I have a sunburn – What do I do now?

By Mariusz J.A. Sapijaszko

Question:

Every year in June I get a big nasty, sunburn. I just can’t help myself. I like the outdoors and I like the sun. I just don’t like to sunburn, the pain and peeling afterwards. What can I do when I get sunburned?

Answer:

Dermatologists, including myself, advocate having fun in the sun without the burn that sometimes goes with it. A sunburn means that your skin has sustained so much damage that the DNA has been altered resulting in inflammation. We are all human and sometimes sunburns happen. When that occurs, you will find that the skin is itchy, swollen and painful.

When your skin is sunburned, there are a few fixes that can help alleviate the pain and embarrassment:

1. Take ibuprofen 400 mg (it is available under many different names such as Advil or just generic Ibuprofen), provided you are not allergic, as soon as you feel that your skin is sunburned. You can use it every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Make sure you drink plenty of water. Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory and it will counteract the inflammation of skin (redness, tenderness and swelling) that was caused by excessive sun.

2. Apply cool (not cold) compresses – this is soothing and will provide relief from some of the pain and burning.

3. Drink plenty of liquids – sun exposure can also dehydrate you. In addition, green tea has been shown to decrease inflammation and can help with sunburn therapy.

4. Make sure that you eat plenty of fruits and vegetables – their antioxidant properties that will help in “mopping up” free oxygen radicals that have been created because of the sunburn.

5. Make sure that the skin is moisturized – during and after a sunburn, the skin is not working properly and your body is prone to lose water through the skin. It is important that we help to protect skin barrier function. Any soothing moisturizer will do, and try to avoid perfumes or irritants. Keeping your skin moist is especially important when it begins to peel – do not let it dry out. Dry skin will take longer to heal.

6. Do not pull off flaking skin – it is very tempting to “help” skin exfoliate. This can cause more harm than good with more trauma and injury. Let the skin fall off naturally.

7. Do not rush – it will take a few days, and sometimes a few weeks, for the skin to get back to normal. The length of time it takes to recover depends on the severity of the sunburn and how the skin is being treated afterwards. By following these recommendations, you can help optimize the recovery process.

Sunburn is a very traumatic injury to the skin. We need to take serious precautions to protect ourselves from excessive sun exposure. Fun in the sun is great and when done properly, it can bring pleasure and joy to our lives. Have fun and treat your skin well – it will thank you in the long run.

For more information, please visit www.Youthfulimage.com

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Are Brazilian Bikini Treatments Safe? – Practical Guide

By Mariusz J.A. Sapijaszko (Dermatologist)

Question:

A few of my friends had Brazilian Bikini hair removal and I would like to try it as well. Is it safe for all people? Summer is coming and it is as good a time as any to try it.

Answer:

Brazilian bikini hair removal is not a new procedure but has only recently gained popularity. For those of you who do not know, Brazilian Bikini hair removal procedure refers to the removal of all, or almost all of hair in the genital area. The name originates from Brazil where it was popular before being introduced to big cities like New York and Los Angeles as well as cities in Europe. International population means international trends.

The most common methods of “Brazilian” are shaving at home, waxing, and laser or IPL hair removal. These treatments are generally safe, provided proper techniques are used by trained personnel. It is important that staff who are familiar with the regional anatomy and its variations provide treatments. The genital region, being very delicate, can be easily damaged or irritated when improper techniques or technologies are used.

In some states in the USA, multiple complaints have prompted some authorities to consider banning “full bikini waxing.” Such complications are ingrown hairs, infections (warts and herpes) and damage to delicate skin result in scarring, pain, burning and uncomfortable sensations.

Brazilian bikini shaving is probably the most common method used but requires great dexterity for optimal results. It allows privacy and, as such, spares patients embarrassment of asking others for the treatment.

Brazilian bikini waxing is a procedure in which wax is applied to the area and, while the skin is secured a quick motion is applied to remove the hair. This treatment is not permanent and needs to be repeated at least once a month to maintain desired results.

Brazilian bikini laser or IPL hair removal is designed to permanently reduce the number of hairs growing in the area. Only the hair present in the skin can be treated, so patients should not wax prior to having IPL or laser treatments. Again, it is important that the staff is well trained in laser and IPL technologies. Such training will help minimize unexpected complications. The fact that laser and IPL technologies have been approved to permanently reduce the number of hairs growing is very reassuring. After multiple treatments, there will be permanent reduction in hair density. As such, treatments can be stopped or greatly reduced and yet the desired results will be maintained.

Although there is some uneasiness and embarrassment when asking others to help with a Brazilian bikini, it is worthwhile in the short term as well as the long term. Proper personnel can help to answer your questions and offer treatment that, over the long term, will provide durable results.

Brazilian bikini hair removal is safe, provided trained personnel are involved. When problems arise, they need to be identified and treated quickly to prevent long lasting complications. In such cases, physicians should be involved to monitor the treatment through proper diagnosis and management.
For more information, please visit www.Youthfulimage.com

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Are my wrinkles genetic?

By Mariusz Sapijaszko

Question:

My parents (my mother in particular) started developing serious wrinkles in her 40s. I am definitely getting to that age and I am worried that I will follow in her footsteps. Is there anything that I can do or are wrinkles genetic? Please help.

Answer:

We all know that one of the best ways to stay healthy and live longer is to choose the right parents – We also know that this is not possible. We are who we are with our wonderful talents and some faults because of our genes (parents) and our life’s environment. So, are wrinkles genetic? The answer is both Yes and No.

In the following article, I will comment on that very question. A question that I am asked almost every day; Do I have wrinkles because my parents have wrinkles or do I have wrinkles because of my lifestyle choices?

