Time for Your Child’s Summer Skin Check
With kids out of school, it’s time for fun, sun and a lot of activities. It’s also time to schedule a summer skin check and stock up on sunscreen!
At Water’s Edge Dermatology, we are experts in spotting and treating all kinds of pediatric skin, hair and nail conditions, which is why we are encouraging a summer skin health screening for all children.
Potential Skin Issues in Children
Damage from pediatric skin cancer, acne, warts, eczema, rashes and sun damage could have a destructive impact on a child’s life if left undetected and untreated. That’s why we are sharing these quick facts about potential skin issues in children.
Skin Cancer: Skin cancer in children is on the rise. Though the most serious and deadly form of skin cancer – pediatric melanoma – represents only about 1% of new melanoma cases diagnosed each year in the U.S., malignant melanoma is the most common skin cancer in children and teens. It has increased about 2% each year since 1970. Fair-skinned, light-haired children are at the highest risk, but it’s a good idea for all children to get checked out annually.
Acne: Acne is the most common skin problem in the country. It often begins in puberty but can also affect adults in their 20s, 30s, 40s and even into their 50s. Most acne appears on the face, but it can also show up on the shoulders, upper arms, chest, neck and back. While acne is not curable, your Water’s Edge dermatologist can create a plan that helps treat and prevent breakouts.
Warts: Warts are noncancerous skin growths that are caused by a viral infection in the top layer of the skin. Warts are usually skin colored and feel rough to the touch, but they can also appear dark in color or flat and smooth, depending on their location. In children, warts can disappear without treatment over several months to years. However, warts that are bothersome, painful or rapidly multiplying should be treated. Water’s Edge providers use a variety of treatments, depending on the type of wart and the age of the patient.
Eczema: Eczema is often called “the itch that rashes”. Eczema appears in itchy patches that can be widespread or limited to a few areas like the back of the knee or inside of the elbow. Between 10% and 20% of children develop eczema, and at least 80% of these children will have it before the age of five. If your child has eczema, it’s important to see your Water’s Edge provider and have the condition treated.
Rashes: Skin rashes are very common all year round, but especially in the summer months where the warm weather can cause rashes that irritate skin. Active children can develop a heat rash or get into poison ivy and other plants that may cause rashes. For some children, insect bites can cause an allergic skin reaction, while other children might be exposed to bacterial or viral skin infections that cause rashes. Your Water’s Edge provider can correctly diagnose and treat any skin rash your child may develop.
Sun Damage: Damage from the sun’s rays affects children as well as adults. Sun protection should begin in infancy and continue throughout life. We get about 80% of our total lifetime sun exposure in the first 18 years of life. So, protecting your child’s skin from the sun is very important to prevent skin cancer later in life. Be sure you are using a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and wear a t-shirt and hat when in the sun. Also, keep your children out of the sun in the middle of the day from 10am-3pm when the sun’s rays are most intense.
We Care About Skin Health
At Water’s Edge, we care about skin health and early detection of skin illnesses in children. As Florida’s premiere dermatology practice, our team delivers the highest standard of skin care and dermatology services. We are ready, willing and able to help ensure the health of your children’s skin.
Schedule a summer skin check for your children by clicking on the link below, and we will get you set up for an appointment at any one of our 36 offices near you. Schedule a summer skin check now.
Gryphon-Backed Water's Edge Dermatology Acquires Coast Dermatology
SAN FRANCISCO and PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla., June 10, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Water's Edge Dermatology ("Water's Edge" or "the Company"), a leading provider of comprehensive dermatology services through 37 Florida locations, announced today that it has acquired a controlling interest in Coast Dermatology ("Coast"), a medical/cosmetic dermatology practice in Venice, Florida. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Get Ready for Summer with UltraShape® Power
Summer is just around the corner, which means it’s time to get your body ready to hit the beach! Unfortunately, diet and exercise are not enough for some people to achieve the body they want and deserve. We have great news - UltraShape® Power is here.
UltraShape® Power
It’s the first and only FDA-cleared, non-invasive, body-shaping procedure that permanently destroys fat cells. It’s a life-changing technology that is now available at Water’s Edge Dermatology.
How It Works
UltraShape® Power uses gentle ultrasound technology to destroy fat in just three virtually painless treatments. The technology destroys the walls of fat cells and releases that fat in the form of triglycerides which are then processed through the liver and eliminated from the body naturally.
