Hidden Allergens

Allergy season is in full swing in SW Florida.  We all know pollen, molds, and grass can cause allergies to flare, but a recent article pointed to hidden allergens you may not be aware of.  In fact, as the article mentions, you can develop an allergy to a product you have used for years.  If you are genetically susceptible to an allergy, a reaction can occur to a product, such as a lotion, even after years of use.  
Below is an overview of allergens you may find surprising:

-          Antibiotic and Anti-itch creams – A topical antibiotic, neomycin, is often present in these creams.  Many people have an allergy to this product and using these creams can worsen a rash or wound.

-          House plants – Very few people think to clean the plants in their house.  However, plants can develop mold, a potential allergen, just like all other surfaces.

-          Escalator railings – Railings are made of a natural rubber or latex which can cause a rash in susceptible people.

-          Artificial nails – Many of the chemicals found in nail polish can cause irritation.   In fact, people with allergies to their artificial nails often develop a rash around the eyes, from rubbing the nails on the face.

-          Nickel – Most people with a nickel allergy know to avoid the metal in clothing and jewelry.  However, nickel can also be found in food.  Susceptible people can develop systemic systems following the consumption of these products.

If you develop a rash, it is always prudent to see your skin care provider for evaluation.  Your provider can help determine if the rash is allergic.  At FSC, we even perform allergy testing for various environmental and food allergens to help elucidate the cause of the symptoms.

See the link to the full article below for a complete listing of these sneaky allergens.

http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/21/health/allergies/index.html

Help. I am too Old for Acne

Help. I Am Too Old for Acne

We hear a lot of complaints from women in their 40s and 50s who are still suffering from acne. If you suffer from adult onset acne you are not alone.  Recent studies have shown that acne affects 50% of females between the ages of 20-29 and 25% of females between the ages of 40-49. 

Most over the counter acne medications are geared towards teenagers with acne.  The active ingredients in a majority of these OTC products are salicylic and benzyl peroxides, which can be too harsh for mature skin. They often irritate the skin causing acne to get worse. 

Treatments have come a long way in helping to treat adult onset acne.  Prescription medications specifically meant for adult acne are often very effective.  Other treatments are also helpful such as chemical peels and lasers. Sometimes just getting on a good skin regimen for mature skin is all that is needed.  You do not have to suffer anymore.  Ask your dermatology provider how they can help.

Number of Tanning Facilities Growing Rapidly in South Florida

 

 

 

Living in the sunshine state, we are constantly exposed to the harsh rays of the sun.  It can be difficult to practice sun safety precautions to avoid the dangers of the sun, just on a daily basis.  However, even with all the sun Floridians receive, the number of indoor tanning beds continues to increase dramatically.  Shockingly, there are more facilities licensed for indoor tanning than McDonald’s fast food restaurants in Florida!  Numerous studies have demonstrated the increase in melanoma cases, yet the number of tanning facilities continues to increase.  These tanning facilities are often specifically marketed to college students.  Research continues to demonstrate the danger of tanning beds, with a study from2012 estimating indoor tanning results in 170,000 cases of skin cancer in the US alone!  People who use tanning beds are 67% more likely to develop squamous cell cancer and 25% more likely to develop basal cell cancer.  Tanning beds present an even larger cancer risk for people under the age of 25.  Just one indoor tanning session greatly increases a person’s risk of skin cancer, including melanoma, the most fatal form of skin cancer.  Many states have passed legislation banning indoor tanning for minors.  However, Florida has lagged behind on this effort.  With this alarming increase in skin cancer rates and indoor tanning facilities, it is imperative people are aware of the dangers even one indoor tanning session represents.

Congratulations Dr. Badia !

Congratulations are in order. We are proud to announce that Dr. Badia is now also board certified in Pediatric Dermatology.   A pediatric dermatologist is a dermatologist who has additional training and expertise in the evaluation and management of skin diseases which occur more commonly or exclusively in children. Examples include: all types of birthmarks, neonatal dermatology, genodermatoses, pediatric infections or inflammatory processes and skin diseases in children with complex medical conditions requiring coordinated multispecialty care.   

