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]Patient Education
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]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]Is it Safe to Get Vitamin D from the Sun?
Lately, vitamin D has been enjoying a moment in the sun as researchers discover more and more health benefits it may offer. At the same time, vitamin D deficiency is common in the United States, even in healthy, young adults. The solution is simple — and it isn’t the sun. The health benefits of vitamin
[Read More]Does Melanoma Itch?
If you have a mole, skin growth, skin lesion or dark spot that begins to itch, don’t panic — but do pay attention. Most moles are harmless, and itching could be the result of irritation from clothing, or even a new detergent. But any itchy mole, growth or wound could also be a symptom of
[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
[Read More]Skin Rashes and Purple Spots: Symptoms of the Coronavirus?
Fever, tiredness, dry cough and shortness of breath are common symptoms of the new coronavirus called COVID-19, but not everyone who develops the disease has the same symptoms. Some people may get a runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea or lose their sense of smell. Doctors are also seeing skin rashes on the body and
[Read More]What Is a Teledermatology Visit and What Can I Expect?
You know what a dermatologist is — a doctor who treats skin conditions. (Dermatologists also treat hair and nail conditions.) And perhaps you’ve heard of telehealth, aka telemedicine. They let health practitioners assess, diagnose and treat patients from afar through telecommunications technology, such as video conferencing apps or secure telehealth websites. You can probably figure
[Read More]How Contagious Is Poison Ivy?
You caught a nasty case of poison ivy rash hiking in the woods or working in your yard. Now, you’re scratching up a storm at home and wondering — can my family catch this from me? The short answer is no. Poison ivy rash, which is caused by an allergic reaction to an oil in the
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