Posts Tagged ‘Dermatologist’

Further Evidence on the Benefits of Vitamin D: Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Wednesday, September 23rd, 2009

We continue to hear more and more about Vitamin D. Dermatologists have for years counseled their patients to practice rigorous sun protection, which may contribute to low vitamin D levels in certain patients. Now we are encouraging vitamin D supplementation as a way to raise vitamin D levels.

As highlighted in Dermatology Times, the UK’s Telegraph (9/22, Devlin) reported that patients with colon cancer “who had higher levels of vitamin D…when diagnosed with colon cancer were 50 percent more likely to survive than those with low levels,” according to a study appearing in the British Journal of Cancer. Meanwhile, a second study, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, showed that “patients who had high levels of the vitamin when they were diagnosed with skin cancer were more likely to have thinner tumors.” Meanwhile, “skin cancer patients who had the lowest levels of vitamin D in their blood when they were diagnosed were almost a third more likely to relapse than those with high levels,” researchers found.

This study correlates higher levels of vitamin D with increased survival from colon cancer and a better prognosis with skin cancers. The sun is not needed to get adequate vitamin D. Vitamin D supplementation is widely available in oral form and I recommend 1000-1500 mu of vitamin D a day along with 1000mg mg of Calcium a day . Vitamin D testing is now available and may be recommended for you by your primary care doctor or dermatologist.

Savvy Sunglass Wearing: Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Tuesday, June 16th, 2009

We are lucky to have an array of choices when it comes to sunglasses, but where do you start to find the right pair?

Begin by choosing lenses that block 99-100 percent of the sun’s ultraviolet rays as our eyes are susceptible to cataracts, macular degeneration and cancers of the eye and eyelid. UV-blocking lenses will also prevent squinting, which helps reduce wrinkle formation and eye strain. To know that your lenses are 99-100 percent UV absorbing, purchase them from reputable companies, specialty sunglass stores or from an optical professional

Next, look for a shape that flatters your features. In general, the frame shape should contrast with the face shape and the frame size should be in scale with the face size. Keep these simple rules in mind when trying on sunglasses: square or cat-eye frames complement an oval face; rectangular frames look great on a round face; rounder oval cat-eye frames look best on a square face; and frames with a straight, flat top, like aviator frames work well on a triangular or heart-shaped face.

For the frames, choose a lightweight material that does not slip down your nose. The stems of the sunglasses should fit comfortably around your ears. Avoid heavy frames and a fit that is too snug, which can feel annoying over time. I have found that patients looking to prevent wrinkling around there eyes do best with slightly larger lenses or wraparound style frames which help block peripheral sun rays.

Certain lens colors can also enhance certain activities. For example, polarized lenses reduce glare, making them a good choice for driving or water sports. Yellow lenses show more contrast and depth, useful for golfers and bikers. Brown lenses create greater color contrast, providing better visibility on solid-color surfaces such as ski slopes.

Grey lenses are the most popular choice and provide the most natural color vision. Green lenses provide a cool, soothing tone to colors. Pink, orange, rose and blue colors should only be used as fashion sunglasses. These tints can distort colors and are unsuitable for driving or tasks where color recognition is important. Whatever color the lens, make sure the tint is not too dark as it could impair vision. If you prefer no tint, clear lenses are available that have 100 percent UV protection, just ask an optical professional.

Quality sunglasses are available in all price ranges, so find your best style and start protecting your eyes today!

In Denial About Hair Loss?

Wednesday, May 20th, 2009

When looking in the mirror, people often deny or intentionally overlook the fact that the part in their hair is widening, bald spots are appearing or their hair is becoming so thin that they can see the scalp right through it! Denial, however, will not change the facts. If you are noticing these changes, you are not alone. Losing hair is something most people experience at some point in their lifetime. In fact, 50 percent of women by the age of 50 have lost at least 50 percent of their hair. By age 35, two thirds of American men will experience some degree of appreciable hair loss, and by age of 50, approximately 85 percent of men have significantly thinning hair. Let’s face it, hair loss can be unsettling, but taking steps to address the issue sooner than later can make all the difference.

