Category Archives: Dermatology

Dermatology

How To Get Rid Of Dark Spots On Your Face, Per Dermatologists – Women’s Health

Maybe you stick to a skincare routine,

Before you commit to trying anything, though, its important to consider what might be causing your dark spots in the first place, as that can inform the method or methods you might choose for getting rid of them. Spoiler alert: Dark patches can be stubborn, and lessening their appearance sometimes requires a few different remedies depending on their root cause and severity.

Meet the experts: Kiran Mian, DO, FAAD, is a New York City-based board-certified medical and aesthetic dermatologist at Hudson Dermatology & Laser Surgery. Jeannette Graf, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine.

The number one and most common cause of hyperpigmentation on the face is post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), which you can get from acne, eczema, rashes, or even contact dermatitis, says Kiran Mian, DO, FAAD, a New York City-based board-certified medical and aesthetic dermatologist at Hudson Dermatology & Laser Surgery. When these things heal, they often leave behind discoloration.

In addition to PIH, other dark spots on the face can range from marks from the sun, like freckles and age spots, to melasma, which is also fairly common. Thats a hormonal condition that can flare from sun exposure or hormonesflared or iinduced by pregnancy or simply if youre genetically predisposed to it, says Dr. Mian. It looks like a lacy pattern and is common across the cheeks, hairline, and the upper lip.

Before breaking down the ways you can get rid of dark spots on the face, its worth noting that treating hyperpigmentation is a marathonnot a sprint. Once there is a tendency to develop dark spots or hyperpigmentation, there will always be, says Jeannette Graf, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Treatment, therefore, has to be a long-term plan involving home treatment focusing on sun prevention and skin renewal lightening.

All dark spot treatments arent created equally either, so we asked these dermatologists to weigh in on a handful of options in terms of efficacy and risk, so you can pick the one or ones that might suit your skin best.

Though lasers run the gamut in terms of different technologies, cost, and even potential discomfort during treatment as well as downtime after, many can be effective at reducing unevenness on the face. Laser treatments help break up the pigment and improve collagen production to increase cell turnover, in turn lightening the appearance of dark spots, says Dr. Graf. Ablative lasers could be a viable option for moderate dark spots. This laser treatment helps break down layers of skin to increase cell turnover and collagen production, which aids in lessening the appearance of hyperpigmentation.

While Dr. Mian agrees that ablative, or resurfacing, lasers can treat conditions like PIH, sunspots, and the like, she also recommends looking into broadband light therapy (BBL), which is a form of intense pulsed light therapy (IPL) that uses high-intensity light that's gentler than a laser, can be more affordable, and typically requires less downtime for healing post-treatment. You may see some improvement after a handful of sessions.

For any laser treatment, you should always speak to a trusted dermatologist to make sure its right for you. All types of dark spots arent suited for lasers or laser-like treatments. Someone who may not be a good candidate for laser treatment would be someone with active acne breakouts, flare-ups of skin conditions, or melasma, says Dr. Graf. The laser treatment could further irritate or damage the skin.

Peels can range from superficial to deeper in terms of their intensity, but they all essentially refresh the skins appearance by exfoliating it chemically. Peels help remove dead skin cells on top of the skin, which can improve the look and feel of the skin as well, says Dr. Graf. As far as in-office peels go, Dr. Mian says the strength of the peel is usually determined by skin type. Those with more melanin in their skin would want to go for a more superficial peel, while deeper peels are generally safe for lighter skin tones. Again, talk treatment options through with a dermatologist.

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At-home peels are typically of the more superficial variety and can lessen the appearance of dark spots, too. Dr. Graf likes the Paulas Choice 25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant Peel, but anything with glycolic acid, mandelic acid, or lactic acid would be suitable for brightening. She also recommends the Arbonne DermResults Daily Radiance Peel Pads, which includes caviar lime and phytic acid to gently exfoliate the skin without stripping. Dr. Mians only watch out for peels, toners, and serums with these types of ingredients? Dont stack them; all these products combined could be too much for your skin barrier.

