Medical Review By: Dr. Ted Schiff When you make an appointment with a dermatologist, there’s a chance you may see the provider’s dermatology physician assistant (PA) instead. If you do, you may find yourself wondering what qualifications PAs have and what kinds of services they can provide. You may have even considered becoming a PA
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Treating Acne in Dark Skin
Acne is no fun for anyone, but acne in Black skin and other skin of color often poses a special challenge. Inflammation from inflammatory acne — or even some harsh products used to treat acne — can leave behind dark spots, known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), which often last longer than the acne itself. “Sometimes the treatment
[Read More]Who Should Get Biologics for Psoriasis?
If you have psoriasis, a disease that causes raised, red plaques and silvery scales on the skin, you may be wondering if biologics are right for you. While many of today’s drugs are made by combining chemicals to create new compounds, biologics are grown, often with the help of living cells. They work by targeting
[Read More]How to Treat Peeling Skin After a Sunburn
If a day at the beach, in the pool, on the boat or in the yard has turned you into a lobster, you can be pretty sure of what comes next, in a few days or a week after the initial sunburn: peeling skin. And with it, perhaps, a strong temptation to pull off the
[Read More]6 Common Water Rashes and How to Treat Them
Splish, splash, you got a rash? It’s not uncommon for a swim in the ocean or a soak in the hot tub to spell trouble for the skin. And summer — when water activities are in full swing and bothersome sea life can thrive — is the prime time to develop a water rash, especially
[Read More]Foods that Cause Acne
Pizza and chocolate cause acne — right, or wrong? Do any foods cause acne? Can the ideal diet help you avoid breakouts? Researchers have debated these answers for years. Finally, a consensus seems to be emerging, and the foods to limit probably aren’t the ones you think. Hunting for answers One hundred years ago, many doctors
[Read More]How to Remove Skin Tags (And Why You Shouldn’t Do It Yourself)
Skin tags are those soft, fleshy growths that protrude from the skin and sometimes hang off it. They’re harmless, but sometimes annoying as they may rub against clothing or get snagged by jewelry. And, let’s face it, if you have a skin tag that’s sitting in plain view, you may get tired of looking at
[Read More]Why Men Don’t Wear Sunscreen — and How to Start
Men, especially those with lighter skin, are more likely than women to get skin cancer, including melanoma, the deadliest kind. They’re also much more likely to die of melanoma. Regular use of sunscreen reduces the risk of developing skin cancer by up to 50 percent. It also helps fend off wrinkles, age spots and leathery, weathered
[Read More]Mohs Surgery Recovery FAQ
If you’re diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma, there’s a good chance your dermatologist will recommend Mohs surgery. In this technique, the surgeon removes cancerous tissue in stages, one layer at a time, until no more cancer remains. Besides offering a significantly higher cure rate than traditional skin cancer surgery, Mohs limits
[Read More]How to Avoid Skin Problems from Wearing a Face Mask
Updated June 25, 2020 During the coronavirus pandemic, wearing a face mask has become as normal as wearing clothes (or at least sweatpants, for those sheltering in place). Some people wear one only to grocery shop or take a walk; others, such as healthcare workers, wear one all day long. While a mask helps protect
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