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November 13, 2020 Newsletter

Eczema is not just a childhood disease. Adults can get any type of eczema, including atopic dermatitis (AD), even though many people consider eczema only a childhood disease. Eczema can occur at any stage of life. A peak time for developing adult-onset AD is in your 50s.

For some children, the AD never goes away, so it’s a lifelong disease. This happened to Peter Moffat, the award-winning writer of the British TV series Criminal Justice. You can read about how AD affects his life by going to: Adults with eczema too often suffer in silence.

Even if you had AD as a child, your skin can look and feel differently when you have AD as an adult. That’s actually one of the most striking differences between AD in adults and AD in children.

In adults, the skin tends to be extremely dry and scaly where the AD appears. If you’ve had AD for years, patches of your skin may be thick, leathery, and darker (or lighter) than the surrounding skin. Years of scratching causes this. The thickened skin can itch all the time. Adults also tend to get AD on different parts of their bodies than do children. When an adult has AD, it’s most likely to form in one or more of these areas:

  • Backs of the knees
  • Crooks of the elbows
  • Back of the neck
  • Face

Adults, unlike children, often have AD around their eyes. You’ll often see thickened, darker skin circling the eyes, as shown in the picture on this page. The skin around the eyes also tends to be very itchy.

AD shows up with many of the following symptoms in both adults and children:

  • Appear anywhere on the skin
  • Be intensely itchy
  • Cause sleep loss due to the itch
  • Make you feel depressed, anxious, or both
  • Lead to skin infections
  • Increase your risk of developing asthma, hay fever, and other allergies
  • Decrease your quality of life if left untreated

The numbers are showing that more children and adults are developing AD than ever before. Dermatologists are not sure why this increase in AD cases is happening. What they have discovered is that AD can worsen without treatment. While AD causes some obvious signs and symptoms, other types of eczema can cause intensely itchy patches of skin. These include:

  • Nummular eczema
  • Neurodermatitis
  • Hand eczema
  • Dyshidrotic eczema
  • Pityriasis alba

Each of these skin conditions requires different treatment, so it’s important to know which one you have. By seeing a board-certified dermatologist, you’ll get the expertise you need for an accurate diagnosis. A dermatologist can also create a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs. And that can bring welcomed relief.

Dr. Moore treats atopic dermatitis and may have a clinical trial with free medicine and treatment. Please ask about this on your next visit in our office.
(Source AAD.org)


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November 12, 2020 Newsletter

Psoriasis, a condition that manifests with itchy raised areas of red skin that often scale and flake, has been found to affect more than 8 million people in the US. These red, scaly bumpy growths of skin often appear on the scalp, knees, elbows, face or other parts of the body and are often quite painful. Many patients suffer most from the appearance of plaque psoriasis, feeling rejected or distanced by other people afraid of this non-contagious skin disease.

Newer treatments called biologics are restricted for use for about 25% of Psoriasis patients with extreme manifestations of the disease. Only about 6% of psoriasis patients use biologic treatments. These treatments involve injections and can have severe side affects as these treatments lower the ability of your immune system to fight off other disease.

Topical treatments for psoriasis are used by about 90% of patients. There has been no new mechanism of action for topical treatment of psoriasis for over 20 years. Just recently new studies have shown promise for a new medication for the topical treatment of psoriasis.

The New England Journal of Medicine has published in its July 2020 issue that a new topical cream called Roflumilast has shown positive results in treatment of plaque psoriasis. Patients with moderate psoriasis treated with a 0.3% cream or a 0.15% cream experienced an almost clear condition after 6 weeks of treatment (28% and 23% of patients respectively). Patients with mild cases of psoriasis experienced a clear state of skin after 12 weeks of use the 0.3% cream (93% of these cases). Ninety-seven percent of adverse reactions were rated mild or moderate in severity.

These initial test results show positive potential for a new and effective once-daily topical treatment for psoriasis patients with mild to moderate cases of the disease. The product seems well tolerated and is significantly successful in reducing or removing psoriasis without injections or immunity suppression.

