Skin and Weather...

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

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, 

1. Limit showers and baths to under 10 minutes
2. Use warm water instead of hot water
3. Limit use of soaps only to necessary areas (face, underarms, groin)
4. When drying off, pat dry instead of rubbing the skin dry
5. Apply a moisturizing cream to the skin within 3 minutes of bathing
6. If shaving, use a good lubricating gel and replace your razor frequently
7. If the SKIN becomes itchy or inflamed, you may temporarily need a prescription corticosteroid cream 
8. 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?

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...

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...

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...

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:

1. plaque
2. guttate
3. inverse
4. pustular 
5. erythrodermic

Corona Dermatologist is a Mohs Expert

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...

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?

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...

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!

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.

1. You are on the correct path with proper diet and exercise to lose weight.
   
2. It is important to keep the skin folds dry with absorbent powders and exposure to air.
   
3. Use cotton or linen cloth to separate deep skin folds.
   
4. Avoid tight fitting and occlusive clothing.
   
5. Over the counter barrier creams with zinc oxide can help.
   
6. 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"

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!!!!

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

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

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

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.