to make an appointment please visit our website.

Liposuction in Las Vegas

2011-01-02T23:05:00.000-08:00

New Year’s resolutions often include losing weight. However, what if living an active healthy lifestyle has not resulted in a streamlined silhouette? Although liposculpture is not a treatment for weight loss, it can permanently improve body proportion and may sometimes be the only way to eliminate fat deposits that do not respond to diet and exercise. Also called liposuction, liposculpture, is currently a popular procedure in our society for body contouring. Specific areas of concern usually include the abdomen, hips, waist (or “love handles), thighs, buttocks, neck and chin. Today, modern techniques are utilized which serve to improve cosmetic results. Patients are encouraged to maintain a healthy lifestyle in order to maximize and maintain desirable results.

CALL: 702.360.2767 for more information.

It’s Itchy and Scaly and we don’t mean Dandruff...

2011-01-02T21:20:00.000-08:00

At least 50% of the 4.5 million adults who have psoriasis (pronounced sore-eye-a-sis) in the United States have scalp psoriasis, a condition where skin cells grow too quickly can cause red lesions covered with scales. Scalp psoriasis can be mistaken for other skin disorders, like dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. Scalp psoriasis can be mild, with fine scaling, or severe, with thick crusted plaques covering the entire scalp. Severe forms of scalp psoriasis can cause hair loss and can extend to the forehead, the back of the neck and around the ears.
While scalp psoriasis can sometimes clear on its own, it usually remains on the scalp for long periods of time. Fortunately, many treatment options can help control scalp psoriasis. When considering treatment options, it is important to select treatments that are agreeable to you and your lifestyle. Treatments should fit into your available time and cost. It should definitely never be worse than the psoriasis itself.

Teens and SKIN

2011-01-02T18:32:00.000-08:00

Finding the right treatment path for all Teens skin, hair and nail issues is what West Dermatology does best. Solutions to breakouts, warts, acne, out of control oily hair and skin are just a few examples of these issues. West Dermatology understands that Teens have enough to worry about and strive to find customized long lasting solutions rapidly.

A,B,C,'s of SKIN Care for the New Year

2011-01-02T17:27:00.000-08:00

Ⓐ Daily moisturizer with built in sunscreen at least SPF 30 or above! Ⓑ Wash the face with a mild cleanser (like Cetaphil) immediately after any physical activity! Ⓒ Remove any makeup with a gentle cleanser before bed!

Food and Acne- Diet and SKIN

2011-01-02T16:27:00.000-08:00

Bad acne? Have you given up chocolate and potato chips because your mother told you they would make your acne worse? Well, the food myth has finally been debunked! Some recent studies have looked in depth at the relationship between food and acne. Diet had little or NO effect on the severity or improvement of acne. The only study that showed any correlation with food was a single study that showed some worsening of acne in patients with large amount of milk consumption. Even then, it was felt that the worsening was due to the hormones that made it through with the milk rather than with dairy products themselves. We currently don't recommend withholding dairy products in hopes of less acne (unless you are drinking a gallon of milk a day and finishing the night with a tub of Ben and Jerry's)! So while we still recommend a healthy and well-balanced diet, if you sneak the occasional Hershey's bar and bag of Ruffles for a snack, rest assured that the skin on your face will not be any worse for it.

Dr. Lucas Bingham

Skin and Weather...

2010-12-02T15:56:00.000-08:00

Skin and Climate

As the holiday season approaches and the weather changes, it may be difficult to remember the importance of taking care of your skin. While many of us can easily remedy this by slightly changing our cold-weather skin beauty routines or simply layering our winter clothing, many people around the world are suffering far greater skin reactions due to the climate change.

Dr. Sigfrid A. Muller, M.D., Emeritus Professor and Chair at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine is a practicing Dermatologist at Las Vegas Skin and Cancer Center. Dr. Muller recently presented his skin research at the Las Vegas Dermatology Seminar, sponsored by the Skin Disease Education Foundation. Dr. Muller believes “climate change is going to be the defining issue of the 21st century.” He is specifically interested in how climate change will effect dermatology and dermatological diseases.