With the exception of pregnant women and those with extremely sensitive skin, retinoids really are a wonder solution for reducing many signs of aging. And newer, gentler products such as over-the-counter retinol products but still efficacious varieties dont come with the irritation and intolerance this class of molecules has been known for in the past.

Theres a retinoid thats suitable for everyone, whether it means you use it once a week, or you sandwich it between other skincare products, says Dr. Mian. And using that retinoid in a way that works for you can reduce unevenness by stimulating collagen production and deterring the production of hyperpigmentation, says Dr. Graf.

Its important to note, however, that retinoids arent typically recommended as spot treatments but rather as overall skin applications, at least for dark spot reduction. If youre looking for something with prescription strength, youll need to consult a dermatologist. The use of topical prescription retinoids should be based on the recommendations of your dermatologist, says Dr. Graf. I recommend starting at a low dosage of retinoid and beginning with use a couple of times per week before working up to every other day use and finally daily use. If you start by slowly incorporating it into your routine, most people can avoid skin irritations.

Looking for something over the counter? Consider the Shani Darden Skin Care Retinol Reform Treatment Serum. It includes an encapsulated retinol designed to be non-irritating as well as an AHA to improve skin texture and brighten skin, says Dr. Graf.

Hydroquinone

Proceed with extreme caution when it comes to this topical solution, which is typically administered as a spot treatment and is sometimes positioned for lessening the appearance of melasma and other dark spots. According to Dr. Mian, it can be used at certain concentrations at board-certified dermatologist-specified frequencies for very brief periods of time, since it decreases pigment synthesis and blocks certain enzymes involved in the production of melanin. But prolonged use can be dangerous and may cause permanent pigment deposition in some. Its best to only use this under the guidance of a trusted dermatologist, if at all.

Both Dr. Mian and Dr. Graf maintain that in-office procedures are most effective when combined with at-home methods that enhance their results, some of which have already been discussed above. Retinoids and at-home peels arent the only options here, though; serums, essences, creams, and skincare products that contain a variety of other ingredients that also address dark spots exist, including tranexamic acid (aka TXA), azelaic acid, kojic acid, niacinamide (aka vitamin B), and vitamin C. While you might want to experiment with products containing one or more of these agents, youd never want to try all of them at onceor go from zero to 60 in applying them round the clock either.

All of these ingredients can be irritating if used incorrectly or over-applied, says Dr. Graf. I recommend slowly working your way up. And dont forget your SPF, either, if youre going to be out in the sun after using these topicals. Same goes for the other treatment methods on this list, too.

According to Dr. Mian, kojic acid and niacinamide are very good at lightening pigment and generally non-irritating, so you might want to start there if you have sensitive skin, using a product only as is directed. Products with vitamin C and glycolic acid help lessen the appearance of dark spots as well, says Dr. Graf.

Protecting your skin is often the best form of dark spot treatment in the long run, since less sun damage can mean fewer spots and patches to treat in the first place. Dr. Mian suggests avoiding the sun between 10 am and 2 pmwhen the sun is highest in the sky and strongestas well as wearing protective hats and garments and always applying a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

If you have a condition like melasma, look for a sunscreen with physical blockers, too, since melasma can, again, be flared by the sun and heat. As far as PIH goes, Dr. Mian says to avoid picking pimples and any lesions on your face, which can trigger more inflammation that can cause dark spots to be larger and linger longer.

Danielle Blundell is a New York City-based lifestyle writer and editor who has written on topics ranging from home to health for a variety of publications including Rachael Ray Every Day, Redbook, Family Circle, This Old House, Elle Decor, Esquire, Domino, and Apartment Therapy. She's a graduate of Columbia University's School of Journalism and has appeared as an on-air expert on Today, The Doctors, The Celebrity Page, and other local news programs. Website: https://danielleblundell.myportfolio.com/

Brian Underwood is the beauty director at Womens Health. He is an award-winning journalist with more than 15 years of experience covering beauty and lifestyle for several national media outlets and previously served as beauty and wellness director at Oprah Daily. His work has appeared in Womans Day, Life & Style Weekly, Good Housekeeping, and many more. He also serves as a member of the Skin Cancer Foundations gala committee and lives in New York City with his daughter.

