Archive for April, 2009

Healthy Skin from the Inside Out! Join us for Free Sushi, Green Tea and Advice on Green Tea Products, May 1st

Monday, April 27th, 2009

Patients often ask me if there are any supplements, vitamins, etc. that they should take to keep their skin more youthful and healthy. My response is that nothing is more beneficial to your skin than a well-balanced diet. Enough can’t be said about this simple and practical way to make your skin look its best. The skin is the largest organ of the body, so poor eating habits certainly affect its appearance. A lifetime of healthy eating will keep you looking better, longer. I’ve listed a few foods that are especially good for the skin. Keep in mind that moderation and staying within your energy needs is key to getting the benefits without excessive calorie intake. For more details, be sure to talk to your doctor.

Green Tea: A powerful anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory. It helps protect against free radical damage and slows down the signs of aging. It may also play a role in reducing skin cancer and sun damage by decreasing the effects of ultraviolet rays.

Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds all have vitamin E, an anti-oxidant that helps protect against free radicals. They also contain essential fatty acids (omega-3s) that strengthen cell membranes and help keep cells hydrated, making the skin look plumper and smoother. In addition to fatty acids, the brazil nut is a good source of selenium, which prevents deterioration of cells. The brazil nut and walnut also contain zinc, an anti-inflammatory for skin cells.

Salmon, Tuna, Avocados: Lots of essential fatty acids found in these foods. Avocados also contain B-vitamins for healthy skin cell development.

Berries: Blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, acai berries and plums are full of anti-oxidants, which help repair cells and neutralize the free radical damage caused by the sun and other environmental sources like smoke and pollutants.

Tomatoes: Lycopene is readily absorbed from cooked tomatoes and scavenges free-radicals. It also may help with cell metabolism, making skin cells work more efficiently.

Vitamin A: This skin essential can be derived directly from low-fat dairy products like yogurt (the best choice for people with certain health problems). It can also be converted by your body from beta-carotene rich foods like carrots and sweet potatoes.

Whole grain breads & cereals: Contain selenium and B-vitamins for healthy skin cell development and prevention of oxidative damage.

Water: Since water makes up over 70% of our bodies, it only makes good sense that staying hydrated keeps our skin working its best.

Please stop by our office on Friday, May 1st to enjoy free sushi and green tea! We will also have a representative available to discuss the benefits of topical green tea products when used directly on the skin. We hope you can join us!

Know a Man Over 40?

Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009

Is there a man over age 40 in your life? If so, encourage him to visit his dermatologist for a skin check! Two studies highlighted in Reuters magazine drive home the point that men over 40 have a higher propensity toward melanoma skin cancer. In fact, they account for half of all the melanoma related deaths in the United States. Seeing a suspicious spot or mole can be difficult if its on your back, which is the most common area for melanoma to occur in men. A dermatologist’s expert eyes can help detect and treat any potential skin cancer issues before they turn into life-threatening problems. While this demographic tends to visit a dermatologist less often, they are actually most important due to their higher risk. So wives, partners, girlfriends, boyfriends, sisters - tell the men you care about to get checked and get educated about their skin to stay healthy - they’ll thank you for it!

No Down-Time, No Problem! Using LEDs to Improve the Appearance of Your Skin

Tuesday, April 21st, 2009

For my patients whose lifestyle doesn’t allow for “down-time” with cosmetic procedures or they prefer treatments that improve the appearance of skin without injections, heat generating lasers or chemicals, I will often recommend the use of a LED (light emitting diode) device along with good skin care products.

LEDs are the latest technology in skin rejuvenation. The harmless, pulsating light emitted from these devices stimulates skin cells to increase collagen production over time, while also slowing the breakdown of existing collagen. By building collagen, wrinkles are reduced and skin retains a more radiant appearance. LED treatments are non-invasive, meaning they are painless and do not damage the skin. For the best results, patients should plan on a series of treatments with some maintenance. In addition to improving the overall tone of the skin, the FDA has approved the use of LEDs in the effective treatment of peri-orbital wrinkles or “crow’s feet.”

