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Patient Education News
Risks of Sunscreen Doubted by Dermatologist, Dr. Jeff Dover
Dermatologist
(July 29, 2010) Suncreens are known to be essential when protecting our skin from cancer-causing UV radiation emitted by the sun. Recent reports that question the safety of many sunscreen ingredients have dermatologists concerned that some people might avoid using products that could save their skin and even their lives. “The research behind these allegations, that many topical sunscreens can cause skin cancer, including melanoma, has mostly been in lab animals and is dubious at best,” said Dr. Jeffrey Dover, President of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery and a dermatologist in private practice at Skin Care Physicians of Chestnut Hill. “Are you going to make a decision that could impact your, or your kids’, future by allowing yourself to get skin cancer and wrinkle and age prematurely based on some information from a lab study on animals in Europe? The answer is no,” stated Dr. Dover.
Veltin Gel Approved by FDA for the Treatment of Acne
(July 28, 2010) Veltin Gel is a new topical treatment for acne, which was recently approved by the FDA. Veltin is a combination of a topical retinoid (tretinoin) and a topical antibiotic (clindamycin), which are often recommended when treating mild and moderate acne. Other combination acne medications containing a retinoid include Epiduo (adapalene + benzoyl peroxide) and Ziana (tretinoin + clindamycin). “Veltin Gel gives patients and physicians two medicines in one product,” stated Guy Webster, M.D., a dermatologist and expert on acne and rosacea. Dr. Webster served in the capacity of clinical trial investigator for Stiefel, the manufacturer of Veltin. “When measuring treatment success in a clinical study, Veltin Gel performed better than tretinoin gel or clindamycin gel alone,” said Dr. Webster.
Dr. Michael H. Coverman Recommends Skin Care Products for Dry Skin
Dermatologist
(July 26, 2010) Cosmetic dermatologist, Michael H. Coverman, M.D., offers his clinical perspective on skin care products for dry skin, eczema burns and other conditions. Skin barriers, such a Eletone and Atopiclair, are particularly useful for the treatment of dry skin. Dr. Coverman stated, “Skin barriers try to mimic what was on your own skin before it got damaged. These creams have phospholipids and ceramides that trap water and hold it to your skin by binding it osmotically, and they also mimic the kind and concentrations of lipids (fats) normally found on your skin surface.” Dr. Coverman added that these non-steroidal creams also have mild anti-inflammatory properties. “They are safe for constant every day use,” stated Dr. Coverman. “By preventing your skin from getting dry, then fissured, then subsequently infected, these creams serve a valuable purpose.”
Biologics for Psoriasis Treatment Reviewed by Jeffrey Poole, M.D.
Dermatologist
(July 21, 2010) Dermatologist Jeffrey C. Poole, M.D. provides his clinical perspective on the use of biologic medications for the treatment of psoriasis. “Biologics are the newest agents to treat psoriasis. They offer excellent effectiveness, good saftey profile, and typically are very convenient,” said Dr. Poole. The primary drawback of biologics is their expense. “They are very expensive,” said Dr. Poole. He evaluates a patient’s psoriasis and determines if it is a) localized, b)whole body, or c) limiting function. These categories help to determine if treatment with a biologic medication might be warranted. Localized describes psoriasis that affects a limited number of areas and can be addressed with topical treatments. Whole body is a term used for psoriasis that is too widespread to treat topically, and thus requires a therapy that can effectively treat all regions of the body, such as biologics, which Dr. Poole says are a great choice. Function limiting describes psoriasis that may not be very extensive, but seriously impacts the quality of life of the patient, such as severe hand psoriasis in a surgeon or pianist. Dr. Poole stated that “for such conditions, biologics may be a good choice, especially because they are often some of our most effective drugs.”
Psoriasis and Poor Sleep Studied by Dermatologists
Dermatologist
(July 15, 2010) Psoriasis experts, including Dr. Steve Feldman, discuss the impact that poor sleep often has on psoriasis in a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (JAAD), July 2010 issue, titled “Factors affecting sleep quality in patients with psoriasis.” The authors stated that “Poor sleep quality adversely affects quality of life in patients with psoriasis ... Itching, depression, pain, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may be likely sources of sleep impairment. Pruritus, depression, and pain interfere with sleep quality by increasing nocturnal awakenings and sleep fragmentation.” Those with psoriasis know how a flare can severely impact sleep quality. And conversely, poor sleep and fatigue seems to aggrevate psoriasis symptoms.
