AAD publishes latest Psoriasis guidelines

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recently published its newest edition of Psoriasis guidelines that examines the use of a variety of treatments for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis patients.

The guidelines stress the importance of treatment plans that are tailored to the individual patient because there are many factors that can affect treatment, from the severity of the disease to the overall health of the patient.

Nearly 7 million Americans have psoriasis, a chronic skin condition characterized by red, scaly patches of skin that itch and sometimes bleed. Psoriasis is widely known for affecting the skin and joints, however new research suggests that psoriasis patients are at an increased risk of developing serious medical conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, lymphoma and obesity.

The newest guidelines emphasize to dermatologists the importance of regular health screenings and continual monitoring of their psoriasis patients, and also discuss the key role that patients play in improving their outcomes.

The AAD encourages patients to not deviate from their treatment plans and keep their dermatologists informed of any concerns. Additionally, psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis patients should avoid common triggers such as increased stress, smoking and consuming alcohol.

If patients notice changes in their condition or experience signs of associated medical conditions, they should consult their dermatologist immediately.

Call (864) 242-5872 today should you have any concerns or would like to schedule an appointment.

To access the guidelines, click here.

Probiotics- The Super Bacteria!

Probiotics are becoming increasingly popular for their ability to alleviate digestion problems such as irregularity, diarrhea, IBS and lactose intolerance. However, probiotics don’t just provide benefits internally. Dermatologists are learning the incredible benefits that probiotics offer your skin.

One main cause of acne is an overgrowth of bacteria on the skin’s surface. Probiotics taken orally help treat acne-prone skin by regulating bacteria in the stomach. They can also be applied topically to protect against harmful bacteria and restore skin’s protective barrier and normal bacterial flora to help prevent breakouts.

Not only do probiotics help combat acne but they also improve eczema by creating good bacteria that release oxygen so skin breathes easier, blood flows and skin balance is restored.

These powerful bacterial microorganisms even aid in the fight against premature aging. Sun, smoke and pollutants all speed up aging by destroying the skin’s protective barrier and increasing skin’s elasticity that eventually causes wrinkles. Probiotics work to balance skin’s moisture, boost cell function and regenerate skin cells so skin becomes softer and smoother.

Taken daily, probiotics will boost the effectiveness of the skin products you already use. Other daily supplements typically take weeks or even months to show results.

Probiotics are a great addition to your daily routine that will have you feeling and looking better, inside and out!

Didn’t get the gift you really wanted on Valentine’s Day?

My gift to you is longer, more beautiful lashes!

Right now we are offering buy one, get one free LATISSE® kits. This is a terrific opportunity to try the product everyone is talking about!

LATISSE® is one of the most requested products in my office, and the first and only FDA-Approved lash growth treatment used for the purpose of eyelash enhancement. With LATISSE®, my patients can expect to see longer, fuller and darker lashes in as little as four weeks. It is an excellent alternative to false eyelashes and leaves patients with natural looking and feeling results.

LATISSE® uses the active ingredient bimatoprost, which works with the eyelashes you already have to make them longer and fuller. The product is a topical solution you apply once a day to the base of your lashes.

The potential of LATISSE® was discovered accidentally as a side effect from a glaucoma medicine called Lumigan. Patients who used this medication developed longer and thicker eyelashes.

Years of research followed and LATISSE® was created by the pharmaceutical company, Allergan. Allergan performed studies and made changes to ensure that LATISSE® was safe and effective for general public use.

There has been a growing interest in the product since it was introduced in early 2009, and with this interest has come misconceptions. Many patients are concerned about using LATISSE® because they are afraid that it will change the color of their eyes. As earlier stated, the medication that is used in LATISSE® was originally created as a glaucoma medication. In extremely rare instances, there was a change in eye color when the glaucoma medication was applied directly to the cornea. However, in the clinical trials there were no patients that reported this side effect. At Greenville Dermatology, my patients have never experienced a change in eye color.

As with any prescription treatment, you should consult a doctor to determine if LATISSE® is right for you. Call Greenville Dermatology (864-242-5872) to make an appointment and find out how you can benefit from LATISSE®. You’ll be batting those lashes with confidence in no time!

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Week 16

Radiant Winter Skin

That's right, it doesn’t have to be a bleak midwinter for your skin!

We have had more snow this winter than we’ve seen in over twenty years and your skin is starting to show it. If you’re experiencing the typical winter dry skin, I have some advice that will help ease the irritation and itch.

You have heard that drinking eight glasses of water a day is key to keeping your body healthy and hydrated, but it is a common myth that drinking a lot of water will help hydrate dry skin.

Instead of guzzling gallons of water, there are a few things that will help and not leave you feeling bloated! For example, hot water tends to dry out skin, so when showering and especially washing your face, turn the faucet until the water is lukewarm. When finished, apply moisturizing lotion while your skin is still slightly damp so your skin will absorb it more quickly.

