Among only 6% of all U.S. board certified physicians!
From the most trusted resource in healthcare, Castle Connolly is honored to announce your selection as a 2020 Top Doctor®.
Dr. Rubenstein has been identified as a top doctor by a physician-led research team based on an extensive nominations and screening process open to all licensed physicians in America. He has been exclusively selected as a most outstanding healthcare provider.
Congratulations Dr. Rubenstein
Dr. Richard Rubenstein is the recepient of the TOP DOCTORS 2019 prestigious award.
Dr. Richard Rubenstein Named Castle Connolly Top Doctor for 2019!
Congratulations to Dr. Richard Rubenstein for being selected as one of Castle Connolly Top Doctors for 2019 – the 6th year in a row! Dr. Rubenstein has several practice locations in South Florida including, Tamarac, and Delray Beach where he provides patients with the latest treatments in medical and cosmetic dermatology. He is also Co-Director of the Dermatology Residency Program at Larkin Hospital, Delray Beach, where he teaches and trains Dermatology residents.
ABOUT CASTLE CONNOLLY AND AMERICA’S TOP DOCTORS®
The mission of Castle Connolly Medical Ltd. is to help consumers find the best healthcare. To this end, we publish a variety of books including the “Top Doctors” series, the most popular of which is America’s Top Doctors®. The top doctors who are listed in our books and on this website’s directory were nominated by their peers in an extensive survey process of thousands of American doctors each year. These Top Doctors’ medical educations, training, hospital appointments, disciplinary histories – and much more – are screened by the Castle Connolly physician-led research team. Those doctors who are among the very best in their specialties and in their communities are selected for inclusion. Doctors do not and cannot pay to be included in any Castle Connolly Guide or online directory.
Eczema is a common skin condition that affects more than 31 million people in the United States. It’s most common symptoms are patches of dry, itchy, and sometimes scaly red or pink skin. However, there are other skin conditions that can look a lot like eczema, making it difficult to self-diagnose.
Because eczema is caused by underlying inflammation, it is common to see patches of red, inflamed skin that are itchy and flaky. These patches often occur on your arms and backs of your knees, but they can show up anywhere on your body or face. Eczema is also common in children and infants and tends to appear on the scalp, face, neck, hands, and feet.
However, there are other common skin conditions such as a fungal infection called ringworm and an inflammatory disease called psoriasis that can have very similar symptoms. Because of this, it is best to see your dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis.
Ringworm, also called tinea corporis, is a type of fungal infection that causes circular patches of red, itchy skin. These patches are often clear in the center, giving them a characteristic ring shape, but they can also be more solidly-colored. This fungal infection can occur anywhere on the body. When it happens on your feet, it is commonly called “athlete’s foot.” When it occurs in the groin area, it is called “jock itch.”
A specific type of eczema called nummular or discoid eczema closely resembles ringworm. It is characterized by round or oval patches of red, itchy skin that may ooze or become crusty. We still do not know the exact cause of nummular eczema, but, like other types of eczema, it appears to be linked to genetics, as well as underlying inflammation.
Eczema and psoriasis are both fairly common inflammatory skin diseases. There are additional health concerns with psoriasis, as those with psoriasis lesions on the skin can develop psoriatic arthritis and are at an increased risk of heart disease, depression, and other conditions. It is important to receive an accurate diagnosis in order to not only effectively treat your immediate symptoms but to also reduce the risk of developing these other health complications.
Eczema and psoriasis both appear on the skin as patches of red, itchy skin and are both very common the elbows and knees. Psoriasis may appear to be thicker than eczema, but this is not always the case. With psoriasis, the skin can sometimes appear to be a silvery color with a scaly texture. Like eczema, there are different types of psoriasis, each characterized by slightly different symptoms.
Children and adults can get both of these conditions. The best way to know for sure if you have eczema or psoriasis is to visit your dermatologist.
If you think you may have eczema, schedule an appointment with your dermatologist. It is best to get an accurate diagnosis so you know that you are treating the right problem. Your doctor can also prescribe you a daily skincare regimen that includes a barrier repair moisturizer to help relieve symptoms and strengthen your skin’s ability to hold onto water and keep irritants out.
