Posts Tagged ‘Acne’
Dermatology - One of the Most Satisfying Specialties: Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist
Wednesday, February 10th, 2010
A recent study conducted by UC Davis has found that dermatology ranks as one of the most satisfying medical specialties to practice. One of the reasons dermatology tops the charts is its diversity, ranging from medical to aesthetic. This couldn’t be more true for my practice. Being able to help a patient suffering from acne or skin cancer to advising another on choosing a cosmetic treatment right for them is one aspect of my job that I enjoy immensely. There is nothing more satisfying than helping patients set and achieve their skin goals, seeing them through the process from beginning to end. Its the relationships I have with my patients who are of all ages and walks of life that always keep me smiling.
Isolaz for Rosacea Treatment on Good Morning America: Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist
Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010
Not only has the Isolaz treatment been beneficial to my patients suffering from acne, but it is also an excellent treatment for rosacea as highlighted in this clip from Good Morning America. The features of Isolaz treatments that I like best are that they are safe and effective for all skin types, they are painless, there is no downtime and there is an overall improvement in the skin’s appearance. Call our office for more details!
Pregnancy & Skin - Noticing More than a Baby Bump? Notes from a San francisco BayArea Dermatologist
Tuesday, January 19th, 2010
Pregnancy brings about so many physical changes that it can feel a bit like something out of invasion of the body snatchers - where your body is no longer your own! While each woman’s journey varies, there are some common skin changes that you may notice as you wait for bundle of joy to arrive.
Itchy Abdomen Skin: You do not need to spend a fortune as any good over the counter moisturizer (like Aveeno, Cetaphil) can help relive the tight, dry, itchy skin that occurs as your belly stretches during pregnancy - especially the last few months. Shea butter can also be very soothing. I tell my patients to avoid oils as they tend to not absorb well. The best time to apply moisturizer is right after you shower or bathe, as they merely allow your skin to hold onto moisture. Heavier creams are better moisturizers, but can be messier and harder to use. With any product on the skin, be sure to use common sense and stop if it causes any irritation.
Stretch Marks: Perhaps my patients’ number one fear and/or complaint. Stretch marks are the result of stretching skin and appear as reddish or pink linear marks on the abdomen, breasts or hip/buttock area. It is a rare woman that does not earn at least a few marks during her pregnancy. There is no medical evidence that any creams or vitamin E prevent them from occurring. In fact, vitamin E oil applied directly to skin can cause irritation, so I would not recommend it. However, if you feel that it never hurts to try, then I would recommend using moisturizers as noted in the previous section to relieve tightness. Generally, the marks will shrink and fade some time after delivery. However, if they are bothersome to you there are two treatments that can be helpful. Vbeam laser treatments will help reduce the pink discoloration and can help build collagen to strengthen the skin, minimizing the marks. Fraxel laser treatments help to renew the texture of the skin, making it smoother and the marks less visible. If you are interested in Vbeam or Fraxel to treat stretch marks, please contact our office.
Skin Tags: These are tiny flaps of skin that can be caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy and typically occur in areas of friction, like under your arms or around your breasts. Some of these may disappear after delivery, but any remaining tags can be quickly and easily removed by a dermatologist.
Acne: Hormonal changes can cause your skin to become more oily and prone to breakouts. To help this, you can use over the counter cleansers or moisturizers that contain alpha hydroxy Acid (AHA), lactic or glycolic acid, which help to exfoliate the skin and keep plugs from forming. Some of our pregnant patients also come in for monthly pregnancy safe chemical peels to keep their skin in balance. Benzoyl Peroxide is safe to use on your skin during pregnancy and helps exfoliate the skin and kill acne causing bacteria. If breakouts become severe or do not respond to basic treatment, be sure to contact your dermatologist.
Mask of Pregnancy (Melasma or Cholasma): Hormones at work yet again. Some women develop dark patches of pigment on their forehead and cheeks (like a mask) during pregnancy as a result of their hormones. Your skin is extra sensitive to the sun during this time, so be sure to wear your sunblock everyday to keep the sun’s rays from making the condition worse. Phytic acid is a botanically derived skin lightener that is not as strong as prescription grade products like hydroquinone (not medically advised for use during pregnancy), but is a safe alternative and may help reduce excess pigment. After delivery, check with your dermatologist on the most effective and safe ways to quickly get rid of any leftover pigmentation.
Linea Nigra: Around the fourth of fifth month of pregnancy you may notice the appearance of a dark line that runs from your belly button to the top of your pubic bone. The line is thought to be a result of…you guessed it…hormones. There is no way to prevent this line, but take comfort in knowing that it will fade after delivery.
Changes in Moles & Freckles: We often find that moles and freckles become more “active” during pregnancy, meaning that they may darken in color due to hormonal fluctuations. You may also notice other areas of skin like the nipples, areolas and labia become darker. Should any mole or freckle change significantly change in shape or size, or specifically catch your eye that didn’t before, please have it checked by a dermatologist right away.
Spider & Varicose Veins: As a result of increased blood flow throughout your body, tiny red to larger blue veins may appear on the legs and ankles during pregnancy. While there is a genetic component to their appearance, the best way to minimize them is by trying the following: keep active by walking to increase circulation; avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time; wear support hose; prop your legs up when sitting; avoid excessive weight gain. After delivery these veins can be reduced with either injections or laser treatments.
