If you’ve ever suspected that your skincare or household products are causing a rash, patch testing may reveal the specific allergen(s) at the root of the problem. At SkinCare Physicians, Dr. Molly Stout evaluates patients with skin rashes, also known as allergic contact dermatitis, through a structured, week-long patch testing process. Read on to find out how patch testing works to solve the mystery of skin allergies. Why it’s hard to identify skin allergens Our immune system, particularly the component housed in our skin, is quite adaptive. A signature scent you’ve worn for years, could one day cause a dreadful, swollen … Continue reading »
Summer is the perfect time for a refreshing swim, but some swimmers may encounter an unwelcome surprise: swimmer’s itch or seabather’s eruption. While these unfortunate skin conditions can cause discomfort and are worrying to an untrained eye, they are generally not serious. Dr. Sobell sees a fair amount of them in clinic, this time of year. Continue reading to understand and recognize these common ailments, and learn how to treat and prevent them. Swimmer’s Itch Cause: Swimmer’s itch is caused by microscopic parasites called schistosomes. These parasites live mostly in freshwater lakes and ponds, and typically infect birds and mammals. However, … Continue reading »
As skin care providers, it’s essential for us to excel in diagnosing and managing allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) – a common skin condition that affects many people. Fortunately, patch testing is a valuable method that help us pinpoint the allergens responsible for triggering ACD. At SkinCare Physicians we regularly use patch testing to diagnose patients suffering from skin rashes. In this post, Katie Brodt, one of our Nurse Practitioners and an expert in patch testing, will explain ACD and walk you through the patch test process. Understanding allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) ACD occurs when the skin comes into contact with … Continue reading »
As we get older, we all accumulate skin growths. Although many people may call these growths, “moles”, they can be altogether different. As SkinCare Physicians dermatologists, we perform full skin examinations frequently to screen for new or changing skin growths that might be skin cancers or precursors to skin cancers. While performing these so-called “mole patrols”, we commonly see many normal skin lumps and bumps that are not moles at all! Remaining vigilant by monitoring your own skin and scheduling an appointment with your dermatologist when you notice changing moles, is important. Understanding when a mole is not a mole, … Continue reading »
One of the most common concerns that bring Boston patients to SkinCare Physicians for advice about their appearance is the constant presence of red cheeks or dilated blood vessels on their cheeks and/or nose. Patients relate that the color change is always there, and may be accentuated by stress, drinking alcohol, getting overheated or eating spicy food. Those affected are more often women than men, are usually quite fair skinned and of Celtic ethnicity, and they often have had a lot of sun exposure as they were growing up. Some note that they flush or blush easily. Dr. Kenneth Arndt … Continue reading »
The International Hyperhidrosis Society celebrates November as Hyperhidrosis Awareness Month and what a perfect time to review the hyperhidrosis treatment options available. Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition characterized by excessive, uncontrollable sweating. Nearly 5% of the world’s population suffer from hyperhidrosis. It is can affect the underarms, hands, feet, face and other areas. We understand the embarrassment and anxiety our patients face when sweating through their shirts or having excess sweat on their hands in everyday situations. Luckily, there have been some advances in the field of hyperhidrosis treatment over the last decade, and we can help. Here is a … Continue reading »
There are three highly anticipated new topical creams for the treatment of psoriasis and eczema moving through the FDA clearance process as we write this blog. Two new unique creams for psoriasis For psoriasis, there has not been a novel non-steroidal topical medication approved in over twenty years. Thus, it is exciting that two unique creams have completed late-stage testing and are being reviewed by the FDA for potential authorization to prescribe within the next year. Roflumilast cream 0.3% targets inflammation by inhibiting PDE-4*. In two large pivotal** studies, roughly 40% of patients were clear or almost clear of psoriasis … Continue reading »
Tips to keep you safe and detect early symptoms. While June and July are the months of highest risk for contracting Lyme disease, we must remain vigilant all summer long. In the United States, the disease is predominant in 12 states, one being Massachusetts. Lyme disease is an infection caused by a bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi. The infection is transmitted through the bite of an infected deer tick. Left untreated, Lyme disease can affect many organs including the skin, joints and nervous system, and can lead to significant health issues. When diagnosed early, the prognosis is excellent. Here are some facts … Continue reading »
Have you ever wondered if you might have rosacea? Common symptoms include easy facial flushing, often worsened by triggers such as exercise, temperature changes, sun exposure, stress and/or alcohol ingestion. Over time, the redness can worsen in intensity, frequency and extent. Numerous small red blood vessels on the cheeks or nose may become apparent. Red pimple-like bumps may also occur. The cause is unknown, and while there is no cure, there are strategies to help control the problem. Use a good skin care regime Use a gentle cleanser to wash your face twice a day. Use your fingertips and avoid … Continue reading »
Itching on the back can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you can’t reach the area to give it a good scratch! It always seems that the back is itchiest where it is just out of reach. Of course, it is always best to treat the source of itching, in order to avoid scratching. The source may not just be simple dry skin, but irritant contact dermatitis or even a sensory neuropathy. Here is what you need to know about these forms of itching, and how to treat them. Simple dry skin The most common cause of itching on the back … Continue reading »