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How To Get Rid Of Dark Spots On Your Face, Per Dermatologists - Women's Health

Dermatology

POLL: What Are Your 2024 Dermatology Resolutions? – Dermatology Times

Dermatology Times wishes its network of dermatology clinicians a healthy and happy New Year.

At the start of every new year, you may aspire to achieve your own personal goals and resolutions. We want to know what goals and resolutions you have specific to dermatology.

Take this week's poll below or email our team at DTEditor@mmhgroup.com to share your thoughts. We would love to hear from you!

What is your 2024 dermatology resolution?

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POLL: What Are Your 2024 Dermatology Resolutions? - Dermatology Times

Dermatology

Dermatology treatments can become an expensive ongoing cost. – NBC Right Now

...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 4 AM TUESDAY TO 10 AM PSTWEDNESDAY...* WHAT...Southwest winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 55 mphexpected.* WHERE...In Oregon, Lower Columbia Basin of Oregon. InWashington, Lower Columbia Basin of Washington and Foothillsof the Blue Mountains of Washington.* WHEN...From 4 AM Tuesday to 10 AM PST Wednesday.* IMPACTS...Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects.Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages mayresult.PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a highprofile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.&&

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Dermatology treatments can become an expensive ongoing cost. - NBC Right Now

Dermatology

Common perianal diseases and dermatology oddities – DVM 360

While at the Fetch conference in Long Beach, California, Julia Miller, DVM, DACVD, sat down with dvm360 in an interview and discussed some of the most common perianal diseases in dogs. She also shared a few odd cases she has seen since working as a dermatologist.

The following is a partial transcript of the video.

Julia Miller, DVM, DACVD: So probably the most common perianal disease we see is anal cellulitis or inflamed and infected anal sacs or anal glands in dogs. That usually presents with scooting, licking, sort of discomfort in the back end, and sometimes they actually have full blowout abscesses.

In dermatology, it's cool because we get to see a lot of weird stuff, right? Weird fungal diseases, weird bacterial diseases.

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Common perianal diseases and dermatology oddities - DVM 360

Dermatology

How To Keep Skin Hydrated And Protected In The Cold According To Dermatologists – Essence

External and environmental factors play an important role in skin hydration, says dermatologist and founder of Tone Dermatology, Dr. Caroline Robinson. That said, in the cooler months, dermatologists recommend you change how you care for your skin. In other words: its time to prioritize hydration.

Studies suggest that melanin-rich skin is more prone to dryness. This is because of a lower ceramide content and trans-epidermal water loss. Because of this, you may notice dryer skin, and in more severe cases, eczema.

Additionally, the skin is exposed to extreme temperature shifts thanks to the cold temperatures outside and the dry heat inside. These temperature shifts can make it more difficult for the skin to hold on to hydration, Dr. Robinson shares.

From adjusting how you shower and what you eat, to finding the right moisturizer, experts are here to help you protect your skin against this seasons harsh weather. Below, Dr. Robinson and Dermatologist GlamDerm Dermatologist and Dove Men+Care partner, Dr. Elyse Love share their expertise.

Its important to minimize trans epidermal water loss. This will include avoiding hot showers, keeping showers to less than 10 minutes, and applying a high-quality moisturizer after the shower, Dr. Love says. Dr. Robinson agrees. Because hot showers can strip the skin of natural oils, stick to lukewarm water and fragrance-free products.

Whether you like to shower in the morning or night, make sure you apply moisturizers, such as the new Vaseline Radiant X Deep Nourishment Body Cream, within two minutes after your shower to lock in hydration, Dr. Robinson says.