1. Truth – Genes are very important for determining the way our skin looks and ages. This statement is correct, but needs to be understood in context. The way that one’s parents look and age has a great impact on the way an individual looks and ages. Most of us can tell that from watching our parents, grandparents, cousins and so on. If the skin of the parents looks good with few wrinkles and fuller cheeks – it is likely that the skin of the children will also look good with fuller cheeks into middle age and beyond. The converse is also true – children of parents whose skin age prematurely will likely experience similar problems. At the same time, not all is lost, as modification to our lifestyle choices can have a profound impact on skin ageing and wrinkles.

2. Truth – The environment has a great impact on the way our skin looks and ages. This is very important and refreshing as it points to our ability to modify the way we age and the way our skin looks. The way we look in our youth is likely more related to our genes, but the way we look in mid life and beyond is related to our lifestyle choices. Excessive sun exposure, smoking, lack of good sleep, stress, poor diet, little exercise, and poor, inappropriate skin care all contribute to premature skin ageing and wrinkles.

3. Truth – Home prescription remedies and office-based procedures can dramatically improve the health of your skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Advances in the prevention and treatment of facial ageing have never been as dramatic as in the last few years. The choices available are truly astounding. At the same time, not all of the treatments available are equally effective. I strongly recommend that, if you are considering facial or body rejuvenation treatments, you consult with a dermatologist – the skin expert. Dermatologists are trained in skin functioning in both its normal and disease states. They should be your guide on the skin care and rejuvenation journey.

4. Truth – When skin damage is minimal, minimally invasive treatments are frequently all that is required. At different stages in our lives, we may benefit from different treatments. Prevention, with avoidance of negative lifestyle choices, is always necessary and is the best step for all to take. When signs of early facial ageing and wrinkles appear, they can be treated with mild therapies, such as retinol creams, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, photo facials (IPL or laser) as well as Botox and filler injections. These treatments should be performed under the care and advice of a physician.

5. Truth – When skin damage is more advanced, more invasive therapies may be needed. The choice of treatment modality depends on the extent of facial ageing and wrinkles. When such wrinkles are moderate to advanced, we need treatments mentioned in paragraph 4, with the addition of fractional rejuvenation, laser MicroPeel or resurfacing, facial volume rejuvenation, thermage or surgical intervention. Again, these treatments need to be performed under the supervision of a physician.

Ageing is a combination of genetic factors and environmental influence. We have a great deal of control over the environment. The lifestyle choices we make give us great power in influencing the way our skin ages and wrinkles. There is plenty of good news and it all starts with better education and knowledge. Seek a professional opinion and stay informed. Better understanding of the options that are available will empower both you and your doctor to recommend what is best at different stages of your life.

For more information, please visit www.Youthfulimage.com

Drinking lots of water for beautiful skin - Truth or myth?

By Mariusz Sapijaszko

Question:

I am trying to loose weight and get my skin in shape. I am told that drinking lots of water will make me slimmer and will make my skin young and glowing again. How much water do I really need to drink?

 

Answer:

We have all heard it - you need to drink at least eight glasses of water a day, otherwise you will be dehydrated! Many people take this to heart and do as recommended. Others tell us that water will hydrate our skin, making us look younger and healthier without dry skin that can make anyone look less than fresh. What we do not know is if any of this is really true. In this article I will comment on some of the facts and myths regarding drinking water and our skin.

1. Fact - Water is the main ingredient of our bodies including the skin. It is an essential part of our daily functions and it is involved in nearly all biological processes. Water's importance to cell functioning cannot be overstated - H2O is involved in proper functioning of body and skin cell enzymes. As such, water is necessary to life, as we know it. When dehydrated, our cells can not work properly. With respect to skin, lack of an adequate amount of water will interfere with the proper functioning of the cells causing them to behave inappropriately. This is visible when severe dehydration is present.

2. Myth - It is necessary to drink eight glasses of water a day for our skin to work properly. There is no evidence that this is true. Yes, we need water for optimal skin function, but to suggest that we need eight glasses of water to do this has no basis in science. If we do not eat anything, then having eight glasses of water may be needed, but most food (fruits, vegetable, bread, meat and so on) contains mostly water. Because of that, the actual amount of water we need to "drink" is less and is in relation to the type of food we eat. More fruits and vegetables mean less of a need to "drink" water.

3. True - Too much water can be dangerous to our bodies. Our bodies have great capacity to regulate the amount of water. If it is hot and we are sweating a lot, our bodies will conserve water by concentrating urine and triggering thirst. If we drink too much water on an on-going basis, our bodies will try to excrete water by producing diluted urine. If this process continues, the body's ability to produce urine will decline and we will start losing protein, minerals and vitamins in our urine. As such, too much water can be very dangerous and even deadly to our bodies. Moderation is required. Too much water in a short term will cause you to know the locations of every washroom in the neighbourhood and, in the long term can cause you serious harm.

3. Myth - Drinking plenty of water will make your skin stay moisturized and hydrated. Our skin appears "hydrated" and moisturized when it has the right amount of lipids (i.e. fats). We need lipids in our skin to maintain its proper function as much as we need water. Moist skin is not wet skin. It is slightly "oily" skin. In the vast majority of cases, dehydrated skin is not indicative of a dehydrated body and, as such, drinking more water will not have a significant impact on the skin's "hydration." Instead, we need to protect the barrier of our skin by treating it right - do not over wash (use gentle cleansers) and moisturize as needed. Ask a dermatologist, your skin expert, for advice to help you keep your skin looking and feeling its best.

4. Myth - Bottled water is cleaner and generally better than tap water. I am not sure why people think that, bottled water is better
for us, even though the studies point to the opposite conclusion.
In many cases, tap water has less bacteria and contaminants than
bottled water. In addition, the waste generated by plastic water bottles is beyond excuse. It is an environmental disaster and bottled water drinkers need to know about it. It takes hundreds of years for plastic bottles to decompose, not to mention the chemicals that leach into the water from the plastic and eventually enter our bodies. Frequently, it is the so-called "environmentally friendly" people that carry plastic water bottles and throw them out after use - these are the same people that do not realize the harm that they are causing the environment. Ignorance is bliss - knowledge is power. Let's stop the insanity and educate ourselves.

