Dermatology Tag

What is the Importance of Receiving Annual Skin Checks?

Many people undervalue the importance of skin care and skin checks. However, the fact remains that our skin is our first point of contact with the outside world. Because of this, the skin needs to be properly cared for. Just as there are many layers of the skin, there are also many layers and levels of skin care. The first level of skin care 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 topically to take care of your skin. With the right topical care and treatment coupled with the skincare from the inside, you will be able to have youthful, glowing, and healthy skin. The first step in good topical skin care 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. This is because 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 check, you are able to take the necessary corrective and preventative steps for conditions like these.

For example, skin cancer is on the rise, and one of the reasons for this is the inability to identify early symptoms and warning signs. Annual skin checks will help ensure early detection. Additionally, with harsh winter weather rolling in, it is even more important to protect and care for your skin.

Taking Care of Your Skin Between Annual Skin Care Checkups

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 skin care 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 protective creams

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 skin care 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 competent team of trained dermatologists waiting to answer your questions and provide you with any treatment options you may need. Contact us today to schedule an annual skin check!

Patch Testing for Contact Dermatitis

Have you experienced redness and irritation after using a skin-care product or trying out a new detergent? How about a skin reaction with no explanation? If so, you may have suffered from contact dermatitis, which occurs when contact with chemicals causes irritation or allergic reaction. Although most cases are not severe, contact dermatitis can be unpleasant and also frustrating if the cause is not clear.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis

Allergic contact dermatitis is an immune response to an allergen. It can be itchy and can also make the skin dry, flaky, or scaly. However, the symptoms associated with this allergic reaction depend on your skin’s sensitivity. This substance may bring about other symptoms including oozing blisters, redness, leathery appearance, burning sensation, hives, sun sensitivity, and swelling.

 Patch Testing and Why It’s Necessary

If you already know what you’re allergic to, that’s great! It will be much easier for you to avoid these chemicals and ingredients. However, if you came in contact with an allergen by accident, it is best to consult with a dermatologist to get the skin treatment you need. For those who suddenly develop patches of dermatitis due to unknown causes, patch testing is necessary.

Metals, leather, rubber, and cosmetics, for example, contain a number of chemicals that can cause allergic reactions. Through patch testing, you and your doctor will be able to identify the allergen. This will help your dermatologist determine which treatment is right for your skin and will be able to help you avoid the allergen in the future.

How Does Patch Testing Work?

An experienced dermatologist will perform the patch test. During the test, small amounts of certain substances are applied to your skin and secured with hypoallergenic tape. These are usually placed on the upper back to ensure they are not disturbed. You will need to come back after 48 hours to get the patches removed. At this time, your dermatologist will do a thorough examination of your skin’s reaction to the substances. Two additional days later, the specialist will examine the spots again to see if there is any delayed reaction.

Dermatologists have a standard set of substances they test on individuals with suspected Allergic Contact Dermatitis. This includes Balsam of Peru, benzocaine, lanolin or wool alcohols, rosin, rubber accelerators, quaternium-15, formaldehyde resin, formaldehyde, p-tert butylphenol, plants, paraben mix, paraphenylenediamine, nickel, neomycin, fragrances, imidazolidinyl urea, ethylenediamine, cobalt, epoxy resin, clioquinol, and chrome. This list includes additives in leather, ointments, clothes, and other items we come in contact with on a regular basis.

Please note that if your dermatologist suspects other allergens, more patches will be added for testing. This can include substances that you come in contact with in your workplace or substances contained in your specific makeup or creams. Bringing in samples of the products you use would also be useful to your doctor, especially if you suspect one of these products is causing the allergic reaction.

Test Results

Once the test results are in, your dermatologist will be able to give you details on what caused your recent allergic reaction. Your dermatologist will give you advice on how to avoid the substance you are allergic to. If the results reveal that you do not suffer from allergic contact dermatitis, you will be able to rule it out and your doctor can proceed with other tests to determine what is causing the skin irritation.

Irritant Contact Dermatitis

If an irritant caused the contact dermatitis, the symptoms are slightly different. This can include skin blistering and cracking because of extreme dryness, stiff or tight skin, swelling, ulcerations, and open sores. This form of contact dermatitis is caused by skin injuries due to environmental factors, chemicals, or friction. The severity of the condition can vary depending on the strength of the irritant, frequency or length of exposure, and skin susceptibility.

