Happy Groundhog Day!

Living in the Northeast, I welcome February 2nd as the halfway point in the slushy slog to spring. Rather than pine for a fast-forward button to April, I've come to appreciate winter for its unique characteristics, even though I acknowledge the momentary misery it sometimes brings (soaking wet socks and shoes from icy slush puddles come to mind). Winter may seem bleak, gray, and dormant, but the natural world is full of surprises and wonder. I took this photo of a Fragrant Wintersweet tree (below) on January 31st at a local botanical garden. These honey-scented flowers, which bloom in the depths of winter, are surprisingly fragrant and detectable even to the scarf clad nose in the bitter cold. The natural world's sense of humor does not hibernate either, as evidenced by every plucky groundhog that has tried to bite the hand of a publicity-hungry politician on February 2nd. I can recommend raptor gloves to these novice handlers, but better advice would be to stay away from marmots! On a more practical note, as there are still six weeks left of winter, it's worth reposting these tips on preventing dry winter skin.
https://www.mydoqter.com/blog/what-to-do-to-care-for-your-dry-winter-skin/

Happy Groundhog Day!

The term 'nonmelanoma skin cancer' is often used to refer to basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas. However, other less common forms of nonmelanoma skin cancers include:
• 'Adnexal' carcinomas, which arise from sweat glands, sebaceous glands (oil glands), and hair follicles
• Merkel cell cancer
• Sarcomas of the skin

'Keratinocyte' carcinoma refers specifically to skin cancers that arise from skin cells (keratinocytes) in the epidermis. Basal cell carcinomas comprise approximately 80% of keratinocyte carcinomas, and squamous cell carcinomas comprise approximately 20%.

The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends that you see a dermatologist once a year for a full-body skin cancer screening. Individuals at higher risk for skin cancer may be screened more frequently. The Skin Cancer Foundation also recommends that you perform a monthly self-skin exam at home in a well-lit room.

You can find some helpful pointers on performing self-skin exams at:
https://www.skincancer.org/early-detection/self-exams/
and
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/find/check-skin

Detect skin cancer: How to perform a skin self-exam

Follow these tips from board-certified dermatologists to increase your chances of spotting skin cancer early, when it’s most treatable.

https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/find/check-skin

Melanoma is scary, but has a high survival rate when caught early! We are big believers in regular skin checks and recommend patients visit once or twice a year. Be mindful of the A, B, C, D’s of Dermatology: asymmetry, border, color, diameter. Watch for changes in size, shape, color, don’t ignore something that’s tender, itching or bleeding. If something looks suspicious, have it examined-better safe than sorry!

The VBeam laser is our office work horse because we can use it to treat a variety of skin issues: port wine stain birthmarks, pyogenic granuloma, acne and acne scarring, venous lake, and rosacea. We can also use the VBeam to treat angioma, surgical scars, and stretch marks!

As winter returns and the weather turns colder and drier, here are some tips to prevent dry winter skin, as well as why it's important to protect your nose too!
https://mydoqter.com/blog/what-to-do-to-care-for-your-dry-winter-skin/

Leyda Bowes, M.D.
Great tips for all our patients, Regina. Thank you!!

Remembering my dear #mentor and #friend, Dr. Richard E. Fitzpatrick, well-renowned for his pioneering of many cosmetic dermatologic procedures, including #Laser #Skin #Resurfacing. But his greatest legacy truly was setting an example for us to follow of the virtues of a good physician: medical curiosity, compassion and humbleness.
(With my friends and colleagues, #CoolSculpting Specialists Carla Homez and Maria Ferrer.) #ASLMS 2014

Let your skin shine as brightly as the holiday lights with our “glow and go” microinjection treatment! Microinjection treatment is customizable to each patient’s individual skin care needs- we can combine dermal filler, botulinum, serums to improve pores, fine lines, skin texture and give your skin an overall glow. Minimal downtime make this an ideal treatment for a busy holiday season—glow and go!!

#Melasma (darker skin patches on the face) can be seen in women during and after #pregnancy, as well as while taking oral birth control pills. While there is no absolute cure for melasma, it can improve significantly with the use of specialized skin brightening creams.

HENRY E PAEZ, M.D.
This is a big concern for many women. very nice resukts.

#Acne is one of the most common #Skin conditions worldwide. #Pore #Occlusion and #Plugging by excess skin oils and make-up can trigger #AcneFlares and lead to pustules, cysts and, eventually, #Scars. That is why the single most important step in the #Treatment AND #Prevention of #Acne is proper and regular #Face #Washing, 2 to 3 times a day.

We're totally loving this temperature cool down, but it really does a number on our skin. Dry, cracked heels and crocodile elbows simply won't do! Gently and invisibly exfoliate with our #dermsd urea/glycolic cream. Your heels will thank you!!

**Revanesse VERSA**
At dermsd, we like choices. That's why we carry a variety of dermal fillers to meet each patient's preference. When most people think about HA filler, they think Restylane or Juvederm. But did you know there are other choices? We are big fans of VERSA-it injects smoothly, looks natural, provides instant correction, and is shown in studies to swell less than it's competitors.
#dermsd #drjasonlupton #revanesse #versa #revanesseversa #dermalfiller #lipplumping #lipaugmentation #wrinkleeraser #antiaging #wrinklefree #skincare #beauty #hyaluronicacid #hyaluronicacidfillers # HAfiller

Another day, another cyst!

