Stretch Mark Help

Summer will soon be upon us and with that brings bathing suit season.  For those of us who suffer from stretch marks, this can be a stressful time.  What are stretch marks?  What causes them?  Is there anything you can do to get rid of them? 

Although the exact cause of stretch marks is unknown, stretch marks occur when the skin’s support structure of collagen and elastin breaks down and starts to rupture.  This can occur when the skin is stretched in a very short period of time such as pregnancy, a growth spurt, and rapid weight gain. There is also thought to be a genetic component to stretch marks which explains why not everyone gets them.  Unfortunately, if your mother or grandmother has stretch marks you could get them as well.

With so many creams and treatments out there that claim they can remove stretch marks, it is hard to know what works and what a gimmick is. Unfortunately, there is no single treatment out there that can get rid of stretch marks completely.  There are however, excellent treatments that help reduce the appearance of stretch marks and that help for the texture and tone of the skin around a stretch mark. We have done extensive research on products that work great for stretch marks. Below are two that we find work the best. 

For “new” stretch marks that are pink/red retinol products can be used to help exfoliate and stimulate new collagen production. We recommend the product Retinol 1.0 from our SkinMedica line.  The retinol will remove damaged cells and replace them with healthier cells more quickly. 

A great product for older stretch marks or areas on the body were the skin is loose is the Body Tightening Complex from Skinceuticals. . It helps to build collagen and amino acids which help stimulate hyaluronic acid to add volume to our skin which will naturally moisturize the area. Last, it contains proteins to help with firming and tightening the skin.  If you would like more information on these two products please give us call. 

 

Molluscum Contagiousum

What are these bumps?  

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

  

   Molluscum contagiosum is a common skin condition caused by a poxvirus. The virus causes small bumps that are usually less than 5mm on the skin. The bumps are characteristically flesh-colored or pink with a pit in the center that is sometimes hard to see with the naked eye. These bumps can appear anywhere on the body and are usually asymptomatic, but in some cases can become red, itchy, and/or sore.

   Molluscum contagiousum are most common in warm, humid climates like Southwest Florida. Children ages 1-10 and people with low immune systems most commonly are infected.

   Once a person has the virus, they may continue to spread it to other areas of the body by touch. The Molluscum virus is contagious and is spread from person to person by contact with skin lesions. It can also be spread by sharing items with the virus on it. Common culprits are bedding, towels, and clothing.

   A person in no longer contagious once the bumps are treated and have resolved.

 To read more about Molluscum Contagiousum, go to:

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/molluscum/faq/everyone.htm

 

Phytophotodermatitis

   After Being Out In The Sun, I Developed This Rash. What is it? When chemicals in certain plants and fruits come in contact with the skin and are subsequently exposed to sunlight, a sensitivity reaction occurs. This reaction results in a Phytophotodermatitis.  This dermatitis only affects the skin that has come in contact with the chemical.

    Common culprits causing Phytophotodermatitis are wild parsnip, wild dill, wild parsley, buttercups and citrus fruits, especially limes. The reaction that occurs can resemble a sunburn, or it may mimic eczema appearing red, itchy, and may also blister. The reaction often occurs in unusual but characteristic patterns. Handprints, fingerprints, streaks, and drips are often recognized from the introduction of the chemical. Areas affected by the Phytophotodermatitis may eventually turn to a brown discoloration that may last for months.

     Phytophotodermatitis is preventable.  If you think there is a possibility your skin has come in contact with a known plant or fruit chemical, carefully wash your skin in a timely manner. The known chemicals are easily washed away with soap and water.

 

To find out more about Phytophotodermatitis, go to:

http://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/sun-related-skin-condition-triggered-by-chemicals-in-certain-plants-fruits

Skin Sabotage

Are you sabotaging your skin?  A recent article pointed to some hidden causes of skin sabotage.

1.       Cell phones – Cell phones can become dirty and grow bacteria.   Plus, they often contain residue of makeup and skin care products.  Routinely wiping phones with an antibacterial wipe can prevent the transfer of this grime to your skin.

2.       Cocktails - Alcohol can worsen inflammatory skin conditions such as rosacea, and the sugar in the other ingredients of the cocktail can exacerbate acne. 

3.       Skipping morning face wash – While most people are consistent washing their face at night, many people think they can get by with just water in the morning.  It is important to wash your face every morning to ensure all makeup residue is completely removed.

If you have concerns with breakouts, it is always best to see your skin care provider.  At FSC, we have many options available for treating acne, so you can maintain healthy, beautiful skin.  For more information about other daily activities that could be hurting your skin, see the article below.

http://living.msn.com/style-beauty/makeup-skin-care-hair-tips/clear-skin-saboteurs-7-mistakes-that-are-making-you-break-out#1

How to Perform a Self-Skin Exam

Living in the sunshine state, we are bombarded with sun exposure even on our most overcast rainy days. Because of this constant UV exposure, it is a good idea to do self-skin exams every few months.  It helps us to get to know our skin and gives us a baseline to compare changes.  You should stand in front of a full length mirror with a handheld mirror.  First start by examining the skin around your face, neck and arms and move down to your torso, chest and legs.  Checking your back can be tricky.  Using a hand held mirror along with the full-length mirror can allow you to visualize the back of the neck, the back, buttocks, and back of the thighs and legs. Also look at the hands including the palms, and soles.  A place often missed is the scalp so make sure you look through your hair for any changing moles.  Anything that is new, changing or growing should be checked.  If anything looks suspicious or has changed make sure to contact your dermatology provider right away. 

Just last month alone, the providers at Florida Skin Center diagnosed 8 Malignant Melanomas.  Don’t neglect your skin health any longer.

ABCDEs of Melanomas