"Chicken Skin" Condition
by Dr. John Soderberg
September 14, 2011, featured on www.chapelboro.com
Despite a concerted effort to maintain good dermatological habits, many patients continue to complain of “chicken skin,” medically known as keratosis pilaris. Characterized by rough patches of raised bumps that vary in severity, the condition is extremely common and, although harmless, bothers and embarrasses many patients. The keratosis pilaris’ distinguishing bumps can sometimes be confused with acne, particularly in cases where the affected areas are red or inflamed.
Sufferers most commonly exhibit symptoms on the upper arms and legs, although other parts of the body may also be affected. Genetic destiny determines whether an individual will ultimately suffer from keratosis pilaris, while external factors such as weather, humidity, and the onset of pregnancy can aggravate the KP’S symptoms. Although you cannot “cure” KP, patients frustrated by the condition of their skin don’t have to fully resign themselves to these tribulations.
Keratosis pilaris sufferers interested in treating their condition should consider products containing glycolic acid, plus there are cleansers and lotions available ideally suited for combating the symptoms of KP. Glycolic exfoliating body wash and body lotions can help soothe rough patches and inflamed skin, improving overall skin texture. In addition, while no one can entirely cure or prevent KP, an experienced dermatologist can recommend medicated products and topical creams, such as retinoids and exfoliants, to control KP symptoms.
Furthermore, KP sufferers would be well-advised to avoid overly-drying skincare products and protect their skin against drying elements through a regular moisturizing routine and potentially the use of a humidifier. With the right lifestyle changes and treatment options, “chicken skin” doesn’t have to limit your quality of life or your self-confidence.
Botox Can Cure Headaches too…
by Dr. Sue Ellen Cox
August 29, 2011, featured on www.chapelboro.com
In investigating their treatment options, most migraine sufferers wouldn’t seek help from their dermatologist. But one of them did as a last resort.
“I have had migraines since I was in my early 20’s, for 15 years, and they had gotten progressively worse, to the point where I got them every day,” said Faye. “It was like some had shot an arrow through my eye and gone right to the back of my head and felt like the arrow had barbed wire.”
The migraines were not only affecting Faye’s everyday life but her ability to work and earn a living. “I’ve missed many days of work because of migraines,” she said. “I stayed out a year, trying to get rid of the headaches. I tried every kind of medication and if any of them worked, they only worked half the time. I’ve taken every kind of narcotic you can think of.”
A friend had heard that Botox® treatment could also help with migraines, so Faye made an appointment with a dermatologist.
“I had Botox one time, and it worked,” she said. “On a scale of one to five, it was a six. It was amazing and it worked for two months. I had days without even a regular headache, and I could never imagine having days like that. It was wonderful and I just sat down and cried.”
While Botox® treatment is more commonly associated with wrinkle reduction, it can alleviate migraine symptoms, as Faye learned. The FDA has recently approved Botox for the treatment of migraine, making it a viable option for long-time sufferers. In my practice, I have been impressed by the effectiveness of Botox® as part of an overall migraine treatment plan (as well as giving patients the secondary benefit of younger, more refreshed looking skin).
Botox® injections combat migraine symptoms by targeting different tension points around the face and neck, usually in about seven different areas. Patients must continue coming in for treatment every few months in order to retain the drug’s benefits. The injections dull nerve muscles, relaxing muscles in the affected area.
While the science behind its effect on migraines remains somewhat unclear, numerous patients have enjoyed fewer “headache days” as the result of Botox® treatment. As chronic migraine sufferers struggle with vomiting, nausea, and light sensitivity, along with excruciating pain, any amount of relief is a welcome respite.
Studies have shown that Botox® can reduce headache severity and frequency of migraines in up to 60% of migraine patients. Although Botox® may not fully solve every patient’s chronic headache symptoms, a periodic Botox® injection has dramatically improved the quality of life for other sufferers, particularly when coupled with additional migraine treatment options.
Botox® has also proven to be an extremely safe procedure. Most side effects are minor and patients can expect to resume normal activities immediately following treatment. While considering Botox® as a potential migraine management option, it is important to seek out a qualified physician who can help decide whether Botox® is an appropriate treatment choice.
Not So Blue Without You
by Dr. Sue Ellen Cox
July 26 2011, featured on www.chapelboro.com
Throughout my years as a dermatologist, I have treated thousands of patients for matters concerning both general dermatology and cosmetic dermatology. In my experience, wrinkles, brown spots, and skin texture top the list of common cosmetic concerns. When bothered by these widespread problems, many patients are aware of their possible dermatologic solutions and pursue treatment.
