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Dear Valued Patients, Friends and Colleagues,
May is National Skin Cancer and Melanoma Awareness Month!
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. It can affect anyone, regardless of skin color. It is estimated that approximately 9,500 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with skin cancer every day. Research estimates that non-melanoma skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, affects more than 3 million Americans a year. Basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, the two most common forms of skin cancer, are highly curable if detected early and treated properly. More than 1 million Americans are living with melanoma. Melanoma rates in the United States doubled from 1982 to 2011 and have continued to increase. The vast majority of skin cancer deaths are from melanoma.
While the sun plays a big role in our mental well-being and vitamin D levels, unprotected sun exposure can also increase our risk for skin cancer. Increasing intermittent sun exposure in childhood and during one’s lifetime is associated with an increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma and melanoma. Because exposure to UV light is the most preventable risk factor for all skin cancers, the American Academy of Dermatology encourages everyone to avoid indoor tanning beds and protect their skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing and using a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
Skin cancer warning signs include changes in size, shape or color of a mole or other skin lesion, the appearance of a new growth on the skin, or a sore that doesn't heal. If you notice any spots on your skin that are different from the others, or anything changing, itching or bleeding, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends that you make an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist. After all, early detection gives us the best outcome and the highest chance of survival!
We wish you many fun-filled activities and happy moments in the sun while keeping sun safe!
Sincerely,
Alison Young, MD PhD
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Two Amazing Offers This Month!
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Vivier® Hyperpigmentation Program (Non-Hydroquinone)
Vivier Hyperpigmentation Program gently and effectively improves dark spots, aging skin, irregular skin texture, and skin tone in all skin types with mild hyperpigmentation, without the use of hydroquinone. The skin care routine takes 4 minutes a day to complete.
Each system contains pH balanced products that prepare the skin for the next step and restore the skin with gold standard, clinically proven ingredients:
- Medicated Wash contains 2% Salicylic acid USP (a beta-hydroxy acid with keratolytic and anti-inflammatory properties) and Hexamidine USP (an antimicrobial agent that reduces acne, with emollient capabilities to provide hydration).
- Radiance Serum contains 8% L-Ascorbic acid USP (an antioxidant that calms, brightens and retains moisture), 2% Arbutin (a natural and effective skin-brightening agent extracted from plants such as bearberry and pear), Resorcinol (a tyrosinase inhibitor that decreases hyperpigmentation and exfoliates, resulting in smoother, softer skin) and Grapefruit Extract (with antioxidant properties).
- Exfoliant Forte contains 7% Glycolic acid and 3% Lactic acid (which exfoliate and moisturize the skin)
- Retinol 1% Night Complex contains 1% pure Retinol (which enhances skin’s radiance, reduces and prevents wrinkles and fine lines), Vitamin C + E (antioxidants that calm, brighten, hydrate, reduce fine lines and wrinkles and protect from free-radical damage) and Shea Butter (an anti-inflammatory agent that protects the skin from dehydration).
- Skin Brightening Cream contains Arbutin (a natural and effective skin-brightening agent), Resorcinol (a tyrosinase inhibitor that decreases hyperpigmentation and exfoliates), Lactic acid (which exfoliates and moisturizes the skin) and Niacinamide (an antioxidant that upregulates the synthesis of ceramides and reduces appearance of fine lines and wrinkles).
- Sheer Broad Spectrum SPF 45 Lotion contains 9.9% Zinc Oxide (physical UV filter for excellent UVA/UVB protection)
I recommend combining Vivier® Hyperpigmentation Program with Picoway® laser treatment to enhance the results and lower the risk of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. – Dr Young
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Vivier® Peels
Vivier Peels are safe, non-invasive and self-neutralizing, suitable for all skin types and all patients looking for advanced resurfacing and an anti-aging glow with minimal to no downtime. They are ideal for aging skin, age spots, dehydrated skin, skin imperfections, oily skin, congested skin and acne-prone skin and mild rosacea. Gentle yet effective, they help refresh, brighten, tighten, and illuminate the appearance of skin.