Dr. Badia is the only board certified pediatric dermatologist in Lee County.  This is quite an accomplishment that only a hand full of dermatologists achieve nationally.

Peeling from your Retinol?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do you feel like it is normal to peel from your retinol?  Are you only able to use your retinol a few times a week due to irritation?  Your are not alone!  However, there is an easy solution to this problem.  Florida Skin Center offers a retinol from SkinMedica that can eliminate both of these problems.  SkinMedica’s Retinol complex is specially formulated to avoid the common side effects of other retinols while still maintaining the same efficacy as tretinoin. 

 

Retinols typically cause irritation because they must pass through the top layer of the skin, the epidermis, on the way to the dermis.  It is in the epidermal layer of the skin that retinols produce irritation and peeling, the common side effects people note.  However, SkinMedica’s retinol is specially encapsulated to melt on the skin and go straight to the dermis layer of the skin, bypassing the epidermis.  Because the product skips the epidermis, the side effects and irritation are greatly reduced.  Head to head tests of SkinMedica’s Retinol Complex against tretinon .05% and tretinoin 0.1% have shown the SAME efficacy but significantly decreased irritation and side effects.

 

If you have accepted peeling and irritation as par for the course from your retinol, call FSC to learn about the products we have available. 

 

Laser Hair Removal Treatment Myths

With summer just around the corner, you may have seen advertisements and local groupons spring up for Laser Hair Removal treatments.  Is this something you have considered doing?  Worried about pain of treatments or the cost?  Are you even a good candidate?  Are all laser hair removal places equal? Below are some common laser hair removal myths to help answer your questions.

Myth: Laser hair removal is a permanent method to rid you of hair.

Truth: Don’t fall for the trap. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as permanent hair removal.  Laser treatments will cause permanent delayed hair growth.  Hairs will take a lot longer to come in and will be less coarse and finer.  It also helps reduce irritation and discoloration from shaving.

Myth: A spa or nail salon can perform laser hair removal as well as a medical facility.

Truth: Not all lasers are created equal and if done improperly could cause scaring.  Laser hair removal requires a highly trained and experienced practitioner such as a physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner.

Myth: Laser hair removal is painful.

Truth: Most people describe the laser as hot rubber band snaps.  A topical anesthetic can be used for areas no larger than the face to minimize discomfort.  Most people are able to go back to work immediately after treatments.

Myth: All types of hair colors can be removed with lasers.

Truth:  Dark, red and brown hair can be treated very effectively with laser treatments. Unfortunately, blond or grey hair cannot be treated.

Myth: Laser hair removal costs a lot.

Truth:   While laser hair removal may seem a bit more expensive initially, it can be a more cost-effective method than electrolysis, waxing, or shaving after you add up the cost of supplies over a span of time. Laser hair removal can fit with any budget. Here at FSC, we offer packages and promos on these treatments. 

Myth: Laser hair removal can be performed on people with darker skin types.

Truth: Yes, but not all lasers are created equal.  For those of you with ethnic skin, you want to be sure that your practitioner has had experience in treating darker skin types.  If the wrong type of laser is used it can cause permanent scaring.  Lasers that are generally safe for ethnic skin are the NdYag lasers.  Here at FSC, we have lasers specific for lighter skin types as well as dark.

CVS and Tobacco Products

CVS Caremark recently announced a decision to stop selling all tobacco products.  This is a bold decision by the company.  Tobacco usage still remains a major health concern for the US.  Tobacco affects the body, including the skin, in many deleterious ways.  Cigarette smoking causes an estimated 443,000 deaths every year, and lung cancer is still the leading cause of cancer death in men and women.  Smoking also affects most organ systems, resulting in multiple types of cancers and heart disease.  Smoking also negatively alters the skin, resulting in premature wrinkling and decreased wound healing.  With all of this evidence, the rate of decline in smoking has still stagnated over the last decade.  CVS has vowed to increase smoking cessation programs.  If you smoke or know someone who smokes, it is never too late to quit.  Your primary care provider can discuss the many modalities available to aid in the quitting process.  

 

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/06/business/cvs-plans-to-end-sales-of-tobacco-products-by-october.html?_r=0