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 »
Have you ever heard a story about someone with head lice and then felt itchy for the rest of the day? There is a reason for this “contagious itching”! Researchers at Temple University* used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to get some answers. fMRI offers a way to measure brain activity by detecting changes associated with cerebral blood flow. In patients who were chronically itchy (such as those with atopic dermatitis, or eczema) who were shown a video of people scratching, their brains lit up in the supplemental motor areas, an area that can prompt people to action, such as … Continue reading »
Pregnancy comes with a lot of changes including in the medications you can take. Here is what you should know about acne treatments while pregnant. The forbidden acne medications during pregnancy Some medications should not be taken during pregnancy. These include: Isotretinoin Spironolactone Tazarotene Antibiotics such as doxycycline, minocycline, and tetracycline Not recommended acne treatments during pregnancy Most experts recommend stopping the following treatments: Topical retinoids including adapalene and tretinoin creams. Topical dapsone, brand-name aczone. While dapsone has not caused birth defects in animal studies, physicians would not recommend it during pregnancy as research data is limited (researchers tend not … Continue reading »
Seborrheic keratoses (SK) are very common skin growths. They may seem worrisome as they can look like a wart or a skin cancer, but they are completely harmless and can easily be removed by our dermatologists near Boston. SK’s tend to develop in middle age or older and increase in number over time. They can be seen almost anywhere on the skin, but favor the chest, back, head and neck. SK’s typically start as small rough bumps, and slowly thicken to take on a warty surface. Classically, they have a waxy “stuck-on-the-skin” appearance. The color can range from white to … Continue reading »
Not only is winter cold and flu season, but it is also one of the most active seasons for head lice breakouts in numerous schools. These tiny critters love to travel from hats to hoods to ear muffs hung and stored next to each other at school. That’s why head lice are very common, particularly in school children during the winter. Dr. Phillips, dermatologist at SkinCare Physicians, shares a few tips on how to detect and treat head lice. It is estimated that up to 12 million children, between the ages of three and twelve, get head lice every year. … Continue reading »
Do you feel like your skin has become more sensitive with time? Are there certain products that cause itching and a rash when you use them? Frustrated with buying new products and not knowing if your skin will tolerate them? Well, patch testing, a procedure available at SkinCare Physicians, can help determine if a product may be right for your skin or not. Common forms of skin allergic reactions to products Dermatitis, or eczema, is a common skin condition that many patients experience – manifested by a red, scaly, sometimes itchy rash on the skin. There are many types of … Continue reading »
Can you be one of the 16 million Americans estimated to be affected by Rosacea, a common inflammatory condition often starting in adult age? Dr. Laurel Morton, a dermatologist at SkinCare Physicians, explains what you need to know about rosacea and what you can do about this widespread disorder causing red, inflamed, bumpy skin. What is rosacea and what causes it? Let’s start with a definition: Rosacea is a disorder affecting the skin that causes flares of facial redness. This can come in several forms. Some patients exhibit very rosy cheeks and noses with flushed skin. Others have an adult … Continue reading »
Molluscum Contagiosum is a common skin disease caused by a pox virus. This virus is easily spread from person to person by skin contact or by sharing towels or clothing. Skincare Physicians’ Dr. Tania Phillips shares the basics about this common skin disease. What does Molluscum Contagiosum look like? Molluscum Contagiosum usually appears as tiny skin colored tiny bumps which can range in number from 1 – 2 to 10 – 20 bumps. Molluscum is usually painless; occasionally it can be itchy. Molluscum can appear anywhere on the body. It is commonly seen on the arms, legs and trunk. Is Molluscum … Continue reading »
Hives are a common skin condition, and yet dermatologist Laurel Morton finds that patients in her clinic near Boston are often unfamiliar with how to spot them. A bit of basic education can make you a more observant patient and help us get you back to normal more quickly – read up! What makes hives unique? Hives are a temporary red or pink bumpy rash occurring anywhere on the body. Often the rash appears as large welts, which are generally very itchy. Unlike other skin rashes, hives do not stay in one spot – new welts often appear and disappear within … Continue reading »
January is typically the time when many people embark on a set of New Year’s resolutions. Are yours involving a skin exam, or better a couple skin exam? Here is why two is better than one when it comes to skin exams. Two is better than one when it comes to skin exams There are good medical research studies to show us that teaching partners how to assist each other in partner-assisted skin self-examinations helps improve skin cancer detection. And may help save a life! Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the US. This year, almost … Continue reading »
