World Psoriasis Day: Shedding Light on Childhood Psoriasis

This Friday,October 29 is World Psoriasis Day, a day to recognize people suffering from psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis worldwide.

This year the International Federation of Psoriasis Associations is focusing its efforts on childhood psoriasis. Currently there is no drug approved by the FDA to treat childhood psoriasis, and these children struggle with bullying and discrimination along with the physical and emotional challenges they already face.

You can help raise awareness by participating in a walk near you, signing a thank you note to legislators who support psoriasis research, or by sending an e-card to friends and family. For more information on these and other awareness campaigns, please click here.

If you or someone you know has psoriasis, we can help! At Greenville Dermatology we are currently treating 523 patients for psoriasis. We offer every treatment available, including oral medications such as methotrexate and soriatane, topical medications, light treatments both narrow UVB as well as an Eximer laser, and the more recent treatments seen on TV such as Enbrel, Humira, Remicaid and Stelara.

Call (864) 242-5872 and make your appointment at Greenville Dermatology today!

To learn more about World Psoriasis Day, please visit the website.

Not all anti-aging products are created equal

In 2008, Americans spent over $7 billion on anti-aging products. It may be tempting to buy the product that claims you'll look 10 years younger, but the product doesn't always deliver. You need to be educated on safe and effective anti-aging treatments before you go shopping. With some help from the American Academy of Dermatology, here is some advice you should follow as a consumer:

1. Do your homework. You could try a bunch of products and feel disappointed when you d0n't get the results you want and then call your dermatologist for help, or you could call and make an appointment with us today and avoid wasting your money, time, and energy. Greenville Dermatology is your best resource on anti-aging information and treatment.
2. Protect by day and repair by night. All dermatologists agree that wearing sunscreen daily is your number one anti-aging weapon. Using a sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection that is SPF 30 or higher will not only protect your skin against sun damage but will also help repair damage your skin has already incurred. Moisturizers are typically the "secret ingredient" in anti-aging creams because it plumps up fine lines and improves skin's complexion.
3. Expensive doesn't always mean better. Sometimes you're just paying for the name. There are many over-the-counter products that work just as well or better than their pricey competitors.
4. No one product works for everyone. Your friend may swear by a product, but you may not experience the same results because you have different skin types or skin concerns.
5. "Clinically proven" doesn't necessarily mean effective. Oftentimes the product is given to a sample of people to try for a few weeks and then they report whether or not they saw improvement. Products tested in this way are not reviewed by the FDA.

Your dermatologist is your best ally. Schedule your appointment with me and we'll work together to find the right product for you. Call Greenville Dermatology today at (864) 242-5872 and make your appointment today!