Solvents you have come in contact with including detergents, metalworking fluids, adhesives, acid, alkalis, friction, and water can also cause it. Sometimes, two or more of these irritants act together in irritating the skin.

Anyone can experience irritant contact dermatitis if they come into contact with an irritant. However, those who suffer from atopy (a predisposition to allergic reactions) are more susceptible to the condition.

Testing for Irritant Contact Dermatitis

Because this condition can coexist with allergic contact dermatitis, your dermatologist may decide to perform the test to rule this out. The rash typically heals on its own as long as you avoid exposure to the irritant, but special treatment is available if needed. Be sure to contact your dermatologist to get the right treatment for the condition.

If it’s necessary that you handle the irritant again, make sure to cover up and protect your skin. However, try to avoid them altogether if possible.

Patch testing is important to prevent and treat redness, irritation, and itching caused by contact with an allergen or irritant. If you think you may be experiencing contact dermatitis or would like to prevent it, contact us today.

Preventing Dry Skin in the Winter

As the weather begins to change, cold winds and dry air can lead to red, itchy, and cracked skin. This is why now is the time to adjust your skincare routine. Here are some tips to help you prevent dry skin and keep your skin feeling its best during the cold season:

Use a Humidifier

One of the main reasons skin dries out in the winter is the lack of humidity in the air. It is best to use a humidifier in your house and work environment. If you have to choose one place, our advice would be the bedroom. Here, your skin will be exposed to moisture in the air throughout the night and keep it fresh for the day ahead.

Change Your Shower Routine

Some people take warmer and longer showers during the winter months. While this is great for defrosting cold toes, the steam will dilate pores and allow extra water to evaporate from your skin. Warm water also strips natural oils away. If you have to use warm water when you bathe, try to shorten your time in the shower. Drying appropriately is also important to keep your skin healthy.  You should not rub your body because the towel is abrasive against the skin and may cause irritation, as well as dry skin to flake off and patches to spread. Instead, try gently patting away the water.

Stay Hydrated

Although you should always drink plenty of water throughout the day, it is particularly important during the winter months. You should drink 8-10 glasses of water per day. This will help to keep moisture in your skin. This is especially helpful if you frequently consume alcohol and coffee, which are diuretics and dehydrate you.

Protect Your Skin from the Outside Elements

When you must go outside, it is essential to protect your skin. You should cover any exposed areas with a scarf, gloves, and a hat. On a windy day, your skin may become dry and red from exposure. Also, winter may be a dark season, but the sun still shines brightly on certain days.  It is necessary to wear a moisturizing sunscreen that will keep your skin protected from the sun as well.

Remove Makeup Carefully

The way you remove your makeup at the end of the night can dry out your skin. Many women use convenient cosmetic remover wipes, but, most of these products contain alcohol or similar ingredients that can be extremely drying. A better alternative is cold cream (an emulsion of water and oil). This item has been around since the second-century but still has a lot of great qualities. It will add moisture to your skin while effectively removing makeup.

Choose the Perfect Moisturizer

If you enter any store, you probably are bombarded with hundreds of moisturizing products. It is important to know how to choose a product that works for your specific skin type.

You may wonder whether to use a lotion, ointment, or cream. The difference is the amount of water that each contains. Most lotions are comprised of a high volume of water when compared to the other ointments and creams.  This means that if you have extremely dry skin, a cream or ointment is a smarter option. As you read the ingredient labels, look for a product that contains humectants. These draw moisture from the inner layer of your skin to the other layers. A common humectant is a glycerin. Another helpful ingredient is an occlusive agent (Lanolin, mineral oil, or paraffin). These will create a barrier to your skin that seals in moisture and adds a protective wall.

Be sure to apply moisturizer after showering (and drying off correctly). You should also have a bottle of hand cream available at home and at work. This is especially important if you frequently wash your hands throughout the day.

Visit a Trusted Dermatologist

The best way to care for your skin during cold weather is to visit a dermatologist. An experienced doctor can offer more preventative tips that will keep your skin from drying out. They will also be able to provide recommendations based on your specific skin condition and type.

