April is National Rosacea Awareness Month

April is National Rosacea Awareness Month, so it’s important to know what this skin condition is, what contributes to its onset, and how to prevent and control it.

Rosacea is a very common skin condition that typically affects people over the age of 30. It causes redness on your nose, cheeks, chin, and forehead. Some people experience small bumps and pimples on the red parts of their faces. In some cases, rosacea can cause burning and soreness in your eyes. In rare cases, rosacea that is not treated may cause permanent damage, such as thickening of facial skin or loss of vision.

This poorly understood skin condition affects more than 16 million people in the U.S.—and most of them don’t know it. In fact, while rosacea is becoming increasingly widespread as the baby boom generation ages, a Gallup survey found that 78 percent of Americans are unaware of this condition, including how to recognize it or what to do about it.

Lifestyle and environmental triggers contribute to rosacea and its severity. Important triggers include food, drink, exercise, weather, emotions, and medications. Avoiding food and alcohol that causes you to flush, such as spicy foods, red wine, or hot drinks will help to control the severity of rosacea. Incorporating more anti-inflammatory foods, such as fish, fruits, and vegetables will also be beneficial.

Some other ways to control rosacea include avoiding over exertion, protecting your skin from the sun, and drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Rosacea flushing is also common with emotional stressors, so it is important to reduce the stress in your life as much as possible.

While there is no cure for rosacea, there are medications that can help control the symptoms and keep the condition from worsening. If you are showing signs of rosacea, be sure to schedule an appointment with Greenville Dermatology today by calling (864) 242-5872. 

Tips to Protect Your Skin This Summer

With summer on the way, it’s time to start getting your skin ready to take on the sun – from the inside and out. Brief exposure to the sun is beneficial to the skin and essential for production of Vitamin D. However, prolonged exposure may lead to harmful consequences like melanoma – the deadliest type of skin cancer.

It is important to not only take care of the skin that is exposed to sun, but also the skin that stays covered. Below are a few tips to keep in mind before you step outside this summer.

Apply sunscreen 20 to 30 minutes before stepping outside. Most sunscreen takes a while to soak into your skin and truly be effective. It is important to reapply your sunscreen every two to three hours; and even more often if you are sweating or exposing your skin to water.

Exfoliate your skin daily for a healthy glow. By incorporating exfoliation into your skin care regime, you’ll be able to avoid dull, dry skin. Exfoliants help to remove old, dead skin cells, toxins and other deposits, allowing new skin cells to surface.

Care for your hair and scalp. It is also important during the summer months to take good care of your hair and scalp. Wear hats as often as possible to keep your scalp from getting sunburn. Apply sunscreen to the parts of your hair that are exposed to the sun. Because hair also tends to be moisture-deprived during the summer, avoid overuse of any kind of chemical or hair styling tool. Use gentle shampoo and a deep conditioner to replenish moisture.

Maintain a healthy diet. When summer is in full swing, it is beneficial to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your diet and to drink plenty of water. This will help keep your skin hydrated and your body feeling refreshed. Some of the best foods for your skin are cucumbers, cherries, oranges, plums, spinach, and watermelon. These foods are highly nutritious and filled with fiber, vitamins, anti-oxidants, and minerals.

Treat sunburn fast. The sooner you are able to treat sunburn, the better. By getting the inflammation to subside, you will be able to curb the overall damage to your skin. A simple way to do this is to soak a washcloth in a bowl of skim milk and ice, and apply it to the area for five to ten minutes. Also, applying hydrocortisone cream to the skin will help decrease the inflammation.

When you step outside to enjoy the sun this summer, make sure your skin is protected. Stop by Greenville Dermatology’s retail store today to stock up on sunscreens, fun accessories and other skincare products. To schedule an appointment with one of our skincare experts, call (864) 242-5872. 

Answers.com Article: When Should Accutane Be Considered in Treating Acne?

The following is a preview of an article Dr. Miller wrote for Answers.com. Click here to read the full article.

The traditional treatment of acne usually begins with topical cleansing agents and leave-on gels or creams. If the acne continues to progress and get worse, an oral medication, usually an antibiotic will be added to the topical regimen. Thankfully, most acne is brought under satisfactory control at this point. However, there are a significant number of cases of acne which do not clear. At what point should your dermatologist begin to discuss the controversial acne medication called isotretinoin (better known as “Accutane”)?

What Is Accutane?

