What does a dermatologist do?

Dermatologists are doctors with added training that allows them to diagnose and treat disease of the skin, hair, nails and mucous membranes. Dermatologists treat skin cancers, moles, warts, fungal infections, psoriasus, acne, dry skin, contact dermatitus and other skin conditions and perform cosmetic procedures. Dermatologists are also surgeons to prevent or provide early control of disease and improve how the skin looks.

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What the best moisturizers, soaps, cosmeceuticals?

Petrolatum, an ingredient in many lotions, creams and ointments, is an excellent moisturizer. Other ingredients such as urea, alpha hydroxy acids, lactic acid, and ammonium lactate help the skin hold water.

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​How do you treat dry, itchy skin?

Dry, itchy skin can be treated with a moisturizer after bathing while the skin is still damp. Petrolatum, an ingredient in many lotions, creams and ointments, is an excellent moisturizer. Other ingredients such as urea, alpha hydroxy acids, lactic acid, and ammonium lactate help the skin hold water. Bathing less frequently and using milder soaps or a soap substitute, or soaking in a tub of warm water without soap can help relieve dry skin

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​What is a good sunblock?

Use a sunblock with a broad-spectrum protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet (UVB) rays. Re-apply every two hours  and after expose to water through swimming or sweating

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​How do I protect myself from the sun?

1. Generously apply sunscreen to all exposed skin, including lips.

2. Wear protective clotthing such as long sleeves, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses if possible.

3. Seek shade. The sun's rays are strongest beween the hours of 10 a.m and 4 p.m.

4. Use extra caution near water, snow and sand because they reflect the damaging rays of the sun, increasing risk of sunburn.

5. Protect children from sun exposure.

6. Get vitamin D through vitamin supplements. Don't seek the sun.

7. Avoid tanning beds.

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​How do I diagnose skin cancer (suspicious lesions) on myself?

Periodic self-examinations aid in recognition of any new or developing lesion. Become familiar with your skin and your own pattern of moles, freckles and beauty marks. Make sure to look at your entire body every month or two. Watch for changes in the number, size, shape and color of pigmented areas. Warning signs to look for include changes in the surface of a mole; scaliness, oozing, bleeding or the appearance of a new bump; spread of a pigment from the border of a mole into the surrounding skin; change in sensation (i.e., itchiness, tenderness, pain). Consult a dermatologist promptly if any changes are observed.

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​What can I use to treat wrinkles and age spots?

There are some promising treatments for aging skin. Retinoic acid, a cream that has been used successfully in treating acne, has been shown to improve the surface texture of the skin. Alpha hydroxy acids have shown promise in reversing some of the effects of the sun.  Over-the-counter wrinkle creams and lotions may help dry skin and make it look and feel better, however they do nothing to prevent or reverse wrinkles.

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