I get very passionate about this topic. The message of drinking eight glasses of water a day has taken hold of the "health conscious" crowd without research nor a much deeper understanding. Moderation is the key. Knowledge is not optional, but is necessary to help ourselves without causing harm to our bodies and the environment. When skin problems cause you concern - ask a dermatologist - your skin expert. It is OK to question "common" wisdom, as the facts behind that wisdom are not always there. For now - stay hydrated and enjoy your new knowledge.

For more information, please visit www.Youthfulimage.com

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Frostbite Prevention Tips

Skin Care Tips from Dr. Sapijaszko

 

Frequently asked question:

I was riding a snow mobile with my boyfriend when the first snow fell. I knew it was cold outside but we were all dressed very well. When I came home my cheeks were very red and hurting. Now some of the skin is peeling and it is still red. What is happening and what can I do to make it better?

 

Answer:

It sounds like you may have localized frostbite.

If Jack Frost starts nipping at your nose, it's time to take shelter.

While there is nothing necessarily wrong with a rosy glow, frostbitten skin is damaged  skin that can be painful and, in very rare cases, even fatal. Frostbite can result in transient or permanent injury to the skin. If frostbite is severe enough, sections of skin or even fat, muscle and bone can die.

This can lead to infections that, left untreated, can kill. When skin is exposed to the cold, blood vessels in the skin constrict, decreasing blood flow to the skin. The fluid in and around skin cells develops ice crystals, causing frostbite. This halts normal cell functions and the cells die. Depending on the severity of the frostbite, the skin can move through different phases. It can have redness, blisters, pain or no pain, scabbing, necrosis (black, dead skin), ulceration and auto-amputation (part of the skin can fall off).

The areas of the body most prone to frostbite are the fingers, toes, hands, feet, nose, ears and cheeks. The signs and symptoms of frostbite vary, but they can include pain, numbness, blistering, itching, swelling and changes in skin color (white, gray or yellow tones.)

Frostbitten skin should be protected from further trauma, so rubbing with snow or even a warm cloth should be avoided. People should also make sure that the rewarmed area be kept warm and use pain medications if necessary.

People who work outdoors or participate in outdoor sports or recreational activities during cold temperatures and wind are particularly susceptible to effects from cold dry air. During sports activities most of the body can be quite warm but some parts, such as fingers, toes, ears, nose and cheeks, can sustain frostbites.

The only real protection is to keep these body parts warm and dry.

For more information, please visit www.Youthfulimage.com

 

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Winterize Your Skin

Skin Care Tips from Dr. Sapijaszko

Frequently asked question:

Every winter my skin gets very dry and itchy. I am doing the normal skin care and yet it does not seem to help. What should I do?

Answer:

This is a very common complaint of patients that I see. Alberta
winter demands that we treat our skin differently.

When the snow flies, the skin dries - It also cracks,
peels, itches and generally makes people miserable.

While people winterize their cars and cottages, they spend less time
considering how to weatherproof their body's largest organ. While dry, itchy skin may seem like no big deal, I say skin deserves some care and consideration because it can have a serious effect on our overall health.

Our skin has many important functions. It is a barrier keeping things from invading our body and keeping the contents of our bodies, both solid and liquid, from leaking out of us. It is a sensory organ. It helps regulate our temperature. It gives us our shape. It provides cushion to underlying structures, and it is used in personal communication. These complex functions require complex skin machinery.

The winter weather can cause this "machinery" to malfunction if is not cared for properly. The temperature of the air has a profound effect on the skin. It is through the absolute temperature as well as the moisture content that air around us influences our skin. As the temperature of the air drops, so does its ability to hold moisture.

Dry conditions, particularly in Alberta, are especially harsh on the skin. When the relative humidity inside drops below 60% skin begins to lose moisture, causing dryness and itching.

The top layer of the skin, known as the epidermis, along with oil glands produce fatty substances called lipids to keep the skin from losing moisture and make it supple. A dry environment as well as washing the skin strips away lipids, allowing moisture to evaporate and drying the skin. When the cells in the outer layer of skin get dry, their edges curl up and the skin feels rough.

The capacity of air to carry moisture (water content) decreases as the temperature decreases - this means that there is less water in the air. This, in turn, causes the moisture from our skin to be transferred to the surrounding air resulting in dry skin. When the skin is dry, it does not work properly and micro breaks develop. These small breaks in the skin allow allergens and irritants to get access to our body causing irritation and itching. All of us need to modify our environment and the way we treat out skin in winter.

Here is the list of easy things that one can do at home to help your skin survive winter:

1. Have a humidifier in our bedroom - we spend a good portion of our life in bedrooms and this is a place where our body and skin needs to regenerate. Optimal humidity is one excellent way to help out skin to renew itself. Have a humidifier run during a day and you can keep it off during the night (less noise allowing you to rest). It is not enough to have a humidifier with your furnace and supplementary bedroom humidifier is frequently required.

2. Decrease the temperature of water in the shower or bath. The higher the water temperature, the more moisture it will remove from your skin and cause irritation. Try to use as little water as you can and make sure it is not too hot.

3. When shampooing your hair use only enough shampoo to do the job. You do not need shampoo all over your body - it is designed for your hair and scalp and too much of it can be irritating.

4. When using soap, focus on the critical areas such as underarms, groin and feet. Your elbows, stomach and knees did not get dirty overnight.