UltraShape® Power was developed by an internationally renowned plastic surgeon and a physicist specializing in the use of high-power ultrasound to destroy blood clots.
Treatment is fully customizable to meet the unique needs of each patient and will not cause pain or harm surrounding tissue, nerves or muscle. There are no unwanted side effects. Treatment takes an hour or less, with results sometimes seen just two weeks after the first session.
Don’t wait to get your body ready for summer. Click here to Request an Appointment or call 877.533.8214.
How to Choose a Sunscreen
Sun and fun. They go together, particularly in the sunshine state. But sun can go with other things that aren’t so fun at all, such as pre-mature aging of your skin and even dangerous skin cancers.
Fortunately, there is a not-so-secret weapon that is easily available and known by just about everyone. It’s called sunscreen but using the wrong sunscreen in the wrong ways is a waste of your time and money, and most importantly can put your health at risk.
With so many options available, choosing the right sunscreen can be overwhelming, which is why we developed the Water's Edge Dermatology guide to selecting the best sprays and creams to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
What to Look For in a Sunscreen
Water’s Edge Dermatology recommends following these rules for choosing a sunscreen:
- Broad spectrum – Broad spectrum sunscreen protects the skin from both ultraviolet A (also know as UVA) and ultraviolet B (also known as UVB) rays. Both of these rays can cause skin cancer.
- SPF 30 or higher – The sun protection factor (SPF) rating indicates how well a sunscreen protects you from the sun by blocking harmful UVB rays. Choose a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to make sure you are protected.
- Key ingredients – Look for active ingredients like ecamsule, avobenzone, titanium dioxide, sulisobenzone or zinc oxide. Beware of products that include oxybenzone or octinoxate which are harmful to the environment. Some areas of Florida have plans to ban the sale of sunscreen with oxybenzone and octinoxate because these chemicals can damage coral reefs.
- Avoid tanning oils – They generally do not provide enough protection against the harmful effects of the sun.
How to Apply Sunscreen & How Often
If choosing the best sunscreen is half the battle, the other half is using it correctly so you get the maximum protection. Here are a few tips to help:
- One ounce of sunscreen is considered the right amount. Cover all exposed areas of the body thoroughly. Don’t skimp. Many people don’t use enough sunscreen.
- Apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before going in the sun. Don’t forget the tips of the ears, feet, back of the legs and bald spot (if you have one). Reapply sunscreen every two hours and use a UV-protective lip balm to protect your lips.
- If you are exercising or are in the water, it’s a good idea to get a sunscreen that is resistant to water and sweat. The FDA defines water resistant to mean that the SPF level stays effective after 40 minutes in the water. Very water resistant means it is effective after 80 minutes of swimming. These sunscreens are not waterproof, so reapply regularly.
Additional Protection
It’s important to wear sunscreen whenever you are outside during the day. Even on an overcast day, 80 percent of the dangerous UV rays make it through. Though vitally important, sunscreen does not fully protect your skin from the sun’s rays, so also consider these additional precautions to protect your skin from sun damage:
- Stay in the shade when you can.
- Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes, preferably with polarized lenses.
- Stay inside between 10am and 4pm when the UV levels are the highest.
- Wear a hat and sun-protective clothing.
Skin is the largest barrier against infection that we have. Keeping your skin healthy and shielding it from harmful rays of the sun can help you look younger and prevent skin cancer. Also, be sure to get a skin cancer screening every year so if you do have skin cancer, it can be detected and treated early.
Play it safe and smart – sunscreen up and get a skin cancer screening!
Shop our favorite EltaMD sunscreens.
Schedule a skin cancer screening at your nearest Water’s Edge Dermatology office.
First Monday in May is Melanoma Monday
Did you know that skin cancer is the most common cancer? Approximately 9,500 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with skin cancer every day. That means approximately one in five Americans develop skin cancer. While melanoma is not the most common type of skin cancer, it is the most dangerous. It is responsible for 10,000 American lives lost every year and is the second most common form of cancer in females ages 15 to 29. The good news is that skin cancer is also the most preventable cancer.
To raise awareness of melanoma and to encourage annual skin checks to help prevent skin cancer in general, the American Academy of Dermatology designates the first Monday in May as Melanoma Monday.
Who gets melanoma?
People of all colors and races get melanoma. Those with light skin who sunburn easily are at higher risk. If you have any of the following risk factors, you need to take extra caution in protecting your skin from the harmful rays of the sun:
- History of sunburns
- Family history of skin cancer
- Exposure to X-rays
- Use of tanning beds or sunlamps
What does melanoma look like?
