What is Molluscum?

  The dreaded molluscum contagiosum, in our office this diagnosis is all too common. 

Molluscum are tiny little bumps on the skin caused by a pox virus called molluscum contagiosum virus. Because it’s a virus, the bumps spread very easily. They eventually disappear on their own, but that can take a year or two.  Because they are a pox virus they often times will leave little divots on the skin similar to a chicken pox scar.

           In children who have skin conditions such as eczema, these bumps spread even more easily. And there is a stigma that goes along with having them since they are contagious. Often times, parents are at a crossroads with how to deal with these pesky little bumps. Many pediatricians recommend not treating these lesions if your child has just a few.                     
           However, if your child has lots of them, if they are in visible areas, if your child has eczema or if they are spreading you can see a pediatric dermatologist for easy, painless treatment. We have a variety of treatment options available for our patients with Molluscum ranging from topical medications to in office treatments. If you have any questions please give us a call.

Can’t swallow pills? We might have the Solution.

With insurance companies requiring patients to use more and more generic medications, which tend to be large and bulky, compared to brand medications, swallowing pills can become quite a problem.  In fact, one third of the population has trouble swallowing pills.  This lead some researchers in Germany to come up with some techniques for making pill swallowing easier.

The first is the Pop Bottle Method

The idea is to put the tablet on your tongue and then close your lips tightly around a plastic bottle filled with water. Suck water from the bottle as you tilt your head back, and the pills should go down easy.

The second is the Lean Forward Technique.

Put the capsule on your tongue, take a medium sip of water, and lean your head forward as you swallow.

The next time you are in a situation that requires you to take large pills try these techniques and see if they work for you.

Total Defense & Repair: New Superscreen?

          Aside from UVA and UVB rays, which we know to cause premature aging and skin cancer, there’s another wavelength of light that is harmful to our skin. Infrared radiation, or IR radiation, is invisible to the naked eye, but can be felt as heat. Sources include heat from campfires and heat from the sun. It is estimated that nearly 54% of the sun’s radiation is infrared, and about 65% of the energy generated by IR-A radiation (a type of IR radiation) reaches the skin’s dermal layers.   

Recent evidence shows that IR-A rays induce significant free radicals in the dermis and diminish the skin’s antioxidant capacity. As we know, free radicals are damaging to the skin, and can cause skin cancer and pre-mature aging. At Florida Skin Center, we carry a product that protects against IR radiation! SkinMedica’s Total Defense and Repair is one of the very first sunscreens to protect against such radiation, in addition to protecting against UVA and UVB rays. We offer both tinted (SPF 34) and water resistant (SPF 50) sunscreens. Even more, Total Defense and Repair reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improves the appearance of damaged skin. Ask one of our staff members or providers to discuss the benefits of this “superscreen” at your next visit!

Want Brighter, More Youthful Eyes?

Struggling with dark circles under your eyes? Wishing you had longer, fuller lashes? Florida Skin Center can help you address these concerns. This month only, we are offering 15% off of 3 products that will help you achieve brighter, more youthful looking eyes. Latisse, TNS Eye Repair, and Colorscience’s mascara.

Latisse is the only FDA approved prescription for the treatment of inadequate eyelashes. Applied once a day to the edge of your upper lashes only, Latisse works by lengthening the growth phase of hair, thereby producing longer, darker and thicker lashes. Results are seen in 8 weeks, with significant improvement at 16 weeks. When used in conjunction with Colorscience’s mascara, results are even more dramatic.

Colorscience created mascara that not only works on the appearance of lashes, making them thicker and longer, but also works on the health of your lashes. This mascara contains a pro-vitamin conditioner which helps to prevent breakage. Even more, this mascara is water resistant, and contains no harmful products such as talc, which is found in most over-the-counter mascaras.

Our third product is TNS Eye Repair. This product is for our patients struggling with dark under-eye circles, as well as fine lines and wrinkles. It contains growth factors and retinol which help reduce the signs of aging by nourishing the skin and exfoliating dead skin cells. TNS Eye Repair also helps remove excess iron under the eyes, which is responsible for dark circles.  

If you’re struggling with any of the above, then take advantage of this monthly promotion and call our office to schedule an appointment. FAN members will receive an additional 15% off.

Pregnancy and Skincare: What's Safe?

As expectant mothers, we want the best for our babies, especially when they’re growing in our bellies. From eating healthy foods, to caring for our skin in the safest way possible, all is done in the best interest of our unborn child. So what skincare regimens are safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

First, lets look at the most common skin concerns shared by expectant mothers: acne, stretch marks, and melasma. We pray that by the time we enter child-bearing age, we’ve left acne and its debilitating memories in the dust. Unfortunately, acne responds to changes in our hormone levels, which is why acne can be triggered during pregnancy. Moreover, many of the acne treatments available, both by prescription and over-the-counter, contain known teratogenic ingredients such as retinoids and salicylic acid. The safest way to control acne during pregnancy is to wash daily with a gentle cleanser. At Florida Skin Center, we offer a pregnancy-safe facial cleanser formulated for  acneic skin. Acne can be treated after pregnancy by conventional methods, so long as you are not breastfeeding.

Stretch marks! Some say it’s genetic, others say it’s related to how much weight the mother gains, but all will ask: “How do I get rid of them?” Stretch marks occur because of a breakdown in the elasticity and collagen of the skin. Moisturizing with a gentle lotion or cream can somewhat help to prevent stretch marks from growing larger; however, there’s no magical cure that will fade them away completely. After pregnancy and breastfeeding, there are several treatments that can help regenerate collagen and even-out discoloration. This includes microneedling and a product called Scar Recovery Gel. Used in conjunction, patients have noticed significant improvement in the appearance of their stretch marks.

Lastly, let’s talk about the mask of pregnancy, melasma. Some women will develop a dark discoloration on their cheeks, chin, nose and forehead, as a response to hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy. This is known as melasma. Fortunately, there are many approaches to treating this problem after pregnancy and breastfeeding. At Florida Skin Center, we offer lightening agents, chemical peels, cleansers and toners specifically formulated to target and treat melasma.

           So fret not ladies. Acne, stretch marks and melasma can all be treated after pregnancy and breastfeeding; however, keep in mind that many of these treatments can be harmful if used during pregnancy. Make sure to consult with you dermatology provider or OB/GYN if you’re unsure about the safety of a certain product. And rest- assured that after you’ve welcomed your bundle of joy into the world, there are treatments available to help you feel wonderful in your skin again!