What’s that Rash?
June 4th, 2010
You may have a frequent, unwanted visitor dropping by. A red, bumpy and itchy nuisance that just won’t go away. You might be experiencing the unpleasant symptoms of eczema.
Eczema is a skin condition that is not contagious, just rather annoying. Sometimes you experience such itchiness that you scratch until your skin flakes and bleeds. What causes eczema? The truth is, no one really knows. Perhaps you have a family history of asthma, hay fever, or eczema that makes you more susceptible to the skin condition. Eczema might also be brought on by allergies causing irritation to the skin.
While there isn’t yet a known cure for eczema, you can find relief through treatment such as topical ointments.
Some tips to help prevent Eczema:
- Moisturize! Hydrating your skin will help to keep the pestering rash away.
- Avoid over-washing or bathing. Too much soap and water might dry out the skin and lead to another Eczema occurrence. It may help to wear dish-washing gloves for household chores.
- Don’t scratch! We know it may be tempting, but use ice or a cold compress to cool the itchy skin instead. Moisturize soon after.
- Pat dry. After showering, bathing, or hand-washing, lightly pat dry instead of rubbing your skin.
- Keep track of any dietary or lifestyle changes that might have brought on the eczema. It helps to learn your triggers to minimize or avoid flare-ups.
Tags: eczema, hand rash, hands, skin, skin rash
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Welcome to the Practice, Dr. Nguyen!
May 25th, 2010
We are very pleased to announce a wonderful dermatologist joining us this summer during Dr. Amy Litchfield’s maternity leave. A double board certified Dermatologist and Dermatopathologist, Dr. Vu Nguyen specializes in skin cancers, Medical and Surgical Dermatology, and Dermatopathology.
Dr. Nguyen will be taking appointments on Wednesdays as well as some Thursdays and Fridays. His availability will help provide patients with better access to meet your needs during the busy summer months, when school is out of session and many of our young adult patients are home from college.
With us until fall when he will be practicing on the East Coast, Dr. Nguyen brings to the Dermatology Center his warm demeanor and extensive knowledge of skin health. Our physicians and staff have found him to be a very fine individual and caring doctor that will fit in nicely at our practice. We are very pleased that a local community physician with an impeccable reputation and incredible qualifications will be available at your convenience this summer.
Having practiced at Scripps Institute for several years, Dr. Nguyen comes to Ladera Ranch most recently from Mission Internal Medical Group. A Valedictorian of his Kenner, Louisiana high school, Dr. Nguyen completed his undergraduate degree from Tulane University under full scholarship, graduating Phi Beta Kappa. Dr. Nguyen went on to complete medical school, an internship, dermatology residency, and a dermatopathology fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania.
Click to see Dr. Nguyen’s full bio.
Tags: Dr. Nguyen, new dermatologist, new doctor
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Indoor Tanning Links to Substance Abuse in College Students
May 14th, 2010
While many young adults continue to use indoor tanning as part of their beauty regimen, current research finds more reasons, other than skin cancer, to stay away from tanning beds.
A study published by the Archives of Dermatology reports that many college students are addicted to indoor tanning, which is linked to increased levels of anxiety and substance abuse.
“Findings suggest that interventions to reduce skin cancer risk should address the addictive qualities of indoor tanning for a minority of individuals and the relationship of this behavior to other addictions and affective disturbance,” study authors write.
WebMD reports further study findings here.
Tags: college, indoor tanning, substance abuse, tanning addiction, tanning beds
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Conquer Excessive Underarm Sweating
May 12th, 2010
Hyperhidrosis, more commonly known as excessive underarm sweating, can be very embarrassing for many people. In addition to underarm, excessive sweating can also occur in the hands (palmar hyperhidrosis) and the feet (plantar hyperhidrosis).
For the 1% of the population that this disorder affects, there is treatment. When a small amount of BOTOX® is injected into the affected area, it prevents those areas from getting sweaty or clammy. BOTOX® injections are temporary and have to be repeated two to three times a year.
See your Ladera Ranch dermatologist for more information on this treatment.
Tags: sweat stains, underarm sweating
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May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month
May 12th, 2010
Skin cancer refers to the abnormal growth of skin cells. It’s one of the most common types of cancer, with one in five people developing skin cancer in their lifetime, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Risk factors include pale skin, family history of melanoma, regular sun exposure, and being over 40 years old.
We see skin cancer and pre-cancer in our office every day, yet it is often preventable. A million new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year, but if detected early, it is usually very treatable.
The Most Common Skin Cancers:
Basal Cell Carcinoma: 80 – 85% of all skin cancers, it affects cells in the lowest layer of the epidermis
Squamous Cell Carcinoma: 10% of all skin cancers, it affects cells in the middle layer epidermis.
Melanoma: 5% of all skin cancers. Melanoma is a rare buy very dangerous type of skin cancer. It is the leading cause of death from skin disease.
