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 »
At a time when many people are relying more and more on videoconferencing such as Zoom and FaceTime to connect remotely with family, friends and colleagues, skin eruptions occurring on the face can be particularly troublesome. One of the common facial skin conditions we at SkinCare Physicians have been seeing more often in telemedicine visits recently has been perioral dermatitis. What is perioral dermatitis? As the name suggests, this rash frequently occurs around the mouth as well as the nose and can appear around the eyes. It most commonly affects women and children. Perioral dermatitis can range from scattered pink … Continue reading »
Keratosis pilaris (KP) is a common skin condition that appears as tiny rough bumps on the skin. SkinCare Physicians’ dermatologist explains why it is harmless and shares tips that can be helpful should it bother you. Keratosis pilaris develops most often on the backs of arms and on the fronts of thighs. In young children, the bumps may also be present on the cheeks. The appearance may be reminiscent of goose bumps or the skin of a plucked chicken. Others mistake the bumps for small pimples. In reality, KP is just plugs of dry skin around the hair follicles. And … Continue reading »
Have you been noticing stubborn, brown patches on your face that aren’t fading after the summer? Persistent discoloration on the nose, cheeks, forehead and/or upper lip may suggest you have melasma. Here is dermatologist Dr. Karen Kim’s take on the condition. Understanding melasma’s triggers Melasma is a skin condition characterized by brown or grey-brown discoloration. It is due to overactive pigment-producing cells called melanocytes and tends to occur more often in women. It can be triggered by hormone fluctuations that occur during pregnancy, oral contraceptive intake or hormone replacement therapy. The face is the most common part of the body … Continue reading »
Itch can be a persistent, annoying problem for many patients. Itchy scalp can be particularly troublesome and is sometimes accompanied with dandruff, a rash or even open sores. By understanding the most common causes of itchy scalp and possible treatments, you will be able to determine if you might start relieving your itch with over-the-counter products or if you should see your doctor for a consultation. What makes my scalp itchy? If you think about it, scalp skin is very different from skin on other parts of the body. It holds many thick hair follicles and where hair follicles grow, … Continue reading »
Extended, unprotected exposure to the sun can harm the skin for a myriad of reasons such as skin cancer and aging, but photodermatoses, or “sun poisoning”, is a slightly less common but still dangerous effect of sun exposure. Many patients use the term “sun poisoning”, but what does it really mean? We asked dermatologist Dr. Robin Travers to explain the skin condition and its symptoms. Sun Poisoning Variations Sun poisoning is similar to severe sunburn, which can lead to patient confusion if symptoms go beyond those they may usually get from a day in the sun. Here are five different … Continue reading »
