General Dermatology

Eyelid dermatitis in women is fairly common.  In many cases, the initial cause is irritation incurred during the removal of make-up. Mechanical friction, often with a wash cloth or other cleaning product, removes some critical components of the outer layer of the skin that protects the skin. After this occurs, things that normally would not…

Has anybody seen the changes in the cost of medications lately? In case you have not noticed, they have soared completely out of control. For example, a bottle of 100 doxycycline capsules used to cost about $4. Today that same bottle is well over $100.  Patients are faced with high copayments for their medications, which…

Patients often ask about the risk of getting infections after a Pedicure. In most cases, they are asking about getting a toenail fungal infection, which is rare in this circumstance. Bacterial infections have occurred after getting a Pedicure, although is uncommon. Those who are immuno-compromised or have diabetes and/or poor circulation are more at risk…

Without question, it is ALWAYS best to see a well-trained, board-certified Dermatologist if one has any skin problems (rashes or growths).  Although many PCPs and Urgent care centers can handle COMMON problems (i.e. Shingles, poison ivy and minor burns), what happens when both you and the doctor does not know what the diagnosis is? In many of these cases, patients…

This is becoming a big problem, but one can solve this most often without additional help.  Here are a couple of references: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/itchy-skin/bedbugs https://www.jenreviews.com/bed-bugs/

A study published in JAMA looked at the 100 “best-selling” moisturizes that claim to be “hypoallergenic” found that 83% had a potentially allergenic chemical. Additionally, the study found that 45% of the products marketed as “fragrance-free” contained a botanical ingredient or one that reacts to a fragrance that can cause reactions.

For decades, we have told patients that there were no studies to support that drinking soda made acne worse, although if that was their experience then they should not consume soda. Over the recent years, more and more evidence has emerged showing that diet can affect acne. The first study showed that drinking non-organic milk…

Topical allergies are common in both children and adults. If one suspects a topical allergy in children, this top 10 list contains the most likely culprits. One can start by avoiding these 10 compounds. Tixocortol pivalate (a corticosteroid). Propylene glycol (found in many creams, lotions, and solutions). Methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI)/methylisothiazolinone (MI) (a preservative used in anti-fungal…

Hold that glass! In a recent study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, women who consume white wine or liquor may increase the risk of rosacea. Time to trade in that Chardonnay for a Cabernet.

In an article published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, individuals “with psoriasis who were treated with biologics had an increased incidence of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.” The risk increased by over 42% in those exposed to the TNF-alpha biololics, which include: infliximab[7] (Remicade), adalimumab (Humira), certolizumab pegol (Cimzia), and golimumab (Simponi), or with a circulating receptor fusion protein such as etanercept (Enbrel) which may…