Not only hot water but also hot air will dry out your skin. If you have to have the heat on (and who doesn’t in this cold weather?) turn on a humidifier to keep moisture in the air.

Postpone the facial peel until the weather warms up. While exfoliation keeps your skin glowing, masks and peels draw moisture out of your face.

I have access to a wide array of gentle cleansers, masks and moisturizers that will keep your skin looking radiant even in the blistery, winter months. Call (864) 242-5872 today to schedule an appointment!

Instantly Youthful

There is no way around it. As we age, our skin changes. Over time, the natural volume of youthful skin begins to diminish as wrinkles and folds form. To combat this specific type of skin aging, the dermatology world has relied on new techniques to help patients stop the hands of time. Juvederm does just that.

Juvederm, or "filler", is the fastest growing non-surgical cosmetic procedure in the United States. Juvederm consists of a very smooth gel made of hyaluronic acid - a naturally occurring substance in your skin - that helps to add volume and hydration.

As we discussed in last week's blog, BOTOX Cosmetic is not a filler. BOTOX Cosmetic relaxes muscle activity and is used to treat moderate to severe lines caused by the dominant frown muscles between the eyebrows.

With Juvederm, I am able to ease the product under the skin and instantly restore your skin's volume, while smoothing away facial wrinkles and folds, like your "smile lines" or "parentheses" (nasolabial folds - the creases that run from the bottom of your nose to the corners of your mouth).

Juvederm provides a smooth, natural look and feel, so everyone will notice how great you look (but no one will know)! Juvederm is a convenient procedure and results are almost instantaneous.

The injection process takes about 15 minutes and normally, patients return to work, school or their usual routine, right after the procedure. Our office will provide cold compresses to help reduce swelling or bruising and make-up may be worn immediately after treatment.

Juvederm is FDA-approved for use in the United States and is the ONLY hyaluronic acid (HA) filler that will provide you with beautiful results lasting for up to 1 year. Call our office to learn more about Juvederm so you can start seeing results today! Olivia, After:
Olivia, Before:
Lisa, After:
Lisa, Before:

Clear Up Confusion - And Wrinkles

I've been intending to write about cosmetic services for some time. Of all the cosmetic procedures I perform in my office, Botox is the most popular, and in a lot of cases it is the most misunderstood. This blog post will provide some insight into the Botox procedure and hopefully clear up any confusion.

Botox was approved by the FDA for cosmetic use in 2002, and since its inception into the marketplace it has fast become a favorite procedure for A list celebrities and housewives alike.

The protein Botox is injected into the facial muscle that controls the unwanted wrinkle and prevents nerve impulses from reaching the nerve. The surrounding skin then relaxes and produces a smoother area. Botox is specifically useful to rid a face frown or worry lines, crow’s feet, lip wrinkles, uneven brows and even severe underarm sweating. The result is the end of wrinkle-free days for its millions of loyal users.

It takes a skilled dermatologist to pinpoint the exact location of injection necessary to optimize the effects of Botox without causing any adverse reactions or downtime. I have been injecting Botox for eleven years, and because of my familiarity and advanced techniques, my patients suffer no downtime and minimal to no bruising.

The effects are natural and beautiful and require absolutely no downtime (many patients come in for appointments on their lunch break). You may be asking: what should I expect during the procedure? Botox takes only a few minutes, is virtually painless, and the amazing results can last up to four months.

I know many readers and patients are concerned about the “frozen face” look we see in the media and with celebrities, but this image of Botox is extremely rare. In fact, the majority of these expressions are as a result of surgical procedures like brow and face lifts- not Botox.

I encourage any of my patients who are looking for facial rejuvenation to schedule a consultation so I can explain in detail all of the options available to help you look and feel your best. Call our office at 864-242-5872 to make your appointment. Below are several before-and-after pictures that allow you to better understand what Botox can do for you.

Before

After

Before After

Myth 6: You just have to let acne run its course

Busting Myths on Acne! Myth 6 of 6
Myth 6: You just have let acne run its course. BUSTED!
There is no cure for acne, but it is treatable, which means you shouldn’t give up. From over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription products to micro dermabrasion and light therapy, there are so many ways to fight acne.

If OTC products aren’t cutting it, let’s set up an appointment and discuss a plan of attack. Every product is different, and one may work for someone else that doesn’t work for you, so we’ll keep trying until we get results you’re happy with.

Be careful not to overuse acne medication. If you use your products more than recommended on the label or by the dermatologist, you may actually cause your acne to worsen by drying out and irritating your skin.

At Greenville Dermatology, we have a wide selection of facial cleansers, topical treatments, oral medications, and cosmetic procedures to choose from. It’s time to be proactive about your acne. Start 2011 off right and call (864) 242-5872 today to make your appointment!