Dermatology Tag

The Importance of Receiving Annual Skin Checks

Many people undervalue the importance of skincare and skin checks. However, the fact remains that our skin is our first point of contact with the outside world and may require extra attention. Just as there are many layers of the skin, there are also many layers and levels of skincare. The first level of skincare is taking care of your skin from the inside out. This includes eating and drinking well, resting sufficiently, and exercising regularly.

Skincare Inside and Out

In many ways, the old adage, “you are what you eat” is true. What you eat and drink will show up on your skin. Do your best to stay away from processed foods and sugary drinks. Drink lots of water, eat fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and exercise regularly.

In addition to taking care of your skin from the inside, there are lots of things you can do to take care of your skin on the outside. With the right topical care and necessary professional treatments, you will be able to have youthful, glowing, and healthy skin. The first step in good external skincare is, of course, scheduling an annual check with your dermatologist.

The Importance of Annual Skin Checks

A regular skin check is just as important as an annual physical. It is easy to take the condition of your skin for granted, especially because we are used to looking at it every day—its condition is our normal. However, there are many conditions that can go undetected. With an annual skin exam, you are able to take the necessary corrective and preventative steps for conditions like these.

For example, one in every five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime (AAD). One of the reasons for this is the inability to identify early symptoms and warning signs. When detected early enough, skin cancer can be extremely treatable. Annual skin checks can make a huge difference in treating this condition effectively.

Taking Care of Your Skin Between Annual Skin Care Exams

Naturally, it is expected that you will continue to take care of your skin between annual checks. Here are two of the most important aspects of skincare that you should do daily.

Moisturizing

Moisturizing the skin regularly is an often overlooked part of skincare. However, it is one of the most recommended practices in dermatology. Keeping your skin properly moisturized can help guard against certain diseases and skin conditions, so it is always recommended—especially in the summer and winter months when the weather can be particularly harsh and drying for the skin.

Wearing Sunscreen

Sunscreen, like moisturizers, is another often ignored skincare habit. UV rays have been directly linked with skin cancer. As such, it is important that you protect yourself and your skin. A sunscreen with SPF 30 has been proven to effectively block out around 97% of the sun’s rays from harming the skin.

Get Professional Dermatology Care Today

It is easy to think of dermatologists as the doctors you turn to when something is wrong. However, you shouldn’t wait until there is a problem to schedule an appointment. Dermatological care is an important part of overall health. Therefore, whether you are noticing symptoms of certain conditions or seem to have clear skin, annual checks and skincare treatments by professionals is important.

Universal Dermatology & Vein Care can provide comprehensive dermatology care for your skin, hair, and nails. We have a friendly and experience team waiting to answer your questions and provide you with any treatment options you may need. Contact us today to schedule an annual skin check!

Trendy Skin Care Treatments That You Don’t Need

Your skin is your body’s largest organ and its first line of defense, so it is very important to take good care of it. If you have been looking for skin treatments that target acne, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, stretch marks, or cellulite, you may have stumbled upon various trendy skin treatments that claim to eliminate or reduce those skin imperfections.

Treatments such as at-home micro needling, at-home chemical peeling, and other DIY “miracle treatments” may actually do more harm for your skin than good.  Here is a brief guide on trendy skin treatments you simply do not need.

At-Home Microneedling

Many proponents of micro needling claim that this treatment can reduce or erase scars, wrinkles, and discoloration. Recently, there has been a surge of at-home micro needling kits and devices available for public use. Many medical professionals have urged users to be cautious when utilizing these at-home kits and devices since micro needling does, essentially, injure the skin in order to stimulate collagen production and induce repair. Since microneedle causes injury to the skin, improper use of this treatment system can cause bleeding, scarring, bruising, excessive pigmentation, and infection.

Because of the nature of micro needling, it is wise to go to a professional for this procedure. A healthy alternative to micro needling is using products that are medical grade and exclusively sold by dermatologists. These products typically have multiple clinical studies to guarantee the best results. Retinol, Vitamin C, and SPF are highly recommended. Retinol helps with cellular turnover, acne, as well as fine lines and wrinkles. In order to rep a bright flow and protect the skin from free radical damage, patients are encouraged to use vitamin C typically on a daily basis. SPF should be worn 365 days a year to block harmful UVA/UVB rays that cause premature aging.

At-Home Chemical Peels

Chemical peeling has become a widely sought-after procedure for those seeking to reduce or eliminate spots, blemishes, wrinkles, sun damage, acne scars, or hyperpigmentation. Skin peels with mild, medium and high concentrations are now widely available on the market and at-home skin peeling has become a very popular practice. Though these peels may seem enticing, many medium-depth and deep chemical peels can cause severe complications such as scarring, discoloration, and infection, especially when used without doctor supervision or sedation. Many people have reported that chemical peeling left their skin feeling extremely dry and sensitive. To avoid these complications and sensitivities, you may want to seek alternatives to chemical peeling. Some healthy alternatives to at home chemical peels include using glycolic acid cleansers and retinol to exfoliate chemically at home. If you decide to proceed with a chemical peel, do it under the supervision of a doctor.