Melanoma often develops in a mole or appears suddenly as a new dark spot on the skin. Be on the lookout for changes in moles, and if you see irregular edges or unusual colors in a mole, schedule a visit with your Water’s Edge Dermatology provider right away. Catching melanoma early (before it can spread) is key to stopping it. Even though melanoma can be deadly, survival rates can be greater than 90% when treated early.
Preventing melanoma
Tips to help prevent melanoma:
- Wear broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more on exposed skin
- Cover up with a hat and clothing
- Stay in the shade when possible, especially 10am-4pm when the sun’s rays are the strongest
- Protect children from sun exposure by playing in the shade, wearing protective clothing and applying sunscreen
- Avoid tanning beds, which can cause skin cancer and wrinkling
- Check your birthday suit on your birthday. If you notice any skin changes, skin growths or bleeding on your skin, see a Water’s Edge Dermatology practitioner immediately
In addition to doing self-exams on your birthday, May is a great month to schedule a skin check by a highly specialized skin care expert. At Water’s Edge Dermatology, our providers are experts in spotting melanoma and treating it early with procedures just right for each of our valued patients. Be safe and schedule your skin cancer check now.
Request an appointment with one of our skin care experts at Water’s Edge Dermatology.
Eating for Fabulous, Healthy Skin
Spring is officially here! If you haven’t already, you will soon start seeing lots of colorful, fresh fruits and vegetables at local farmer’s markets and grocery stores. Did you know that what you eat affects your skin health and appearance? It does! To help restore or maintain healthy skin and a more youthful appearance, start with small steps. Here are three easy tips to follow:
Tip 1: Add more fish to your diet
Fatty fish (such as salmon, mackerel and herring) are excellent for supporting healthy skin. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, these fish help keep your skin thick, supple and moisturized. Omega-3 fats in fish also help reduce inflammation and can even make your skin less sensitive to the harmful UV rays of the sun. Dry skin can be one sign that your body is not getting enough omega-3 fats.
Fatty fish also contain vitamin E – an important antioxidant that helps protect skin against damage from free radicals and inflammation. By incorporating more fatty fish into your diet, you get the benefit of high-quality protein that helps maintain skin’s strength and integrity.
Tip 2: Eat a rainbow of fruits & vegetables
Fruits and vegetables contain an array of powerful antioxidants that help protect skin from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals from pollution and sunlight can cause wrinkles and other signs of early aging. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals we encounter in our everyday lives.
To get the biggest benefit, choose a colorful rainbow of fruits and vegetables, and aim for five portions a day. Vary your choices, and get as much color on your plate as possible. Berries (including blueberries, black berries and raspberries) are particularly rich in antioxidants. Carrots, sweet potatoes and pumpkin contain beta carotene, a powerful antioxidant. Kale, papaya and spinach are excellent sources of lutein, another potent antioxidant that is also good for maintaining eye health.
When you fill your plate, cover half of the plate with fruits and vegetables; one fourth with lean protein and one fourth with complex, healthy carbs (such as brown rice or whole grain pasta).
Tip 3: Indulge in dark chocolate
Yes, we saved the best for last, and the news is great! Cocoa is phenomenally beneficial to skin health.
A study reported by the National Institute of Health tells us that consuming cocoa powder on a daily basis for six to 12 weeks can result in thicker, more hydrated skin that is less sensitive to sunburn. Other studies have shown improvements in the appearance of wrinkles.
Specifically, you need to select dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa in order to maximize the benefits to your skin and keep added sugar to a minimum.
Your Water’s Edge Cosmetics team is here to support your best appearance. Our skilled aestheticians can help you look as young as you feel. Click here to Request an Appointment or call 877.533.8214.
Study Shows Tretinoin Top Choice for Anti-aging
March 8 is International Women’s Day, and since 1911, it has been a day to celebrate women around the world. We want to encourage everyone to make a positive difference for all of the women and girls in your life every day. Your Water’s Edge team is committed to celebrating you and delivering the latest news in skin health so you can enjoy a lifetime of looking as young as you feel.
Our number one recommendation for skin protection is to be sure you and your family are using sunscreen to protect skin from the damaging rays of the sun. Regular use of sunscreen is also the number one anti-aging recommendation. Be sure you begin using sunscreen as early in life as possible. To prevent visible signs of aging that already exist, dermatologists recommend a retinol product to stimulate skin cell turnover and collagen production while exfoliating the top layers of skin to reveal fresher, younger-looking skin underneath.
