SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) — With spring break, prom and wedding seasons getting under way, young people especially may long to get a head start on a tan as they strive for a sun-kissed look.
Bad idea, dermatologists warn. Limiting sun exposure and forgoing indoor tanning altogether is more important than ever as cases of melanoma, a potentially deadly skin cancer, rise. (more…)
The cause of a skin rash (dermatitis) can be tough to figure out—even for dermatologists. That’s where patch testing comes in handy, according to leading dermatologist and founder ofAdvanced Dermatology P.C. and The Center for Laser and Cosmetic Surgery PC, Joshua L. Fox, MD. “Patch testing of the skin can tell us if a rash is being caused or exacerbated by an allergy,” he says, “and can help us to distinguish a skin allergy from other skin conditions, such as eczema, irritant dermatitis, or psoriasis.” (more…)
Questions Posed to Advanced Dermatology P.C. and The Center for Laser and Cosmetic Surgery P.C.
By Ann Lloyd, RPA-C
Joshua L. Fox, M.D., F.A.A.D.
1. Does acne result from eating “junk food”?
There is no truth to the fact that junk food causes acne. However, if a certain food seems to precipitate a flare of acne, that food should be avoided. Also, foods with a high iodine or bromide concentration may cause flare-ups.
2. Will washing my face more often help my acne?
Although good hygiene is important, it has no significant bearing on the development of acne. Frequent washing, especially with harsh soaps or scrubs can make acne worse and even promote scarring.
3. Will using a buff puff or washcloth help my acne?
Any abrasive material used on the face has the potential of scarring the face and should only be used with appropriate training and recommendation of a dermatologist.
4. If my parents had acne, does that mean I will develop acne?
There are contributing factors to developing acne including (1) genetic predisposition, (2) hormonal aspects, (3) environmental exposures, (4) emotional distress (5) cosmetics.
5. Does stress cause acne?
Although stress does not cause acne, it can frequently make it worse.
6. Should I get “facials” for my acne?
Scientific studies to date have not found “facials” beneficial and may in the wrong hands, make it worse. For many people “facials” make them feel good and make their skin temporarily shiny and/or taut. However, broken blood vessels may be a potential side effect.
7. Is it all right to pick my pimples?
No. Picking your pimples often results in scarring which may be permanent. When you see your dermatologist, he/she will perform sterile acne surgery. This ominous sounding procedure is simply the opening and removing of acne lesions (i.e., papules, pustules, open and closed, comedones, and cysts), with specific instruments. This procedure in combination with prescription medications (both topical and/or oral) has been shown to be most effective in lessening marks and/or scarring.
8. Are Alphahydroxy acids good for acne?
Alphahydroxy acids are fruit acids which have minimal side effects (occasionally, mild temporary irritation). In recent studies, it has been shown that the use of alphahydroxy acids often lessens the need for oral antibiotics. Our patient’s have found it also smoothes the skin and improves the complexion.
9. As a female is the reason I have acne because I have too much male hormone?
The hormone you are talking about is an androgen. Some of the signs for androgen excess are: hirsutism (excessive hair), irregular menses, late onset acne, severe and/or therapy resistant acne. At Advanced Dermatology P.C. and The Center for Laser and Cosmetic Surgery we recommend a work-up for androgen excess in the appropriate age group. There are special treatments for this problem.
10. My acne is terrible and has not gotten better despite using every medication imaginable-is there hope?
Accutane is often the answer for this problem (cystic acne). Accutane is used when other conventional treatments have failed. This 20 week therapy consists of careful monitoring of patients. The results often appear miraculous
Lasers are revolutionizing cosmetic surgery, but not all offices are equipped with them. The conversion (electrical/gas energy into light) hardware is expensive and old procedures are still offered. But Dr. Joshua Fox, Director of Advanced Dermatology and pioneer in laser therapy for stretch marks, believe in making the latest technology available to all people and has added a Skin Laser Center to his medical practice. There, are offices in Manhattan, Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk with eight lasers and ten doctors. (more…)
Topical immunomodulators (TIMs), the first new class of drugs in over 40 years to treat eczema, were hailed as revolutionary treatments when they were first marketed a few years ago, offering new hope to the 15 million Americans suffering from this chronic, unsightly skin condition. Today, however, these miracle prescription creams are under assault because of data suggesting they may increase the risk of cancer. (more…)
More kids than ever before are being diagnosed with the skin cancer melanoma, which used to be almost exclusively a disease of adults. “Melanoma usually develops many years after excessive sun exposure as a child—in fact, 80% of a person’s lifetime skin exposure typically occurs before the age of 18,” reports Joshua Fox, MD, a leading dermatologist and founder of Advanced Dermatology . “But melanoma is no longer waiting to appear in adulthood: It is now being found with alarming increasing frequency in children.”