Other At-Home Skin Treatments

Since the dawn of time people have been getting creative with at-home solutions for everything, and skin is no exception. You’ve probably heard many wives tales about ways to clear up your skin using just the ingredients around your house. While some of these may merit a little bit of truth, others completely miss the mark. For instance, some people try to use apple cider vinegar as a toner. This can burn your skin, which many mistakes for it working, while in reality, it’s just damaging your face. Another common DIY treatment is putting toothpaste on facial blemishes. While this isn’t incredibly damaging, there is very little evidence that this is actually an effective way to clear up your face.

If you hear of a skin care treatment that seems just good to be true, consult your dermatologist. Odds are, especially with dermatology, that there is a better safer solution waiting for you at your dermatologist’s office. If you have any questions about skin care treatments, call the experts at Universal Dermatology. Together, we will find a safe and healthy treatment plan for your skin.

How To Have a Sweat-free Summer

It is normal and healthy to perspire in hot weather, but if you sweat excessively, this may be related to certain health conditions. Excessive perspiration is embarrassing and can make daily life difficult when you have to worry about sweat stains. There are a few basic steps that you can take to have a sweat-free summer, but you can also visit a dermatologist for professional treatment at Universal Dermatology & Vein Care in Columbus, Ohio. Here are some of the ways to combat excessive perspiration:

Change Your Daily Diet

Did you know that some foods can lead to additional perspiration, including smelly sweat? If you have a problem with too much sweating, then changing your diet is essential. The foods that can cause a smelly body odor from extra sweat include dairies such as milk, cheese, and ice cream. You will also want to avoid pungent foods such as onions, asparagus, and garlic. Moderate your consumption of salty foods that can lead to edema or water retention because when you are hot, these will cause you to perspire more.

Wear Clothing Made From Natural Fibers

Rather than wearing man-made fibers, select clothing made from natural fibers such as cotton or linen. You should avoid wearing tight garments or multiple layers of clothing that don’t permit proper air circulation. You can find garments that are made from moisture-wicking fibers so that you won’t sweat as much.

Use Specialized Antiperspirant

If you have excessive perspiration, basic deodorant or antiperspirant won’t control your sweating or body odor. You can find an antiperspirant that is made with special formulas that will control sweating in the armpits and other clammy areas of the body. It is also possible for a dermatologist to prescribe antiperspirant that is formulated for anyone with hyperhidrosis.

Drink a Lot Of Water

You might think that not drinking water is the best way to stop perspiring, but if you are dehydrated, then your sweat will have a more intense odor. If you don’t drink any liquids for several hours, your body conserves its moisture to sustain your internal organs. As soon as you drink water again, you will begin to sweat more. Remain consistently hydrated as much as possible to avoid the sudden onset of perspiration that can come from drinking water sporadically.

Eliminate Some Of Your Sweat Glands

You can visit a dermatologist to have the sweat glands eliminated in your armpits with a cool laser treatment that uses microwave technology. Mira-dry is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treatment on the sweat glands that are located underneath the arms. This is a noninvasive treatment that is fast and painless, but you will need two Mira-dry procedures that are spaced about three months apart. The results from Mira-dry will last from two years to a lifetime.

Exercise To Lose Weight

Losing weight can help you to perspire less, so you should have a regular exercise routine. While you will sweat during exercise, you will also lose weight, and with less fat on your body, you will feel cooler in hot weather. If you have never consistently exercised before, consider a consultation with a personal trainer.

Regulate Your Hormone Levels

When your hormones fluctuate, you may perspire more. Teenagers often sweat excessively because they are going through rapid growth along with an increase in hormone levels. Women who are pregnant or going through perimenopause also have problems with excessive perspiration. If you perspire a lot without these reasons, then you might have a thyroid condition that requires specialized treatment and you should consult a doctor.

Remove Body Hair To Reduce Sweating

Shaving your legs or armpits can help you to remain cooler in the summer. While females are more likely to shave the hair from their bodies, males can also benefit from reducing their amount of body hair. You can also use depilatory creams to dissolve the roots of body hair.  A dermatologist can also use electrolysis to eliminate excessive hair.

Reduce Your Caffeine Consumption

If you drink coffee, tea or caffeinated soft drinks all day, then you may have excessive perspiration that has a strong odor. Caffeine is a stimulant that increases the temperature of your body along with activating your sweat glands. If you regularly consume a lot of caffeine, it is important to ease yourself off of these drinks gradually to avoid intense cravings that will make you sweat.

Remain In Cool Environments

When you have a problem with excessive sweat, you should remain in a cool environment as much as possible. Stay in air conditioning as much as possible. You can also install dehumidifiers and circulating fans to eliminate the humidity in the air.

Quit Smoking Cigarettes

There are several reasons why cigarettes are harmful to the body. One of these ways is that they increase how much you sweat. The nicotine in tobacco triggers a chemical in your body that leads to a higher heart rate, making you perspire more. When you stop smoking, the withdrawal symptoms from tobacco will also cause excess perspiration, but this symptom will subside within a few days.