There are several brands of Accutane, including Claravis, Absorica, Sotret, Amnesteem and Zenatane. Accutane is a medication that is very closely related to vitamin A. It is believed to decrease the amount of sebum, or oil on the face, causing acne to be significantly less severe. Accutane does have some side effects including dryness of the skin and mucous membranes, joint pains, elevation of triglycerides, suppression of the white blood cell count, and liver enzyme elevations.

The Pros Of Taking Accutane

Treatment of acne with Accutane is performed over the course of 20 weeks. During that time, the acne clears around week 12, and remains clear after the course of treatment for up to several years. This differs from conventional oral antibiotic therapy, which is indefinite in length and can continue for years requiring multiple visits to the dermatologist and usually numerous courses of oral antibiotics. With the controversy surrounding overuse of antibiotics, Accutane provides a distinct advantage. The vast majority of patients taking Accutane suffer nothing more than dry cracked lips and dry skin. Accutane can be taken alone without the need for other oral or topical medications, which makes treatment of acne less complicated.

The Cons Of Taking Accutane

It is well known that Accutane can cause birth defects. Therefore, women who are pregnant or contemplating pregnancy should avoid Accutane. Sexually active female patients of childbearing age should practice two forms of birth control while taking Accutane to prevent accidental pregnancies. It is normally recommended that the pregnancy be terminated if it occurs while the patient was on Accutane. Patients who suffer from chronic depression or have a family history of chronic depression may want to think twice about starting Accutane or be closely monitored for behavior disturbances.

Accutane should be recommended for any patient in which scarring is imminent or already present. For patients without scarring, the decision to start Accutane should be considered when at least one course of oral antibiotics has failed, but certainly after several course of antibiotics have failed. With the controversy surrounding the overuse of oral antibiotics, an argument could be made to start Accutane sooner than later in the course of treatment.

To learn more about Accutane, click here to read the rest of the Answers.com article. To see if Accutane is right for you, schedule a consultation with one of our dermatologists today by calling (864) 242-5872.

A Fungal Infection May Actually Be A Sign of Skin Cancer

When it comes to skin issues, a lot of people tend to self-diagnose. They either do not have the time or the money to invest in a visit to the dermatologist. This can lead to major issues, especially when a self-diagnosis is a misdiagnosis, and a seemingly minor infection is actually a symptom of something worse.

In a recent study presented at the annual meeting of the Canadian Dermatology Association, scientists discovered that treatment-resistant fungal infections on the skin should be biopsied. These infections, they learned, can mimic or coexist with malignancies that can lead to skin cancer.

When it comes to your skin, it is extremely important to seek the opinion of a dermatologist and undergo a proper skin biopsy. The sooner you receive an expert diagnosis, the sooner your condition can be treated. Early diagnosis can also help prevent future problems and the need for intensive treatment.

While biopsies are most often performed to identify cancerous areas, they can also help to detect other conditions that could be harmful to an individual’s health. A skin biopsy will help a dermatologist determine the best therapy or treatment option for a specific individual.

According to Afsaneh Alavi, MD, FRCPC, a dermatologist at Women’s College Hospital in Toronto and one of the presenting authors of the study, sometimes multiple biopsies are necessary for a proper diagnosis.

In addition to early diagnosis, it is also important to recognize the signs of skin cancer. If you have any moles or lesions that are asymmetrical, uneven or have changed in color, size or shape, you should seek an expert opinion immediately.

If you have a fungal infection or have shown any possible signs of skin cancer, please schedule an appointment with Greenville Dermatology today by calling (864) 242-5872.   

Guidelines for Treating Pediatric Acne

Acne has begun to affect children at increasingly younger ages. Experts believe this trend may be linked to the earlier onset of puberty occurring with newer generations. One study of 9- and 10-year-old girls found that more than 75 percent had pimples.

Pediatric acne is not usually cause for alarm, but it can be embarrassing and may cause psychological distress in some adolescents. Acne typically involves the appearance of whiteheads and blackheads around the chin, forehead and nose. While pediatric acne is unlikely to be a sign of a hormonal abnormality, it may signal that more serious acne problems will occur during the individual’s teen years.

The American Acne and Rosacea Society recently developed—and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) endorsed—the first detailed and evidenced-based recommendations for pediatric acne in an effort to standardize management across primary and specialty care practices. The hope is that these recommendations will lead to improved care for children of all ages suffering from acne.

As a basic rule of thumb, it is best to wash your face gently twice a day with a soap-free pH-balanced cleanser. Facial toners can also help clear away oil but should be used in moderation because they can irritate the skin. Additionally:

·         Mild acne can often be treated with over-the-counter face washes, lotions and products containing benzoyl peroxide, which helps kill bacteria while also preventing antibiotic resistance.