As the climate changes in various countries around the world, animals and insects move to more desirable climates, taking their diseases with them. This has not only resulted in an increase rate of certain diseases, for example, the doubling of Malaria in Columbia, but has also allowed the new diseases to appear in countries where they have never before. Canada, for example, is now showing cases of Lyme disease, which is able to live because of its now warmer climate.

While more developed countries will be able to combat the increasing number of new skin diseases, underdeveloped countries will be unable to make the changes necessary to account for this. Dr. Muller’s research then asks the question, “how can we assist poorer countries so that they’ll be able to have a reasonable lifestyle now and in the future?”

As you enjoy your holidays, please remember that while all of us will be effected by how climate changes our skin, there are those who may not have the means or access available to them to improve their skin. Wonderful looking skin is always the best winter coat and we encourage you to find many meaningful ways you can support global charities during this gift-giving season.

8 Winter Skin Tips for Holiday Parties

2010-11-18T00:17:00.000-08:00

Flaky, dry skin lacks the glow that holiday gowns require. Since dry skin can often worsen during the winter months, here are a few 'Winter Skin Tips' from Dr. Lucas Bingham in Mission Viejo, Ca.:

Bathing daily is OK, but pay attention to the following:


Dr. Lucas Bingham, MD,

Limit showers and baths to under 10 minutes
Use warm water instead of hot water
Limit use of soaps only to necessary areas (face, underarms, groin)
When drying off, pat dry instead of rubbing the skin dry
Apply a moisturizing cream to the skin within 3 minutes of bathing
If shaving, use a good lubricating gel and replace your razor frequently
If the SKIN becomes itchy or inflamed, you may temporarily need a prescription corticosteroid cream
Be cautious with scratching the SKIN; any open wound is a potential site for a SKIN infection.

See a dermatologist if you suspect a SKIN infection.

Does Skin Color determine the type of skin products to use?

2010-11-01T22:58:00.000-07:00

Q: My best friend and I have oily skin but she has darker olive skin and I have light colored skin. Could we share the same oil control products?

A: The skin is an amazingly complex organ, and from the perspective of the color of skin there is realistically NO difference in the products one can use. You and your best friend could both use the same oil control products.

Breast Augmentation in Las Vegas...

2010-11-01T21:55:00.000-07:00

Breast Augmentation is a personal choice usually patients prefer a modest augmentation and breasts that are proportionate to their body. Silicone or saline may be utilized depending on patients' preference. The most common incision leaves a small scar around the bottom of the areola. Other options include a small scar beneath the breast or a small scar in the axilla (arm pit area).

Ultraviolet light helps PSORIASIS...

2010-10-31T10:35:00.000-07:00

UVA and UVB are present in sunlight, but "unlike UVB, UVA is relatively not effective on Psoriasis unless used with a light-sensitizing medication psoralen, which is administered topically or orally, says the National Psoriasis Foundation." This process, called PUVA, slows down excessive skin cell growth and can clear psoriasis symptoms for varying periods of time. Stable plaque psoriasis, guttate psoriasis and psoriasis of the palms and soles are most responsive to PUVA treatment. The Las Vegas Skin and Cancer Center (LVSC) has a PUVA clinic in which they offer the latest in light therapy and Psoriasis treatments.

Psoriasis is a disorder of the immune system...

2010-10-29T19:45:00.000-07:00

Sigfrid A. Muller, M.D.

Psoriasis (pso-ri-a-sis) is often mistaken for other skin diseases, such as eczema or dermatitis. But, psoriasis is actually a disorder of the immune system. It’s a chronic inflammatory skin condition that is caused in part by an overactive immune system that triggers the body to grow skin cells up to ten times faster than normal. Instead of shedding, these skin cells pile up on the surface and form red scaly patches or lesions called plaques. There are five types of psoriasis:

plaque
guttate
inverse
pustular
erythrodermic

Corona Dermatologist is a Mohs Expert

2010-10-28T20:43:00.000-07:00

Ronald Shiell M.D., Board Certified Dermatologist has clinical expertise in Medical and Surgical Dermatology and Mohs Micrographic Surgery. Dr. Shiell leads the West Dermatology office in Corona, California. Mohs surgery is a highly effective treatment for certain types of skin cancer. It is an exacting procedure in which the dermatologist performs both surgical excision of the skin cancer and microscopic examination of the surgical margins to ensure that all skin cancer cells have been removed.