When it comes to the face, Dr. Love recommends washing twice a day. Like the body, its important to use a gentle cleanser for the face. Cleansing should always be followed by a high-quality moisturizer. Those with drier skin should stick to thicker creams, while those with oily skin may prefer a lotion even in the wintertime.

Its important to maintain a healthy diet for skin health, because, contrary to popular belief, drinking lots of water will not hydrate the skin. Dr. Love says.

Outside of your skincare routine, I recommend consuming whole foods that are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Staying healthy and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will definitely show throughout your body and skin, Dr. Robinson adds.

Adding a humidifier to your environment can decrease water loss, Dr. Love says. Not only that, a humidifier can add water back to the drier air that is common during this time, Dr. Robinson says.

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How To Keep Skin Hydrated And Protected In The Cold According To Dermatologists - Essence

Dermatology

Retinol and Retinoids: 9 Things You Should Know Before Using – Vogue

When it comes to defense against fine lines and maintaining a healthy glow, theres no ingredient in skincare more lauded than retinol. The irony? Even though the revolutionary youth-enhancing active is a mainstay of drugstores, department store counters, and dermatologist offices alike, it still manages to mystify. And thus, its often underutilized or misused.

Here, experts break down how to carefully incorporate the powerhouse ingredient into your skincare routine to achieve a supernaturally fresh-faced complexion, now and for decades to come.

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To bring it back to the basics, retinolalongside other retinoids, such as retinoic acid and retinyl palmitateis essentially a derivative of vitamin A, which is one of the bodys key nutrients for boosting cell turnover. Marisa Garshick, MD, board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology explains the retinols must be converted to retinoic acid, which means it can take longer than those prescribed retinoids and can be a less irritating option for the skin that has many benefits.

Retinol is a powerhouse of an ingredient for a reason: it targets most of our top skin concerns. Its added to topical skincare products to promote skin renewal, brighten skin tone, reduce acne, and boost the collagen production, explains New York City-based dermatologist Whitney Bowe, MD. It also functions like an antioxidant to help address free radical damage, which leads to visible signs of aging. The way board-certified dermatologist Francesca Fusco, MD, sees it, its the ingredient that does it all in dermatology, both cosmetically and medically. I consider it a gold standard in skincare and often explain it to my patients as something that sweeps away dead skin cells, clogged pores, and dull skin, she explains.

Because it helps regulate skin cell turnover, it improves the appearance of both skin tone and skin texture, adds Garshick. By regulating skin cell turnover and encouraging new skin cells to come to the surface, it helps to resurface the skin and give an overall improved appearance to the skin tone and reduce the appearance of discoloration.

CeraVe

Skin Renewing Retinol Serum

Eve Lom

Time Retreat Intensive Night Cream

So whats the difference between retinol, retinoids, and all the other vitamin-A derivatives? As Angela Lamb, MD, board-certified dermatologist explains, retinoid is a catch-all term for all vitamin A-based products on the skin. The different types of retinoids are just different forms of vitamin A and can vary in strength and are used for different things. Isotretinoin (the most common type youre probably familiar with is Accutane) is an oral retinoid medication that is used to treat acne. Tretinoin (or retinoic acid), Lamb says, is the most comm prescription retinoid on the market that can target both acne and signs of anti-aging. With retinol, it is an over-the-counter retinoid product that is not as irritating as the prescribed options and used to improve uneven skin tone, pigmentation, and texture.

Thirty has long been the banner year for introducing retinol into ones routine, but many women are starting before then, motivated by early signs of aging, such as sun spots or crows feet, or simply eager to get a head start and utilize the latest technologiesunder the careful watch of their dermatologist. Your mid-twenties are a great time to start using retinol, says Ellen Marmur, MD, New York City-based board-certified dermatologist. Many patients who have used it for years swear by it.