Dr. Moore and her research team are enrolling patients in Arcutis Clinical Trials for this new topical treatment of psoriasis. This same medication is being tested with other inflammatory skin conditions such as Seborrheic Dermatitis and Atopic Dermatitis. Please contact our Clinical Trials (click here) department if you or someone you know might be a candidate for this free treatment. Contact us at 817-795-7546 extension 339
(Source New England Journal of Medicine, July 2020)


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November 10, 2020 Newsletter

Skin Lightening Products May Contain Dangerous Levels of Mercury

Skin-lightening products containing mercury are illegal in the US. But they are available, and dangerous. A recent report from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) highlighted the alarming trend of illegal skin lighteners from other countries that are being sold and used in the United States.

A 47-year-old Mexican American woman living in California presented with dysesthesias (abnormal sensations such as burning, electric shock, or a general tightening around the body) and weakness in her arms. Over the next 2 weeks, she began experiencing dysarthria, blurry vision, and gait unsteadiness. She was hospitalized and developed agitated delirium. Two weeks after admission, screening blood and urine tests showed mercury concentrations exceeding the upper limit of quantification. It was discovered the woman had been applying, twice per day for seven years, a skin-lightening cream from Mexico. An analysis showed the cream contained 12,000 parts per million (ppm) of mercury. (The maximum allowable limit for mercury in cosmetic products, per FDA regulations is 1 ppm.) Despite treatment, the woman’s condition deteriorated. According to the report, she is unable to verbalize or care for herself and requires tube feeding for nutritional support.

Patients should be aware that mercury-containing skin lightening products exist and should be avoided when selecting and using skin-lightening products.

The American Academy of Dermatology has issued warnings regarding skin lightening substances that contain mercury.

Please consult with your dermatology provider if you are using a skin lightener or are considering to be begin use.

Source: Dermatology World, April 2020


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September 9, 2020 Newsletter

Dr. Angela Moore and her team are now contracted with Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS). If you are a BCBS member or just recently switched to BCBS, please present your BCBS Insurance Card over the phone when scheduling and to our front office staff upon arrival and they will be happy to update your insurance information and we will work to file your insurance claims with BCBS. This BCBS coverage will be active for treatment and office visits as of August 27, 2020.

 

For a full list of insurance accepted, please visit our insurance page.


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September 8, 2020 Newsletter

Masks play a vital role in reducing the spread of the coronavirus. Masks can also be hard on your skin, causing problems that range from acne and peeling skin to rashes and itchiness. Gentle skin care can prevent your mask from causing skin problems. To help prevent skin problems from developing under your mask, board-board-certified dermatologists recommend:

1. Cleanse and moisturize your face daily. Gentle skin care can prevent skin problems. When washing your face, use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser and follow these steps:

2. Dry skin is a common face-mask skin problem. Applying moisturizer adds a protective layer that can reduce dryness. You want to apply moisturizer immediately after washing your face. To get the most benefit from a moisturizer, try using a moisturizer with one of the following ingredients: Ceramides, Hyaluronic acid, Dimethicone (which can also create a barrier that helps reduce irritated skin), or other ingredients that repair your skin barrier.

If you have acne or tend to break out with cystic acne, you can still use a gel moisturizer. Avoid popping pimples or blackheads as a general rule, but especially in areas covered by a mask. Broken skin is much more susceptible to infection if covered by a mask that is retaining breath and mouth droplets. If you are interested in acne treatment while wearing masks, please consult with your dermatologist. Also, you may qualify for one of our Acne Clinical Trials. Contact 817-795-7546 x339 or click here for more info.

3. Apply moisturizer before and after wearing a mask. Moisturizers can prevent problems, especially if you have dry or sensitive skin.

4. Protect your lips by applying petroleum jelly. Dry skin and chapped lips are common face-mask skin problems. You can prevent chapped lips by applying petroleum jelly to your lips:
● After washing your face
● Before you put on your mask
● Before bed
To prevent breakouts, take care to apply the petroleum jelly only to your lips and not to the surrounding skin.

5. Skip the makeup when wearing a mask. Beneath a mask, makeup is more likely to clog your pores and lead to breakouts. If makeup is necessary, use only products labeled “non-comedogenic” or “oil free.”

6. Avoid trying new skin care products that can irritate your skin. Wearing a mask for even a short time can make your skin more sensitive. To reduce skin problems, avoid trying harsh products, such as a chemical peel, exfoliant, or retinoid, for the first time, unless prescribed by your doctor. Retinoids can irritate your skin. If you must use a retinoid, apply it at bedtime and use only a very thin layer.

