Dermatology News & Patient Information

  Ticks are small, blood-sucking parasites that can transmit diseases to humans and animals. In North America, the most common tick-borne diseases are Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and anaplasmosis. It's important to understand the risks associated with tick bites and the steps you can take to prevent infection. Prompt Removal of Ticks is Crucial If you find a tick attached to your skin, it's important to remove it promptly. The longer the tick remains attached, the greater the risk of infection. Ticks can attach themselves anywhere on the body, but they tend to prefer warm, moist areas such as the groin, armpits, and scalp. If you find a tick, use a pair of fine-tipped tweezers to grasp it as close to the skin's surface as possible and gently pull upward with steady, even pressure. Be sure to clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water after removal. Risk of Disease Not all ticks carry disease, but some do, and the risk of infect...

  As a dermatologist, I often come across patients who suffer from chapped lips. Chapped lips are a common problem that many people experience, especially during the winter months. However, not all dry or cracked lips are the same, and it's important to recognize when something more serious is going on. One condition that can be mistaken for chapped lips is angular cheilitis or angular stomatitis. This condition is characterized by redness, fissures, and cracks at the corners of the mouth. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including a fungal or bacterial infection, nutritional deficiencies, or simply irritation from drooling or licking the lips. It's important to differentiate between chapped lips and angular cheilitis because the treatment for each is different. If you have angular cheilitis, you may need an antifungal or antibiotic cream to clear up the infection. Sometimes it is helpful to mix an antifungal cream with a cortisone cream . You should also avoid lickin...

As a dermatologist, I often see patients who are surprised to find out they have a sunburn, despite being outside on a cold winter day or on a cloudy day. Many people believe that the sun's harmful rays are blocked by clouds or that they are only at risk of sun damage during the summer months. However, this is far from the truth. Firstly, it is important to understand that the sun emits ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which is divided into UVA and UVB rays. These rays are present year-round, regardless of the weather or season. UVB rays are responsible for causing sunburns, while UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and cause premature aging and skin damage. While clouds may provide some protection from UVB rays, they do not offer complete protection. Clouds can reduce the amount of UV radiation that reaches the earth's surface, but they do not block all of it. In fact, up to 80% of UV rays can still penetrate through clouds, which means that even on a cloudy day, you can still ...

As a dermatologist, I often recommend bleach baths to my patients who suffer from eczema. Eczema is a common skin condition that causes redness, itching, and dryness, and can be particularly uncomfortable when it flares up. A bleach bath is a simple and effective way to ease eczema symptoms and improve skin health. In this article, I will explain what a bleach bath is and how to take one safely. What is a bleach bath? A bleach bath is a bath in which a small amount of bleach is added to the water. The bleach helps to kill bacteria on the skin, which can reduce the risk of infection and also help to reduce inflammation. Bleach baths are particularly effective for people who have frequent skin infections or who have eczema that is difficult to manage with other treatments. How to take a bleach bath: Choose the right bleach : Not all bleach is suitable for use in a bleach bath. You should use regular household bleach that does not contain any additional fragrances or colors. Check the lab...

  As a dermatologist, I often see patients who are struggling with dry, cracked cuticles. Not only can this be unsightly, but it can also be painful and uncomfortable. That's why I'm excited to share with you a product that I've found to be incredibly effective for this issue: Cutemol by Summer Labs. Cutemol is a moisturizing cream specifically designed to treat dry, cracked cuticles. It contains a powerful blend of ingredients, including petrolatum, lanolin, and mineral oil, that work together to provide deep hydration and nourishment to the skin. These ingredients create a protective barrier on the skin that helps to lock in moisture, preventing further dryness and cracking. One of the things I love about Cutemol is how easy it is to use. Simply apply a small amount of the cream to your cuticles and massage it in gently. You can use it as often as you need to throughout the day, and it's safe for all skin types. But what really sets Cutemol apart is its patient-centr...

  As a dermatologist, I often see patients who suffer from hand eczema, a skin condition that causes dry, red, itchy, and cracked skin on the hands. One of the common triggers for hand eczema is water, which can irritate and dry out the skin further. To help protect hands from water, I often recommend that my patients wear gloves. But not all gloves are created equal. Here are some types of gloves to consider that can help protect your hands from water and prevent hand eczema flare-ups: Long-sleeved gloves: Long-sleeved gloves are an excellent option for patients who need to immerse their hands in water for extended periods. They provide full arm protection and prevent water from leaking inside the gloves. I recommend SHOWA 730 Nitrile Cotton Flock-lined Chemical Resistant Glove , or Bluette Gloves which is a heavy-duty glove designed for chemical resistance, but also provides excellent protection against water. It is important to note that gloves are only one part of a comprehens...

  As a dermatologist, I frequently recommend gentian violet to my patients as a treatment option for various skin conditions. Gentian violet is an antifungal and antibacterial agent that has been used for decades to treat a wide range of skin infections, including ringworm, thrush, and skin candidiasis. In addition to its effectiveness against these common skin conditions, gentian violet has also been found to be effective against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). MRSA is a type of bacteria that is resistant to many common antibiotics and can cause severe infections. Gentian violet's ability to kill MRSA makes it a valuable treatment option for patients who are struggling with this stubborn and potentially dangerous infection. It is important to note, however, that gentian violet can stain tile, clothing, or carpet purple. Therefore, I advise my patients to be cautious when applying the solution, as it can create a mess if not handled properly. To avoid any potent...

  As a dermatologist, I am often asked about the best way to care for a wound. Some people believe that wounds should be left open to the air to "let them breathe," while others recommend covering the wound with an ointment and bandaid. In reality, the best approach depends on the type and severity of the wound. Covering with an ointment and bandaid: For most minor cuts and scrapes, covering the wound with an ointment and bandaid is the best course of action. This helps to protect the wound from further injury or infection, and it keeps the area moist, which can promote faster healing. When choosing an ointment, look for products that contain ingredients like petrolatum or lanolin, which help to lock in moisture and soothe the skin. Avoid using products that contain alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, as these can actually slow down the healing process. When applying the ointment and bandaid, make sure that the wound is clean and dry. Apply a thin layer of the ointment to the woun...

  As a dermatologist, I am often asked about the similarities and differences between Aquaphor Healing Ointment and Vaseline . Both of these products are commonly used as moisturizers, and they are both excellent options for people with dry or irritated skin. However, there are some key differences that patients should be aware of when deciding which product to use. Similarities: Moisturizing properties: Both Aquaphor and Vaseline are effective at moisturizing dry, cracked, or irritated skin. They work by creating a barrier on the skin that helps to lock in moisture and prevent further water loss. Safe for sensitive skin: Both products are generally safe for people with sensitive skin, as they are fragrance-free and contain no added dyes or preservatives. Widely available: Both Aquaphor and Vaseline are available at most drugstores and grocery stores, making them easy to find and purchase. Differences: Ingredients: Aquaphor contains a combination of ingredients, including petrolat...