Congratulations Shirisha and Brandie

 

Florida Skin Center is proud to announce that Shirisha and Brandie, the physician assistants with Dr. Badia, have been awarded the prestigious “Diplomate” status through the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants. This award is the highest honor that can be received in the dermatology physician assistant field. In order to obtain this status, a PA must have extensive experience in dermatology and complete over 150 rigorous cases and examinations in dermatology. Currently, fewer than 20 physician assistants in the state of Florida hold this designation. This training will allow our PAs to continue to provide the highest quality of care to our patients, as they stay at the forefront of dermatology.

Seeing Red: Do You Suffer from Rosacea

Does your face get red and flushed easily?  Do you get asked often where you out in the sun too long?  Do you wake up red?  Do you get breakouts around your cheeks and nose? Do your eyes feel gritty or red? If you answered yes to one or more of the questions above you may suffer from a chronic skin infection called Rosacea. And you are not alone.  Rosacea affects over 15 million people in the US.  Some famous faces suffering with Rosacea are Bill Clinton and Cynthia Nixon.

 

Rosacea is an inflammatory skin infection that causes redness and flushing on the nose and cheeks.  If severe, some patients can even get acne around their nose as well as dry gritty eyes.  The exact cause of rosacea is unknown, but there are many triggers that can cause rosacea to flare.  One step in combating rosacea is identifying potential triggers.  Common rosacea triggers include

·         Alcohol

·         Warm and humid weather

·         Exercising

·         Spicy foods,

·         Hot beverages

·         Stress,

·         Medications

·         Heat and sun exposure

Although there is no cure for rosacea, treatments have come a long way to help maintain and improve symptoms. Minimizing potential triggers is the key to successful treatment.  Wear a hat to protect your face from the sun, and keep it cool. Avoid outdoor work and exercise in hot and humid weather.   Ventilate the kitchen when you cook.  Exercise when and where it is cool (early morning, evening, or in an air-conditioned gym).  Avoid alcoholic beverages and hot beverages if you know this causes a flare. 

There are also many prescription medications and treatments that can be done to help treat and manage your rosacea.  There are very effective prescription medications that can be prescribed by your dermatology provider.  Laser treatments are also very effective in treating broken blood vessels caused by rosacea.  You don’t have to suffer any longer. If you think you are suffer from rosacea please talk to your dermatology health care provider.

Shingles and Stroke Risk

 

An interesting new study demonstrated a link between the shingles virus and stroke risk.  Shingles is a painful rash that can develop from the varicella zoster virus (VZV).  VZV is the same virus that causes chicken pox in children.  Following infection with chicken pox as a child, the varicella virus lies dormant in the nerve roots.  The virus can then become reactivated later in life and result in a painful rash on one side of the body.  This rash occurs most often in older patients but can occur in patients of any age, especially following periods of stress.

 

A recent study found people who developed shingles between the ages of 18 and 40 were more likely to have a stroke, warning stroke, or heart attack in their lifetime.  Researchers also found an increased incidence of stroke in people who developed shingles after forty years old, but the risk was not as great in this age bracket.

 

Scientists have investigated a link between shingles and stroke previously.  Researchers are uncertain the exact mechanism resulting in the increased risk, but believe it is a result of the shingles’ virus inflammatory effects on the circulatory system. 

 

What does this study mean for you?  If you are over 60 years old and have not been vaccinated for shingles, consult with your primary care provider about receiving this vaccine.  Preventing shingles is the number one goal.  However, if you have already developed shingles, it is important to be aware of this risk, and take effort to speak with your healthcare provider about modifying other habits that can increase your stroke risk.  Smoking, high cholesterol, and obesity are all modifiable risk factors that can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.  Making changes in these areas are vital to improving your cardiovascular health and decreasing your stroke risk.  Make sure you speak with your health care provider before making any changes in diet or exercise, and, of course, consult your skin care provider at the onset of any new rashes.

Common Botox and Filler Injection Myths

 

 

With the New Year upon us, we have all made resolutions to eat better, go to the gym, spend more time with family and take time for ourselves.  Well what about taking time to take care of your skin?  Have you ever considered doing noninvasive procedures for your face such as Botox or Restylane?   Worried you might look like the Botox babe above?  Rest assured, when Cosmetic injections are preformed correctly they can give a person a rested refreshed look.  Below are a few common myths about Botox Cosmetic treatments that you may put your mind at ease.

1.       Botox and Fillers do the same thing.  False. 

Botox injections help to relax muscles and prevent fine lines from getting deeper.  Fillers as the name implies help to fill and add volume to help soften and remove fine lines.

2.       I won’t have any facial expression if I do Botox.  False. 

If done by a trained professional and in moderation, Botox treatments will give your face a natural relaxed look.  You will still be able to make all of your facial movements and emotions.

3.       Botox and Filler injections are very painful.  False. 

Botox injections do involve needles; however a topical anesthetic can be applied prior to treatment to minimize discomfort.  Many women and men go back to work after having the procedure done.  Most cosmetic fillers come with numbing medication mixed with it to also minimize any pain.

4.       Botox and Filler injections require maintenance.  True.

Botox generally lasts 3-4 months and will require maintenance treatment.  If you do not maintain your treatments, your natural fine lines will go back to baseline.  Fillers can last anywhere from 6 months to a year depending on the type of filler used.

5.       Botox and Filler treatments are too expensive for me. False