Please upgrade to the latest version of Flash Player.

Posts Tagged ‘Dermatology’

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.

 

Melanoma on the Rise! Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Tuesday, January 5th, 2010

US melanoma incidence increasing 2.4% annually.

As highlighted in Dermatology Daily, MedPage Today (12/21, Walsh) reported that, according to an analysis published in the Dec. issue of the Archives of Dermatology, “melanoma incidence nationwide has been increasing at a rate of 2.4% per year, with certain groups having distinctly higher rates of annual increase.” After analyzing data on “41,072 cases of melanoma,” researchers found that “the highest rates of advanced melanoma…were seen in blacks,” while “Hispanics had a higher proportion of advanced melanomas than whites.” An accompanying editorial noted that the study “adds melanoma to the list of documented health disparities in ethnic minority populations.”

I believe this rate increase of melanoma among minorities reflects the misheld belief that those with non-Caucasian or darker skin types have “natural” protection from the negative effects of the sun.  In fact people of all skin types must practice sun safety and have any changes to their skin, including “funny” moles, spots or anything on their body that newly catches their attention, checked out by their doctor immediately.  Remember that Bob Marley died prematurely at age 36 from melanoma, which with an earlier diagnosis and treatment could have been prevented!

 

Support Grows for Non-Surgical Treatments to Look Younger: Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Tuesday, November 24th, 2009

I find it truly exciting that non-surgical approaches to treat aging skin continue to gain popularity.  As highlighted by Dermatology Daily, Hillary Howard, in the New York Times (11/19, E3) “Skin Deep” column, wrote, “When it comes to treating aging skin around the eyes, laser resurfacing can often trump surgery,” according to plastic surgeon Michael McGuire, MD, FACS. He explained, “If the skin is mildly wrinkled and/or pigmented, the laser can be a good option” that may even “defer face-lifts” in some “patients in their 40s.” But, “the debate surrounding laser treatments is whether to go fractional or cover the entire surface of the treated area.” With fractional lasers, “recuperation time is minimal, but multiple treatments are necessary,” whereas “regular laser resurfacing…requires at least a week of recovery,” but has the advantage of being “a single treatment” producing “arguably more dramatic results.”

Laser resurfacing technology has improved greatly over the last ten years.  These days there is an appropriate resurfacing procedure for nearly every person looking to reduce wrinkles and freshen up their skin.  Particularly around the eyes these treatments have a high satisfaction rate among patients because renewing skin texture is often all a patient needs to look less tired and aged.  While surgery remains an option for lifting and tightening skin, it does little to help with etched lines and often carries more risk than resurfacing.  My office staff and I are happy to answer any questions you may have regarding these procedures and help counsel patients on which resurfacing treatment is right for them.

 

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.

 

Please upgrade to the latest version of Flash Player.