In the office we offer the Gentlewaves LED treatment. It can be used to treat the face, decolletage, neck or whatever area you are looking to improve. It takes less than a minute and has no downtime.

To treat smaller areas of skin, like around the eyes or lips, we sell the Omnilux new-U LED hand-held device. It also stimulates collagen production, is FDA approved and allows you to treat at your convenience.

GentleWaves and Omnilux new-U both improve the look of your skin and help minimize signs of aging over time. They can be used by any skin type and in addition to any skin care program. LED treatments have also been shown to speed recovery of post-procedure skin and sunburns.

Please contact the office for additional treatment details.

The Skinny on “Staph” Infections

Tuesday, April 14th, 2009

What is “Staph”?

Staphylococcus aureus is a gram positive bacterium that is frequently found on people’s skin and in their nose. About 20% of the population are long term carriers of S. aureus, typically in their nose. S. aureus can cause a range of illnesses, including many minor skin infections, such as folliculitis, impetigo, abscesses/ boils, and cellulitis. It can also be responsible for life-threatening diseases, such as, pneumonia, meningitis, endocarditis, and toxic shock syndrome just to name a few.

How do people get Staph infections?

S. aureus is an incredibly hardy bacterium. It can survive for several hours on dry environmental surfaces and was shown in a study to survive on a piece of polyester for just less than three months!! Infections can be spread through contact with pus from an infected wound, skin-to-skin contact with an infected person, and contact with objects such as towels, sheets, clothing, or athletic equipment used by an infected person.

Recently, there have been a myriad of reported cases of resistant S. aureus in the community, commonly referred to as MRSA (methicillin-resistant S. aureus). Resistance is a term used to describe an organism (in this case a strain of Staph aureus) which is no longer susceptible to a particular antibiotic. In other words, the antibiotic no longer destroys the organism!! When the antibiotic doesn’t work, the infection wins!!

The increased prevalence of antibiotic resistance is an outcome of evolution. Any population of organisms, bacteria included, naturally includes variants with unusual traits–in this case, the ability to withstand an antibiotic’s attack. When a person takes an antibiotic, the drug kills the weaker defenseless bacteria, leaving behind–or “selecting”, in biological terms–those that can resist it. These renegade bacteria then multiply, increasing their numbers a million-fold per day. Eventually, these “resistant” organisms become the predominant microorganism. Although antibiotic therapy does not technically cause the resistance, it allows it to happen by creating a situation where an already existing microbial variant can flourish.

A patient can develop a drug-resistant infection either by contracting a resistant bug to begin with, or by having a resistant microbe emerge in the body once antibiotic treatment begins (as previously described).
Patients that are being treated with antibiotics for bacterial skin infections need to take the medication that is prescribed for the length of time it is prescribed for, unless otherwise directed. Many patients stop taking antibiotics too soon – they stop taking the medication once their symptoms improve, instead of finishing the course as directed. This just encourages the resistant bacteria to proliferate.

Your best defense against contracting staph is by improving infection control. There is no easier way than by washing your hands thoroughly and frequently! For further information, check out the Center for Disease Control’s website.

Tanning - Getting More Than You Bargained For

Monday, April 13th, 2009

Patients might accuse me and other dermatologists of sounding like broken records when it comes to the subject of tanning. We can’t help but be passionate about this particular issue. In my work, I am constantly faced with removing pre-cancerous and cancerous lesions from patients. These lesions, caused by UVA and UVB ray exposure, could potentially be life threatening and/or lead to surgery for removal. It is particularly disturbing that the age range of patients showing up with these issues is getting younger. So, you can understand a dermatologist’s perspective when they see women and men purposely trying to get a tan and needlessly exposing themselves to this risk.

There is no “safe” way to tan. Tanning beds are no exception! In fact, the rays in tanning beds can often be more intense than the sun itself. According to an AP article, melanoma (the deadliest type of skin caner) is now the top cancer afflicting women in their 20s in the UK, overtaking cervical cancer. They attribute this increase in young women (typically not the group where melanoma is so common) as a result of tanning bed use. In the United States, Florida lawmakers are considering a ban on tanning salon use for those under 16 years old. Miss Florida Teen, Kayla Collier, recently testified before a Florida state house committee supporting the proposal. She was diagnosed with a melanoma at age 16.