Botox Injections

Botox is an appropriate treatment for excessive sweating, but you should visit a dermatologist for this treatment. Vials of this neurotoxic protein are injected into the armpits to block the chemical messengers in the sweat glands that cause excessive perspiration. Treatment with Botox for sweating is suitable for most adults, and the benefits will last for approximately seven months.

Contact a Dermatologist Today To Learn More

A dermatologist at Universal Dermatology & Vein Care can help you have a sweat-free life this summer, call us today!

Simple Acne Fighting Tips

By some estimates, somewhere around 60 million people suffer from active acne.  Most of those are young adults and about 25% of those people will actually have long-term scars as a result of severe acne that goes untreated.  

Needless to say, acne can be a real problem for some people and a constant source of anxiety for many others.  Many people are not aware that the everyday habits they engage in can be causing or exacerbating their acne.

Your skin is the most important (and one of the most sensitive) organs in your body.  Here are some little-known acne-fighting tips to keep your skin clear, beautiful, and healthy.  

Clean Your Face Regularly

The most important thing you can do to prevent acne from taking hold on your skin is to wash your face.  Every time you go out into the world, exercise, sweat in any way, swim in a pool or lake, or expose your skin at all to the elements; dirt and oil can become trapped in your pores.

Other than genetic factors, these are the primary vehicles for acne to form.  Even sleeping on dirty sheets or other surfaces can make your facial skin dirty.  It may not look dirty but trust us, it’s there.

Each morning when you wake up, wash your face with a gentle exfoliator.  Then do the same each night when you go to bed. Develop a routine habit of this and you should start to see improvement of existing mild acne and prevent new acne from forming.  

Clean Your Phone

This sounds silly but our phones are some of the dirtiest objects we use each day. Some people say they are even dirtier than our money because we use our phones in all situations.  We use them when we are eating, when we are in the bathroom, after we’ve handled other dirty objects, etc. 

With that said, no consider the fact that you put your phone to your face at least a couple times each day.  If you have never cleaned your phone, all of the things you touched in the time before you put it to your face are on there.  

A good tip is to keep some wipes that are labeled as antibiotics.  Choose something that kills germs and keep it in your car, at home, and at your place of work.  Make a habit of wiping your phone screen down at least once a day.

If cleaning your phone is not practical, try using devices that allow you to use a phone function without touching your face.  For example speakerphone, Bluetooth headsets, or the headphones that came with your phone are all good options.

Use Moisturizer

Washing your skin is great but keeping it moisturized is even better.  Moisturizers keep pores in your skin open and make it less likely that dirt and oil will become trapped in your skin.  Moisturizing after you’ve washed your face in the morning and at night is a good routine to follow.

Take a Cooler Shower or Bath

It is a common myth that hot water or steam opens the pores in your skin and cold water makes them close.  In reality, your pores are not activated by temperature. Hot water has a tendency of making the outer layers of your skin swell which can make them look open but that is not why they are opening.  

Heat causes enlargement of the capillaries near the surface of your skin and makes the area swell. In other words, hot water does nothing for you and cooler water is easier on the skin.  

Plan a Healthier Diet

What you eat has a lot to do with what your skin looks like.  You can help prevent acne by simply avoiding certain foods. While every person’s body and metabolism are different, here are some basic things you should avoid eating too much of:

Sugar:  This is probably the worst for your skin.  Some studies have shown that sugar has some sort of link to breakouts and consuming a lot of it can throw your body off balance.  Keep track of your sugar intake. If you notice a breakout hours or days after consuming a lot of sugar, it’s best to steer clear.

Fast food:  This is probably not good for anyone anyway but for acne sufferers, fast food can be a big no-no.  Much of this kind of food is high in fatty acids and oils which make their way through your body and into your skin.   

Wash Your Pillowcase

You would be surprised at how much a person can sweat in their sleep and we all do it.  Even if you wash your face, shower, and moisturize before bedtime, your pillowcase and sheets accumulate dirt and oil overnight. Sweat builds upon our bodies and then it has no other place to go than into our bed linens.

Make a point to wash your pillowcases as often as you wash your other clothes. Change your pillowcase at least every couple of days to a clean one. This is one of those strategies where if you’ve tried a lot of other things to prevent acne, this may be yet another opportunity to avoid getting your skin dirty.  

If you’ve tried many of these and failed, do not beat yourself up.  Sometimes acne requires professional care and there is no way around it.  Some people are predisposed to developing severe acne and require medical intervention.  If you have chronic mild or severe acne and you haven’t done anything about it yet, these tactics are great places to start.

We are all products of our environment and the same principle can be applied to our skin.  Make changes in your daily habits as a first step in combating your acne before contacting a professional or using more aggressive treatments.  You may be able to save yourself a lot of frustration and money by simply doing things a little different in your everyday life instead of adding treatments that may not be necessary.

