Dermatology News & Patient Information

Understanding Skin Care Products: Toner, Astringent, Cleanser, Scrub, Exfoliant, Serum, and Exfoliating Pad (Exfoliating Pad) Taking care of your skin is important for maintaining its health and appearance. To achieve this, it’s important to understand the different skin care products available and when to use them. Here’s a rundown of the most common skin care products and what they do: Toner: Toners are used to restore the skin's natural pH balance after cleansing. They help remove any remaining impurities and can provide extra hydration and nourishment to the skin. Toners can be used in the morning and at night, and are often applied with a cotton pad. Astringent: Astringents are similar to toners, but are typically stronger and more drying. They are used to tighten and tone the skin and control oil production. Astringents are best for people with oily or acne-prone skin. Cleanser: Cleansers are the first step in any skin care routine. They remove dirt, oil, and makeup from the ...

​ Witch hazel is a popular ingredient in many skincare products, known for its potential skin benefits. This natural extract, derived from the leaves and bark of the witch hazel plant, is used for its astringent, anti-inflammatory, and oil-control properties. However, it's important to be aware of potential issues when using witch hazel. Here’s what witch hazel does when applied to the skin: Soothes skin: Witch hazel is a natural astringent, which can help soothe and calm irritated skin. This makes it a great option for people with sensitive or acne-prone skin. Reduces inflammation: Witch hazel has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce redness and puffiness caused by conditions like eczema and rosacea. Controls oil production: Witch hazel is a natural oil-control agent, which can help keep skin looking clear and matte. Cleanses the skin: Witch hazel can be used as a gentle cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and makeup from the skin. It’s a great option for those with sensi...

​ Plastic surgery and dermatologic surgery are two separate medical specialties that have developed over time to cater to patient needs. However, the origin of some surgical techniques often used by plastic surgeons can be traced back to dermatologic surgeons. Dermatologic surgery is a subspecialty of dermatology that focuses on the surgical treatment of skin conditions, including skin cancer. Over time, dermatologic surgeons have developed surgical techniques to effectively and minimally invasively treat skin conditions. Some of these techniques, such as liposuction, dermal fillers, and laser treatments, have since been adopted by plastic surgeons and are now commonly performed by them. However, the initial development and publication of these techniques can be credited to dermatologic surgeons. It's important to acknowledge the pioneering work of dermatologic surgeons and their contributions to the field of dermatologic surgery. While plastic surgeons may have popularized these t...

​ When it comes to treating skin cancer, there are several options available, including Mohs surgery and treatment by a plastic surgeon. While both methods can effectively treat skin cancer, they each have unique benefits and drawbacks. Mohs surgery is a specialized surgical technique used to treat skin cancer. It involves removing the cancerous tissue layer by layer and examining each layer under a microscope until all cancerous tissue has been removed. This method is known for its high cure rate, as it allows the surgeon to see exactly where the cancer is and remove it completely. Additionally, Mohs surgery results in a smaller scar and is often more cost-effective compared to other surgical treatments. On the other hand, a plastic surgeon can also perform skin cancer treatment by surgically removing the cancerous tissue and closing the wound with sutures or skin grafts. While plastic surgeons are highly skilled in wound closure and reconstruction, their main focus is often on the co...

​ Skin cancer is a common type of cancer that affects the skin. If caught early, it is often treatable and curable. However, even after treatment, there is a chance that the cancer can recur. It is important to be aware of the early signs of skin cancer recurrence to ensure prompt and effective treatment. The early signs of skin cancer recurrence include: New or recurring skin growths: Look out for new or recurring growths on the skin, especially in areas where you previously had skin cancer. Changes in existing moles or growths: Keep an eye on existing moles or growths and be aware of any changes in size, shape, or color. Skin discoloration or redness: If you notice any discoloration or redness on the skin, especially in areas where you previously had skin cancer, this may be a sign of recurrence. Skin irritation or itching: If the skin in the area where you previously had skin cancer becomes itchy or irritated, this may be a sign of recurrence. Pain or tenderness: If you experience p...

Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma (cSCC) is a type of skin cancer that affects the squamous cells located in the outer layer of the skin. It is the second most common type of skin cancer and often occurs due to exposure to UV radiation from the sun or other sources. Risk factors for developing cSCC include age (the risk increases with age), fair skin, a history of sunburns, weakened immune system, prior skin cancer diagnosis, multiple moles, and actinic keratoses (precancerous skin growths). One of the main concerns with cSCC is the risk of metastasis, or the spread of the cancer to other parts of the body. The size and thickness of the tumor, presence of perineural invasion (invasion of the nerves near the lesion), location of the lesion, presence of ulceration (breakdown of the skin), and overall health and immune function of the patient are some of the factors that can increase the risk of metastasis. Studies have shown that tumors larger than 2mm have a higher risk of metastasis co...

​ Mohs surgery is a procedure for treating skin cancer that is designed to minimize scarring and achieve high cure rates. During the procedure, the surgeon removes the cancerous tissue in thin layers and examines each layer under a microscope. If cancer cells are still present, more tissue is removed, and this process is repeated until all cancer cells have been removed. Compared to alternative treatments, Mohs surgery has several advantages. By removing only the tissue that contains cancer cells, Mohs surgery minimizes the removal of healthy tissue, which helps to reduce scarring and improve cosmetic results. Additionally, the high cure rates achieved with Mohs surgery make it a highly effective treatment option for many patients

Skin cancer is a widespread health issue affecting millions globally. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are the two most common types of skin cancer. Both BCC and SCC are typically treated with surgical procedures, and there are several options available. This article will highlight the advantages and disadvantages of Mohs surgery, radiation therapy, and desiccation and curettage for the treatment of skin cancer. Mohs surgery is an efficient and highly effective procedure for removing skin cancer. During this process, the cancerous tissue is removed layer by layer, and each layer is examined under a microscope to confirm the presence or absence of cancer cells. If cancer cells are still present, further layers are removed. This approach minimizes the removal of healthy tissue and results in minimal scarring. The high cure rates and preservation of healthy tissue are the benefits of Mohs surgery. Radiation therapy is an alternative option for skin cancer treat...

Laser hair removal is a popular cosmetic procedure that can effectively reduce unwanted hair on the face, legs, underarms, and other areas. There are several types of laser available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Alexandrite laser: This type of laser is fast and effective on fair skin and light hair. However, it may not be suitable for those with dark skin or a tan. Nd:YAG laser: This laser is safe for all skin types, including those with dark skin, and is effective on most hair colors. Diode laser: This versatile laser is effective on a range of hair colors and skin types, but may require a longer treatment time. Intense pulsed light (IPL): IPL is gentle and effective on large areas, making it suitable for all skin types. However, it may take multiple treatments to achieve desired results and may be less effective on dark hair. If you have ethnic skin, it is important to choose a laser that is safe for darker skin tones and has a low risk of side effects, such as hy...