7. Use less of certain skin care products if your face becomes irritated. Remember that “more” is NOT better when applying acne medications and other skin care products. When you cover your face with a mask, some skin care products may irritate your skin. If this happens, use a thinner layer of products that can irritate your skin, such as leave-on salicylic acid, retinoids you apply to your face, and aftershave.

8. Wear the right mask. To reduce skin problems, look for masks that offer the following:
● A snug, but comfortable fit
● Soft, natural, and breathable fabric, such as cotton
● Fabric on the inside that feels soft if you have sensitive skin
● Cotton material inside if you have acne or oily skin

Wearing a mask that offers a snug, but comfortable fit helps to protect you and others from the coronavirus. You want a snug fit across your nose, on the sides, and under your chin. A snug, comfortable fit also reduces skin problems. If the mask feels too tight or slides around on your face, it can irritate your skin. You’re also more likely to adjust a poorly fitting mask. When you touch your mask, you can transfer germs to your mask and your face. The fabric is also important. Avoid synthetic fabrics, such as nylon, polyester, and rayon. These are more likely to irritate your skin and cause breakouts. To stop behind-the-ear soreness, find masks with different types of ties and ear loops and wear a different type each day.

9. Take a 15-minute mask break every 4 hours. Health care workers on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic have found that this helps save their skin. Of course, only remove your mask when it’s safe to do so and after washing your hands. Safe places to remove your mask include:
● Outdoors, when you can stay at least six feet away from people
● Inside your car when you’re alone
● At home

10. Wash your cloth masks. Many health care organizations now recommend that you wash a cloth mask after each use. Washing it also removes oils and skin cells that collect inside the mask, which could lead to a skin problem. You can wash a cloth mask in a washing machine or by hand. Both ways remove germs and other particles. Just be sure to:
● Follow the washing instructions on each mask.
● Wash the masks in hot water unless the instructions say otherwise.
● Use a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic laundry detergent.
● After washing your mask, check its shape. If a mask no longer fits snugly (and comfortably), it is less protective.

Continue the treatment plan that your dermatologist created for you. If you have a skin condition, such as acne or rosacea, it’s especially important to follow your treatment plan. This can help keep the condition under control. If a skin problem develops under your mask, consult with your dermatologists for solutions that would allow you to continue skin treatments while continuing to wear a mask.

“The American Academy of Dermatology supports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendation to wear a cloth face covering in public settings and when around people who don’t live in your household, especially when social distancing measures are difficult to maintain. A growing body of evidence has shown that masks play a vital role in reducing the spread of COVID-19. The AAD encourages people to wear face masks in public, practice social distancing, and frequently wash your hands to help protect yourself, your family and your community.” ─ AAD President Bruce H. Thiers, MD, FAAD

(Source: AAD.org)


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August 21, 2020 Newsletter

What Do Poison Ivy Plants Look Like?
Poison Ivy is not the only cause of painful skin irritations. Poison ivy happens to be the only one major irritant plants that always has three leaves, one on each side and one in the center. Poison Ivy leaves are shiny with smooth or slightly notched edges. Poison Oak looks similar, but the leaves are larger and more rounded like an oak leaf. They have a textured, hairy surface. There may be groups of three, five, or seven leaves. Poison Sumac leaves grow in clusters of seven to 13 leaves, with one by itself at the end.

Where Does Poison Ivy Grow?
Poison ivy, oak, and sumac grow in wooded or marshy areas throughout the US. They have a sticky, long-lasting oil called urushiol that causes an itchy, blistering rash after it touches your skin. Even slight contact, like brushing up against the leaves, can leave the oil behind. Poison ivy and poison oak grow as vines or shrubs. Poison sumac is a shrub or tree.

What Should I Do If I Touch Poison Ivy?
Acting quickly after touching poison ivy, oak, or sumac may save you much pain and discomfort. You may be able to avoid a poison ivy rash or a poison oak rash or lessen its effect by washing your skin with a poison plant wash and then rinsing thoroughly. Immediately wash the part of your skin that touched the plant with one of the following: Rubbing alcohol, Poison ivy wash (cleanser, soap, or towelettes), Dishwashing soap, or Laundry detergent. Wash your skin gently. Scrubbing can cause a rash because you rub the plant’s oil, which is what leads to a rash, into your skin. Thoroughly rinse with plenty of cool water. This removes the rubbing alcohol or other product from your skin. Leaving one of these products on your skin could irritate your skin, causing a different type of rash. Also be sure to wash under your nails. This will remove any oil that may have gotten trapped there.