*Photo courtesy of Karolina Misev with www.cushyspa.com 

What Are the Benefits of Telemedicine for Dermatology?

Technology has been revolutionizing industries all over the world and dermatology and vein care are no different. This is particularly true where the internet and creating points of access are concerned. In medicine and healthcare fields, telehealth is a growing option. As a dermatology care facility that is always on the cutting edge of technology, we are very interested in the benefits of telemedicine. So, we took a closer look, and here is what we have found.

The Difference Between Telehealth and Telemedicine?

While it is easy to picture video-conference interactions when we hear the term telehealth, it is so much more than that. In a nutshell, telehealth is any kind of medical care that allows medical practitioners to connect with their patients at a distance through the use of telecommunications. It is through telehealth technologies that telemedicine solutions become available. In other words, telemedicine is a specific kind of telehealth option.

What Exactly Is Telemedicine?

The term telemedicine refers to two things:

1. A mobile app that allows medical practitioners and their patients to communicate through video chat.
2. A software option that allows primary care providers to liaise with specialists at a distance by sending photos of certain conditions for a rapid, remote diagnosis.

Through these telemedicine solutions, patients are able to benefit from remote diagnosis and other kinds of care as they connect with their healthcare providers and dermatologists from a distance.

In What Ways Does Telemedicine Benefit the Field of Dermatology?

Telemedicine solutions can offer lots of benefits to dermatologists and their patients. Telemedicine solutions provide dermatologists and patients with options to stay connected even when they are miles apart. For example, there is no need for a patient to be in the room for a doctor to diagnosis them or follow up with a treatment. As such, we are able to provide faster, more rapid care solutions in a convenient and easily accessible way. This includes catching things like skin cancer more quickly.

7  Benefits of Telemedicine Remote Diagnosis Solutions for Dermatology

1. Rapid Service Delivery

Telemedicine offers the ability to send files – like reports or photos of skin spots  – and have responses in the space of minutes. This can connect patients with both their primary care practitioner and specialists like dermatologists quickly and simultaneously. Consequently, patients can receive the best treatment possible from a collaboration between two or more doctors.

2. Privacy and Convenience

Through being able to have their dermatology consultation and diagnosis performed remotely, patients have the convenience of seeing their dermatologists from the privacy of their own home. Although all in-office dermatology appointments are private and confidential, patients may feel more comfortable divulging their ailments in their own homes. 

3. Accessible Care

Telemedicine also allows a specialist to monitor a patient remotely if need be. For example, patients living in rural communities or who face other accessibility problems (like elderly patients with mobility issues), will now have more accessible care. Patients in these circumstances no longer have to worry about feeling “cut off” when they can be connected through telemedicine.   

4. Rapid Emergency Care

There are times when you or a loved one may have a dermatological emergency that you will want to have assessed right away. In cases like these, telemedicine provides great options for both you and dermatologist. Being able to check in with your dermatologist and/or your primary care physician right away can be comforting. Even if you have already made your way to your primary care physician, he or she can easily check in with your dermatologist concerning the situation to provide you with a rapid solution. 

5. Better Treatment Follow-Up and Patient Care

With telemedicine, dermatologists are able to check in with their patients more regularly. As a result, this improves the overall care experience for patients and their dermatologists. As all patients respond to treatments differently, this type of care helps providers monitor your treatment course and make any adjustments if needed.

6. Increased Engagement

Now that patients can connect with dermatologists more conveniently through telemedicine, many do so more frequently. Knowing they can readily reach their dermatologists may prevent them from hesitating to seek treatment. This can result catching some conditions before they progress.

7. Reduced Care Costs

Telemedicine solutions help reduce care costs for both patients and their dermatologists. The cost of accommodating patients in care facilities can be significantly reduced if we can treat them remotely. The costs of traveling to care facilities for treatment can be significantly reduced for patients as well.

Contact Us Today!

If you would like more information on telemedicine and dermatological care, contact our office. Our team will be happy to assist you with any questions you may have.

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Rosacea Awareness: What is Rosacea? What Does it Look Like?

According to the National Rosacea Society, rosacea is a progressive acne-like condition that starts from the face and over time, may spread to other parts of the body including the chest and neck. The condition causes painful pimple-like bumps to appear on various parts of your face including the ears, eyes, nose, cheeks, forehead, and chin.

In addition to being painful, the condition may also cause facial swelling. When left untreated, it may cause the capillaries (small blood vessels) on your face to dilate and become visible on the skin. Furthermore, it may cause your skin to become hard and thick, causing your nose to appear enlarged. 

Currently, this condition affects more than 15 million people in the US alone and about 45 million people worldwide. The risk factors for it include age, hereditary factors, gender, and race. With that in mind, here is a detailed look at this potentially life-disruptive skin condition.