The good news is that this increase in blood flow to your body is also what gives you that pregnancy “glow” which is beautiful on every woman, so may you enjoy a healthy pregnancy and safe delivery!
Adult Acne - Even Grown Ups get the Acne Blues: Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist
Sunday, October 11th, 2009
If you have adult acne you are not alone! Adults comprise 46% of dermatologist’s acne patients. Angst over acne is also not confined to teens. Roughly 3 in 10 adults with acne would rather change their skin than any other physical attribute, including body weight and wrinkles! 41% of adults state that acne negatively effects their self-confidence and 52% say it’s more stressful than having it as a teenager.
In my practice I have seen patients with even mild acne cancel social plans when they have a breakout and fall into depression over chronic acne. Despite this, only about ½ of acne patients say they use their acne medications consistently and correctly. Dermatologists estimate that it is really only 2%. Acne medications must be used everyday, even when the skin is clear to be effective, but we all live in a state of hope (maybe it’s gone forever) and denial if our skin is clear then we stop our treatments. As soon as we break out we restart. Unfortunately, by that time it is too late. Patients with acne need to see their treatment as essential to their skin health as tooth brushing and flossing is to dental health.
Spotlight on Acne: Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist
Monday, July 27th, 2009
On its website and on the air, CBS News (7/23) discussed adult acne. In a segment on The Early Show, dermatologist Jeannette Graf, MD, “spoke to Maggie Rodriguez about various solutions for chronic adult acne.” According to the American Academy of Dermatology, “acne is a disease that can affect anyone beyond puberty, and it’s the most prevalent skin condition in the United States…with almost 50 percent of adults suffering from some form of” the condition. Dr. Graf explained what triggers adult acne (genetics and hormones), “who generally suffers from it” (most often women), and “the latest treatments.” If self-treatment at home with cleansers containing salicylic acid or 2.5 percent benzoyl peroxide are not effective, Dr. Graf recommended that people with adult acne see a dermatologist “who may prescribe” retinoids, “antibiotics, or special topical creams.”
We see patients of all ages who are frustrated and embarassed by their acne. Acne can be a difficult condition to improve, which is why our office offers so many options to help patients. Our treatments include chemical peels and Silkpeel Dermalfusion to exfoliate skin and clean out pores. We also have Isolaz, which uses a vacuum suction to clean out pores followed by a light treatment to destroy acne causing bacteriea. The Levulan Photodynamic Therapy treatment for acne involves the application of Levulan, a photosensitizing agent, which is then activated with laser. Levulan PDT inactivates the bacteria that trigger acne, exfoliates the skin to unclog pores, and reduces the activity of sebaceous (oil producing) glands in the skin.
Getting acne under control may also include hormonal manipulation with birth control pills or spironolactone, antibiotics or Accutane for refractory cases. Topical treatments include Retin-A, a chemical that promotes skin exfoliation to reduce clogged pores. Benzoyl Peroxide to reduce sebum (oil) on the skin. Salicylic acid helps slow down shedding of the cells inside follicles, preventing clogging. It also helps break down blackheads and whiteheads. Topical antibiotics work by killing bacteria. This not only helps reduce the small infections in the pores, but also indirectly keeps the pores open.
One of the most gratifying parts of my job is to treat patients with acne and get results. Nothing is more rewarding than to see the positive transformation in attitude and self-confidence of patients who suffer from this condition. No longer do patients feel hopeless or depressed because of their skin. If you have always thought you had to just put up with your acne, consult with a dermatologist - start looking and feeling your best today!
Skin Issues Go More Than Skin Deep - Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist
Tuesday, June 30th, 2009
As highlighted in Dermatology Times, people with skin problems of all kinds are most likely to also experience depression, anxiety or psychosis, according to a study presented at the annual Society for Investigative Dermatology meeting.
The study, conducted by the National Health Interview Survey, found that 30 percent of people with skin diseases reported depression versus 15 percent without skin problems.
I am so glad the devastating mental and physical effects of skin diseases are finally being recognized. I often see depression in patients with skin problems, especially those with scarring acne conditions. The medical community is now viewing acne as a potentially life-altering disorder, not just a phase to get through during puberty. Teens and adults alike do not need to put up with acne, but should seek care from a dermatologist. The best course is immediate treatment and a long-term plan to reduce the acne and prevent scarring. Proper treatment can also help alleviate the psychological effects acne can have on a person’s well being and keep their self-esteem up!
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.
Use of Prescription Topicals to Successfully Treat Moderate Acne
Friday, March 27th, 2009
Patients will often be prescribed a topical retinoid and/or benzoyl peroxide or topical antibiotic to treat their moderate comedonal and inflammatory acne. In addition to their topical regimen, oral antibiotics such as Doxycycline or Minocycline may also be prescribed for a limited duration of time. It is absolutely key for patients treating acne in this manner to continue their prescribed topical skin care products while taking the antibiotic and even after they have completed their course. Continued use of topicals will help keep “plugs” from re-forming in the skin, which become the seeds for acne formation and breakouts. Patients sometimes stop or become less consistent in the use of their topicals due to seeing a marked improvement in their skin from the antibiotic or due to undesirable side effects from the topicals. This can lead to a setback in controlling the acne and be very disappointing for patients. I always encourage patients to contact our office should they have difficulty using any of the products or any undesirable side effects occur. There are many treatment options available and we can fine tune a program to fit your individual needs.