But the best time to start retinol really depends on your specific skincare concerns. For example, if youre dealing with acne in your teens, Garshick says that it can be a good time to start looking into incorporating this ingredient into your routine. For preventive measures against fine lines and other signs of aging (such as fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, discoloration, etc.), youll want to start in your 20s and 30s. To treat those signs of aging skin when they actually occur, you should start in your 40s and 50s.

PCA Skin Retinol Treatment for Sensitive Skin

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Shani Darden Skin Care Retinol Reform

Kate Somerville +Retinol Vitamin C Moisturizer

Balance is critical, cautions Bowe. Retinol can be very irritating if used too frequently or if the formulation is too strong for your skin. She recommends starting off with a pea-sized amount of a low percentage over-the-counter formula (.01 percent to 0.03 percent), and using it two times per week, slowly increasing the usage to give the skin a chance to acclimate. Moreover, you should skip your retinol product on the day before you exfoliate (Bowe recommends exfoliating two to three times per week). Exfoliating is abrasive and irritating, and you do not want to compound the skin irritation by heightening your skins sensitivity, she says, adding that if youre getting certain in-office treatments like lasers, microneedling, microdermabrasion, you will want to take a break from your retinol. In the spirit of not overdoing it, theres a spate of new time-release formulas fit for skin types prone to redness or breakouts. Theyre a good option for people who have sensitive skin, explains Fusco. It releases the active ingredient over time and may offer less irritation. In terms of prescription retinol versus something over the counter, the former is much more potent with a higher percentage of retinol, and one may graduate to it over time, says Bowe. Once your skin learns to tolerate such a strong ingredient, Garshick says you can work your way up to using retinol nightly.

La Roche-Posay Redermic R Retinol Cream

SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex .25

Marie Veronique Gentle Retinol Night Serum

Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream

There are certain side effects that come with using retinol that are considered normal as your skin will have to adjust to the active ingredient. Garshick says to expect some mild irritation, dryness, and sun sensitivity when youre first introducing the ingredient into your routine. But if youre experiencing any intense flaking, redness, or burning sensations, its best to shy away from retinol altogether.

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Dermatology

Dermatology treatments can become an expensive ongoing cost. – pdclarion.com

Millennials, you can delay traditional markers of adulthood all you want, but your face doesnt care whether or not youve bought your first home. It does care, however, how often you sunbathed and bummed cigarettes in your younger years.You can certainly show off those fine lines and gray hairs with pride. Getting older is a...

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Dermatology treatments can become an expensive ongoing cost. - pdclarion.com

Dermatology

8 Wintertime Skin Conditions to Look Out For – Health.com

Winter weather may prompt serious skin issues.

Whether its skating, sledding, or simply walking to work, there are plenty of opportunities to get outside during the colder months. However, exposure to cold air can leave some people with bothersome or even dangerous skin issues.

When the temperature and humidity drop, skin can become dry, cracked, and prone to infection. In severe cases, frostbite can occur.

Heres what experts had to say about the most common winter skin ailments and tips for keeping skin hydrated and healthy year-round.

Getty Images / miniseries

Wintertime dry skinon the hands, face, lips, or elsewhereis the most common ailment that people see during the winter months, said Mark Quitadamo, MD, a retired dermatologist at Dartmouth Health.

Youll see it in the morningyour skin is more dry and flaky. And youll notice symptoms-wise, its perhaps more itchy, Quitadamo told Health. Lips may be dry, fissured, and painful.

Cold temperatures can make the skin lose water or moisture, drying it out, Angad Chadha, MD, an assistant professor of dermatology at the University of Chicago School of Medicine, told Health.

The most obvious and easiest solution to fight dry skin is to stick with a good moisturizing regimen.

Chadha explained that there are three levels of moisturizer: lotions, creams, and ointments (like Vaseline). Each step increases in intensity.

In general, people should moisturize once they get out of the shower, Chadha said. A second applicationbefore bedmay be necessary if dry skin persists.