Vivier Peel Ingredients:
10% Lactic Acid USP
2% Salicylic Acid USP
14% Resorcinol USP (for micro-exfoliation)
Designer Peptides
Panthenol (decreases downtime)
Jessner Peel Ingredients:
14% Lactic Acid USP
14% Salicylic Acid USP
14% Resorcinol USP (for micro-exfoliation)
Designer Peptides
Panthenol (decreases downtime)
I recommend Vivier peels in combination with medical treatments to allow topical agents to penetrate into the skin more efficiently and improve post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. – Dr Young
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Dr. Young is excited to partner with Fullscript to give her patients access to high quality supplementations from the safety of their own homes. Look out for the Cyber Monday sale coming soon.
Fullscript is a smart, easy way to access supplements and meet wellness goals – from anywhere. You can pick your favourite supplements from your preferred device, and supplements get shipped right to your front door. Plus, getting started is completely free! It’s that simple.
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Patients Who Take Isotretinoin For Severe Acne May Not Show Signs Of Adverse Neuropsychiatric Impacts Compared With Those Who Take Antibiotics For Acne, Research Suggests
Healio (4/21, Forand) reports, “Patients who take isotretinoin for severe acne did not show signs of adverse neuropsychiatric impacts compared with those who took antibiotics for acne,” investigators concluded in a “propensity score-matched cohort study of electronic medical records that included 30,866 patients who were prescribed isotretinoin, 44,748 patients prescribed oral antibiotics, 108,367 patients with acne prescribed topical anti-acne medications and 78,666 patients with acne without anti-acne medication.” The findings were published online in the British Journal of Dermatology.
This recent study showed that isotretinoin did not contribute to an increased risk of depression compared to oral antibiotics in the treatment of patients with moderate to severe acne, at the population level. In contrast, isotretinoin was associated with reduced incidence of anxiety, depression, sleep problems, non-fatal self-harm, and prescriptions for psychotropic medicines. When monitoring potential side effects of isotretinoin, it is also important to consider the high mental health burden associated with treatment-resistant acne. – Dr Young
Patients With Alopecia Areata Treated With Baricitinib Experienced Improvement In Eyebrow And Eyelash Growth Before Scalp Hair Regrowth, Research Suggests
Healio (4/27, Forand) reported researchers found “patients with alopecia areata who were treated with baricitinib experienced improvement in eyebrow and eyelash growth before scalp hair regrowth” in an ongoing multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2/3 clinical trial. In patients treated with baricitinib 4 mg, 70% had a 30% or greater improvement in Severity of Alopecia Tool score, while 50% of those treated with a 2 mg dose experienced the same response. The median time to response was 36 weeks for both doses. In the 4 mg dose cohort, an improvement of 1 or more points in eyebrow or eyelash clinician-reported outcome measures was reported in 83% of patients, with the median time to improvement being 15 weeks for eyebrows and 9 weeks for eyelashes. In the 2 mg cohort, 73% achieved an improvement of 1 or more points, with the median time to improvement being 12 weeks for both eyebrows and eyelashes.
This is exciting news - we will soon have a novel therapy for alopecia areata! I can’t wait to offer this treatment to my patients with this condition! – Dr Young
Can Botox® have a positive effect on the brain?
Researchers have learned that patients receiving cosmetic Botox may get an added perk that's more than skin deep. According to a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, March 2020, Botox® makes you happy by preventing your facial muscles from frowning. Being physically unable to express certain facial expressions (such as frowning) positively influences your mood. In fact, studies show that displaying expressions of positive emotions can put you in a good mood.
According to the facial feedback hypothesis, one’s facial expression directly affects their emotional experience. Specifically, facial muscle activation associated with certain emotions directly elicits such emotional states, and the lack of facial activation will suppress corresponding emotional states. In other words, when you're not frowning, the world seems less angry and less sad. – Dr Young
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Dr. Young's Tip of the Month
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12 healthy habits that help prevent worsening stasis dermatitis
If you have stasis dermatitis, a treatment plan along with self-care can get the disease under control and prevent it from worsening. Here are the healthy habits that dermatologists recommend for their patients who have stasis dermatitis.