The possibility of skin cancer aside, tanning leads to accelerated aging of the skin. We know that exposure to UVA rays also cause more wrinkles, brown spots and breakdown of collagen. As the summer approaches and people seek dark, bronzed skin, consider alternatives like spray tans or lotions to keep your skin healthy. Avoid tanning and wear your sunblock!

SFGate 2009 BayList Nomination!

Friday, April 10th, 2009

We have been nominated for the SFGate’s 2009 BayList as one of the Bay Area’s best dermatology offices! We are so excited to be in the running for this distinction. There’s no greater honor than to be considered a favorite business in your local community. We continually strive to provide the best quality service and advice in our office and thank all of our patients for their loyal support. If you would like to vote for us, please visit SFGate and click Kathleen M. Welsh, MD by May 29th.

Its better to get the pus out of a pimple by popping it - true or false?

Wednesday, April 8th, 2009

False! The truth is, even though it’s satisfying to release the pus, when you squeeze a pimple you end up just pushing a lot of it in deeper. The pus spreads under the skin, causing more breakouts, scarring and possible infection. Please try not to pick. However, if you absolutely cannot resist, be sure and do it right. Don’t squeeze and pop the pimple. Instead, apply a warm washcloth for 10 minutes. Use something called a comedone extractor - an inexpensive tool that can be purchased at most beauty supply stores. Apply firm pressure with the extractor to the pimple, then roll it across. If you must fuss with pimples consider buying a Zeno! Its a safe, effective acne zapping device available in our office and on our website. It deflates zits and gives you the feeling that you are doing something proactive. Even better prevent pimples from occurring by seeking professional advice from a dermatologist!

Successful Acne Treatment without Antibiotics!

Tuesday, April 7th, 2009

It is important for me to offer my patients the latest advances in acne treatments. Not everyone has success with topicals or oral antibiotics in treating their acne. For these patients, I am very excited to have Isolaz Photopneumatic Therapy available at the office. This treatment is FDA approved, painless, has no “down-time” and is proven to reduce acne breakouts. The procedure starts with a gentle vacuum suction to clean pores of dirt, oil, etc. Laser is then applied to help destroy acne causing bacteria and reduce oil gland activity. Patients should notice a marked improvement in their skin after a series of treatments. Once the series is complete, they should plan on having occasional treatments to maintain their results. Patients using topicals and/or taking oral medications can also benefit from this treatment. It can boost their results or clear up their skin more quickly if they have a bad breakout. While there is no cure for acne, Isolaz is a wonderful option for people who have not found help with other therapies. Please contact our office for more details.

You Don’t Grow Out of Acne

Monday, April 6th, 2009

Acne can fluctuate throughout a person’s lifetime. The notion that only teenagers have acne and its something you’ll eventually “outgrow,” misrepresents this medical condition. Recently, the Global Alliance to Improve Outcomes in Acne (a group of 20 recognized dermatologists, representing multiple countries) recommended that acne be defined as a “chronic disease.” Thinnking of acne in these terms will help the medical community and patients shape better approaches toward treatment. Both adults and teenagers with problem skin need a long term plan with proper care to keep it in check. Adults should never feel embarassed or feel they are too old to get breakouts as they can be triggered by hormones, stress and a variety of other factors. Acne left untreated can have a major impact on one’s physical appearance and emotional well being no matter what your age, so it is always important to seek medical advice.

A “Happy” Side Effect from Botox?

Thursday, April 2nd, 2009

Remember the old saying, “Just smile, you’ll feel better”? Well, there is now research suggesting that relaxing negative facial expressions with Botox (Botulinum Toxin Type A) could improve your mood! A recent article in Time Magazine highlights two studies wherein patients reported less depression after receiving Botox injections. The theory behind Botox as a “mood enhancer” is that by reducing negative expressions you reduce negative feelings - frowning less makes you feel better. Another reason to love Botox! I look forward to more studies and hearing further evidence on this potential benefit.