While most people opt for either creams or lotions, ointments are good for people with extremely dry skin, he said.

In addition to prioritizing a moisturizing routine, its also important to mitigate anything that might be aggravating your dry skin, like licking your lips or using fragranced lotions or other products, Quitadamo and Chadha explained.

While several things can cause a nosebleed, dry, winter air is oftentimes the culprit.

[During the winter], were breathing this very cool but dry air, Quitadamo explained. And that dry air is drying out what should be a nice, moist membrane inside the nose.

Once someones nose is dry, he explained that their blood vessels are exposed and more likely to bleed.

If someones getting more nosebleeds in the wintertime, its again important to hydrate the skin, Jason Rizzo, MD, PhD, a dermatologist in private practice in Southwest Florida, and former clinical adjunct professor at the University at Buffalo, told Health.

That means using a humidifier, drinking water, and even using a thin layer of ointment to moisten the inner lining of the nose, known as the mucosal tissue, he said.

There are a few different types of rashes people may be more prone to in the winter months.

Though not exclusive to the winter months, atopic dermatitisthe most common type of eczemais a skin condition that dermatologists frequently see when temperatures get cold.

People who have a history of eczema-prone skin often flare in the winter, Chadhasaid.

Another type of dermatitis that causes red, itchy, and scaly skindry winter itch/eczemais also common in the winter months, Quitadamo added.

If someones suffering from eczema or other types of itchy, inflamed rashes in the winter, they should at first try to manage it like they would dry skin, with a moisturizer, Chadha explained.

However, people should [seek] out dermatologic care sooner rather than later, especially because sometimes when the cycle of eczema triggers, its really hard to get under control, he said.

People can get angular cheilitis at any point during the year, but its oftentimes more severe, robust in the winter, said Rizzo.

This condition is inflamed, cracking skin in the corners of the mouth that becomes infected.

With angular cheilitis, moisture accumulates on the skinor in this case, in the corner of the mouthand then the skin starts to break down, Chadha explained.

From there, people can develop a fungal infection.

If the skin is cracked or broken down in some way, said Chadha, Vaseline or similar products can help repair that. But if the skin is infected, people may want to use antifungal cream in the corners of the mouth.

These products are usually available as an athletes foot or a jock itch cream, he said. Even though its advertised as that, at the end of the day, its just an antifungal product that you can use anywhere on the body.

Winter temperatures may also bring on cold urticaria, which is hives brought about by cold temperatures, Chadha explained.

This is technically considered an allergic condition and causes a red, itchy rash on the skin.

In conditions like cold urticaria, actual temperature changes can trigger an inflammatory response from the skin, said Rizzo. But thats very rare.

Its unlikely that the rashes people see during the winter are actually cold urticaria, Chadha said. Quitadamo added that this condition is seen more so in the spring or early summer when people are jumping into cold bodies of water.

However, if someone is breaking out in hives when theyre in cold air or water, oral antihistamine products can help the rash subside, Chadha explained.

Other elementsnot just cold temperaturescan take a toll on peoples skin during the winter months, too.

Windburn is a skin irritation caused by the wind, and it usually presents with redness and sensitivity.

Though theyre separate conditions, windburn often goes hand in hand with sunburnthe wind can leave the skin more prone to UV damage.

Theres a fallacy that you cant get sunburned or sun damage in the winter because the suns not out, said Rizzo. And thats actually incorrect.

The snow can reflect sunlight, he explained, so he often sees sunburns in snowskiers.

To avoid windburn, cover up the areas that you tend to get windburnbalaclavas are not in fashion anymore, but if you can swing one, that would be great, said Chadha.

And using daily sunscreen is always a good idea, Rizzo said, including during the winter months.

When exposed to extremely cold temperatures, people can experience frostnip, a very mild form of frostbite. When this happens, the skin turns cold and white, and people may experience pain or pins and needles.