Bulging Veins are not the only sign of vein insufficiency...

2010-10-28T19:21:00.000-07:00

The Vein Clinic in Rancho Santa Margarita, California specializes in treating vein insufficiency. Many may not realize they suffer from varicose veins because they don’t have bulging veins, and if left
untreated, can become debilitating. The symptoms of venous insufficiency include:

aching
tired or throbbing legs
varicose veins
restless, itchy or swollen legs
ulcers in advanced stages of the disease

How does a Medical Doctor become a Dermatologist?

2010-10-28T09:03:00.000-07:00


Dr. Luke Bingham, Board Certified Dermatologist

To become a Dermatologist, a physician must complete a specialized residency after medical school. Dermatological surgeons complete an additional postgraduate fellowship. The American Board of Dermatology (ABD) certifies medical doctors and the American Osteopathic Board of Dermatology certifies doctors of osteopathic medicine (DO's).

Sweaty Armpits and the BOTOX connection...

2010-10-27T18:52:00.000-07:00

Botox injections can help patients with unresponsive hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating). Dr. Wade Keller says, "but, it is a last resort for this condition. If you have only tried over the counter antiperspirants then it is time for an appointment with your dermatologist." Evaluating prescriptions strength antiperspirants prior to Botox is an option you should consider....Read More...

Overweight Teen has specific skin issues while he gets fit!

2010-10-14T09:18:00.000-07:00

Q: Dr. Keller, I am an overweight teen and have noticed a 'stinky' rash in between my stomach rolls and inner thighs. I am beginning to exercise, and drink a lot of water. I am 14 years old and changing my ways. What can I do today about the smelly rash?

A: The most likely condition affecting your skin folds is intertrigo. This condition is common in areas of skin and skin folds with little air circulation, friction, moisture, and heat which leads to maceration (Maceration of the skin occurs when it is consistently wet. The skin softens, turns white, and can easily get infected with bacteria or fungi) and most commonly overgrowth of yeast that are normally on our skin.

You are on the correct path with proper diet and exercise to lose weight.
It is important to keep the skin folds dry with absorbent powders and exposure to air.
Use cotton or linen cloth to separate deep skin folds.
Avoid tight fitting and occlusive clothing.
Over the counter barrier creams with zinc oxide can help.
At times, prescription medications are needed to help decrease both itching and yeast overgrowth.

But the key is keeping the areas dry.

California Dermatologist gives the 411 on"Toasted Skin Syndrome"

2010-10-12T16:37:00.000-07:00

Dr. Chris Carlin leads our San Clemente, California West Dermatology office. He has an innovative style and stays in the forefront of the latest dermatology therapy and techniques. Dr. Carlin enjoys attending local and national dermatology conferences. He also devotes extensive study and research on the latest dermatology and medical journals. This week, he shares his knowledge of "Toasted Skin Syndrome"....read more...

7 Skin FACTS for FALL!!!!

2010-10-12T13:00:00.000-07:00

Dr. Wade Keller is a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine and leads our West Dermatology team in Eagle, Idaho. He has a friendly demeanor and often gives us a quick list of the essentials of skin care. Learn the 7 Skin FACTS for fall...
1. First, SUNSCREEN is the skins daily essential, so don't set it aside just because the sun is hiding. Protect your skin from skin cancer!

2. First line of defense against disease, infection and environmental factors= SKIN

3. Fall and Winter weather can make Eczema flare up!

4. Flaky dry skin can turn to soft skin by following proper skin care!

5. Fight flaky skin with gentle exfoliation and moisturize skin after!

6. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), advises that sunscreen can be used on infants as young as six months!

7. Fall into moisturize! Moisturize your hair, and skin!

Psoriasis Awareness Month

2010-08-19T17:03:00.000-07:00

Psoriasis. While it may sound like a prehistoric creature, Psoriasis is actually a skin disorder that causes scaly, painful patches to appear on the skin. If you suffer from this disease you already know how frustrating it can be. If not, we want to help you understand this skin condition so you can help those around you who may have it.