#dermsd #drjasonlupton #eic #cyst #cystremoval #skincare #dermatology #getridofthebump #decyst

This patient came in to get "de-bumped." She had been dealing with a pesky epidermal inclusion cyst on her neck for years. A quick excision and now she’s bump free!
#dermsd #drjasonlupton #cyst #epidermalinclusioncyst #EIC #skincare #beauty #dermatology #dermsurgery

Fall is here, and with it comes colder weather AND atopic dermatitis(aka: eczema). It's always about this time of year when we start to see eczema flares thanks to cooler weather, dry skin, and cranking up the heater. If you're atopic, what steps can you take to prevent a flare? 1. Moisturize often with a plain, unscented lotion or cream, 2. Avoid long, hot showers or soaking in a hot tub, 3. Choose laundry detergents free of artificial colors and fragrances. If those tips don't help keep your eczema under control, it may be time to visit your dermatologist for a corticosteroid.

This patient had a tattoo on her shoulder that she had outgrown and was ready to have the black portion of her tattoo removed. Dr Lupton used the Qs Alexandrite Laser to remove the black ink over a series of treatments.
#dermsd #drjasonlupton #tattooremoval #gotink #beauty #aesthetics #skincare

Fractional Microneedle Radiofrequency Treatment (Profound, previously known as Evolastin) is a non-surgical procedure that can provide significant improvement in skin tone and tightening, with noticeable, long lasting results.

Think of the beating your hands take from the sun while driving! Don't let your hands give you away when you can resurface. This patient was treated with the Qs Alexandrite to address brown spots, and iPixel to improve skin texture and stimulate collagen. Stay tuned for the before and after...

Get your caffeine fix this national coffee day in your skin care! Retinol is an amazing anti-aging product that helps improve fine lines and promotes healthy skin cell turnover. Our dermsd retinol includes caffeine to help reduce inflammation and puffiness for brighter, tighter skin!

Exilis Elite Ultra is a non-invasive, virtually pain free way to firm up the jawline, tighten lax skin on the neck, smooth creepiness on the chest, and give your eyelids a boost WITHOUT ANY DOWNTIME!

The season has changed-- change up your skin care!

Rejuvapen is a minimally invasive procedure that provides maximum benefit to your skin. Rejuvapen stimulates a wound-heal response resulting in a collagen boost for your skin. Help improve the appearance of acne, scarring, wrinkles, stretch marks with a series of treatments..

What’s the difference between a basal cell and squamous cell skin cancer? To your dermatologist, it can be very obvious based on their physical appearance. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer. It typically occurs on sun exposed areas of the skin and is slow growing. It is very rare for a BCC to spread, however if left untreated can become larger.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) also occurs in sun exposed areas. If actinic keratoses are left untreated they can eventually become SCC. If left untreated, squamous skin cancer are more likely to spread deeper into the skin, or spread.
Both types are very responsive to treatment. To ensure a skin cancer is caught early, keep up with regular skin exams, watch for changes, and wear your sun screen!

Before you head out to enjoy this gorgeous weather with your favorite citrus cocktail, read this! Phytophotodermatitis, aka margarita burn, aka lime disease can cause irritation and hyperpigmentation! Phytophotodermatitis occurs when plant chemicals (lime, for example) come into contact with your skin and are then exposed to sunlight. The skin becomes irritated and then darkens (hyperpigmentation). If you receive a "margarita burn, " treatment may include a corticosteroid cream to reduce irritation and inflammation. Once the irritation is resolved, the discoloration can be treated with a bleaching cream/pad...and of course, dont forget the sunscreen!!

Regular skin exams are crucial to healthy skin. The earlier a skin cancer is detected, the better the prognosis. Whether you go once a year or twice a year for your skin check, make sure you think about your eyes too. See an opthalmologist once a year and ask them to check the back of your eye for any sun damage. And when you head outdoors in the beautiful San Diego sunshine don’t forget your sunscreen, hat AND sunglasses!

Do you hate the feeling of sunscreen? Are you “allergic” to sunscreen? Maybe you’re just using the wrong sunscreen?! Choosing between physical or chemical sunscreens can make a big difference. At dermsd we favor physical sunscreens that contain zinc and/or titanium dioxide. What are some of the benefits of a physical sunscreen? Unlike it’s chemical counterpart, physical sunscreens don’t absorb into the skin but rather sit on top of the skin. Another perk- chemical sunscreens need to be applied at least 20 minutes prior to exposure, while physical sunscreens offer more immediate sun protection. Some of our favorites include Elta MD and Revision Intellishade. Remember to apply every 1-2 hours while outdoors to prevent sunburn! #dermsd #drjasonlupton #antiaging #skin #sunscreen #skincare #summer #sun #sunblock #suncare #sunprotection #sunshine #uvprotection

The key to a good MM prognosis-- EARLY DETECTION! Make sure to see your derm for routine skin checks, and follow up sooner if you notice any change in size, shape, color, itching and/or bleeding

If you want to do only the best for your health, please take a look at this blog-post of the mydoqter Team:
https://mydoqter.blog/category/skin-health/

Dania Chambord, M.D.
Very interesting! Thank you for sharing this valuable article.