What Does The Rash Look Like?
It may take some time for the rash to appear. A rash can develop in a few hours if you’ve had a rash from one of these plants before. If you’ve never had a rash from poison ivy, oak, or sumac, it can take 2 to 3 weeks before you see a rash. The skin usually itches intensely where the rash will appear. The itch can be so intense that it wakes you from a sound sleep. Shortly after your skin starts to itch, the rash appears. Most people develop an itchy, red, and blistering rash. If you have blisters, they break open and leak fluid. The blisters crust over, and the rash clears in 2 to 3 weeks. The rash will clear without treatment, but it can be extremely itchy until it clears completely.

Why Does The Rash Seem to Spread?
While it may look like the rash is spreading, what’s most likely happening is that you’re developing one or more new rashes. This happens because the urushiol (the oil from these plants that causes the rash) came in contact with more than one area of your skin. Typically, the skin with the most oil on it develops a rash first. Skin with less oil tends to react later. Many people also mistakenly believe that when they touch their rash, they can spread the rash from one part of their body to another. You cannot spread the rash. Sometimes you can spread the oil causing the rash. Your skin absorbs the oil quickly, so you can only spread the oil from one part of your skin to another for a short amount of time.

How Long Does a Rash Last?
For people who have had previous rashes from poison ivy, the current rash tends to last 1 to 14 days before it clears on its own. Those who have never had the rash before may have a rash last for 21 days or longer before it goes away. The rash is not contagious, but the oil causing the rash can be spread to others if not washed away quickly. The oil can also be spread by clothing, pets or working utensils such as rakes and shovels.

How Can I Treat Poison Ivy Rash?
If you have any of the following, go to the emergency room immediately:

  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • A rash around one or both eyes, your mouth, or on your genitals
  • Swelling on your face, especially if an eye swells shut
  • Itching that worsens or makes it impossible to sleep
  • Rashes on most of your body
  • A fever

These are signs of a severe reaction that require immediate medical care.

You can treat the rash at home if you:

  • Have a mild rash
  • Developed a rash on a small section of skin
  • Are certain that the rash is due to poison ivy, oak, or sumac

For poison ivy treatment, immediately rinse your skin with lukewarm, soapy water. If you can rinse your skin immediately after touching poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac, you may be able to rinse off some of the oil. If not washed off, the oil can spread from person to person and to other areas of your body. Wash your clothing. Thoroughly wash all of the clothes you were wearing when you came into contact with the poisonous plant. The oil can stick to clothing, and if it touches your skin, it can cause another rash.

Do not scratch, as scratching can cause an infection. Leave blisters alone. If blisters open, do not remove the overlying skin, as the skin can protect the raw wound underneath and prevent infection.

What Can I Do To Relieve The Itch?
Take short, lukewarm baths. To ease the itch, take short, lukewarm baths in a colloidal oatmeal preparation, which you can buy at your local drugstore. You can also draw a bath and add one cup of baking soda to the running water. Taking short, cool showers may also help.

Use calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream. Calamine lotion can reduce the itch. If you have a mild case, a hydrocortisone cream or lotion is another treatment that can alleviate the itch.
Apply cool compresses to the itchy skin. You can make a cool compress by wetting a clean washcloth with cold water and wringing it out so that it does not drip. Then, apply the cool cloth to the itchy skin.
Consider taking antihistamine pills. These pills can help reduce itching. You should not apply an antihistamine to your skin, as doing so can worsen the rash and the itch.

If your rash is not improving after 7 to 10 days, or you think your rash may be infected, see a board-certified dermatologist. A dermatologist can treat your rash and any infection and help relieve the itch.

Dermatologists emphasize that you only treat the rash if you’re absolutely certain that poison ivy, oak, or sumac caused it. If you’ve never had a poison ivy rash, see a doctor for a diagnosis.