You should also avoid fragrances and perfumes in skincare and personal care products, including body lotions, soaps, and laundry detergent. Fragrances can irritate sensitive skin and make your eczema symptoms worse.
For some people, eczema can go away over time. This is sometimes the case with pediatric eczema – people can sometimes “outgrow” eczema they had as a child. However, not all cases of eczema will go away on their own, and there is currently no known cure for this condition. Using the proper skincare regimen and avoiding common triggers such as stress, poor diet, and allergens can make eczema very manageable.
You do not want to leave it untreated, however. You can further damage your skin by scratching at these itchy spots and starting a vicious cycle of inflammation.
Eczema can be easily mistaken for other skin conditions and should therefore be evaluated by a board-certified dermatologist to ensure an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment. If you would like to schedule an appointment at our Miami office, you can call our office at 305-532-5552 or fill out our online contact form.
Don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter by visiting www.derm.net to stay up-to-date on the latest news and special promotions.
©2019 Metabeauty, Inc.
Oral antibiotics are commonly prescribed for acne. However, this can lead to antibiotic resistance and can disrupt your skin’s microbiome. Fortunately, there are many alternative treatments for acne, including topical treatment products, in-office treatments, and dietary changes that can clear your skin.
When managing acne, the first step is to follow the proper skincare regimen for your skin type to combat inflammation, clogged pores, and acne-causing bacteria. Because the acne cycle is eight weeks long, it will take this around amount of time to see full results from changes to your skincare routine. It is important to continue using each product as prescribed to achieve a clear, healthy-looking complexion.
Retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, and natural antimicrobials are some of the best treatment products for acne. These ingredients should be customized for your skin type. For example, benzoyl peroxide can be too drying for dry skin types. Instead, using a cleanser with alpha hydroxy acids in the morning and a retinoid at night could be a more appropriate solution. Oily skin types, on the other hand, typically tolerate benzoyl peroxide better than dry skin types. All skin types can benefit from anti-inflammatory ingredients such as argan oil, niacinamide, evening primrose oil, and chamomile.
Paired with the proper skincare for your Baumann Skin Type®, the right office treatments can help to enhance your results. Some of the most effective treatments for acne include:
Diet can greatly influence your skin’s health and has long been linked with acne. If your skin is prone to acne, avoid dairy and sugar as much as possible. Studies have shown that skim and low-fat dairy products may have a greater effect on the development of acne than whole milk products. Sugar consumption is also associated with acne, as it triggers inflammation with the body. Adopting a low glycemic index diet can help to manage and even prevent breakouts.
Conversely, adding anti-inflammatory foods to your diet can help to reduce inflammation and calm redness and breakouts. Some of the best anti-inflammatory foods and spices include:
Antibiotics are best used as a last resort to treating acne. With the proper skincare regimen, in-office treatments, and diet changes, acne can be very manageable without the use of antibiotics.
If you’re struggling with acne and are looking for a customized skincare regimen to treat and prevent future breakouts, contact us online or call our Miami office at 305-532-5552 to schedule an appointment.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for more skincare tips, advice, and how-to videos from Dr. Baumann.
©2019 Metabeauty, Inc.
Baumann Skin Types with a “P” for “pigmented” have some unique characteristics and concerns. Your skin is predisposed to over-producing the pigment melanin that gives the skin its color. So for you, summertime can mean more dark spots and other signs of sun damage that show up on the surface of your skin. To help you take the best care of your pigmented skin, I’ve outlined some of the biggest myths about your skin type and the true facts behind them.
The sun’s rays damage all human skin, regardless of color and Fitzpatrick Skin Type. While dark skin types have more built-in protection (more melanin) than lighter skin tones, sagging, uneven skin pigmentation, inflammation, immunosuppression, skin barrier damage, and skin cancer affect everyone exposed to excessive UV light. In fact, dark skin types tend to get skin sagging from sun exposure. Also, when dark skin types get melanoma, it is more deadly. It is believed that this occurs because darker skin types do not have the redness indicator that tells them when they have had enough sun. They get inflammation, but the melanin pigment can hide the redness. Sun protection is very important in dark skin types!