Frostnip can turn into frostbite, which can cause red, blistering skin, or in the most serious cases, blue or blotchy skin that can turn into blisters and black scabs.

Youll see it maybe on fingertips and toes, ears, and the tip of the nose, said Quitadamo. The body closes down the peripheral circulation and brings the warmth to the center of the body. So those distant areas dont get as much blood as they should.

Essentially, the cells die as a result, Chadha said.

Unlike many other skin ailments, frostbite can only happen in the wintertime, as the cold is directly damaging the skin cells.

Severe frostbite can sometimes lead to permanent sensitivity to cold or numbness, or in some cases, may even require amputation.

If someone is concerned that they may be experiencing frostnip or frostbite, the first thing to do is to warm up the skin, Chadha said. If symptoms dont go away promptly, people should seek immediate medical attention.

You want to keep your body and your skin insulated appropriately to protect from extreme temperatures, said Rizzo. Appropriate winter clothing is also key.

Wintertime skin issues can happen to anyone, however, people who work or do activities outside, and unhoused people are at a higher risk.

Genetics may also play a rolepeople who are prone to allergies, asthma, hay fever, and hives are also the same people who are often more prone to dry skin, Quitadamo said.

And, age can make someone more prone to skin conditionsolder people and young children are at a higher risk, Rizzo and Chadha said.

In most cases, protecting the skin with warm clothing, using good moisturizers, and using humidifiersespecially while you sleepare surefire strategies to avoid the worst winter skin conditions.

However, if over-the-counter techniques arent working, pain is getting worse, or there are signs of infection, people should seek help from a dermatologist.

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Dermatology

9 Tips for Common Winter Skin Conditions, According to a Celeb Dermatologist – PEOPLE

As the weather turns colder, there are a few things you can count onhot chocolate, warm coats and, unfortunately, your skin rebelling against the conditions.

In the winter, our skin tends to be drier, and the skin barrier becomes compromised, explains New York City-based celebrity dermatologist Dhaval Bhanusali, MD, who is the medical expert behind Hailey Biebers Rhode line and counts Martha Stewart among his patients. Given the change in weather, conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis commonly flare up.

If youre someone who experiences these kinds of skin changes in the winter, dont worry Dr. Bhanusali has plenty of tips to help you take care of your delicate skin during the cold months and keep these conditions under control.

Dhaval G. Bhanusali, MD FAAD/Instagram

First, lets pull back the curtain a little bit on why the winter can be so tough for people who suffer from eczema, psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis. Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a condition that causes itchy, dry skin. Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition where the body makes skin cells too quickly, creating scaly, inflamed patches of skin. Seborrheic dermatitis causes itchy, flaky skin (often on the scalp, aka dandruff). All three of these conditions can worsen when the temperature drops because cold weather dries the skin out.

Given the lack of hydration, a damaged skin barrier can lead to increased flaking and dryness. This is common in both eczema and psoriasis, explains Dr. Bhanusali.

Eczema in particular can be susceptible to this weakened barrier it makes it much harder for the skin to protect itself from bacteria and other irritants, he says. The dryness is (perhaps obviously) a big trigger for dandruff flakes, and cold and dry conditions are also a common trigger for psoriasis.

Some other conditions, like rosacea, a long-term flushing on the face, sometimes flare in winter, though Dr. Bhanusali says it's much more common for rosacea to be affected by what you consume think spicy foods, caffeine, or alcohol.

Getty

But just because it's expected for this time of year, that doesnt mean you just have to deal with itchy, patchy, flaky, uncomfortable skin all winter long. With some smart changes to your routine, you can protect your skin from cold and dry weather. (And of course, if your skin condition is moderate to severe and impacting your quality of life, get yourself to a doc a few extra slathers of moisturizer and a humidifier probably wont make much of an impact. But if its milder and triggered by weather, this definitely can help.)

First, says Dr. Bhanusali, its important to have a good routine with consistent moisturizer use. This may mean using a seasonal one, too. I have people switch to thicker moisturizers, rather than lotions and gel/creams, he says of patients at his practice, Hudson Dermatology and Laser Surgery.