·         For moderate acne, prescription medications like Avita, Differin and Retin-A are highly effective topical treatments. These medications contain Vitamin A, which helps to speed skin cell turnover and unclog pores. Use a moisturizer afterwards to minimize skin irritation and dryness.

·         Moderate to severe acne might require adding oral antibiotics to your regimen to help eliminate the bacteria that lives on the skin. When pores become clogged with oil and skin cells, bacteria can grow and cause inflammation. Antibiotics help by killing the bacteria and soothing inflammation. However, increased use over time can cause certain bacteria to build up immunity to the drugs.

It is also important for parents to help their children dispel myths about acne. For example, acne is not caused by dirt or poor hygiene, and roughly scrubbing your face will only irritate your skin more. Also, while there is some evidence that suggests food plays a role in acne, it is still not clear if a change in diet will help clear up skin.

If your child suffers from pediatric acne, schedule an appointment with one of our dermatologists by calling (864) 242-5872. Stop by our office at 369 Woodruff Road to browse our acne treatment products and speak with one of our skincare experts today. 

Look Younger and Treat Acne with LED Light Therapy

LED (light-emitting-diodes) Light Therapy is a painless, non-invasive skincare treatment that plumps up aging skin by boosting collagen production and treats mild to moderate acne.

This particular type of therapy was discovered by NASA’s space program. NASA scientists found that “LEDs stimulated wound-healing at near-infrared wavelengths of 680, 730, and 880 nanometers. Furthermore, near-infrared LED light has quintupled the growth of fibroblasts and muscle cells in tissue culture.” In other words, various colored LED lights stimulate and energize cellular activity, which creates collagen and elastin for anti-aging benefits. Red LED light is responsible for stimulating the fibroblasts that produce collagen, while blue LED light kills the bacteria deep in the skin that is responsible for acne.

LED Light Therapy has been thoroughly tested, evaluated and validated by hundreds of universities and medical labs. More than 2,000 reports and documents have been written on this technology, and studies show LED Light Therapy has a 90 percent success rate. The recommended professional LED protocol is six treatments a week or two apart, followed by a maintenance treatment every month or two. On average, people begin to see a noticeable difference between 10 days and two weeks after treatment.

LED Light Therapy is one of the safest, quickest and most affordable ways to achieve younger-looking skin. Because the light used is not focused, non-coherent, and doesn’t generate heat, LED Light Therapy is much safer than laser therapy. There is no record of adverse side effects, and the light does not damage the skin in any way.

If you are interested in learning more about LED Light Therapy, call Greenville Dermatology at (864) 242-5872 or stop by today for a consultation with one of our skin care experts. 

Answers.com Article: Dermatitis Herpetiformis—A Skin Rash Caused by Gluten Intolerance

The following is a preview of an article Dr. Miller wrote for Answers.com. Click here to read the full article.

Health problems that blame foods containing gluten are being heard of more frequently in the media lately. In fact, many foods now contain labels stating "gluten free." While many health issues are attributed to gluten sensitivity, there is a skin rash that can occur in some people with gluten intolerance called dermatitis herpetiformis.

What Is Dermatitis Herpetiformis?

Dermatitis herpetiformis is a blistering skin eruption that occurs characteristically on certain areas of the skin. The rash appears as tiny blisters or vesicles that are clustered together giving it the appearance of a herpes virus eruption, and hence the name dermatitis herpetiformis. However, dermatitis herpetiformis is not related or caused by herpes at all.

How Is Dermatitis Herpetiformis Caused By Gluten Intolerance?

In some people, ingestion of foods containing gluten stimulates an immune response by the body to attack the lining of the intestines. The lining of the intestines becomes damaged to the point where food and nutrients are not absorbed correctly and that can lead to symptoms of gaseousness, bloating and cramping. However, up to 40% of adults can have gluten intolerance and intestinal damage and not experience any gastrointestinal symptoms. The same immune response that attacks the lining of the intestines can also attack how the skin is attached to the body, causing the itchy small blisters to form on the skin.

How Is Dermatitis Herpetiformis Treated?

The treatment of dermatitis herpetiformis is to avoid foods that contain gluten. Several weeks after starting a gluten-free diet, people begin to see results. There is a medication called dapsone that can relieve the symptoms of itching on the skin until a gluten-free diet is maintained for several weeks to months. For some, even cheating on the gluten free diet for one meal will be enough to go into remission.  

For more information about Dermatitis Herpetiformis, click here to read the rest of Dr. Miller’s article. If you think you might have Dermatitis Herpetiformis, schedule an appointment with Greenville Dermatology today by calling (864) 242-5872.