5. When towelling, pat your skin and do not rub. Rubbing will remove too much moisture.

6. After gently towelling, apply moisturizer to "lock" the moisture in.

7. Enjoy your soft, smooth moisturized skin.

Occasionally specific skin conditions present with dryness and itchiness. If the above measures do not help you, seek an advice of a dermatologist - your skin expert.

Good luck and enjoy our beautiful Alberta winter.

 

For more information, please visit www.Youthfulimage.com

 

 

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Basal Cell Carcinoma - The most common cancer in the world

Question:

A friend of mine was recently diagnosed with skin cancer and we are trying to find out more information. The cancer is called basal cell carcinoma. What exactly is it and how can it be treated?

Answer:

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common cancer in humans worldwide and its incidence in Canada continues to increase. It is most commonly seen in light-skinned individuals on the sun-exposed areas such as head and neck. Basal cell carcinoma usually presents as a slowly growing spot or bump that sometimes bleeds when easily traumatized by every day activities such as toweling or washing. Some patients describe it as a spot that looks like a pimple that does not go away. When looked at closely, basal cell carcinoma can have small vessels within it giving it a slightly red or pink color. At the same time we need to remember that basal cell carcinoma can have almost any color from white to red/pink to dark brown. Although light-skinned individuals (with light hair and eye color) are the most susceptible to BCC, patients with a ll skin types and colors can develop basal cell carcinoma. I have treated patients of all skin types including Caucasians, Native Americans and Canadians, Inuits, Asians as well as Persians and East Indians among others.  This list alone points to the fact that no patient group is immune to this most common form of cancer.

Although BCC rarely kills patients, it grows relentlessly destroying normal tissues in the process and causing open painful wounds and loss of normal skin, muscle, nerve and bone functions. It is imperative that all basal cell carcinomas be treated.

It is very important that any new and persistent spot (e.g. more than three months) be assessed by a family doctor or a dermatologist. When detected early, BCC can be treated successfully. Depending on the treatment method, the success of the therapy can vary but, with the most effective methods, can approach 99% cure rate.

The abnormal growth (cancer) originates in the uppermost layer of the skin. The cancer then grows downward, forming root and finger-like projections under the surface of the skin. Unfortunately, at times these roots are so subtle they cannot be seen without the aid of a microscope. Therefore, what you see on your skin is sometimes only a small portion of the total tumor.

Are there different types of BCC?

YES - There are several different types of basal cell carcinoma. It is important to distinguish these types prior to treatment, as different therapies may be required. For this reason, a biopsy is performed prior to treatment of any kind.

There are 3 main types of BCC:

Nodular BCC
Nodular BCCs comprise 60% of all BCCs. These start as slightly pink, skin-colored or light brown flat lesions that slowly grow into small bumps. Sometimes they almost have clear center and small blood vessels on the surface and therefore are called "pearly papules". As they grow, the edges can raise and the center can form an open sore or an ulcer. Most nodular BCCs are on the head and neck region. If you are concerned that you may have a basal cell carcinoma or another skin cancer, please see your doctor or a dermatologist.

Superficial BCC
Superficial BCCs are thought to be about 15% of BCCs and are the least aggressive form of BCC. They present as pink, red or slightly brown, scaly (flaky), well-defined patches. These are most common on the back, chest, abdomen and legs. They are less common on the head and neck region. These superficial BCCs are frequently confused with psoriasis, eczema or fungal infection. When the usual treatments for these other conditions do not work, a small biopsy maybe needed to make sure that the lesion is not a superficial BCC. If you are concerned that you may have a basal cell carcinoma or another skin cancer, please see your doctor or a dermatologist.

Sclerosing, morpheaform or fibrosing BCC
This form of BCC (all three names are synonyms) is not very common but it is difficult to treat because it is the most difficult to detect. These cancers are mostly found on the face and they can look like a scar. They have a very dense center " just like a scar" but there is no history of injury. Just like an old scar, these cancers do not have sharp edges and are prone to recurrences. It is absolutely important that sophisticated treatment techniques such as Mohs Micrographic Surgery be used to treat these, especially on the head and neck region. If you are concerned that you may have a basal cell carcinoma or another skin cancer, please see your doctor or a dermatologist.

How can Basal Cell Carcinomas be treated?
The treatment of basal cell carcinomas depends on many factors including the type of BCC, its location and size, general health of the patient as well as the observation regarding its borders (when the borders of the cancer are not easily determined more sophisticated methods need to be used).

The following list represents some of the available treatments for basal cell carcinomas:

1. Mohs Micrographic Surgery (the most successful method)
2. Surgical excision - surgical removal and stitching
3. Curettage and electrodesiccation (scraping and burning with an electric needle)
4. Aldara Cream application
5. Photo Dynamic therapy
6. Radiation therapy ("deep X-ray")

The method chosen depends upon several factors, such as the microscopic type of tumor, the location and size of the cancer, and previous therapy. For example, small or superficial basal cell carcinomas on the legs, arms, back, chest or abdomen can be treated with topical Aldara cream and/or Curettage and electrodesiccation (scraping and burning with an electric needle), surgical excision or radiation therapy. Sometimes these methods can be combined increasing the chances of the cure rate.

The success rate for Mohs surgery, even in treating recurrent lesions, is about 95 - 99%. Mohs surgery is very time consuming and requires a highly trained team of medical personnel.

Since Mohs Micrographic surgery is the most successful and most tissue sparing (it strives to preserve as much of the normal tissue as possible and yet remove the cancer successfully), it is intended for skin cancers on the head and neck areas, the cancers that have poorly defined edges, recurrent cancers, cancers in patients with decreased immune system (such as patients with kidney, liver or heart transplants) and cancers in areas of the body when preservation of the normal tissues is important (such as hands and feet).

For more information, please visit www.Youthfulimage.com

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The Ugly Mole - How to spot a melanoma?

