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Posts Tagged ‘bacteria’

Keep Your Makeup Fresh! Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Sunday, April 11th, 2010

Most people do some sort of “spring cleaning” around this time of year with the clothes in their closet, but what we often forget to sort through is our makeup drawer.  Facing all those old lipsticks, eyeshadows and blushes of disappointments past can easily make you want to keep that drawer shut.  Now is the time however to get rid of the old and bring in some new, especially because makeup can harbor bacteria and become spoiled even before its expiration date, especially if not properly handled and stored.

Here are some guidelines to help you get started on lightening your load and keeping your skin and makeup more healthy.

Mascara:  Mascara should be discarded after 3 or 4 months, even if the tube is not empty.  It is a favorite home of bacteria.  Also, just twist the brush in the tube to wet the applicator.  Pumping the wand only dries out the mascara more quickly.

Eyeshadow:  Powder eyeshadows can last up to three years if not exposed to moisture - like using water or spit to double its use as an eye  liner.  Better to purchase a thin, flat brush for this purpose and use it dry instead.

Eye Liner:  Can also last up to three years, but should be sharpened after each use.

Lip Liner:  Also can last up to three years if sharpened regularly.

Blush:  Six months.

Concealer:  Up to one year.

Powder:  Pressed powders can last up to two years.

Foundation:  Water based foundations are good for up to one year, whereas oil-based up to a year and a half.  Also, use applicators like makeup sponges to apply instead of your fingers.

Lipstick:  I generally hold onto lipstick for one to two years.  After that the color can sometimes change and bacteria tends to grow.  If the lipstick has a funny smell throw it out!

Brushes:  Wash your brushes every couple of months or whenever they become saturated.  Use a mild shampoo or makeup brush cleanser, rinse, squeeze out excess moisture, reshape and allow to dry overnight before use.  Not only will your this extend the life of your brushes, but your makeup will go on better and colors will stay true as you won’t mix shades.

Liner Sharpeners:  Wiping it down with rubbing alcohol or leaving it for a few minutes in a rubbing alcohol bath, will keep this tool clean.

Other common sense, but sometimes overlooked tips include washing your hands before applying your makeup and taking time to properly close all compacts and bottles.  Use a sharpie to write the date you purchased your makeup on the label.  Time goes by quickly and something like a less often used shadow will hit 3 years old before you know it.  These steps will greatly extend the health of your makeup.   If you have any makeup that has changed color, texture or has a funny smell, discard right away.

I always prefer the use of mineral based makeup like that made by Jane Iredale and Colorescience.  Because of their high mineral content, they are even more hygienic and their colors are beautiful.  You can find both brands at our office.  Stop by and see what new colors would be right for you!

 

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!

 

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.

 

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