Dermatology News & Patient Information

As a dermatologist, I often have patients who come in complaining of itchy bug bites. While scratching may provide temporary relief, it can actually cause more harm than good, leading to skin irritation, infection, and scarring. That's why I'm always on the lookout for safe and effective alternatives to scratching. Here is a trick that I often recommend to my patients: freezing whole milk into ice cubes ( here is a perfect tray for it ) and using them to soothe bug bites or itchy areas of the skin. While it may sound unconventional, there is actually some scientific evidence to support the use of milk as a natural anti-inflammatory agent. Milk contains contains proteins and fats that can help to soothe irritated skin and reduce inflammation. When milk is frozen into ice cubes, it provides a cooling sensation that can further help to relieve itching and discomfort. To use milk ice cubes for bug bites or itchy skin, simply freeze whole milk in an ice cube tray and apply the cubes...

Ambesol is a topical medication that is often used to relieve the pain and discomfort associated with canker sores. Canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers, are small, painful ulcers that form on the inside of the mouth, on the lips, or on the tongue. They can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, injury, certain foods, and medical conditions. Ambesol contains the active ingredient benzocaine, which is a local anesthetic. Benzocaine works by numbing the affected area, which can help to alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with canker sores. Ambesol comes in the form of a gel or liquid and is applied directly to the affected area. In addition to using Ambesol, there are several other steps you can take to help alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with canker sores. These may include avoiding spicy or acidic foods, using a soft-bristled toothbrush, and practicing good oral hygiene. If your canker sore does not improve within a few days or if it is accom...

  As a dermatologist, I'm always on the lookout for new technologies that can help diagnose and treat skin conditions more effectively. One such technology that has been gaining attention in recent years is the DermTech test, which uses tape and DNA analysis to detect melanoma. Melanoma is a deadly form of skin cancer that can be challenging to diagnose in its early stages. Traditionally, a biopsy is used to remove a suspicious mole or lesion, which can leave a scar and be painful for the patient. Moreover, some patients may have numerous dysplastic nevi, which are moles that have an abnormal appearance and can be difficult to monitor for changes over time. DermTech offers a non-invasive alternative to traditional biopsies. The test involves using a special adhesive tape to collect cells from the surface of a suspicious mole or lesion. These cells are then analyzed using a proprietary DNA analysis technology to determine whether there are any genetic changes associated with melanom...

  SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, and it measures the level of protection that a sunscreen offers against the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. The higher the SPF number, the more protection the sunscreen provides.... kind of.... It is important to note that SPF is a logarithmic scale, which means that the level of protection does not increase linearly with the SPF number. Since this is not a math lesson, lets look at a few examples instead. For example, an SPF 15 sunscreen filters out about 93% of UVB rays, while an SPF 30 sunscreen filters out about 97% of UVB rays. Or said another way, Going from SPF 15 to SPF 30 increases the protection by only 4%. Here are some examples of the level of protection provided by different SPF numbers: SPF 15: This sunscreen filters out about 93% of UVB rays. It is a good option for everyday use and is suitable for people who spend limited time in the sun. SPF 30: This sunscreen filters out about 97% of UVB rays. It is a good choice...

  As a dermatologist, one of the most important pieces of advice I give to my patients is to protect their skin from harmful UV rays. UV radiation is a well-known cause of skin cancer, and can also lead to premature aging, wrinkles, and dark spots on the skin. While many people turn to sunscreens to protect their skin, it's important to remember that clothing can also provide a great deal of protection from the sun. In fact, the right clothing can provide even more protection than sunscreen alone. When it comes to sun protection, not all fabrics are created equal. Different types of fabric provide varying levels of protection against UV radiation. For example, a lightweight cotton t-shirt will provide less protection than a heavier, darker-colored shirt made of a tightly woven material like denim or polyester. In general, fabrics that are tightly woven and darker in color provide more protection against the sun. One way to measure a fabric's level of sun protection is through i...

  As a dermatologist, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of keeping skin folds dry. Skin folds, also known as intertriginous areas, are common sites for various skin disorders such as fungal infections, bacterial infections, and irritant dermatitis. Moisture and warmth in skin folds create an ideal environment for the growth of microorganisms, leading to a host of problems for patients. One of the simplest and most effective ways to keep skin folds dry is through the use of powders. Powder helps absorb moisture and reduce friction, which can help prevent skin irritation and the development of skin disorders. One powder that I frequently recommend to my patients is Zeasorb AF . Zeasorb AF is a topical antifungal powder that is specifically designed to keep skin folds dry and prevent fungal infections. Its active ingredient, miconazole nitrate, helps to kill the fungus that causes fungal infections. However, the powder base used in Zeasorb AF is also an essential factor that ...