Why take a risk, tanning beds are not safe!

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) opposes indoor tanning and supports a ban on the production and sale of indoor tanning equipment for non-medical purposes.
Studies have found a 75% increase in the risk of melanoma in those who have been exposed to UV radiation from indoor tanning.
Indoor tanning equipment, which includes all artificial light sources, including beds, lamps, bulbs, booths, etc., emits UVA and UVB radiation. The amount of the radiation produced during indoor tanning is similar to the sun, and in some cases might be stronger.

Botulinum Therapy and Cosmetic Fillers

In this day and age of toxins, and fillers, there are more simple office based cosmetic procedures available than ever before. It often becomes difficult to understand the difference and determine which treatment may be right for you.

for the treatment of wrinkles since 1992. It works by temporarily paralyzing the muscles that cause facial lines. It is a simple, painless procedure that lasts approximately 4 months. Dysport, which were approved by the FDA later, are very similar to Botox. The differences between the three toxins are subtle, but many patients do prefer one over the other. This is usually because in a particular individual one may last longer. The toxins relax the lines on a person’s face and can be used to prevent or eliminate lines. Many people report improvements in headaches and a recent study suggested improvements in depression. Interestingly the report revealed that the anti-depressive effect lasted even after the wrinkles had reappeared. This suggests that the improvement in moods may not be due to the cosmetic results. One study actually showed that depressive symptoms were improved in 9 out of 10 patients who received Botox. These toxins are extremely safe and well tolerated. The most common side effect is bruising from the injections. Some people experience a mild headache. They cannot be used in pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Fillers have also become extremely popular as a safe and easy way to improve wrinkles. We commonly use hyaluronic acids such as Juvederm and Restylane. These are very safe and give instant results. They are very effective in improving the nasolabial folds. The product lasts around 6 months but the results often last much longer. The most common side effect, as with toxins, is bruising. It is prudent to avoid blood thinners such as aspirin, Advil, Aleve, vitamin E, etc. for a week prior to the procedure.

All of these can help you look refreshed and renewed. Your dermatologist will be able to determine which is the best option for you.

Micro-needling for Acne Scars

One of more frustrating problems we see daily is the aftermath of acne in the form of permanent scarring. A frequently asked question is how to best approach the improvement of scarring from a cosmetic standpoint. Micro-needling is one of several approaches to treating facial acne scarring and rapidly becoming a favorite among clinicians and patients.

Micro-needling, also called percutaneous collagen induction therapy, is a relatively new modality in dermatology, but has gained popularity quickly since it is safe, effective and the down time from the procedure is minimal. The treatment works by creating micro-channels in the skin that help to break up the collagen bundles of the scars and concurrently induces new collagen growth under the scarred areas. The minor injury to the skin seems to promote the release of growth factors that allow the skin to develop new collagen bundles that then give the treated skin a smoother appearance over time.

There are many micro-needling devices available, but the ones that seem to offer the best results are the electric powered pens that allow adjustments to the speed and depth of the treatment. This allows the operator to target deeper scars more aggressively and milder scarring more gently thereby maximizing cosmetic improvement while preventing undue discomfort during the treatment.

There are various treatment protocols for acne scarring. Studies have shown that 3-5 treatments delivered at 2- to 4-week intervals will produce clinical improvement ranging from 50-70% depending on the type of scarring being treated. The nice feature of this treatment modality is the needling can focus just on the scarred areas and can be used on all skin colors safely.

Bug bites and stings: When to see a dermatologist

Although most bug bites and stings are harmless, some can be dangerous. This is especially true if you are allergic to the bug’s venom, or if the bug is carrying a disease.

In the United States, it’s common to experience a bite or sting from the following types of bugs:

Mosquitoes, Fleas, Bedbugs, Biting, Flies, Mites, Bees, Wasps and Hornets, Spiders, Ticks, Fire Ants

Most bug bites and stings can be safely treated at home with topical medication, such as hydrocortisone cream or ointment, or an oral antihistamine to reduce the itch. However, sometimes a bug bite or sting could turn into something serious – particularly if you have been bitten or stung by many insects at the same time.

1. 1. Go to the emergency room immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms after a bug bite or sting:
      • Difficulty breathing
      • The sensation that your throat is closing
      • Swollen lips, tongue or face
      • Chest pain
      • A racing heartbeat that lasts more than a few minutes
      • Dizziness
      • Vomiting
      • A headache
      • A red, donut-shaped rash that develops after a tick bite: This could be a sign of Lyme disease, which should be treated with antibiotics
      • A fever with a red or black, spotty rash that spreads: This could be a sign of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, a bacterial infection carried by ticks, which should be treated immediately.

      Although most bug bites and stings do not turn into a severe or even fatal illness like Rocky Mountain spotted fever, it’s important to pay attention to your symptoms. If you feel tired all the time, you have a headache, fever or body aches, or you develop a rash after a bug bite, see a board-certified dermatologist immediately.

      

      North Atlanta Dermatology 770-814-8222 www.naderm.com
      Offices in Duluth, Suwanee, Cumming & Buford