Unlike many retinol skincare products on the market, Tretinoin is approved by the FDA for anti-aging and has become the gold standard for anti-aging skincare. Studies have shown that Tretinoin increases collagen and reduces fine lines and wrinkles by speeding cell turnover. These studies have also confirmed that Tretinoin brightens skin and smooths skin’s texture. It is also effective in reducing hyperpigmentation, skin discoloration and the formation of acne.
When compared with over-the-counter retinoid products, Tretinoin works faster and delivers more powerful results because it contains 20 times the retinol concentration allowed by the FDA for non-prescription, over-the-counter formulations. It is considered a medical grade prescription topical treatment that supports skin becoming stronger with a tighter and firmer appearance.
A recent study of the comparative effects of retinol and retinoic acid in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology* looked at the efficacy of a retinol formulation for improving skin’s appearance. Four weeks of retinol treatments showed an increase in epidermal thickness, collagen production and a significant reduction in facial wrinkles.
The study results also demonstrate that topical application of retinol affects both cellular and molecular properties in the epidermis and dermis.
Tretinoin is Water’s Edge Dermatology’s most recommended product because it delivers results. Water’s Edge Tretinoin is available by prescription in three strengths with 0.025% retinoic acid; 0.05% retinoic acid and 0.1% retinoic acid.
Many dermatologists recommend that anyone over 30 begin using Tretinoin in order to prevent the visible signs of aging. Our Water’s Edge clients love Tretinoin because they are seeing positive results in healthier and more youthful looking skin. You may notice results in a few as four weeks, and when using Tretinoin, remember to always wear sunscreen to get the full benefit and protect your skin from the sun.
Click here to make an appointment today at Water’s Edge Dermatology and learn more about how Tretinoin can help you look as young as you feel. Also, please share this blog with a friend and refer them to Water’s Edge Dermatology.
*https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26578346
Notes from a Veteran Dermatology Nurse: Getting Started & Sticking With It
A Special Guest Post, by veteran dermatology nurse, Lisa Cheek.
Last week’s observance of National Nurses Week got me thinking and reminiscing. As a veteran dermatology nurse (16 years!), I’ve got plenty of stories, and memories. Some of them good, some of them bad, some happy, some sad.
You may wonder how a young woman gets into dermatology nursing in the first place – and how and why she sticks with it. Allow me to share my story…
I was living in a small Indiana town called Kokomo, going to school for graphic design. A friend working in a dermatologist’s office tells me one day just how busy the office is, that they need help. She asks if I’m interested.
I needed a job and thought to myself, “how hard can it be to treat acne?!”. Little did I know how little I really knew about skin, skincare, and dermatology. It didn’t take long after plunging in for me to realize; I had no idea what I was getting myself into.
The jargon and terminology, the difficult diagnoses, the multitude of symptoms, treatments, fluids, smells and more…were just the beginning.
On my very first day, I experienced the smell of cauterization (burning skin) while observing a procedure. Wasn’t sure I was going to make it through the day and remember it like it was yesterday. Could hardly eat my lunch I was so haunted by the smell. But kept telling myself we were helping people…and managed to get past it and move forward.
Onto my next early hurdle. Cysts. If you haven’t seen and smelled what’s sometimes inside one of these, you don’t know what you’re missing – and you don’t want to. Didn't help that the nurse practitioner working with me seemed to express deliver cyst cases my way. Sometimes they ruptured while I was simply numbing the surrounding skin. It seemed like cyst goo followed me around the office.
Then there’s the unique language of dermatology. It was daunting and difficult to get accustomed to. And it kept going into far more depth and detail than I ever imagined it could or would.
To be honest…I really did think dermatology would be mostly acne problems. It didn’t take long to see firsthand just how far offbase I was. I had no idea dermatology nurses did so much case-by-case documentation either – the lion’s share, and then some.
There were also aspects of dermatology care I wasn’t even aware of when I started. I had no clue that cosmetic treatments and aesthetic medicine were involved!
Back in the day, it felt like the doctor had to chase some patients around just to inject the filler they’d come to be treated with. Because so unlike today’s treatments, injections involved a very large needle, and it could be painful. Frankly, it was sometimes hard to watch. Thank goodness for the genius who decided we should start adding numbing, painkilling lidocaine to the mix!
