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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…

A recent meta-analysis and data from the 2013 Youth Risk Behavior Survey concluded that prohibiting tanning bed use for minors could potentially reduce the incidence of melanoma by 4.9% and the number of melanoma deaths by 4.7%. It has been long known that tanning bed use increases the risk of cancer, but these findings are quite alarming….

So often now, I see antibiotics given inappropriately. Most frequently, patients with an upper respiratory viral infection are given oral antibiotics, which have no benefit on treating viral infections. Why?  One can theorize that the doctor does so to substantiate the patient coming to see him/her, the doctor is not completely sure and is covering…

Most people think of Henna tattoos as a harmless ink that is applied to the skin. That is not always the case. Some Henna dyes contain paraphenayline diamine (PPD), which is the dye used in permanent hair dyes. This ingredient can result in severe allergic reactions. In a case reported in BMJ Case, a 10-year old…

A 34-year old Dermatologist has come up with a drink, called AVO, containing over 30 vitamins and anti-oxidants that reduces one’s risk for sunburn. Will this replace traditional sunscreen? Can we just take a drink and go out in the sun? Not so fast! Although clinical studies show that one does burn less, it appears that this…

Study Suggests Most Claims Reported on a Beauty Product Are Not Considered Truthful. CBS News (7/29) reports on its website that “a new study found fewer than one out of five” beauty product “claims was considered truthful by a panel of readers – and ads that used scientific language to describe the benefits were even less…

Study Suggests Most Claims Reported on a Beauty Product Are Not Considered Truthful. CBS News (7/29) reports on its website that “a new study found fewer than one out of five” beauty product “claims was considered truthful by a panel of readers – and ads that used scientific language to describe the benefits were even less…

The price of prescription drugs in the United States is obnoxiously high. Just today, I was pricing out a topical medication for toenail fungus and the cost for a 4ml bottle was over $500. Really?  Doxycycline, which cost $5 for 100 pills 2 years ago, was almost $200. I can’t imagine what some people are…

Most facial wrinkles come from ultraviolet rays, from the sun or tanning beds. So, the best way to avoid getting more is to avoid getting sun damage. Avoiding midday sun, wearing protective clothing and hats, and, of course, using a good sunscreen. I recommend a sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher with a high concentration…

Often I am asked if Botox and Dysport are the same. Or, more commonly, a patient will prefer one over the other. The simple answer is that the active molecule is essentially the same and the protein that surrounds it is different. For the most part, they work the same. Unfortunately, the units are different…