By Mariusz J.A. Sapijaszko,

Question:

I am back from my summer holidays and I had a great time. When I was on the beach, one of my friends noticed a "funny" mole on my back. I am worried. I had a few sunburns in my youth. Can this mole be dangerous?

Answer:

Melanoma can kill you and yet it is one of the easiest cancers to detect and treat. This fact provides us with a lot of great news. Yes, melanoma can kill but when detected early, it can be treated with great success. It is a fact that the incidence of melanoma is rising and more younger people are affected than ever before. In general, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the world and melanoma is one of the most dangerous kinds of skin cancers that we are faced with. The other common skin cancers are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. The latter cancers will be reviewed in the next few articles.

What does melanoma look like? Melanoma can either start as a new, brown or black spot on the skin or it can begin as a change in the shape or colour of an already present mole or coloured spot. Although most melanomas tend to be dark in colour (browns, blacks and dark blues), some have a mixture of colours including brown, black, red, blue and white. These growths can change in the size, shape and colour. It is this change that is one of the strongest clues that the mole or spot needs to be examined.

What causes melanoma? Although the full answer still has not been fully unravelled, we know that excessive sun exposure plays a leading role in the development of melanoma. In particular, blistering sunburns especially in childhood are thought to play an important role. Moreover, recent research shows that sunburns at any time during life can also increase the risk. It is these blistering sunburns that significantly increase the risk of development of melanoma. People who had blistering sunburns in the past should be especially vigilant for any changing or newly developing moles or spots.

Who is at risk of developing melanoma? Every person is at risk of developing melanoma but fair skinned people who have sun-sensitive skin that burns rather than tans are more likely to get it especially those of us with freckles and red as well as blond hair and those with blue or green eyes. Patients with close family history of melanoma and those with many moles (more than 50), or moles with an unusual colour or shape, or with large moles, are also at an increased risk.

Where does it often appear?
It appears most commonly on the backs of men and legs of women. However, it can appear anywhere on the skin surface. While less common in darker skinned people, melanoma usually appears on the palms of hands, soles of feet and nail beds in these people.

What can I do to prevent melanoma?
Protect young children from excessive sun. Avoid the sun from 10 am to 4 pm and protect yourself if outside during these times by seeking shade, covering up with clothing and wide brimmed hats. Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15. Apply before you leave the house and reapply regularly, especially during strenuous exercise. Sun is good for us but excessive sun - particularly when it leads to sunburns is very dangerous.

What do I look for when I examine my moles? Self-examination of the entire body surface is very important. The moles that we have are ours and we need to know them. We also need to know if and when they change or a new mole develops. We should examine ourselves once a month and here are some of the factors that are important to assess when looking at moles:

A - Asymmetry - one half unlike the other half. Look at the mole and see if it is symmetrical.
It is important to notice lack of symmetry as this can be an early sign of melanoma.

B - Border - irregular, scalloped or poorly circumscribed border. Although mother nature does not make perfect circles, we do not want to see very irregular mole edges either. When that happens, please see your doctor or, better yet, your dermatologist.

 

C - Colour - varied from one area to another; shades of
tan and brown, black; sometimes white, red or blue.
Colour variation and colour changes can be an early
clue that melanoma is developing.

 

D - Diameter - while melanomas are usually greater than 6mm in diameter (the size of a pencil eraser) when diagnosed, they can be smaller. If you notice a mole different from others, or the mole that changes, itches, or bleeds (even if it is small) you should see a dermatologist.

 

 

 

I see more and more melanomas every year but I am glad that most of them are caught early. Early detection and treatment can save lives and knowledge of how to protect yourself and detect melanoma early can save your life as well. When in doubt, see your doctor or a dermatologist, your skin care expert.

For more information, please visit www.Youthfulimage.com

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Fractional Laser Rejuvenation - Great Combo of Safety and Effectiveness

 

Question:

As all of us, I am getting older and I am doing all I can to stay fit and healthy. I also want to look after my skin. I enjoyed sun a lot and I still do but I am more careful now. I feel great and I want to look as good as I feel. I have heard that facial laser treatment can help improve my skin but I am not sure if I have all this time to hide in the house and heal. Are there any new techniques that will help me without costing me a fortune or making me hide out from my friends for weeks?

 

Answer:

I hear this question almost every day - we all wish to have good results without costing us lots of time and money. We are all busy and having to spend months staying at home recovering is just not practical any more. Fortunately, physicians and scientists are agreeing with these concerns and try to introduce better, safer and more effective technologies to help rejuvenate the skin with less and less downtime.

Fractional Laser Rejuvenation is one of the best and effective new technologies that are available to us. Fractional Lasers provide a safe, minimally invasive approach to repairing aging and sun-damaged skin. They combine the precision of laser technology with excellent safety and effectiveness that very few techniques can claim.

Fractional Laser Rejuvenation is ideal for:

· Eliminating unwanted brown spots (melasma or other forms of unwanted pigmentation)
· Smoothing acne scars and surgical scars both on the face and body
· Improving facial and body wrinkles
· Rejuvenating neck, chest and hands

Unlike the ablative lasers that remove the top layer of skin and result in significant recovery times, Fractional Laser Rejuvenation procedure produces tiny microscopic wounds separated by areas of unaffected, healthy tissue. The spared healthy tissue between treatment zones contains living cells that promote rapid healing of the outer skin layers. At the same time, energy penetrates deep into the skin to remodel collagen.

Following the treatments, patients experience mild sunburn sensation for one to two hours. In addition, redness and swelling may vary depending on the skin and treatment conditions. Swelling and pinkish skin tone can persist for five or more days indicating the deep healing process. Furthermore, temporary bronzing and flaking can occur. Soon, patients begin to feel the difference in their skin as it gradually becomes softer, smoother, tighter and fresher. The fine lines around your eyes noticeably fade as does the uneven coloring and the brown spots caused by aging and sun exposure.