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that affects the skin. Experts are not exactly sure of its cause, but they do know that the immune system and genetics play a major role in its development. Normal skin cells take about 28-30 days to mature and slough off the body, but in patients with Psoriasis skin cell maturation speeds up and takes a short 3-4 days. Unfortunately, the shedding of skin cells doesn’t happen in Psoriasis patients thus skin cells pile up and create Psoriasis lesions or scales that commonly appear as raised, red patches with silvery-white tops. Psoriasis can develop anywhere on the body and is often associated with other health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and depression.

There are five types of Psoriasis that vary in degrees of severity: 1) plaque, 2) guttate, 3) inverse, 4) pustular and 5) erythrodermic. Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of Psoriasis. (Photo)

Psoriasis sufferers believe triggers may include stress, injury to skin and medications. Some people also think allergies, diet and weather can cause an outbreak.

Who gets it?

Psoriasis is not a common disorder, but the National American Health Institutes estimates that 7.5 million Americans suffer from Psoriasis. That means that 2.2% of the population is affected by this noncontagious condition.

Effects of the disease

Besides being painful physically, Psoriasis patients say it affects their day to day life, especially if they have moderate to severe cases. This can lead to depression and affect social interaction.

Treatment of Psoriasis

There are three main treatments for Psoriasis: 1) Topical medications applied to the skin, 2) Light therapy, and 3) Medications administered through a pill or injection. Some of these treatments are used in combination to provide the most effective outcome. Each person and case is different so what works for one person may not work for another. At this time, there is no cure for the disease, but it can be managed.

If you think you are suffering from Psoriasis or know someone that is, don’t hesitate to call our office today. We are here to help.

Brown Spots Be Gone

2010-07-12T12:23:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered what those brown patches on your face are, or where they came from? Is there anything that can get rid of them? This month at West Dermatology we would like to inform you about those spots and explain how we can help reduce or remove them.

Melasma or hyperpigmentation is a skin disorder that causes dark spots or patches to appear on your skin. It can develop on various parts of the body that are regularly exposed to the sun, but it most often appears on the face on areas such as the cheeks, nose, upper lip, forehead and chin. While Melasma isn’t a contagious disease, it can be a frustrating condition that makes people embarrassed to show their faces with confidence.

The cause of Melasma is unknown, but factors that increase its likelihood include hormone therapy, birth control, genetics and sun exposure. Women are more likely than men to develop the disorder, especially women who are pregnant or using birth control therapy. Pregnant women may develop what is called the “mask of pregnancy” or Chloasma which is thought to occur due to elevated hormone levels. The brown patches often fade after the baby is born, but sometimes hyperpigmentation may remain.

Melasma is also aggravated by spending unprotected time in the sun. Melanin, which gives skin its color, is attracted to sunlight and becomes darker when time is spent outside.

If you have Melasma, you might be asking yourself what you can do to treat it. Luckily, there are a few options.

1. Creams: Most creams prescribed by a physician contain a lightening agent called hydroquinone to reduce the dark patches. Your physician may also prescribe other creams or products with glycolic acid, tretinoin, corticosteroids, ascorbic acid (vitamin C from citrus fruits) and their derivatives, as well as kojic acid and azelaic acid which may increase skin lightening.

West Dermatology Recommends (over-the-counter):
West Dermatology Radiant Results Skin Clarifying Therapy PLUS 2% Hydroquinine
Lucrece Intensive Clarifying Facial Cream + III

West Dermatology Recommends (prescription required):
West Dermatology Radiant Results Skin Clarifying Therapy PLUS 4% Hydroquinone (comes in 4%,6%, and 8% pads)
Obagi NuDerm

2. Chemical Peels: Chemical peels are often used in tandem with bleaching creams to lighten Melasma. Peels gently remove the top layer of skin cells allowing healthy skin to surface. A series of peels may be necessary for success.

3. Microdermabrasion: This pain-free procedure that uses micro-crystals and a gentle vacuum tool also helps exfoliate the superficial layer of skin. This, combined with a skin lightening agent, may assist in reducing dark spots.

4. Laser or IPL Treatments: Some laser and/or IPL treatments help reduce Melasma and hyperpigmentation by destroying the melanin cells that cause the dark patches. These are more invasive and will most likely need to be repeated a few times to see results.