If you prefer a physical, mineral-based (chemical-free) sunscreen, look for tinted formulas to minimize white streaks on the skin caused by zinc oxide, the active ingredient.
Although often called “age spots,” these unwanted dark spots on your skin are not caused by aging at all — they are caused by the sun! These spots are more common in people in their 50s and older because they are caused by accumulated sun exposure. Daily sunscreen use and avoiding tanning beds and deliberate tanning outside can prevent these spots from showing up on your skin. Even elderly patients who have practiced good sun protection habits do not struggle with “age spots,” more accurately referred to as “solar lentigos.”
Freckles are in part caused by genetics and are typically seen in people with red or blond hair and fair skin. Redheads also have a genetic defect in the Melanocortin-1-receptor gene (MC1R gene) that makes them develop freckles and melanoma. Freckles tend to appear on areas that are exposed to the sun, such as the face, arms, and hands.
Sun spots, or solar lentigos, are caused by sun exposure and are not due to a known genetic defect.
Friction and harsh scrubs, when overused, can cause inflammation and a dark pigmentation issue called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Exfoliation should be used only in conjunction with your doctor’s medical advice on skin care and a regimen designed for your Baumann Skin Type®. Fortunately, there are a number of treatment methods that can effectively reduce dark spots, such as skin lightening ingredients, retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids, and in-office treatments like lasers and chemical peels.
Melasma is a condition in which the skin has dark patches in sun exposed areas. It is due to hormones, pregnancy, heat, and sun exposure. There is no cure, but there are lifestyle changes that can reduce the risk. Your doctor will prescribe a treatment regimen to help remove the spots and a maintenance regimen to keep the spots from recurring.
With the right skincare regimen and sun protection habits, taking great care of your pigmented skin type can be much easier than you might think. If you have a specific concern that you’re having trouble managing, such as melasma or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, contact our Miami office to discuss the best treatment plan for your needs.
Be sure to follow Baumann Cosmetic on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for more skincare tips and advice from Dr. Leslie Baumann.
©2019 Metabeauty, Inc.
Do you have small, rough bumps on the backs of your arms or legs? These bumps could be a common skin condition called keratosis pilaris (KP). KP is harmless but is ugly and annoying. There are at-home and in-office remedies that can get rid of most cases of KP.
Keratosis pilaris occurs when a protein produced by skin cells called “keratin” builds up inside the lining of the hair follicle. This buildup of keratin forms at the base of hair follicles, forming a rough, sandpaper-like bump. These bumps are usually the same color as your skin, although they can become red. They are usually painless but cause a pink sandpaper look and feel to the skin.
Genetics may play a role in the development of KP. Most people who experience KP bumps as children “grow out” of them by age 30. However, KP can come and go through adulthood as well. People who struggle with other skin conditions like dry skin and eczema may be more likely to experience KP. KP is much more common in dry climates and in body areas that experience friction like the backs of the arms and thighs.
KP bumps are usually easy to treat, although some people have more severe cases that are more difficult to treat. Two key steps to getting rid of red bumps on the arms and legs are exfoliation and moisturization.
Chemical or mechanical exfoliation can be used to treat unsightly red bumps on the arms.
Chemical exfoliation: Hydroxy acids are chemical exfoliants that help to remove dead, flaky skin from the surface by lowering the pH and dissolving the attachments between skin cells. The hydroxy acids can be in a cleanser, scrub, or a leave on product. Glycolic acid and lactic acid are popular hydroxy acids used to treat keratosis pilaris. Amlactin lotion is a professional-strength hydroxy-acid body moisturizer that contains lactic acid and is available at most drugstores. Use hydroxy acid cleansing products for two to four weeks, along with an exfoliating skin brush such as the Clarisonic Spin Brush on the affected areas. If the condition has not improved after two weeks of using a hydroxy acid cleanser or scrub, add a hydroxy acid body product like Pidanti Body Scrub to the skin after exfoliating.