Source https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/itchy-skin/poison-ivy


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August 20, 2020 Newsletter

Children can often experience a variety of strange skin rashes and outbreaks of eczema on face, limbs or torso. These outbreaks can be the result of heat rashes, scabies rashes or even allergic reaction rashes. A recent survey of products labeled as hypoallergenic for children found that about half of shampoos and almost 44% of soaps used upon children contained cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB), a suspected allergen and sensitizer causing hypersensitivity reactions in people with atopic dermatitis (AD) and allergic contact dermatitis. This research was recently presented in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (JAAD).

Researchers referred to a previous study showing an association between contact sensitivity with CAPB and people with a history of AD. This previous study was supported by more current results from a study of pediatric patients who had reactions to CAPB and were exclusively in patients with AD.

This recent pediatric dermatology study looked at children’s shampoo and soap products available on online databases of six of the biggest retailers, and analyzed the top 20 best-selling products for each retailer in 2018. Of the unique products, CAPB was found to be an ingredient in 52% (39 of 75) of the shampoos and 44% (29 of 66) of the soap products. Each of these products contained the term “hypoallergenic” on the product itself or in the product’s description.

Researchers observed that CAPB is a prevalent sensitizer in pediatric patients and should be avoided in products used by patients with AD. CAPB is not included in the most common of allergy tests. Parents, physicians, pediatricians and dermatologists should be aware of common products containing CAPB. These products shoule b avoided, especially by children who suffer with AD.

Speak to your dermatologist if you are concerned about your child and rashes to see if CAPB is a contributing factor to your child’s condition. Also consider some of our clinical trials that focus on solutions for Atopic Dermatitis (AD) Call 817-795-7546 x339 or email studies@acderm.com for more information.

Source JAAD, December 2019


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August 4, 2020 Newsletter

A number of recent studies have highlighted the potential connection between the skin’s microbiotic environment and conditions such as rosacea. Rosacea is considered a complex systemic inflammatory disease which often results in red blotches in the skin and can ofter include inflamed lesions, pustules, red spots on skin and what can appear like a rash on the face.

Rosacea has been shown to have a connection to intestinal (GI) problems in patients. Often microbiotic deficiencies in GI testing has shown a connection to potentially contributing to outbreaks of rosacea in patients. Such a relationship has led investigators to exam in the microbiotic environment of the skin of rosacea patients.

Researchers have found that the bacteria environment of the skin in rosacea patients is very different from that in healthy skin. Some bacteria species were very abundant that are not typically seen in uninvolved healthy skin and some bacteria were very much reduced.

For instance, researchers found that Campylobacter bacteria was very much abundant in patients with rosacea. Interestingly, the same bacteria was also to have been found many times in the gut microbiome in patients with ulcerative colitis and other GI diseases. Researchers are considering the similarity as to way explain the relationship between GI diseases and rosacea.

Prevotella bacteria, which has been linked to cardiovascular conditions including atherosclerotic plaques, were also found to be increased in the microbiome of rosacea skin. This may contribute to the increased association of cardiovascular disorders in rosacea patients. Interestingly, Acinetobacter bacteria were found to be very low in skin of rosacea patients, which may explain why allergic diseases tend to be more commonly seen in rosacea patients.

With this research, investigators are concluding that rosacea may need to be investigated as more than just a skin disease only anymore, especially with its increasingly clearer links to the microbiome and the associated systemic inflammatory diseases.

Past studies have demonstrated that antibiotics can exacerbate some of the GI symptoms associated with rosacea and certain types of antibiotics have an even greater link to some of these GI associations. Rosacea patients have a tendency for GI diseases and antibiotics may further exacerbate these illnesses.

Antibiotic stewardship is crucial. While patients may need antibiotics for rosacea, acne and many other skin conditions, doctors are concluding that it is very important to remain responsible when prescribing them to patients.

Another study dealing with Twins recently also showed the importance of the relationship of rosacea and the of the microbiome environment of the skin.

Patients with rosacea were shown to have a less diverse facial skin microbiome, according to 2017 study.

Depending on the subtype, patients with rosacea can present with symptoms of flushing, redness, pimples, pustules, and dilated blood vessels typically located on the central face. Among factors associated with symptoms is a possible inflammatory reaction to the skin microbiome. Researchers in this 2017 study highlighted some of these exacerbating factors and the importance of the microbiome in the treatment and management of rosacea patients.