After taking steps to reduce Melasma or hyperpigmentation it is vital to keep your skin protected from the sun. Wearing a sunscreen with a SPF 30 or higher on a daily basis is a must. You don’t want to risk developing Melasma again, or if you don’t have it, at all.

If you are suffering from Melasma feel free to call our office and schedule an appointment to discuss the best option for you and your skin type. Reveal your face with renewed confidence this summer.

Change of season, change of product

2010-03-29T09:50:00.000-07:00

The weather is warming up and spring is upon us. When it comes to your skin and skincare products that means it could be time to lighten up.

During the winter, you may have altered your skin regimen to cope with dry, flaky skin. If you used a heavier face and body cream to ward off the side effects of cold weather, you may now want to switch to a lighter lotion. Are you curious what the differences are between creams and lotions? Here are few basic variances:

Creams:

∙ Create a thicker barrier to prevent water loss from skin

∙ Mostly non-greasy, but have heavier textures

∙ Good for dry areas like the elbows, heels and hands

∙ Better for dry skin types

Lotions:

∙ Light, easily absorbed by skin

∙ Non-greasy

∙ Good for areas with hair (arms, legs, etc.)

∙ Better for normal/oily skin types

No two people have the exact same skin composition, so you may want to try a variety of products to determine which one works best for your skin type. No matter what type of moisturizer you use, remember to include sunscreen throughout the year.

Back-ne: How do I treat embarrassing acne on my back?

2009-12-08T14:08:00.000-08:00

We all know that acne can form in places other than the face. One common place for people to develop acne is on the back. While back acne is not caused by clothing, backpacks or sweating, these things can promote breakouts. You may want to reevaluate certain clothing that promotes sweating, which causes excess build up in your pores and can promote breakouts on your back. As with facial acne, it is important to stick to a daily skin regimen to treat and prevent this stubborn acne.

We suggest two simple steps to help treat this type of body acne:

Step 1: Wash the back with a facial or noncomedogenic (won't plug pores) cleanser. Stay away from regular soap on your back. We recommend West Dermatology Acne Treatment Body Cleanser, specifically designed for use on areas of the body other than face.

Step 2: After the shower treat your back with an acne medicated gel or cream like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. We recommend West Dermatology Acne Treatment Toner Pads. These pads contain both glycolic and salicylic acid which can accelerate the removal of dead skin cells that can interfere with the proper oil drainage of the skin and help to reduce the number of acne blemishes (papules & pustules) and blackheads (comedones).

Remember that severe acne and cysts, should be treated by a dermatologist.

Dysport vs. Botox

2009-12-01T10:43:00.000-08:00

Dysport is a new product, similar to Botox, that has shown to smooth out wrinkles and expression lines revealing beautiful, youthful skin. In fact, both Dysport and Botox injections are made from the same protein, Botlulinum Toxin A, and are both approved by the FDA. They are also similar in the way they are administered and in their results as well. So, are they any differences between the two products? The answer is yes. While the two products are very similar, there are a few differences:

1. Dysport might be slightly faster acting. Both have similar mechanisms, but some patients seem to have a faster response with Dysport. Dysport reportedly takes effect within 4 to 7 days and lasts up to 4 months. Botox reportedly takes effect within 5 to 7 days and lasts 3 to 4 months.

2. Unit sizes are different. The unit sizes for Dysport are slightly smaller so you should expect a higher unit amount of Dysport than Botox.

3. Dysport is competitively priced. Dysport is offered at a cheaper rate than Botox, but you may need to pay more to receive the same results as Botox.

As you can see, the differences between the two products are mild. So, the next time you visit West Dermatology you may want to ask your physician about these two products.

Acne Survival: Why am I breaking out and when is medication necessary?

2009-11-13T12:29:00.000-08:00

Acne is a natural part of life. Almost everybody gets it and nobody likes it. Sometimes it’s hard to know why you’re breaking out and what to do to treat it. Although the cause of acne is not completely understood, there are several things that promote acne including oily skin, genetics and stress. At West Dermatology, we offer several options for the treatment of acne including topical creams, oral medication, laser treatments and blue light therapy. Some acne may be mild and doesn’t need the attention of a physician. We are here to help you figure out when medication is necessary for your acne concerns. There are a few simple questions to ask yourself when deciding if medical intervention is right for you:

1. Does my acne significantly affect my self esteem or my emotional health?

2. Does my acne leave scarring?

3. Have I had significant acne for over the span of one year?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, then seeing a dermatologist may be a good plan for you. We know that acne can be embarrassing and can affect your mental and emotional state. For all of your acne concerns contact the West Dermatology office nearest you to set up an appointment.

