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

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

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?

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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.