Researchers conducted a study during the 2017 Twins Day Festival in which identical and fraternal twins with and without rosacea were surveyed on numerous parameters including history of rosacea as well as various environmental factors. Microbiome data was collected and analyzed and Rosacea evaluation was made by a board-certified dermatologist. The vast majority of participants with rosacea were assessed to have moderate to severe disease.

Results showed that individuals with rosacea are more likely to currently own pets, have fairer skin, and consume more alcohol than their control counterparts. Researchers found that although individuals with rosacea demonstrated a decreased variation in facial cutaneous microbiome compared to control, there was no significant difference in bacterial load in the facial cutaneous microbiome or enteral microbiome between rosacea or their counterpart controls.The amounts of bacteria did not really differ terribly much between the people with rosacea and the control population. However, it was the diversity and the variety of organisms that were found in the skin and to a lesser extent in the gut flora was of interest to investigators.

Data showed that there was a three- to four-fold decrease in abundance of facial cutaneous microbiomes in rosacea patients compared to control patients. In the gut microbiome, researchers found a significant reduction in abundance of other microbiomes and a six-fold increase in microbiome Prevotellaceae in rosacea compared to control.

The results from this study show a strong relationship between the microbiome of the skin and gut. Although much work still needs to be done, this data could be used to potentially help determine who might be more prone for inflammation. If potentially having the decreased diversity set the individual up for more inflammation, or vice versa where potentially organisms are lacking, maybe restoring the balance could decrease inflammation and improve rosacea symptoms.

At present, the genesis of rosacea symptoms remains unclear as to whether certain organisms are being missed, if there are certain organisms that perpetuate the inflammation in the skin, or if the inflammation itself leads to a decrease in the variety of organisms.

“Beyond an elusive probiotic pill to attempt to restore balance, one of the best thing rosacea patients can do is to practice good skin hygiene, regularly using sunscreen and moisturizer, and maintain a well-balanced diet. This way, patients could hopefully develop a healthy and even microbiome inside and outside of their body.

If you have struggled with rosacea or know someone who does, consider joining our upcoming Rosacea Clinical Trial. Call 817-795-746 extension 339 or email us at studies@acderm.com to see if you qualify.

(Source: Dermatology Times, July 2020)


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July 27, 2020 Newsletter

Piercing is a current fad today, and while it is easier to reverse than a tattoo, it is still a potentially dangerous practice. One potential side effect seen is metal allergies. The metals used for piercing jewelry vary, but often contain nickel, chrome, and cobalt, which are common allergens. The symptoms of a metal allergy include redness, swelling, and blistering. If you have any of these symptoms, even if you only pierced your ear, see a dermatologist.

Metal isn’t the only common allergen. The bath and hygiene products both men and women use contain substances that could be allergens. Make-up, soap, shampoo, cologne, perfume, sunscreen, and body lotion are some of the items that may cause an allergic reaction. Symptoms vary but can include redness, itching, swelling, and blistering. If you have any of these symptoms, see a dermatologist who can help you determine the cause and treatment.

Natural rubber latex allergies are a third relatively common condition. The causes of these allergies include adhesive bandages, disposable rubber gloves, balloons, water toys, and plastic bags.

Before spending considerable amounts of money on piercing procedures along with money you might spend on expensive studs, chains, hoops or pins, you may want to get some allergy testing done to see if your body has an allergic reaction to the type of jewelry you might be placing inside any piercings. Ask your dermatologist about common metal allergies. Also ask about whether you would be a good candidate for contact allergy testing. If you are planning to have any implant surgery for a broken bone or for some cosmetic reason, you might discuss allergy issues with both your surgeon and your dermatologist. Anytime you put a foreign object inside your body, your body may have an allergic reaction to such a foreign object.

Tattoos: Fad or Forever

Tattoos have never been more popular. Twenty years ago, there were about 300 tattoo parlors in the U.S.; today there are about 4,000. Tattooing can be a dangerous practice because it involves injecting the skin with a needle, and some very serious diseases are spread through a shared needle. Because tattooing is not regulated, there is no way to check the safety of the equipment. Tattooing is a fad, but unlike other fads, it is permanent. Sooner or later, many people with tattoos change their minds. Dermatologists can usually remove tattoos by laser surgery, but it can be an expensive and time-consuming process.