Treatments are available to slow down hair loss and possibly stimulate new hair growth in both women and men. The oral medication, Propecia is the only once-a-day pill approved by the FDA for the treatment of certain types of male pattern hair loss in men. Propecia reduces DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a substance in the body that can shrink the hair follicle until it no longer produces visible hair. Propecia is safe and effective with few potential side effects. It is important for men to begin taking this medication as soon as they notice more than average hair loss (it is normal to lose an average of 100 hairs per day) as Propecia is designed to help you keep the hair you have. For some men this may be as early as in their twenties. It has been clinically proven to stop hair loss in most men and stimulated new growth in nearly 50 percent of those cases. Propecia is available by prescription only.

For both men and women, Rogaine topical treatment is available without a prescription. Rogaine contains topical minoxidil, the only FDA-approved ingredient clinically proven to regrow hair. Minoxidil reinvigorates shrunken hair follicles to increase their size and helps to regrow thicker hair over time. Rogaine must be used daily and for at least 6 months for appreciable results.

If the hair loss is seriously advanced and oral or topical treatments would be ineffective, surgical procedures like hair transplants, scalp reductions, and scalp flaps might be considered.

While a majority of hair loss is hereditary, it may also be a signal of illness or disease, or a reaction to improper diet, medications, stress and hormones. The way you style or care for your hair may also cause hair thinning, breakage or balding. Avoid purchasing supplements, shampoos, conditioners or other formulations designed to help hair loss without consulting your dermatologist first. Many products are clinically unproven and ineffective. You may end up spending a lot of money without seeing any results. Visiting a dermatologist is the first step in determining what type of hair loss you are experiencing and plotting the appropriate course of treatment.

Starting treatment early will lead to greater success in keeping your hair, so don’t delay! For more information on the causes of hair loss visit the American Academy of Dermatology website.

Making the Most of Your Visit to a Dermatologist’s Office

Wednesday, May 13th, 2009

When a patient comes to the office seeking advice on how to look better, most dermatologists begin with a discussion on the changes the patient is noticing in their skin. We then prioritize treatments according to what is bothering them the most and what will give them the greatest benefit. Honest communication is key in this discussion to ensure a successful visit. Be sure to share with your dermatologist the budget you need to work within, how much down-time (if any) you are willing to tolerate, your level of commitment to product use and if you prefer a moderate or more aggressive approach. This helps providers create a treatment program specifically tailored to best suit your individual needs.

As a patient, be sure you ask questions about procedures, costs and instructions if anything that has been discussed is unclear to you. It is also important to listen to the expert advice you have made the effort and spent the money to obtain. Patients will sometimes discount or disregard advice because of something their friend or family member told them. Be sure to thoughtfully consider your dermatologist’s opinions.

The dermatologist should set realistic outcomes of procedures and products given a patient’s age and the current condition of their skin. While we all hope for small miracles, patients should be pleased to look good for their age and keep reasonable expectations when it comes to results. We don’t have erasers yet!

If you have started a treatment program and you are unhappy with your procedures or products, speak up and let your provider know! Too often patients fade into the sunset with feelings of disappointment when they do not see changes or feel their skin looks worse. Dermatology is an art as well as a science and while we try to create the right recipe for you the first time around, it may need fine tuning depending on how your skin responds to treatment. Sometimes a simple adjustment is all that is needed to get you on the road to success.

It is my job and my desire to see every patient get results and provide them with the best experience possible. This should be the goal of every dermatologist, so be sure to choose someone you feel comfortable with and keep the lines of communication open!

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!

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!

Dermatologists and Estheticians - Can They Work Together?

Wednesday, April 1st, 2009

The recent New York Times article, “An Expression of Doubt About Facials,” brings up an interesting discussion on relationships between dermatologists and estheticians. While some would classify them at odds, I find that dermatologists and estheticians can work together for the benefit of clients. Not everyone sees a dermatologist and not everyone has problem skin. Many people enjoy esthetic services as a relaxing way to round out their skincare routine. In turn, I have had estheticians save people’s lives by sending clients with melanoma to me who would not have gone to see a dermatologist otherwise. A responsible esthetician will also refer clients who they see are not benefiting from facials and spa care to a dermatologist for more appropriate medical care. Serving the client’s best interest is most important whether you are an esthetician or a dermatologist and the skincare industry certainly has a place for both.