Diet and Acne Reviewed by Dr. Bari Cunningham
(July 7, 2010) Leading dermatologist Bari Cunningham, M.D. in private practice in Encinatas, California, reviewed the latest studies regarding the connection between acne and diet for the 2010 Winter Clinical Dermatology Conference. These were recently published in the Journal of Practical Dermatology, July 2010. Dr. Cunningham found that acne prevalence increases as populations adopt a Western diet, whether through migration or cultural change, most likely because of the high proportions of food with a high glycemic index, such as processed foods, soda, beef, and dairy. He also found that milk consumption was associated with increased risk for acne as well as increased acne severity, and he speculates this is due to the hormones in milk, since the fat content seems to have no correlation. Thankfully, chocolate was not associated with exacerbation of acne.
Toni McCullough, M.D. Calls Attention to the Dangers of Sun Abuse
(July 3, 2010) Dermatologist Toni McCullough, M.D. calls for more awareness of “sun abuse”, likening its dangers to drug and alcohol abuse. “Until parents respond to sun abuse seriously, the skin cancer epidemic will continue to spiral out of control,” stated Dr. McCullough. “As a dermatologist and a mother, I would like to start a movement to make a difference in sun abuse. Melanoma is the most common cancer ages 25-29! It is the second most common cancer ages 15-29. What does this mean? This means that the young are getting too much sun too early in life.” Dr. McCullough recommends covering up with clothing, avoiding the sun between 10am and 4pm, wearing sunglasses, using a sunscreen with adquate SPF and UVA protection, and avoiding tanning beds.
Physical Sunscreens Recommended by Leading Dermatologist Laura Skellchock, M.D.
Dermatologist
(July 1, 2010) Laura E. Skellchock, M.D. recommends her patients use physical sunscreens only when protecting themselves from the sun's damaging UV rays as well as for maintaining skin health. “Anything with titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, silica and boron are inert, meaning they simply lay on the skin, producing a physical barrier from the sun and its harmful rays,” stated Dr. Skellchock. “I have never been a proponent of chemical sunscreens. These are chemicals which absorb UV rays, preventing them from getting to your skin and doing damage. Only problem is that they are applied to the skin, so they absorb the UV rays right on your skin! The absolute best sunblock is clothing that is thick enough to prevent UV penetration. I routinely cover myself with a beach towel while driving, and basically act like a ‘vampire’ in the sun.”
Acne Scar Treatments Reviewed by Acne Expert
Dermatologist
(June 28, 2010) Nelson Lee Novick, M.D. is a New York dermatologist who has published a handout on treating acne scars. Dr. Novick describes various types of scars and treatments for them, ranging from prescription medications to in-office procedures, such as Juvederm and dermaspacing. Dr. Novick is a Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City, an Attending Physician, and a former OPD Clinic Chief within the department of dermatology of the Medical Center. He is board certified both in internal medicine and dermatology and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology (FAAD) and a Fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (FAACS). Dr. Novick has written nine trade books and over a hundred articles, and has been quoted in all majore print venues, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, and USA Today.
Dermatology Medication Rebates and Refills
The Medication Rebates handout has a variety of medication rebates. Also find information about prescription refills and a pharmacy directory.
Find a Dermatologist Who Cares About Patient Education
Find a leading dermatologist who specializes in the treatment of acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, skin cancer, as well as wrinkles and other signs of aging skin.
Learn more about each doctor to find a dermatologist who is board-certified by the American Board of Dermatology and has been licensed to practice medicine by your state medical board.
Some dermatologists include the professional suffix "F.A.A.D." (or "FAAD") with their name. This means that they area "Fellow" of the American Academy of Dermatology. Being a Fellow means that the dermatologist is certified by the American Board of Dermatology or Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of Canada and has completed an evaluation designed to assess the knowledge, experience and skills necessary to provide high quality dermatology care.