The results can be seen within a few days with a more radiant and refreshed appearance. Over the following weeks and months, the body repairs the deeper dermal tissues that have been affected by Fractional Laser Rejuvenation producing beneficial changes that continue to improve over the next 2 to 3 months. Although some results may be seen after just 1 treatment, at least 3 treatments are usually needed for optimal results.

 
For more information, please visit www.Youthfulimage.com

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Nail Changes - Causes and Cures

Question:

I am getting older and, as most of my friends, I am noticing that my nails are changing. I don't mind the changes on my toenails, they are less visible, but I do not like the changes in my fingernails. They are rougher, more brittle and have developed lines. Is this a usual part of getting older or is it something that I am doing? What can I do to improve the appearance of my nails?

 

Answer:

Nail changes are very common in both men and women. Some of the changes are related to

getting older but some of them relate to just plain daily living or even some general body conditions. The health and appearance of nails are related to many factors. Amongst the most important ones are:

1. Your general health - When we are malnourished in general or in specific ingredients such as minerals and vitamins, our skin and nails will reflect that. This is not very common in our society but it maybe present in people that are strict with specific and ill-conceived diet. In addition, patients that suffer from thyroid conditions or other general body conditions such as diabetes, auto-immune diseases, chronic infections or inflammations will show significant changes in their nail.

2. Exposures to environmental factors - Our skin and nails can take a lot of abuse from all kinds of environmental factors but after a while this abuse will definitely show in the way our nails look. Too much harsh or even everyday chemicals such as water, soap or dishwashing fluids can and will change the way your nails look making them brittle and uneven looking.

3. Specific nail conditions - We all know that nail fungal infection can dramatically change the way our nails look. In addition, other skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, warts and many different inflammatory conditions can change the look of our nails. In these cases, it is critical that a dermatologist be involved for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Is there anything that can be done to improve the appearance and health of the nails? The answer is YES and here are some of the most practical ways to make sure your nails look as healthy as possible:

1. Do not use your nails as tools - It is too frequent that I see patients using nails to open cans of pop. This not only looks bad but it also fragments the nail plate leading to bigger breaks later.

2. Protect you hands and nails - Wear rubber gloves when washing dishes or other household items. We all know that detergents and soaps can be harsh to our skin and nails.

3. Moisturize - Apply a hand cream to nails and cuticle after each washing as even water makes nails very dry, leading them to be brittle and peeling.

4. Avoid cutting or clipping your nails - Try using an emery board and file at a 45-degree angle from under the free edge of the nail.

5. Protect the nail surface - Nail Polish acts as a protector to the natural nail. Don't peel off Nail Polish, as you will also remove the top layer of your nail leading to damage.

6. Do not bite nails - Break the habit of nail biting, which can damage the nail and the cuticle, leading to a deformed shape, uneven growth or infection.

7. Let yourself be pampered - Once in a while let professionals take care of your nails. It feels good when others are looking after us but make sure that the cuticle is treated with extreme care.  I recommend that only minimal amounts of cuticle are removed and shaped. Only loose and detached parts of cuticle can be trimmed and I would avoid pushing cuticle back as this exposes fresh parts of the nail plate preventing it from being nourished.

For more information, please visit www.Youthfulimage.com

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Hair Problems - Some causes and solutions?

Question from the Listener:

Since July 07, a patch of my hair located on the right side just as you round the head has been brittle to the point where it is so short that I am not able to get the smallest barrel curling iron around it. It is in a patch that is all fuzzy. Sometimes as I am blow-dry it, a "patch" of about 8 strands of hair comes out. I have tried to examine the "roots" of this patch but when I touch it, it crumbles and becomes in a powder state. I have gone to see my family doctor thinking it may be my thyroid that is causing this problem. But after giving blood, I never got a call back from the doctor's office saying that there is anything wrong. So I take that it is not my thyroid. He was at a loss to give me medical advice. The only thing, I came away with is
to come back in six months. My six months is not up yet and am not sure if I
can wait that long. Someone told me to take Zinc which I have been doing
but not sure if this is helping or not. I am not sure what other information you would
need but am hoping that you have come across such a weird thing to give me
some advice.

To see a Dermatologist, is it necessary to be referred by your family doctor or
can I make an appointment on my own?
Carey - no age

Answer:

Hello Carey - it sounds like this problem in really frustrating for you. Hair problems are very common - some people have too many hairs and some people have too few of them. In some cases hair can fall out in circular patches on the scalp or on the other parts of the body - this condition is called alopecia areata.

From your description, it sounds like the hair is still growing but it may be brittle or weak at the roots (the part of the hair in the scalp). You would really need to be seen by a dermatologist to see specifically what the problem is. Thyroid conditions rarely cause hair problem in one part of the scalp. When thyroid conditions cause hair problems, it is usually the whole scalp and not just small part of it.
Different shampoos and supplements have very little if any benefits for the scalp and hair. What is important is not to use too strong of a shampoos or chemicals on your hair as this can weaken the hairs making them brittle (whole scalp and not just one patch).

In today's society, we do have plenty of nutrients from our diet to provide good conditions for our hair growth. In most cases, it is too strong shampoos and too frequent washings that can cause brittle hair. Good conditioner will help that problem.

In some cases, scalp fungal infection can present with patchy hair loss. In most cases, patients have contact with animals or other people with scalp fungal infection.

In any case, you would need to be seen by a doctor again - either a family doctor or a dermatologist - Your skin expert. In order to see a dermatologist, you would need a referral from your doctor. I am sure that we would be glad to see you. Some dermatologists specialize in hair problems and you may wish to ask your family doctor to send you to the one that does.

I hope that helps and thank you for your question.