Citing recent data from the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database, Dr. Fox notes that between 1973 and 2001, the incidence of pediatric melanoma rose by 2.9% per year—or by about 80% overall. “The risk is greatest for white children, girls, older kids, and those who have had the most exposure to the sun,” he says.
The good news is that the survival rate for pediatric melanoma has increased over the same time period, and now stands at 93.6% at five years after the diagnosis. “Early detection is the key to curing melanoma,” he explains, “so the cancer can be removed before it spreads to the internal organs.”
Unfortunately, because of the many demands on their time, pediatricians don’t appear to be detecting the dangerous skin lesions as often as they could be, requiring that parents take a proactive stance in protecting their children. Here are Dr. Fox’s recommendations:
Ask your child’s pediatrician to do a skin check on your children as part of their annual examinations or refer to a dermatologist if they are not comfortable.
If your children have fair skin or a lot of moles and freckles, take them to a dermatologist for regular skin checks.
If your child has one or several enlarging or irregular moles see a dermatologist for diagnostic evaluation to see if any testing is required.
Avoid taking your kids out in the sun during the peak hours between 10 AM and 2 PM, when ultraviolet (UV) rays are strongest. If you are out then, seek the shade of a tree or sit under an umbrella at the beach.
Dress your kids in sun-protective clothing, such as a hat with a wide brim, sunglasses and dark-colored, long-sleeved shirts and pants. Some manufacturers even make clothing with built-in sun protection.
Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen which is water proof (one that protects against both UVA and UVB rays) with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher to your kids’ skin whenever you plan to be out-of-doors, whether it’s sunny or cloudy out. Products that contain the ingredients titanium dioxide and zinc oxide offer the best protection, and new formulations, such as spray-on sunscreens, make application easier than ever, says Dr. Fox.
Slather on sunscreen 30 minutes before going out. Be sure to coat all exposed areas, including the face, ears, nose, lips, neck and the backs of the hands and feet—and use more than you think you need. “Studies show most people use only a quarter of the sunscreen they actually need,” reports Dr. Fox. “You should use one to two tablespoons per child and more for larger children.”
Reapply sunscreen every couple of hours, especially if your kids are active and perspiring; also reapply after swimming, even if the product is waterproof.
Limit sun exposure for babies under 6 months of age. Their delicate skin can’t handle the sun. While out of doors, make sure they are wearing sunprotective clothing and are shielded from the bright rays.
Discourage teens from going to tanning parlors. Tanning beds are no safer than the sun.
What is melanoma?
Melanoma is the most serious and deadly form of skin cancer (the other two forms are squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma). It is rising at an alarming rate among both adults and children. It is estimated that 105,750 new cases of melanoma will be detected in the United States in 2005, a 10% increase over 2004. In addition, close to 8,000 people are expected to die from the disease this year.
Melanoma is often detected near or growing from an existing mole, and on the upper back and legs (although it can occur anywhere on the body). If you notice a mole on your child’s body, check it for the “ABCDs” of melanoma:
Asymmetry: one half of the mole doesn’t match the other half
Border irregularity: The edges of the mole are scalloped, ragged, notched, or blurred
Color: The mole has shades of tan, brown, black, and perhaps dashes of red, white and blue.
Diameter: The mole is larger than a pencil eraser (about 6mm in diameter).
Fairfiled, NJ- Women in all age groups from all around the country identify it in survey after survey as their top skin complaint – even above wrinkles or acne. (more…)
To celebrate her 50th birthday, Joyce treated herself to a couple of trips to a plastic surgeon to have a liposuction done to her thighs, stomach, back and flanks.
It’s no secret to that leading a healthy lifestyle often feels like it takes more time than most of us have. (more…)
New York, NY – Four out of five adolescents and adults are affected by acne. Sometimes the condition is still active, or sometimes a former case of acne has left its indelible mark of scarring. In fact, acne is the most commonly diagnosed skin condition and the single most prevalent condition treated by dermatologists in the U.S. today. Yet, according to Joshua Fox, MD, founder of Advanced Dermatology P.C. and The Center for Laser and Cosmetic Surgery a novel laser treatment called SmoothbeamTM is providing new hope to those who suffer from acne, as well as those who are still scarred by it. (more…)
By Joshua L. Fox, M.D.
Short or long, deep red or rosy pink, manicured or au natural, our nails can be reflection of our personal tastes, or lifestyles, even our career of choices.
Muchas Mujeres, aungue no todas, desarrollan estiras durante el embarazo. Las Estrias son la manifestacion visual de testiones en el nivel mas profundo de la piel que se producen cuando se estira rapidamante. (more…)
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