I had a lot to learn. A lot. Just like any dermatology nurse, even the ones coming out of nursing school with knowledge and skills I didn’t have when I started. But more so. I set about getting up to speed as quickly as I could, with help.
The dermatologist I was working with would quiz me about each patient’s diagnosis, sometimes right there in the exam room with the patient! It made me nervous and uncomfortable in the beginning. I thought he was just being a pain and trying to make me look dumb.
In fact, he was helping me learn, and grow. It worked. I was like a sponge. I couldn’t get enough of it. I would take notes every day, then go home to study and research dermatology conditions and cases even further.
My compassion and caring for patients and their problems combined with my curiosity and thirst for knowledge. Together, they fueled my professional growth. Developing those habits early on helped make me a better-and-better nurse. They still do. Even 16 years later, I’m still learning about new diagnoses and treatments, still seeing cases I’ve never seen before.
And I am proud of the nurse I have become.
There’s nothing to compare with the gratitude of someone whose suffering has been eased, much less entirely eliminated. To play some small part in that is a great reward.
At the end of the day, that’s what keeps me and most dermatology nurses going, seeing how much we can help people in great distress. That; and for me, the pleasure of sharing my experiences and knowledge with others. Which I look forward to doing more of with all of you, from time to time…
Top 5 Causes of Children's School Year Skin Problems
When summer officially ends every late September, the somewhat stressful “Back-to-School” season is also pretty much over with – whew! The question is, did shopping for school supplies and other preparations also leave you well-prepared for dealing with inevitable school year skin problems?
Below are 5 of the most common causes of skin problems among schoolchildren, plus some practical skincare tips on how to prevent or treat them.
Stress
It’s remarkable how much stress affects the skin. Various rashes and acne are commonly caused by stress. So what can you do to help minimize the impact of stress on your children's skin? Find the right tools and techniques to keep their stress levels low (easier said than done, but think communication, exercise & relaxation). Ensure they gently wash their face twice daily with a mild, natural cleanser and warm rather than hot water. And get them to use a hypoallergenic, lightweight moisturizer (with SPF 30 or higher sun protection) daily.
Hormones
Hormones can play a huge role in causing acne for teens, and for an increasing numbers of "tweens" too. Getting your schoolkids into a consistent daily facial cleansing and skincare routine is extremely important. Visiting a dermatologist for the right acne treatment will be warranted in some cases. In extreme instances, you may also want to ask your family physician if hormone therapy is worth consideration.
Sweat
Let’s face it. Here in South Florida, everyone sweats, which can cause rashes and acne breakouts. Training your children to seek shade outside and stay as dry as possible can help. Same with washing off sweat as soon as possible. Consider adding gentle, individually wrapped facial wipes, a lightweight, comfy cap or hat and a soft, absorbent washcloth or bandana to their daily backpack load. But remember to put that bandana in a baggie to keep it clean, and replace with a clean, dry one each day!
Sports
Autumn sports such as football can cause their own set of skin conditions. In Florida, there’s still the sun and heat causing heavy sweating. And sports helmets can cause folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles). Washing the face immediately after sports activity and cleaning helmet pads with rubbing alcohol are good preventive measures. Some sports uniforms and gear can also cause allergic reactions to some kids. If skin irritations develop in weeks after donning uniforms, a trip to your nearest Water’s Edge Dermatology office is in order.
Shoes/Clothing
Switching from summer’s tank-tops, shorts, and flip-flops to shoes, sneakers, and school uniforms can trigger common skin conditions, such as athlete’s foot. Breathable socks that wick away moisture from damp feet and over-the-counter foot powders that do the same can help prevent such fungal skin infections. New school uniforms should always be washed before first wearing, and if possible, given a day of “test-wearing” to identify any possible irritation or allergic reaction.
Of course, getting the kids on board with a program that addresses the 5 issues above can be…challenging. Explain to them that getting and keeping the clear skin they crave is the goal, the reason for all the extra efforts. Putting sticky notes on bathroom/bedroom mirrors at home with gentle and/or humorous reminders can also help. And if/when needed, virtually all of our dermatology providers specialize in pediatric dermatology as well as adult skincare.
For questions on common school year skin conditions affecting children, such as skin rashes, skin infections and head lice, please contact Water’s Edge Dermatology for an appointment with one of our practitioners by calling your local office, or toll-free at (877) 900-3223. You can also request an appointment online.
Here's to you and your children having a happy, healthy school year!