Sunscreen

Sun damage can affect any area of your skin as a result of long-term exposure to the ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun. Sun damage most commonly occurs on the face, hands and arms, and may lead to sun spots, age spots, rough skin and wrinkles. Years of sun exposure can also lead to premature aging and skin cancer. Because of the damaging effects of the sun, adequate protection is essential in maintaining the long-term health of the skin, especially in the summer months.

Sunscreen protects the skin against harmful UV rays and should be applied to exposed skin before engaging in any kind of outdoor activity. Certain types of sunscreen protect against UVA and UVB rays for comprehensive skin protection. It is important to choose a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30, which refers to the amount of time it takes the skin to react to the sun as opposed to unprotected skin.

If you are especially sensitive to the sun, consider special, sun protection clothing with a UPF rating (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) of 15 to 50 UPF.

With regular sunscreen use, patients can reduce their risk of skin cancer, age spots, burns, premature aging and other unwanted conditions. Through a lifetime of regulated sun exposure, you can continue to maintain the healthy, beautiful skin you were born with.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a term that encompasses a group of chronic skin disorders that may affect any part of the body from the scalp to the toenails, but most frequently affect the scalp, elbows, knees, hands, feet and genitals. Over seven million men and women in the U.S. of all ages have some form of psoriasis. We do not currently have the technology to modify the genes that make a person susceptible to developing psoriasis. But it can be treated successfully, sometimes for months or years, and occasionally, even permanently.

Treatment for Psoriasis

Treatment depends on the type, severity and location of psoriasis; the patient’s age, medical history and life; and the effect the disease has on the patient’s general mental health. The most common treatments are topical medications, phototherapy, and oral or injectable medication (for severe symptoms).

Sunlight does not worsen psoriasis – in fact, natural sunlight in moderation (not enough to redden or burn the skin) can lessen the effects of psoriasis. Psoriasis is sometimes treated using ultraviolet light.

Eczema

Symptoms vary from person to person but often include dry, red, itchy patches on the skin which, when scratched, tend to break out in rashes. Sometimes rashes “bubble up” and ooze; other times they may be more scaly. A common result of excessive scratching is lichenification, the leathery texture caused by skin thickening.

Eczema is not contagious. There is no cure for eczema, but for most patients it can be treated successfully.

Objects and conditions that trigger itchy eczema outbreaks also vary from person to person and may be easy or difficult to identify. These may include rough or coarse materials touching the skin, excessive heat or sweating, soaps, detergents, disinfectants, fruit and meat juices, dust mites, upper respiratory infections and stress.

Eczema prevention

Since eczema outbreaks can be set off by exposure to certain substances and conditions, avoidance of those triggers is the simplest way to minimize flare-ups. Preventative measures include:

Eczema Treatment

The first and most critical step in preventing eczema is to refrain from scratching. Moisturizing lotions or creams, cold compresses and nonprescription anti-inflammatory corticosteroid creams and ointments are often helpful. Beyond this, physicians may prescribe corticosteroid medication, antibiotics to combat infection or sedative antihistamines. Phototherapy is a common procedure to reduce rashes, as are tar treatments (although they are messy). For severe cases, drugs such as cyclosporine A may be recommended. Also, the FDA is studying a new class of drugs called topical immunomodulators (TIMs) for the modulation of immune response to reduce eczema flare-ups.

Acne

Acne is a common condition that causes blocked pores, pimples, cysts and other lesions on the skin of the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders and upper arms. Acne affects over 17 million people in the US, making it the most common skin disease in the country. While mostly teenagers are affected, adults of any age can suffer from acne. Acne is not life threatening, but can lead to physical disfigurement and emotional distress. There are several effective treatment methods available to help improve the appearance of the skin and prevent future breakouts from occurring.

Causes of Acne

Acne develops on the skin when the pores become clogged, which may occur as a result of an overproduction of oil, a buildup of bacteria or shedding of dead skin cells that irritate the pores and hair follicles. When these substances build up in the hair follicle, they form a soft plug that forces the follicle wall to bulge and protrude from the skin, causing a lesion to develop.

The cause of excess oil production is unknown, but is believed to be caused by a combination of several factors, including hormones, bacteria, heredity and certain medications. Acne can cause permanent scarring and damaging emotional effects for patients of any age. Patients should seek dermatologic treatment for acne if symptoms do not respond to over-the-counter treatment methods or scarring develops as the acne clears.

Treatment of Acne

Treatment for acne varies from person to person. Often treatments are selected to reduce oil production and increase the speed of skin cell turnover to prevent new blemishes from developing, and to also reduce inflammation to help treat current symptoms. Dr. Golomb uses her pharmaceutical background to choose the best treatment regimen for you. This can be done through a combination of topical treatment, antibiotics, isotretinoin or oral contraceptives in women or girls.

Chemical peels are often suggested by Dr. Golomb to jump start treatment or to improve discoloration. A dilute cortisone injection can be injected directly into cystic or inflammatory lesions to reduce redness and swelling resulting in flattening often in less than 24 hours. We also offer cleansers, masks and spot treatments. Isotretinoin may be prescribed for severe cases of acne that do not respond to other treatment methods. These treatment methods can take up to eight weeks before results are visible, and acne may get worse before getting better.

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