The Different Types of Rosacea

As mentioned above, rosacea is a progressive skin condition, meaning its symptoms tend to get progressively worse over time. In essence, rosacea progresses in four distinct stages, with the signs and symptoms of the disease varying at each stage. Because of this, researchers have classified rosacea into four subcategories. These subcategories include:

Erythematotelangiectatic or Vascular

Erythematotelangiectatic or vascular rosacea is essentially early-stage rosacea (pre- rosacea), meaning it is a mild condition. The signs and symptoms of erythematotelangiectatic rosacea include chronic skin redness, flushing of the skin and in some cases, telangiectasia (visible capillaries). The treatment options for this type of rosacea include laser treatment and oral or topical rosacea medications, such as minocycline and doxycycline. However, it is important to note that these treatment options do not completely cure the disease. In other words, they only relieve the symptoms of the disease.

Inflammatory Rosacea or Papulopustular

This is the second stage of the disease. At this stage, pustules and papules will appear on your face, causing you to experience persistent facial redness and flushing. To relieve the symptoms, use topical gels such as metronidazole.

Phymatous

At the third sage (phymatous rosacea), the symptoms include all the symptoms for stages one and two, as well as the growth of new skin tissue on the affected areas,  causing your skin to become hard and thick. Moreover, the excess skin tissue may cause your nose to grow bigger and become bulbous, a condition called rhinophyma. To get rid of the excess skin tissue, you would need to undergo surgery or laser treatment.

Ocular

This is the fourth and final stage of the disease and as the name implies, it primarily affects the eyes. The signs and symptoms associated with this type of rosacea include a burning sensation of the eyes, blurred vision, recurrent styes, swollen eyelids, tearing and dry eye. It is worth noting that, when left untreated, ocular rosacea can easily damage the cornea, eventually causing blindness. Physicians usually use low-dose antibiotics to manage this condition.

At this point, it is important to note that you can develop all the aforementioned types of rosacea either in sequence or at once. In fact, it is quite common for patients to develop multiple types of rosacea at once. Additionally, it is worth noting that, although rosacea is a progressive condition, it does not always progress from one stage to another. However, the symptoms tend to get progressively worse over time. For this reason, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible, even for early-stage rosacea.

Risk Factors

While rosacea can affect virtually anyone, certain people are more susceptible to the disease. According to surveys by the National Rosacea Society, the risk factors for rosacea include:

• Age – A survey by the National Rosacea Society found that rosacea mainly affects people aged 30 years or older. Specifically, the survey revealed that people between the ages of 30 and 50 account for nearly 45% of all new rosacea infections, people above the age of 50 account for nearly 40% of all new infections and people under the age of 30 account for only 17% of new infections.
• Fair skin – the aforementioned survey also found that people with fair skin account for more than 70% of all rosacea infections.
• Blushing and flushing – People who tend to blush and flush easily are nearly six times as likely to develop rosacea compared to people who do not blush or flush easily.
• Hereditary factors – People with a family history of rosacea are more likely to develop the disease.
• Ancestry – Although rosacea affects people of all racial backgrounds and nationalities, Americans of Eastern European, Scandinavian, Scottish, Irish and English ancestry are particularly prone to the condition.
• Gender – The disease is more common in women than in men.

Treatment Options

Oral and Topical Therapies

Currently, there is no cure for this long-term skin condition. However, oral and topical therapies can help manage the condition and ease the symptoms of the disease. Long-term use of topical therapy is particularly important to maintain remission. In certain cases, dermatologists use both invasive and non-invasive surgical techniques to manage the condition. This includes laser skin treatments that we offer at our office.

Skin-Care 

You can use a gentle-skin care routine to manage the condition. In essence, you should clean your face with a non-abrasive cleanser and lukewarm water. After cleaning your face, blot it dry with a soft cotton towel instead of rubbing it with a rough washcloth. At the same time, always wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 when outdoors in the sun. 

Lifestyle Management

Things that increase blood flow to the surface of your face can actually aggravate the condition. For this reason, you should identify and avoid triggers.

Rosacea is a long-term skin condition that mainly affects people ages 30 and older. The signs and symptoms of the disease include pimples that appear on the face, neck, and chest. Researchers do not yet know what causes this condition. As a result, there is no current cure for the condition. The available treatment options, including oral, topical and surgical therapies, only manage the symptoms of the disease. If you suspect you have rosacea, contact us for a consultation today.

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Skin-Care Tips for Children

The skin is the largest organ of the body, so it’s essential to teach your child some important tips to maintain a healthy complexion. Establishing a solid skin-care routine will help prevent certain issues in the future. Kids are constantly exposed to high levels of dirt and germs, so it’s crucial that they learn how to properly care for their skin. Starting early will ensure that they will continue caring for their skin into adulthood. Here are a few things to keep in mind.

Find the Right Products

There are numerous soaps, creams, lotions, and other skin-care products on store shelves. When caring for your child, it is important to avoid items that contain chemicals like sulfates and parabens. Finding a brand that targets sensitive skin is best. Reading labels will help you to choose a line of products that will work well for your child.

Face Washing

Bar soaps can be incredibly drying, so it is wise to uncover a face wash that is gentle but removes excess dirt and oils. Kids do not want to use products that are sticky or heavy. A mild soap will prevent redness and dryness.