Product Recommendations

"I would suggest the Clarisonic ® brush. It is an extraordinary device that cleans up to 6 x better than normal washing by hand. It also helps medications absorb better increasing the efficacy of anti-acne or anti-wrinkle topical treatments. Also, our new West Dermatology acne line is very effective and extremely affordable. The kits can be tailored to the individual needs of the patients with varying strength benzoyl peroxide gels, washes, scrubs, toner pads, etc."

Chris Carlin, MD

Board Certified by the American Board of Dermatology

San Clemente, CA

Skin Care Tips for Men: How to Get That Perfect Shave

2009-10-28T16:19:00.000-07:00

Is it just us or do women seem to get all the attention when it comes to skin care? Today, we are focusing on men and how to get the perfect shave. Below are some tips on how to keep facial skin looking healthy before, during and after your daily ritual.

1. Use shaving cream that has a moisturizer in it. This will make the effect of shaving less abrasive to your skin.

2. Before shaving a beard, make sure to rinse it in warm water. This will soften your beard making it easier to shave.

3. Always use a sharp blade to avoid razor burn.

4. Don’t shave in the opposite direction as this can cause damage.

5. Try to avoid using aftershave lotions that contain alcohol as this can make skin dry.

6. Always apply a noncomedogenic (won’t cause pimples) moisturizer to your face afterwards.

At West Dermatology, we know that healthy looking skin can give you added confidence and a reason to smile. For more healthy skin tips check our blog often for weekly updates.

Product Give Away!

2009-10-06T18:08:00.000-07:00

At West Dermatology, we love good ideas and we know you are full of them. We want to improve our website http://www.westdermatology.com/ (or http://www.lvscc.com/ for our Las Vegas residents) and we are looking for your help. If you have a creative idea or suggestion for the West Dermatology website, please don’t keep it to yourself. Share it with us! Leave a comment with your idea and the person with the best suggestion will receive the product* of his or her choice from our West Derm Products website http://www.westdermproducts.com/.

Thank you for participating and don’t forget to include the product of your choice and your email address so we can contact you if you win. This give away will end November 10, 2009. Good luck!

*This includes single products only. ‘Kits’ and ‘systems’ are not available in this give away.

An Introduction to Eczema

2009-10-02T13:39:00.000-07:00

Did you know that October is National Eczema Awareness Month? If you already suffer from this skin disease, you know how painful, irritating and itchy it can be. If you aren't familiar with eczema or atopic dermatitis (as it is commonly known since it is the most common form of eczema), but would like to learn more, below is some information about the disease and a few facts provided by the American Academy of Dermatology.

What is Eczema?

Eczema is a noncontagious skin disease that causes chronic, superficial inflammation of the skin. The skin disease is characterized by redness, edema (swelling), oozing, crusting, scaling and intense itching. While the disease doesn’t always follow a usual pattern, the dry patches are most likely to be found in areas such as the face, neck and scalp.

(Photo provided by James Q. Del Rosso, D.O.)

How is it treated?

The professionals at West Dermatology offer several treatment options including external medications such as creams or internal prescriptions such as antihistamines and oral antibiotics. In some cases, we may also recommend light therapy to achieve your desired results. Call one of our offices to find eczema relief today.

(Photo provided by James Q. Del Rosso, D.O.)

Facts:
-Between 10 and 20 percent of people worldwide develop atopic dermatitis, making it the most common type of eczema.
-For an estimated 65 percent‚ atopic dermatitis begins during their first year of life, and 90 percent have the condition before age 5.
-While rare, atopic dermatitis can first appear at puberty or later.

For more information regarding eczema and its treatment, visit the American Academy of Dermatology website. If you feel you may be suffering from this disease, contact your local dermatologist.

Healthy Aging Month

2009-09-01T11:53:00.000-07:00

September is Healthy Aging Month at West Dermatology. This month we are focusing on developing good habits that assist in healthy aging. Below are some tips to keep your body healthy on both the inside and on the outside.