- Elevate your legs above the heart: Do this throughout the day. If possible, dermatologists recommend that you elevate your legs above your heart:
- Once every 2 hours for 15 minutes
- While you sleep (keep your legs elevated with pillows)
Why elevating your legs helps: When you raise your legs above your heart, you improve blood flow.
- Take breaks when you must sit or stand for an hour or longer. If you must sit or stand for long periods, take a break every hour and walk briskly for 10 minutes. This will jump-start your circulation.
- Get physical. Exercise can improve your circulation and strengthen your calf muscles. Walking is an especially good exercise for people who have stasis dermatitis. Be sure to build up slowly and ask your dermatologist how often you should exercise.
- Wear loose-fitting cotton clothing. Wool and other rough fabrics, polyester, and rayon can irritate skin with stasis dermatitis and lead to a flare-up.
A loose fit is also important. Tight waistbands and snug pants interfere with your circulation. If clothing rubs against stasis dermatitis, the fabric can irritate the sensitive skin.
- Use your compression garment/stockings if your dermatologist recommends one. Compression can:
- Improve the circulation in your legs
- Prevent open sores
- Reduce your risk of another flare
If you have trouble putting on your compression garment or wearing it causes discomfort, tell your dermatologist. This is a common problem. Your dermatologist can provide some helpful tips or write a prescription for physical therapy.
A physical therapist can offer tips for reducing the pain when you put on the garment. Most patients find that once they start wearing the compression garment, their swelling decreases within a few weeks. With less swelling, they start to feel better.
- Avoid injuring the area and aggravating the stasis dermatitis. The skin with stasis dermatitis is very sensitive. If you injure or aggravate the area, it could lead to an infection or open sores.
To avoid irritating the skin with stasis dermatitis, avoid touching anything that could irritate it, such as:
- Pet hair
- Plants
- Grass
- Cleaning products
- Perfume
- Skin care products that contain fragrance (use only products labeled “fragrance-free.”)
Scratching can aggravate stasis dermatitis, which could lead to an infection
To help patients avoid scratching, dermatologists offer these tips:
- Apply your medication as directed
- Place a clean, cool compress on the itchy area for 15 minutes
- Slather on a fragrance-free moisturizer like Petroleum jelly (Vaseline) or Lanolin (Aquaphor) ointment
- Take a cool bath in colloidal oatmeal
If you injure your leg or irritate the skin, contact your dermatologist.
- Moisturize dry skin. Moisturizer helps prevent scaly skin and irritation. Petroleum jelly works well for most patients. If you prefer to use another moisturizer, choose an ointment or thick cream that says “fragrance-free” on the container.
- Take care when bathing. Soaps and rough-textured towels or bath sponges can irritate skin with stasis dermatitis. Dermatologists recommend the following to their patients with stasis dermatitis:
- Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser rather than soap. When you shower or take a bath, use only this cleanser. Rinsing soap from other parts of your body can cause the soap to run down your body, which can irritate skin with stasis dermatitis.
- After bathing, gently pat the water from your skin with a clean towel. You’ll want to keep a bit of water on the skin with stasis dermatitis.
- Within 2 minutes of bathing, apply petroleum jelly or a thick, creamy moisturizer that is fragrance-free on your damp skin. This helps to keep moisture in your skin. Keeping your skin moisturized helps to prevent scaly skin and irritation.
- Reach and stay at a healthy weight. Staying at a healthy weight can reduce swelling and improve your overall health.
- Drink 8 glasses of water every day. This can improve circulation and reduce swelling.
- Limit salt. Too much salt can decrease your blood flow. Even if you never salt your food, you may be getting too much salt. According to the American Heart Association, the average American consumes 3,400 milligrams of sodium every day. The recommended daily amount is 1,500 milligrams or less.
Keep your dermatology appointments. Stasis dermatitis is a condition that you may have for life. Learning how to manage it and finding out what works best for you can take time. The time spent learning what to do will pay off. Most patients find that once they know what to do, they can manage the disease at home with healthy habits and medication as needed to treat flare-ups.
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