Besides the soap, it is important to understand the right water temperature to use. Although many people believe that hot water is best for pores, it is actually better to use lukewarm water. Hot water often disrupts skin’s natural oils. 

Preventing Dry Skin

It is essential to moisturize your child’s skin, especially since dryness is a common issue with youngsters. Vaseline is an excellent product that does not cause irritation but will prevent dry skin conditions.

Many parents do not realize that it is not necessary to bathe young children every day. Taking a shower or bath three times a week is enough to keep your child clean without harming his or her skin. Also, it is best to avoid hot water. Teach your child to rub gently with a soft washcloth or sponge instead of scrubbing too hard as well.

In the summer months, chlorine or salt water may cause the skin to dry, especially if he or she spends a lot of time swimming in the pool or at the beach. Applying a gentle moisturizer and washing off the salt or chlorine is the key to maintaining healthy skin.

Drink Water

Many children do not like drinking water. However, it is an essential part of their diets. As parents, you must make sure that your kids drink enough water to remain hydrated, especially during the warm months of summer. This is usually the time when children are running wild and sweating. Besides serious health conditions, dehydration can cause the skin to become very dry.

Two easy ways to get children to drink more water is limit their choices (offer them milk or water instead of adding other drinks) and add fruit for a little more flavor! Click here to read more tips on this from Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. 

Pay Attention to the Seasons

In the winter, children enjoy playing outdoors in the snow. However, it is crucial to keep their skin protected. Always cover their hands and faces so that the wind does not cause burning. Even if it seems to be overcast, sunscreen is essential as well. The sun’s rays reflect off of the snowy conditions and can still cause a sunburn. Since a home’s heat is commonly running full-time during the winter months, the air can be extremely dry. It is wise to run a humidifier indoors so that moisture is restored to the atmosphere. This will guard skin as well.

Things are a bit more complicated during the spring and summer months. These are the seasons when the sun is the strongest. It is vital to use sunscreen on your children at all times. When choosing a product, it is important to look for an SPF of 30 or more. Also, it should protect against UVA and UVB rays. If your child will be swimming, a water-resistant product is recommended.

For maximum sun protection, it is best to apply sunscreen approximately 30 minutes before your child will head outside. Make sure to cover all areas of his or her body, including the hands, neck, ears, and shoulders. Dermatologists advise using an ounce of product to cover the body and reapplying every two hours. Protecting from burns will help to avoid signs of aging in the future and will guard against the development of skin cancer.

The Teen Scene

During the teen years, acne becomes common. Learning how to keep skin clean and choosing the right products will keep breakouts to a minimum.

Normal skin should be washed with a mild soap each day. Dry skin should be cleansed and moisturized to maintain a healthy balance. Oily skin should be cleaned with soap and water. Certain products are available to help dissolve oil as well.

When pimples form, it is crucial to never pop them. Bacteria may spread, or scarring may result. If acne is severe, products that contain benzoyl peroxide may help.

When you want to take the best care of your child’s skin, consult with the experts at our office. We will take time to explain more tips that will help you ensure the healthiest skin for your family. We tend to patients of all ages. If your child is suffering from a skin condition or simply wants to learn a proper skin-care routine, contact us to schedule a consultation today.

Common Skin Contact Allergens

Every year, Americans spend $18 billion for allergy-related ailments. This number, based on data presented by the American College of Allergy, is quite alarming. While this $18 billion spent on said conditions covers allergies from skin contact allergens to drug reactions and everything in between, a sizable portion of this amount is spent on skin allergies.

Many households in the United States spend a portion of their income to treat skin allergies. This can be for their own allergies or those experienced by their children. The American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology notes that in 2012, 8.8 million children were recorded to have suffered from skin allergies. This is something to take note of because even if allergic reactions are usually mild, it is still best to visit a physician immediately because some rashes can be early symptoms of more serious ailments. While such instances are rare, it doesn’t hurt to make sure that what you are experiencing or what your child is experiencing is just a common reaction to common skin contact allergens. 

Common Skin Contact Allergens and Irritants

Many allergies are caused by fragrances, household cleaners, soap, facial creams, sunscreen, and food. The question is, how do they enter our doors and later on, our system? Most people are busy and examining every product’s chemical composition is next to impossible. If you don’t know which items are causing your rashes, here are some of the most common skin irritants.

Household Cleaners

Although they are not intended for the skin, chemicals in household cleaners can cause allergic reactions when you are exposed to them. All-purpose cleaners, dishwashing liquids, laundry detergents, toilet disinfectants and the like can cause skin allergies. To ensure that you don’t introduce skin irritants to your skin, wearing gloves when using these products is advised.

Soap

Soap is a good way to get rid of oil, germs, and dirt but using it excessively can result in dry skin. Many often overlook this issue, but if the skin is too dry, it can crack and bleed. Donald V. Belsito, MD, a University of Missouri clinical professor of medicine, notes that excessive hand washing is a problem. He adds that since we live in a germaphobic society, we keep using soap without attempting to truly protect our skin.