Healthy on the Inside
- Drink plenty of water
- Limit sugary foods, salt, and refined-grain products
- Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables
- Eat fiber rich foods
- Consume plenty of calcium and vitamin D for bone health
- Monitor fat intake in order to maintain healthy cholesterol levels
- Take a multi-vitamin
- Don't smoke
- Get moving

Healthy on the Outside
- Wear sunscreen
- Shield your skin from the sun
- Gently cleanse your skin to remove dirt, oil, dead skin cells and other unwanted particles once or twice a day, and/or after exercising.
- Moisturize your skin to retain water. The most effective time to moisturize is directly after a bath or shower.
- Don't pick at your skin as this can lead to scarring.
- Take advantage of aesthetic procedures that can help rejuvenate your skin.
- Get your skin checked on a regular basis, at least once a year, by a dermatologist.

Remember, you're never too old to look and feel young.

From Pink to Peeling: How to Relieve a Sunburn

2009-07-22T15:20:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately, you may have missed the sunburn prevention post and now you're left with a red, sensitive sunburn from spending too much time in the sun. What can you do to relieve the pain and minimize peeling? Here are a few suggestions.

1. Apply a cooling substance, such as aloe gel (chilled in the fridge helps to magnify the cooling sensation), Solarcaine spray or cold compresses to the skin. These methods help reduce heat and inflammation caused by the sunburn.

2. Take some aspirin within the first 24 hours. Aspirin dulls the pain and reduces inflammation.

3. Shower in cold or lukewarm water. Hot water may aggravate the burn further and cause additional dryness to your skin.

4. Moisturize your skin. Lotions, creams and aloe gel can help keep skin hydrated and make the peeling process less irritating. A gentle, fragrance-free, hypoallergenic lotion is the best option. Also, never pick your peeling skin. That can lead to further damage and scarring. Let the skin shed naturally.

5. Drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated. Remember, your skin is your largest organ and it needs water to stay healthy, especially when damaged.

6. If you will be spending more time in the sun, be sure to wear clothes that cover the sunburned areas. Apply sunscreen to all other exposed areas and spend as much time in the shade as possible.

Lastly, if your sunburn is causing you intense discomfort and/or illness, and you develop severe blisters, please contact a dermatologist. He or she has the knowledge and ability to help you recover.

Be careful this summer and don't forget to wear your sunscreen.

Summer Skin Care 101

2009-06-24T12:15:00.001-07:00

Thank you for visiting West Dermatology Dialogues, the official blog for the West Dermatology medical network. We are excited to provide you with up-to-date information about anything and everything related to the health of your skin. We will strive to keep you informed about the latest happenings in our industry and may even suggest a product or two.

That being said, let the skinformation transfer begin.

Summer. Glorious summer. Time for swimming in the pool, hosting barbecues, playing at the beach and frolicking in the sun. Unfortunately, it is also time for sunburns. Ouch. That new shade of red on your skin is more than painful, it is bad for you. Did you know that a sunburn is a sign of damaged cells? The red inflammation is caused by healthy cells trying to save the impaired, unlucky ones. Ultraviolet light from the sun penetrates the top layer of your skin (epidermis) causing injury to your cells. Over time, this damage can cause wrinkles and skin cancer, two things no one wants.

So, what can you do to prevent a sunburn? Below are some tips from the FDA that we fully support and hope you will adhere to in order to avoid a summer sunburn:

1. Reduce your time in the sun
It is important to stay in the shade, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when the sun's rays are strongest. Even on an overcast day, up to 80% of the sun's UV rays can get through the clouds leaving your skin vulnerable to sun damage.

2. Dress with care
Wear clothes that cover as much of your body as possible if you plan to be outside in the middle of the day. You can also consider using an umbrella or wide brimmed hat for shade.

3. Get serious about sunscreen
Use a "broad spectrum" waterproof sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Apply the recommended amount evenly to all uncovered skin, and don't forget your lips, nose, ears, neck, hands, and feet. Reapply at least every two hours.

So, whether you'll be doing this:

this....

or simply this....

Remember to wear your sunscreen and cover up.