If you are thinking about a tattoo, realize that your body may also have an allergic reaction to a particular ink or dye. If you know that you have a contact allergy to a specific chemical, you will want to make sure any pigment your body is hosting in a tattoo does not contain a substance you may allergically react to strongly.

Your skin not only protects your body, but it acts as a window to your health. So be “Skin Smart:” take care of your skin, avoid potentially harmful situations, learn to recognize possible problems, and visit a dermatologist. Learn more by visiting the American Academy of Dermatology website at www.aad.org and feel free to ask questions of your dermatology provider in our office.


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July 27, 2020 Newsletter

Bumps, spots, pimples, blackheads, pustules – these skin irritations can not only ruin the life of a teenager, they can cause great frustration, grief, anguish and anger for people of all ages. Consider the following myths about acne:

Myth: Only teenagers get acne.
Fact: Approximately 25% of adult men and 50% of adult are diagnosed with some form of acne. Causes can range from hormones (which can be related to menopause, pregnancy, menstruation or stress), medication or face and hair products. Adult acne, just like any other, can be managed with a proper skincare routine, including daily sun protection, and help from a dermatologist.

Myth: Acne is caused entirely by your genes.
Fact: While genetics does play a role in how acne develops, there are also lifestyle changes you can make to control your breakouts. Staying hydrated, maintaining a well-balanced diet, getting enough sleep and avoiding surfaces with germs are some of the ways you can avoid acne-causing bacteria, increased oil production within the skin and hormonal imbalances that can cause pimples. Newer research has also linked spikes in blood sugar or over consumption of dairy products to some acne outbreaks, which could indicate that lower carbohydrate diets smaller amounts of dairy consumption are better ways to help control flares.

Myth: Tanning can clear or prevent acne breakouts, while sunscreen clogs pores.
Fact: Just the opposite is true. Excessive tanning of any kind is harmful to the skin, and is also particularly irritating to acne. Exposure to UV rays will dry skin out, which can actually lead to future acne breakouts. On the other hand, many sunscreens (made to reflect UV rays) contain zinc oxide, which fights against the bacteria which causes acne. There are, however, some sunscreens that can irritate acne, so it’s important to talk to your dermatologist in order to find the best products for your skin.. Everyone’s skin is unique, so it may be necessary to try several before finding the right one. Some companies even have products with SPF, makeup AND acne medication.

Myth: Acne Means You Don’t Wash Your Face Enough
Fact: Acne does not happen because your skin is dirty or you don’t wash enough. The culprit behind acne is an oily substance known as sebum. Your skin naturally produces sebum to keep it from getting too dry. Acne develops when too much sebum is produced or its chemical makeup changes. Your genes, changes in hormone levels, and certain medicines are among the factors that can affect sebum production.

Myth: Popping pimples helps get rid of acne faster.
Fact: Popping a pimple before it’s fully formed will risk pushing the bacteria further into your skin and spreading it to other unaffected areas of your face. Along with spreading the infection, popping your pimples may also lead to permanent skin damage and scarring. It’s best to let the pimple heal, which should normally take about a week or two. In darker skin, pimple popping can also worsen discoloration, which without medication can take several months to resolve.

Myths related to acne are abundant and have been around forever it seems. Consider some of the realities related to acne and its treatment:

  • Acne is the word used to describe pimples, lumps, and blackheads on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders, and upper arms.
  • Acne is caused by normal hormones that cause the oil glands beneath pores to enlarge. The oil from the glands mixes with skin cells and blocks the pore. Bacteria then grow, causing the site to become red and swollen and then burst.
  • Acne is not caused by certain foods, not chocolate, not pizza or chips, despite what you may have heard.
  • If you have acne, you don’t have to wait it out. You should see a dermatologist to determine the best treatment. Treatments include creams from the drug store, as well as creams, antibiotic lotions, and oral antibiotics your doctor prescribes. Remember that any treatment only prevents future acne, so the earlier you can see a dermatologist, the better.
  • Isotretinoin is the only medication that safely and effectively controls severe, cystic acne–the most serious form of this skin disease.
  • Last but not least, acne can leave scars. The best way to avoid scarring is to treat acne early. However, if in the future you find you have some scarring, there are a variety of new treatments available from your dermatologist, including lasers.

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