Facial Creams

Facial creams can be effective if they are right for you. However, the ones that sting and burn will likely cause irritation if you continue using them. If you suspect that your current facial cream is irritating your skin, check for preservatives, alpha hydroxyl acids, and ascorbic acid because any of these three can be the culprit.

Clothing

Rough fabrics can cause atopic dermatitis. This form of eczema involved skin inflammation and red and itchy skin. The National Eczema Association states that 18 million (72%) adults have atopic dermatitis and 9.6 million (13%) children develop it.

If you feel that a certain fabric is irritating your skin, it is best to throw them in the trash. Experts like Belsito suggest that you choose cotton poly fabrics and cotton to avoid skin irritation.

Fabric Softeners and Dryer Sheets

We love the smell of fresh sheets but sometimes, those wonderful fragrances in fabric softeners can cause irritation. If you suspect that your fabric softener is causing allergic reactions, it is time to switch to a fragrance-free product.

Many people have fragrance allergies, but since there are around 5,000 fragrances and many combinations, it can be difficult to determine which fragrance you are allergic to. This is why picking fragrance-free products is always a good move for people with sensitive skin.

Plants

Plants are lovely but some of them can cause allergic contact dermatitis. Poison oak, poison sumac, and poison ivy are among the most common plant irritants in the country. They can cause itching and rashes that can last for 5 to 12 days.

Skin Testing for Allergies

Do you want to determine what you are allergic to? To avoid the guesswork, talk to your dermatologist about patch testing.

Patch testing involves testing a range of extracts that can cause allergic reactions. A specialist applies these extracts to the skin and if there is a reaction, they can tell you what you are allergic to.

Allergic Reactions: What to Do

Whenever a certain substance irritates your skin, your immune system reacts by creating antibodies to fight said substances. It can be anything from your food, medication, or the products you use.

While most allergies are mild and can wait, some skin allergies are life-threatening. These rashes are rare but when they happen, it is best to go to the emergency room immediately.

If you are suffering from a mild allergic reaction or have in the past, schedule a consultation with 0ne of our offices to discover what is causing it and how to prevent reactions in the future. If you are currently suffering from a severe allergic reaction, go to the hospital immediately or call 911 for help.

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What Are the Benefits of Microneedling?

Microneedling shrinks pores, gets rid of fine lines and wrinkles, and treats uneven pigmentation caused by sun damage, pollution, hormonal changes, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or a combination of the four. This minimally-invasive procedure can also improve the appearance of scars (including those caused by acne).

The Procedure What is Microneedling?

Some also refer to micro needling as collagen induction therapy because it triggers natural collagen production. This treatment can effectively rejuvenate your skin in just three sessions. Please note, though, that this is the minimum number of sessions, but can go higher depending on the skin’s condition. Scar reduction, for example, requires up to six sessions.

If you are thinking of going to your dermatologist to have this procedure, it’s important to keep in mind that collagen production peaks at two weeks after the treatment. The frequency of this procedure depends on the intensity. Mild micro needling sessions, for example, can be repeated once a month or every two weeks while deeper treatments specific for scar visibility reduction can be repeated every month or every six weeks.

Read “What is Microneedling?“ for a more detailed explanation of the procedure.

Reduces Fine Lines and Wrinkles

Microneedling can smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, which makes it a great solution for older men and women. In fact, this procedure is often associated specifically with the removal of fine lines although the treatment can do so much more. Microneedling is a simple yet very effective treatment that can benefit people of all ages.

Older individuals who want to get rid of their wrinkles can now have younger-looking skin faster. Many love this treatment because it is more natural since it encourages natural collagen production.

Effective Scar Treatment

Microneedling is an effective way to reduce the visibility of scars and is especially popular as an acne scar treatment. A 2009 study published in the Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery supports this claim. The researchers in this study invited participants who have acne scars to undergo micro-needling treatments. After the sessions, almost 100 percent of the participants reported a reduction of scar visibility.

A study published in the “Dermatologic Surgery Journal” in 2016 found that micro-needling is an effective procedure that gets rid of acne-related scarring. The study reports that the recovery time is markedly less and there are fewer side effects compared to other treatments for the same conditions.

Sun Damage and Pigmentation Reversal

Because of the treatment’s ability to encourage natural collagen production, it can reverse discoloration and damage caused by sun exposure. It is even effective in treating hyperpigmentation brought about by melasma. Several studies show that micro-needling has positive effects on blotchy pigmentations on the skin. According to the National Center for Biotechnology and Information (NCBI), the role of micro needling in melasma treatment is promising.

Smaller Pores

It sounds counter-intuitive, but microneedling actually reduces the size of your pores. Due to the amount of collagen produced by the skin after the treatment, the skin tightens and appears plumper than before. Because of this tightening effect, the pores become visibly smaller.