At Universal Dermatology & Vein Care, we are dedicated to finding a treatment that targets each patient’s individual needs. Whether you are having trouble with acne, varicose veins, or dry skin, you will benefit from our services. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, contact us today.

SPIDER VEINS – DEFINITION, CAUSES AND TREATMENTS

Spider veins. We’ve all heard the complaints, especially during shorts season.
“My legs look terrible!”
“How did this happen?”
“Am I going to look like this forever?”
The good news is spider veins are not medically dangerous and are easily treatable. (more…)

Kybella: What You Should Know About This Revolutionary Treatment

Fat cells underneath the skin can significantly affect the appearance of one’s skin and perception of attractiveness. The skin in and around the chin area of the face holds fat more obviously than other places on your body. At Universal Dermatology, we often hear our patients refer to this as double-chin. The dreaded double-chin is likely to appear from excess fat cells and sagging, aging skin. Many of our patients believe a double-chin ruins their profile.

Eating well, exercising often and having routine skin care regimens are all important to reducing chin fat. Before now, however, the best options for effectively treating a double-chin were all surgical. Thankfully, this has changed and there is now a revolutionary option for treating and reversing the appearance of a double chin. Meet Kybella.

Kybella is a non-invasive fat elimination treatment for the chin. It is the first and only FDA-approved, non-surgical treatment used to eliminate chin fat at the source of a double-chin. While it is FDA approved for the chin, it can also be used in other parts of the body. It is administered through injection. Kybella directly breaks down the dietary fat in the neck and chin areas using deoxycholic acid. Treatments are administered in one-month intervals, up to six sessions.

During clinical trials, just about everyone who used the Kybella injections noticed improvements in the appearance of their double-chin. Although designed for persons with moderate to severe cases, those who had the best results were those who had a moderate cases. Such individuals were able to get rid of their double-chin in as little as three treatments, while those with severe cases would need all six to see noticeable improvements.

Since Kybella is designed to work directly with the fat cells, injections have no effect on the nervous system or muscular system. This means the treatment is safe, as it simply melts the fat cells it is designed to breakdown. Of course, there is some minor bruising and redness that can be expected from using any injectable treatment.

Currently, Kybella is a fat elimination treatment designed to work with the neck. So far, there have been no studies on its effectiveness in other areas of the body. It is FDA-approved, but there is no insurance coverage for Kybella.

To decide if Kybella is right for you, make an appointment at your local Universal Dermatology office today. We would be happy to discuss your best options.

When to See a Vein Specialist

A vein specialist, like those found at Universal Dermatology & Vein Care, will be able to diagnose, treat, and monitor both cosmetic and medical vein issues you may have. An estimated 30-40% of the U.S. adult population experiences some type of vein disorder. Our clinical services encompass all elements of vascular care, from medical varicose vein management to cosmetic spider vein removal. We perform all the diagnostic evaluations and minimally invasive procedures in our comfortable outpatient office setting.

Varicose Veins. Veins in the legs function to return blood back to the heart. Leg veins contain valves that close and stop blood from flowing backward towards the feet. Working long hours standing on your feet, a family history, or recent pregnancy can make you prone to having vein valve weakness and failure. Damaged vein valves don’t shut properly and thus allow blood to leak backward, leading to a build-up of pressure within the vein. This excessive pressure over a period of time can cause large, dilated, twisted varicose veins to form. Varicose veins are often accompanied by symptoms like cramping, swelling, pain, or even tired feeling legs. With a simple, painless ultrasound in the office, we can check the status of your leg veins and determine if you are a candidate for medical therapy.. The old days of varicose vein stripping are long gone. We use the latest technology in varicose vein treatment, called Endo-Venous Laser Treatment (EVLT), which uses a small laser fiber to seal the varicose vein shut from the inside. This quick, 1-hour procedure is extremely effective, has virtually no downtime, and is covered by most insurances.

Spider Veins. Spider veins are caused when small, superficial blood vessels dilate and rise to the surface of the skin. These unsightly red and blue veins rarely cause symptoms and can be easily treated cosmetically with sclerotherapy or external laser treatments at Universal Dermatology & Vein Care.

Whether your motivation for vein treatment is symptomatic or cosmetic, we are here to help!

To schedule an appointment to discuss your leg vein concerns, contact Universal Dermatology & Vein Care today at 614-706-3057.