SkinCare Physicians Blog offers insights on the latest in medical and surgical dermatology, cosmetic and laser medicine, as well as aesthetics. All of our internationally recognized physicians and some members of our staff contribute to the Skincare Physicians Blog.
Melanoma is a very serious form of skin cancer, but the good news is that survival rates are high if it is detected and treated early. To help her patients to detect melanoma, Boston dermatologist Dr. Tania Phillips gives them a simple list of questions to answer and asks them to remember their ABCDEs. Are you at risk for melanoma? If you answer YES to one or more of the following questions, you might be more likely to develop melanoma and we recommend that you get your skin examined regularly by a dermatologist. However, it does not mean that you will get melanoma. … Continue reading »
With the change of season upon us, you may be experiencing worsening dryness, flakiness and redness on your face and/or scalp. This may not just be dry skin, but seborrheic dermatitis, a very common skin condition that affects 1 to 5% of the general population and that our dermatologists near Boston see regularly. Changes in season or weather, but also emotional and psychological stress are usual circumstances when seborrheic dermatitis rears its head. Common areas affected are the scalp (mild forms are seen as dandruff) as well as behind or inside the ears, along the eyebrows, by the nose, cheek, … Continue reading »
Tattoos are becoming increasingly prevalent in Western society. One U.S. survey found that 24% of respondents had tattoos. The 2006 “Gen Next” Pew Research Center survey found that 40% of respondents aged 26 – 40 have tattoos. This number is expected to continue to rise, and along with it an increased number of patients will consult their dermatologist for tattoo removal. Luckily advances in selective short pulsed laser treatment are revolutionizing their removal and are available at SkinCare Physicians for patients who have tattoo regrets in the Boston area. First breakthrough in tattoo removal: The Q-switched laser The introduction of … Continue reading »
It’s still summertime, and hopefully we are all taking care of our skin by using sunscreens and sun protection, avoiding insect bites, and treating occasional poison ivy. But there’s another common skin condition that we dermatologists see quite often during sunny weather: phytophotodermatitis. Never heard of it? We see quite a bit of it at SkinCare Physicians near Boston, and the main culprit is LIMES! Understanding phytophotodermatitis To better understand this condition, let’s break down the derivation of the word: “Phyto” = plant “Photo” = light “Dermatitis”= inflammation of the skin So, phytophotodermatitis means inflammation of the skin that is … Continue reading »
Summer is in full swing. We are all hopefully enjoying a reprieve from a long and cold winter in Boston with beach time, outdoor activities, and fun. While most of us welcome these summer days, we at Skincare Physicians always remind our patients that summer is a great time to start checking all the spots on your body, be they brown, tan, blue, gray, yellow, pink, or red with a monthly self-skin examination. Performing a self-skin check is a great way to identify new or changing lesions that should be brought to the attention of your dermatologist. Once a month, take a … Continue reading »
Our patients at SkinCare Physicians near Boston often ask what level of SPF (sun protection factor) in sunscreens is sufficient to reduce the risk of photodamage and skin cancer. It turns out that the answer is somewhat confusing. In order for sunscreen to perform maximally, applying a generous quantity is required. One ounce, or the equivalent of one shot glass amount, is needed to cover the exposed areas of the body for the average adult. When used in this manner, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a sunscreen of at least SPF 30 for planned sun exposures. However, most … Continue reading »
For many of us achieving our ideal body weight or desirable body shape seems like a completely unachievable goal. Until recently there were only 2 ways to trim down our waist, love handles or thighs: Either perpetual dieting and exercise. Or liposuction, a surgical procedure that, while popular and relatively commonly performed, most of us would never even consider. A dramatic development based on a remarkably simple and elegant concept has made things much simpler: Fat is cold sensitive. As such, it can be altered and reduced without affecting the overlying skin. This fact has completely changed our approach to … Continue reading »
The American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS) recently held its Annual Meeting, Laser 2014, in Phoenix, Arizona. This event is considered the best meeting to learn about the latest in lasers, light and energy based devices. Five members of SkinCare Physicians had a prominent presence in the meeting, as well as colleagues throughout the country who have trained at our dermatology practice near Boston. The official purpose of the Laser 2014 conference is to “provide a forum at which a multidisciplinary array of scientists, clinicians, residents, students, health care professionals, and industry representatives can learn, share, investigate, and … Continue reading »
Nearly a year ago SkinCare Physicians’ long time fellowship training was accredited through the ASDS Cosmetic Dermatologic Surgery Fellowship Accreditation Program. ASDS launched the program in summer 2013 to promote comprehensive post-residency training in cosmetic dermatologic surgery procedures. Soon our three Fellows, Drs. Emily Keller, Kathryn Kent and Laurel Morton, will “graduate” from our program and move on bigger things, enthusiastic and positive about their training at SkinCare Physicians near Boston. They shared their experience in the following article published in the May-June 2014 issue of Currents, the ASDS magazine. A TREMENDOUS BOOST Program: SkinCare Physicians, Chestnut Hill, Mass. Co-directors: … Continue reading »
There can be many misconceptions about skin and skin care. As dermatologists at SkinCare Physicians, we often hear the same beliefs from our patients in the Boston area, so shedding some light on these may be helpful to you, your families, and your friends. Skin Myth #1: My makeup/moisturizer contains spf, so my skin is protected all day Many people wear a daily moisturizer or makeup that contains sunscreen, which is a healthy habit to protect the skin from UV rays on a routine basis. However, don’t be fooled into thinking you are protected all day. The sunscreen in moisturizers … Continue reading »
