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 »
I have a confession: as a first-time mother, I find myself constantly worrying about my daughter’s well-being. And while I worry a bit too much, I take solace knowing that as a dermatologist in Boston my baby is at least getting the best possible skin care. While all of us are familiar with the routine aspects of an infants’ progression (e.g., shots, weigh-ins, and teething), I’d like to take a moment to teach you about a very important element of infant health: taking good care of your young child’s skin. By keeping a few basic principles in mind, it is … Continue reading »
As a mother of three young children and a dermatologist in the Boston area at Skincare Physicians, I know first-hand the difficulties in helping our children understand skin issues and treatments. To help facilitate our conversations about diagnoses and treatments with our kids, I found several tools to consider and explore. #1 The Eczema App This app allows parents and older children to record and track eczema flare-ups, take notes about flares and treatments, and take and store pictures of flared areas. It’s an effective tool that allows children to better communicate with their parents and doctor about their eczema … Continue reading »