 

For more information, please visit www.youthfulimage.com

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Eyelid Puffiness - What can I do?

Question from the Listener:
Hi my name is Cathy, I would like to know what I can do for puffiness under the eye area and also ask you what creams are good for around the eye area and face. Right now I'm using Aveeno with SPF30 for face and Jam ieson vitamin E eye cream. I would love to hear your advice.

Cathy

Answer:

Eyes - The Window to Our Soul

EYES - They communicate our emotions, feelings, desires, interests and host of other thoughts in a non-verbal way. Their importance in personal communications in both public and private affairs can't be overemphasized. It is not surprising that so much attention is placed on maintaining and improving the look of the eye region. The health and appearance of both upper and lower eyelids are important in conveying desired messages of youth and vitality.


Why do people seek eye region rejuvenation?
Most people seek correction of their upper eyelids because of excessive skin that often is combined with upper eyelid fullness. Theses two features create the perception of a tired and aged appearance that most people try to avoid. Skin loses its elasticity and becomes redundant creating folds that sometimes overhang past the upper eyelid edge. These changes culminate in the aged look of the upper eyelid and frequently become a call for action by many of our patients.

What Causes Lower Eyelid Puffiness?
Both lower and upper eyelid puffiness can be caused by several factors. It is caused by either fluid (lymphatic fluid that we all have) or by excessive tissue such as skin, muscle or fat. One way to assess, if it is fluid, is through knowing if the puffiness is worse in the morning or after eating salty foods. In these cases, it is likely due to the accumulation of the fluid. When we sleep, we do not blink. It is the blinking action that pumps fluid away from the eye region and minimizes swelling. If puffiness is caused by the fluid, try to avoid salty and overly carbohydrate foods.
These foods will cause water retention and resulting puffiness.
If the puffiness is caused by excess tissues, then laser eyelid rejuvenation
or blepharoplasty (surgical eyelid rejuvenation) may be considered.

What is blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty - known as eyelid rejuvenation - is a procedure that can
"freshen-up" the eyes as well as the entire face. It can reverse the aged
appearance of the face and brighten-up the otherwise tired face. Blepharoplasty
is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures today and due to its safety, when performed by a trained specialist, it frequently replaces more aggressive procedures such as a face-lift.

What is upper lid blepharoplasty?
Upper eyelid blepharoplasty can correct excessive skin, muscle and/or fat pads that contribute to the perception of tiredness. Depending on the cause of the eyelid problems and the degree of correction required only skin, muscle and/or fat pads have to be removed. It is important to place surgical incisions in the eyelids natural creases. This will aid in minimizing resulting scarring to the point of virtual elimination of post surgical marks.

What is lower lid blepharoplasty?
Lower eyelid aesthetics are also very important and the patients seeking correction of this region frequently complain of "bags under their eyes." Excessive skin, protruding fat pads, thickened eyelid muscle or tissue fluid retention singularly or in combination produces lower eyelid fullness, once again, resulting in a tired aged look. The quest for a fresher youthful image that conveys health and vitality can frequently be satisfied with lower eyelid blepharoplasty.

What are good creams for the eyelid and face regions?
Facial and eye creams can be divided into two groups - cosmetics and treatment.
The key function of cosmetics is to moisturize - these preparations are bought without a prescription and have very little effect on the skin. With respect to cosmetics, I would recommend light creams that do not cause acne or irritation. Each person's skin is different and without proper consultation with dermatologists, one has to do trial and error approach and see which cream is tolerated.
Treatment crams are bought with a prescription and are designed to change the skin. These include such preparations and Retin-A, Differin and Stieva-A creams, among others. As I mentioned, you would need a prescription to buy these creams. It is very helpful to have a consultation with a dermatologist - your skin expert.

    For more information, please visit www.youthfulimage.com

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Skin Tags - The gift that keeps on giving?

Question from the listener:
Is there any way to get rid of skin tags on and around eyes that does not cause any harm to eyes and does not cost my first born or left arm - thanks.
Diane - no age

Answer:

What are skin tags?
Skin tags are very common and are often described as skin-colored projections of small pieces of hanging skin. They are benign and frequently have small, narrow stalk. Classically, they occur around the neck, underarms, eyelids, and under the breasts. They vary in appearance from smooth to slightly wrinkled. Initially, skin tags start as small, flat or slightly raised pinpoint-sized spot. Skin tags can gradually grow to impressive size. Some of them can be the size of a grape.

Who can get skin tags?
As mentioned above, skin tags are VERY common. Almost half of the people report having at least one skin tag at some time in their life. They are not present at birth and generally start showing up in adulthood and greatly increase in frequency, as people get older. It appears that skin tags are more common in the areas of friction and, as such, are more common in overweight people. It is thought that hormone elevations, such as those seen during pregnancy, also increase the formation of skin tags, as skin tags are more frequent in pregnant women. In most cases, skin tags are found in otherwise healthy people.

Are skin tags dangerous?
NO. Skin tags are benign and harmless. Occasionally, they can become irritated and inflamed in the areas of friction such as seen around the neck (collar or the shirt) or in the groin. In addition, most people find multiple skin tags unsightly. Skin tags removal for aesthetic reasons is very common. It is important that this not be done at home as there is potential for significant bleeding, infection and scarring. Only qualified medical personnel should remove skin tags.

How can skin tags be treated?
There are several very effective ways to remove skin tags but all such removals should be performed by qualified medical personnel. They can be removed using surgery (scalpel, scissors or laser), cryotherapy (freezing with liquid nitrogen) or cautery (devices that use heat to treat unwanted skin lesions). Improper treatments can result in scarring or changes in pigmentation. Even the skin tags in delicate areas of the body such areas around the eyes can be successfully removed. Since these removals are done for cosmetic reasons, they are not covered by government health plans. The costs are modest and, in most cases, the results are worth the money.