When looking for a winter moisturizer, Dr. Bhanusali recommends seeking out calming ingredients like niacinamide and azelaic acid, to help keep flares at bay. You may even want to up your moisturizing game to twice a day, if your eczema or psoriasis is really bugging you.

Another add to your routine that may help: I also encourage the use of humidifiers to supplement the change in humidity over the colder months.

Getty

Some changes to your shower routine also could have an effect on your skin; for example, don't utilize your favorite summer skin exfoliant in cold months, says Dr. Bhanusali, unless you have very oily skin and even then, less is more."

And while a long, hot shower can be tempting when the outside temp is chilly, avoid them as much as you can.

Showers should be five minutes or less, with medium temperature water, he says. Scalding hot showers can strip the good oils from the skin and flare conditions [like eczema and psoriasis].

When youre done with your quick shower, pat yourself dry (this is important you dont want to inadvertently exfoliate by scrubbing at your damp skin!). Then, apply that wintertime moisturizer right away, while your skin is still a little wet. This is optimal for absorption and can really make all the difference, he says.

We'll take any skincare advice that Martha Stewart has also gotten and bonus points if it keeps our skin looking great and feeling good all winter!

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FDA Approval of ZELSUVMI Berdazimer Gel: A Revolutionary Achievement | Health News – Medriva

FDA Approval of ZELSUVMI Berdazimer Gel: A Revolutionary Achievement

Ligand Pharmaceuticals has made a groundbreaking announcement that the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given approval for its topical treatment for a viral skin infection. This topical gel, known as ZELSUVMI berdazimer 10.3, is designed to treat molluscum contagiosum in adults and pediatric patients aged one year and older. The approval of this treatment offers a new, promising solution for individuals grappling with this contagious viral skin infection, marking a significant advancement in the field of dermatology.

The approval of ZELSUVMI berdazimer gel is not just another FDA approval. It is the first of its kind in the United States, offering an at-home treatment option for molluscum contagiosum. This highly contagious viral skin infection, characterized by skin-colored to red lesions with a central umbilicated viral core, has been a challenge to treat and manage until now. The introduction of this gel represents a shift in patient care, offering increased accessibility and convenience.

ZELSUVMI is a nitric oxide releasing agent, and while its exact mechanism of action is currently unknown, its efficacy has been demonstrated in 2 Phase 3 trials. This makes it the first novel drug approved for the treatment of molluscum infections. Its also the only topical prescription medication that can be applied at home by patients, parents, or caregivers, making it a game-changer for those dealing with this condition.

Adverse reactions to ZELSUVMI were primarily limited to application site reactions, which is another promising element to note for potential users. The expectation is that ZELSUVMI will be commercially available during the second half of 2024. For more information about this groundbreaking treatment, visit http://www.zelsuvmi.com.

The FDA approval of ZELSUVMI berdazimer gel to treat molluscum contagiosum is a significant milestone in the field of dermatology. It signifies progress and innovation in the management of viral skin infections, particularly those that are highly contagious and challenging to manage. The new treatment is expected to improve patient care by offering a more accessible, convenient, and effective treatment option.

Additionally, the ability of patients, parents, or caregivers to apply the medication at home is a significant advantage. This means that treatment can be administered without the need for regular clinic visits, which is particularly beneficial during these times when minimizing contact is a priority. This level of convenience could also lead to improved adherence to treatment, thereby increasing its effectiveness.

With the commercial availability of ZELSUVMI expected in the second half of 2024, this represents a beacon of hope for those affected by molluscum contagiosum. The approval of this novel drug demonstrates the possibility of more innovative solutions in the future, paving the way for improved patient care and treatment outcomes in the field of dermatology.

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FDA Approval of ZELSUVMI Berdazimer Gel: A Revolutionary Achievement | Health News - Medriva