Numerous patients also dislike the appearance of blue veins around their eyes. These veins grow increasingly common with age, as the already delicate skin around the eyes thins and appears more translucent. Other sufferers have lived with periocular blue veins since childhood. No matter the age in which they manifest, few patients welcome their appearance. Yet, many individuals continue to endure this cosmetic ailment, unaware that a simple remedy exists.
For many years, I have used a long-pulse high energy laser to treat periocular blue veins with impressive results. In pursuing cosmetic laser treatments, it is important to find a reputable board certified dermatologic surgeon with laser experience.
Don’t resign yourself to life with blue veins! If periocular veins bother you, laser treatments can put an end to your blues.
Short and Simple Skin Care Tips for Men
by Dr. John Soderberg
July 8 2011, featured on www.chapelboro.com
Think skin care is only important to women? Not in today’s world. More men are discovering the benefits of good skincare, but I have found that most men do not want to spend much time nor a lot of steps applying products. Men want to keep their daily regimens short and simple.
In the morning: Cleanse, moisturize, protect.
Cleanse: Use a daily cleanser for your face instead of the bar of soap you use for your body. Cetaphil, Ceravae and Free and Clear are great over-the-counter products that get the job done.
Moisturize: This is an important step often skipped by men especially if he shaves everyday. Shaving causes skin to be dehydrated. It’s best to shave immediately after a shower when the skin is soft, or apply a hot towel to the face 2-3 minutes prior to shaving. Apply a moisturizer after shaving followed by sunscreen and avoid the aftershave products which usually contain alcohol and dehydrate the skin further. There are some great moisturizers in the Obagi, Neocutis and Avene product lines which also have rejuvenating elements. These products are available in dermatologists’ office and are not heavily-fragranced.
Protect: Use sunscreen daily! Men spend a lot of time outside often without sun protection which has lead to men having a higher rate of skin cancer. Sunscreen should be an SPF15 or higher, and should be applied to the face as well as the neck, including the back of the neck, and ears.
Time Saver! Use products that multitask, like a daily moisturizer that includes a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Elta MD Daily Moisturizing lotion SPF40 or Aveeno Daily Moisturizing lotion with SPF15 are great 2 in 1 products.
In the evening: Cleanse, moisturize and treat
Use a daily cleanser and moisturizer, and then apply a prescription strength retinoid cream like Atralin or Tazorac in the evening. A retinoid will help reverse sun damage, rebuild collagen and smooth your skin and is available by prescription from your dermatologist.Treatments for Men
Misled no more! The FDA simplifies sunscreen
by Dr. Sue Ellen Cox
June 21 2011, featured on www.chapelboro.com
Consumers have been confused for years about sunscreen products. I have been telling my patients for years to use a broad spectrum sunscreen, meaning a sunscreen with both UVA and UVB protection. Currently in order to make sure you are getting a good sunscreen to help protect against skin cancer, you have to read the small print.
The good news is that last week new rules and regulations were published by the FDA requiring sunscreen products to be tested for their effectiveness against both UVA and UVB rays in order to claim they protect against skin cancer. Until this ruling, sunscreens have only been tested for the effects of UVB rays but the risk of skin cancer is just as high with UVA rays. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, about 90 percent of non-melanoma skin cancers are associated with exposure to UVA rays.
If the sunscreen passes the test, it will be labeled as “broad spectrum” with an SPF of 15 or higher and it may state they reduce the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging. Sunscreens that fail the test for UVA and UVB rays or have an SPF value of less than 15 must carry a new warning that the product has not been shown to prevent skin cancer or early skin aging. Sunscreens cannot claim to provide sun protection for more than two hours without reapplication and the terms “sunblock”, sweatproof” and “waterproof” are no longer allowed on sunscreen labels. A sunscreen may claim to be “water resistant”; however, the product must specify if it offers 40 minutes or 80 minutes of protection while swimming or sweating, based on standard testing.
The new rules will not go into effect until early 2012, so it is still important to read sunscreen labels to make sure you are purchasing a broad spectrum sunscreen. And don’t forget to reapply every 2 hours!
Summer time is here!
by Dr. John Soderberg
June 9 2011, featured on www.chapelboro.com
Swimming, tennis, golf, boating….and unfortunately, sunburns and suntans. It is especially important to remember to apply sunscreen everyday. In fact, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends that everyone, regardless of skin type, should use daily sunscreen to protect against the harmful effects of the sun.
There are many different types of sunscreen. Some contain ingredients considered to be chemical sunscreens (such as avobenzone, helioplex, and mexoryl SX) and others contain ingredients that are physical blockers (such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide). An ideal sunscreen should be broad spectrum coverage to protect against UVA and UVB rays, be water resistant, and have an SPF of at least 30.
There are several sunscreens that carry the Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation, as well as a variety of sun-protective clothing that are out there. Remember to protect your skin while enjoying the North Carolina summer!