Skin tags are a nuisance and most people would rather not have them. Having a single skin tags is not too bad but the presence of even one skin tag can herald arrival of more in the future. If you are concerned with the way they look or feel, contact your physician or a dermatologist and consider having them removed.

 

For more information, please visit www.youthfulimage.com

 

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Hand Rejuvenation - The Forgotten Quest For Youth?

Frequently asked question:
I am 45 years old and I feel great. I work out and try to eat right but it looks like my hands are getting or looking older faster than the rest of my body. I am afraid to even shake hands with people as they might see my "old looking" hands. What is happening and what can be done about it?

Answer:
Frequently ignored but never far out of sight, hands down, our hands need more than just occasional washing to stay in their best shape. Most of us concentrate on our faces, hair, teeth and so on but our average beauty regimen pays little attention to our hands even though,  it is our hands that give away our age before our faces do.

It is true for both men and women when they say that they dislike the fact that their hands betray their age with simple gesture or handshake.

 

Many patients notice a discrepancy between their rejuvenated face and the aged appearance of their hands. Our hands work for us every day and because of that are subjected to more wear and tear than we care to admit. It is for these reasons that cosmetic hand rejuvenation is becoming more and
more popular. 

What are the causes of hand aging?
At first, hand rejuvenation may sound like an unnecessary cosmetic procedure, but our hands are more important than most people realize. The most important causes of hand aging are:

1. Photoaging - because hands receive so much sun exposure, photoaging plays a key role in producing visible signs of aging such as irregular pigmentation, pre-cancerous and cancerous growths in addition to changes in collagen and elastic fibers. These changes result in mottled pigmentation, thinned and fragile (paper thin) skin.
2. Changes in hand volume - there are significant alterations of fat underneath the skin, bones of the hand as well as enlargement of veins. These changes make the hands look bony.

Fortunately, there are several excellent methods to deal with most of these unwanted changes.

Why do patients want hand rejuvenation?

Most patients seeking hand rejuvenation are trying to enhance appearance, boost self-confidence, become less self-conscious about hand appearance and achieve smoother healthier looking skin.

 

What are the different types of Hand Rejuvenation Treatments?
One of the first and more important thing that has to be done to prevent further damage and promote reversal of some of the cutaneous damage already present is the regular use of UVA and UVB sunscreens. The corrective treatments can be tailored to the problem at hand:

1. Superficial surface changes can be treated with topical preparations (e.g. sunscreen, vitamin A derivatives, vitamin C preparations,) chemical peels, different forms of microdermabrasion, Thermage and collagen stimulation, IPL as well as laser phototherapies.
2. The hand veins can be treated with laser therapies as well as sclerotherapy (vein injections)
3. Dermal and fat changes can be improved with SculptraÒ and other fillers (e.g. fat, collagen).

 
These procedures are very advances and should only be performed by thoroughly 
trained physicians.

Hand rejuvenation is an exciting procedure that combines innovative methods to deal with each area of concern. Although the hand rejuvenation is often forgotten in the quest for youthful image, the new and effective methods offer truly remarkable ability to correct the changes associated with passage of time. With this renewed interest, the hand rejuvenation can become the new avenue for improving and maintaining that elusive youthful look.

For more information, please visit www.youthfulimage.com

 

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Acne – The New Blu-U Treatments

Frequently asked question:
I had acne on and off for over five years and I have tried many different treatments. My wedding is coming and I am panicking about my face. I am not keen on using antibiotic pills and I am wondering if there are some new treatments.



Answer:
The treatment of acne depends on the type of acne that a patient has. Since there are many different acne types, thorough assessment by a physician would be needed before specific therapy is recommended. It is important for patients with challenging to treat acne to be examined by a dermatologist as poor diagnosis and lack of experience can lead to inadequate therapy and result in scarring.


Generally speaking, acne can be treated by one or the combination of the following modalities: washes, creams and lotions, chemical peels, oral medications (antibiotics, accutane or birth control pills) and light based technologies (laser, IPL or Blu-U). The choice of treatments depends on many factors including the type of acne that the patient has, prior treatments tried, age of the patient as well as individual preference.

Blu-U therapy is a new and effective treatment for acne that does not require antibiotic pills.

Acne is treatable. Scarring is preventable. Treatment options need to be tailored to each patient. You and your face deserve the best care available. Seek advice from dermatologists – the skin experts.


What is Blu-U Light Therapy for Acne?
The Blu-U Light device uses new light based technology to remove acne lesions safely and effectively. It is a non-invasive, pain-free treatment with no side effects. There is no use of any chemicals or drugs. Blu-U Light is the first acne treatment device to receive clearance for acne. It is suitable for all body areas including face and neck acne, chest acne, and back acne.


How does Blu-U Light Therapy work?
Blu-U Light therapy for acne is designed to improve acne without causing significant side effects. In fact it is one of the safest methods to treat acne available today. The bacteria that is present within the hair/oil gland apparatus creates the compounds that are largely responsible of the acne lesions. One of those compounds can interact with the special light that Blu-U emits. This interaction leads to decrease in bacteria count and improvement in acne lesions.

The frequency and the number of Blu-U treatments depend on whether it is used as a standalone treatment (more frequent sessions are needed) or as a part of a combination treatment with topical creams, chemical peels or oral medications. When Blu-U is used as a standalone therapy, twice weekly sessions for six weeks are needed. More frequently, I recommend combination treatments with creams, chemical peels or even oral medications. In this case less Blu-U treatments are needed.

What are the side effects of Blu-U Light Therapy?
Blu-U Light therapy is very safe and with no chemical or drug use the side effects are virtually nonexistent. Specifically, there is no downtime, no irritation, no redness, no peeling, no scarring, or photosensitivity.

For more information, please visit www.youthfulimage.com