Yearly Skin Checkups. For early skin detection, check to see if you notice anything changing, growing, or bleeding on your skin. An easy way to remember this is to check your birthday suit on your birthday. If you notice any abnormal changes on your skin, please see a dermatologist for a skin exam right away.
Tags: May, skin cancer awareness month, summer
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Happy Mother’s Day!
May 1st, 2010
Stumped for gift ideas?
With Mother’s Day just around the corner, treat the moms in your life (or yourself!) to any of our cosmetic dermatology services. Gift certificates can be purchased at our office or mailed to your home for your convenience. Call our office today to book an appointment or to ask about Mother’s Day gift certificates.
Tags: gift ideas, Mother's Day, Mother's Day gift, presents
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We’re on Facebook!
May 1st, 2010
Check out our new Facebook page! Follow our updates for featured procedures along with skincare information and tips. To read topics, click on the “Notes” tab at the top of our page.
Tags: Facebook, facebook dermatology, skincare
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Practicing Safe Sun!
April 29th, 2010
The sun is out—but before you lay down your beach towel, remember that there’s no safe way to tan! A common misconception is that if you’re not getting sunburned, your skin health is not at risk. Not true! Sun damage from any unprotected exposure is cumulative and can cause skin cancer and signs of premature aging, such as wrinkling and age spots.
Best Practices to Prevent Sunburns, Skin Cancer, and Premature Aging:
*Seek shade. Our number one recommendation is always to prevent damage done by the sun by avoiding exposure, especially from 10 am to 4 pm.
*Sun protective clothing. Wear broad-brimmed hats, long sleeves, and sunglasses when possible.
*Generously apply SPF 30 or higher, & reapply every 2 hours. The most common usage error is not applying enough sunscreen. One ounce—enough to fill a shot glass—is what is necessary for one person.
*Apply before heading to the pool or beach. Many types of sunscreen need 15 to 30 minutes to soak in before they are effective.
*Use sunscreen even on cloudy days. 80% of rays can still pass through clouds.
*Be wary of the sun’s reflection. Use sun protective clothing and waterproof sunscreen if around water and snow.
*Diligence is key. Protect yourself, your children, and family with sunscreen and sun protective clothing and hats. Good habits last a lifetime!
A great way to remember these tips are to know your safe sun ABC’S: (A) Away, (B) Block, (C) Cover Up, (S) Shade
Tags: summer, sun block, sun spots, sun tips, sunburn, wrinkles
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Mythbuster: Tanning beds are not as bad as the sun’s rays.
April 29th, 2010
MYTH. Actually, studies show that the younger you are when you start using tanning beds, the greater your risk of melanoma, due to the high exposure to Ultraviolet (UV) light. The United States Department of Health & Human Services identifies UV radiation from the sun, and from artificial sources such as tanning beds and sun lamps, as a proven carcinogen—a cancer causing agent.
Ultraviolet A rays penetrate your skin, causing you to tan. However, UVA’s are also “the aging rays.” Ultraviolet B rays damage the more superficial skin layers causing you to burn. Therefore, UVB’s are also known as “the burning rays.” Indoor tanning enthusiasts as well as tanning salons might claim that indoor tanning is safer because you are exposed to more tanning UVA rays than burning UVB rays. Medical research rejects this claim, proving that even moderate tanning, due to UVA rays, produces the same long-term skin damage. This could not only increase your risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging, but could also damage your immune system. UVA rays that penetrate deep into your skin causes much damage and loss of skin elasticity. A number of recent news stories features studies that suggest that use of tanning beds could even be addictive.
The darker you get from tanning, the more skin cell damage you expose yourself to. Those who deliberately tan are literally damaging the DNA of their cells, which could eventually lead to cancer.
Tags: indoor tanning, sunless tanning, tanning beds
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Ask the Doc: How do I get rid of my spider veins?
April 29th, 2010
Spider veins, or telangiectasias, are small, blood vessels visible beneath the skin that are usually red, blue, or purple. The blood vessels may look like short, unconnected lines, or connected in a “sunburst” pattern. They appear most commonly on the legs, but can also appear on the face or elsewhere. It is estimated that nearly half of adult women in the U.S. have spider veins.
Spider veins are caused by a variety of factors including heredity, hormonal changes or influences such as pregnancy, weight gain, long periods of standing, and certain medications.
Physicians at The Dermatology Center at Ladera treat spider veins using sclerotherapy, a treatment involving a series of sclerosing solution injections directly into the blood vessel. The solution irritates the lining of the vessel, causing it to swell, stick together, and the blood to thicken. Over time, the vessel turns into scar tissue that is absorbed and barely visible.
To treat your specific case of spider veins, ask your dermatologist at Ladera Ranch for more information and to see if this treatment is right for you.
Tags: legs, spider veins
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