Better Absorption

Aside from the benefits mentioned above, regular microneedling sessions can also help your skin absorb beauty creams and other products better. Under normal circumstances, only 4 to 8 percent of beauty products can penetrate your skin. The tiny punctures on the skin made by the microneedles function as tiny channels that allow your creams and products to penetrate your skin more effectively.

If you would like to find out if microneedling is right for you, contact our office to schedule a consultation.

What Are the Benefits of the Fractional CO2 Laser Treatment?

Treatments Abound

Currently, there are a lot of effective skin care treatments that reduce signs of aging and improve the condition of the skin. These treatments range from using simple topical creams to actual procedures that can be done to improve the skin’s condition. Laser treatments, in particular, are very popular skin care options and the technology used in the treatments continue to evolve—becoming more sophisticated and effective.

The Value of Healthy Glowing Skin

When it comes to skincare, the aim is always to maintain blemish-free, glowing, and youthful-looking skin. This is especially true for the skin on our face as we age. After all, our face is the first thing others may notice about us, so the skin thereof plays an important part in how we feel about our social interactions with others.

Great-looking skin tends to give us more confidence, while the opposite is also true—blemished or aged skin can negatively affect our self-esteem. Everything from fine lines and wrinkles to acne scars and age spots can affect the quality of our skin and our social confidence. It is, therefore, important that we take the steps necessary to take good care of our skin and enjoy the many benefits of proper skin care.

Overview: About the Fractional CO2 Laser Technology

Laser treatments, though more invasive than many topical skin care options are increasingly popular treatments. Laser technology can treat a number of skin conditions. One of the latest options—the fractional CO2 laser—uses the most advanced skin revitalization laser treatment technology and has been shown to produce astounding anti-aging results for skin care patients. In fact, studies prove that the fractional CO2 treatment not only reduces the effects of aging on the skin, but also reverses existing signs of aging, including:

– Acne and other trauma-related scars

– Age Spots

– Wrinkles

– Crow’s feet

– “Smoker’s Lines”

After just one treatment, skin appears significantly healthier, rejuvenated, and smoother than prior to the treatment.    

How It Works

The fractional CO2 laser treatment works by using a pattern of carbon dioxide laser beams to treat the skin below the surface. A doctor sends carbon dioxide beams into the skin. The beams create strategically-placed microscopic holes in the skin that allow the body to start producing more collagen. Collagen is the body’s natural hormone that keeps the skin healthy and youthful.   

The secret to the effectiveness of the fractional CO2 laser technology rests in the fragmented nature of its treatment patterns. This treatment does not allow its laser energy to affect all parts of the skin at once. Instead, it affects a portion of the skin and not the entire skin’s surface. This allows the recovery time to speed up, thereby enhancing results. Patients are usually fully healed within four to five days on average.

What to Expect With the Fractional CO2 Laser Treatment

The QuadraLASE Fractional CO2 Laser treatment has many important features. For starters, the treatment sessions are not very long. Each session lasts an average of one hour. Additionally, while the treatment is not in any way painful, there are some sensations that patients can look out for. These sensations include a slight sunburned feeling accompanied by some peeling. Thankfully, these symptoms usually pass within the average healing and recovery time of about four to five days.

The results, however, are practically immediate, and patients will notice that their scars, wrinkles, age spots, and other skin conditions are far less noticeable as the skin continues to heal. As time goes on, the skin continues to clear as the newly-produced collagen helps the skin become tight, moisturized, and vibrant. Finally, the QuadraLASE Fractional CO2 laser treatment produces permanent results. Over time, it reduces the need for using over-the-counter topical treatments—making the treatment a real, lasting solution.      

Additionally, it is possible to use the fractional CO2 laser treatment on the neck as well. Depending on the patient’s condition, a doctor may use the laser to spot treat specific problem areas. After all, all skin ages and oftentimes, most don’t think about the neck as a prime spot for anti-aging treatments.

As you consider the fractional CO2 laser treatment, remember that this will naturally cost more than everyday over-the-counter options you may already use. That said, it is a worthy investment as the treatment continues to pay for itself in value as time goes on. Having amazing, vibrant, and glowing skin is already worth its weight in gold. Of course, the confidence you get from having that glowing, healthy, youthful skin is the icing on the cake.

Am I a Candidate for Fractional CO2 Laser Treatments?

Science and research back the fractional CO2 laser technology. We offer this treatment because our certified and experienced dermatologists have carefully vetted the treatment and seen real results.

Now is the perfect time to undergo this treatment. Since you spend less time outside and more time bundled up, your skin will be more likely to be protected while it heals. Also, if you have this treatment now, your skin will be beautiful, and glowing when the warm weather hits.

We are not able to treat without first having a consultation with each patient. This helps us guarantee that the treatment will be safe and effective for the individual and his or her needs. We also do the consultations to manage expectations. There is a $50 consultation fee that goes towards the price of the treatment.

Universal Dermatology believes in being transparent with our prices and services. Therefore, we would like to let you know that the price ranges from $1000 to $3100 for eye or lip area only up to entire face, neck, and chest. Insurance does not cover this procedure.

To get started weighing your treatment options, contact our office today.