Mechanical exfoliation: Mechanical exfoliators tear the skin cells away from each other allowing them to exfoliate off of the skin’s surface. Exfoliating scrubs like Pidanti Exfoliating Scrub or St Ives Apricot Scrub help unclog the keratin plugs from the hair follicles.
Keratosis pilaris is caused when dry skin cells cling together and clog hair follicles. Improving the skin’s ability to hold onto water with a barrier repair moisturizer is critical to prevent recurrence of kerarosis pilaris. Barrier repair moisturizing creams such as Zerafite Ultra Rich Body Cream are ideal treatments for KP. They should be used twice a day.
If the bumps are still not improved in four weeks, consider adding a retinol like Essopi 5x Retinol Smoothing Serum every night. If it still does not improve, ask your dermatologist about other options. Some resistant cases of keratosis pilaris require prescription topical steroids such as triamcinolone two times a day for a few weeks.
When using the products listed above, apply them according to these morning and evening schedules:
Morning:
Evening
If we prescribe triamcinolone ointment, it would go between steps one and two in the morning and evening.
This at-home regimen can be used in addition to a series of chemical peels or microdermabrasion in our office.
KP is usually a harmless, painless skin condition, but it can be frustrating to deal with, especially during the summer months when you want to wear tanks and shorts. If you’re looking to get rid of these bumps and achieve smooth, even skin, try the at-home treatment schedule listed above.
If you’re still not seeing results, contact us online or call our Miami office at 305-532-5552 to schedule an in-office treatment.
For more skincare tricks and advice, don’t forget to follow Baumann Cosmetic on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, and sign up for our newsletter by visiting www.derm.net or emailing info@derm.net.
©2019 Metabeauty, Inc.
Also known as actinic elastosis, solar elastosis is a skin condition caused by years of accumulated sun exposure. It literally means “damage to skin elasticity from sun exposure.” More commonly, we refer to this as “sun damage” or “photoaging.” Although not a medical concern itself, solar elastosis may be an indication that a patient is at a higher risk of skin cancer, due to his or her history of sun exposure. However, with a proper diagnosis and treatment, this condition can be improved.
Solar elastosis is characterized by thick, yellowed skin that sometimes appears furrowed, creased, or bumpy. It is seen in people who have experienced long-term sun exposure over many years and is a type of photoaging. The sun’s UV rays break down the collagen and elastic fibers in your skin, causing the skin to lose its strength, flexibility and structural support. Because it is primarily caused by UV damage, solar elastosis is most commonly seen on areas of the body that are exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck, and arms.
In some cases, this condition may also be caused by smoking, as tobacco can have similar negative effects on the skin as UV rays, damaging collagen and elastin fibers.
Yes, solar elastosis is easily prevented by practicing good sun protection habits. However, if you are already seeing signs of this condition or other signs of skin aging, then seeking the proper treatment will be your best option. While you can’t undo the sun damage that has already occurred, you can still adopt the right skincare regimen and healthy lifestyle habits to prevent future signs of sun damage and aging from showing up on your skin – it is never too late to start taking great care of your skin!
For more help choosing a sunscreen that is right for your skin, you can read this blog about sunscreen basics. My general advice is to try to find a physical sunscreen that you like. Learn more about sunscreen basics here. These products contain the minerals zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide, rather than chemical ingredients. Therefore, physical sunscreens are generally better tolerated for most skin types, even those with sensitive skin.
Because those with solar elastosis may be at an increased risk for skin cancer, it is important to perform regular self-exams of your skin, as well as schedule annually or biannually checkups.
If you are seeing signs of solar elastosis on your skin, fractional laser treatments may be the most effective solution. CO2RE laser resurfacing effectively treats sun damage, uneven pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, and other signs of aging skin. The VBeam vascular laser may also be used to address irregular pigmentation of the skin caused by the sun.
In addition to in-office treatments, following the proper skincare regimen for your skin type is crucial to getting and maintaining healthy skin. Anti-aging skincare ingredients such as retinoids, antioxidants, growth factors, heparan sulfate, and defensin can help to improve lines, wrinkles, and age spots as well.
The sun is one of the largest contributors to aging skin. While prevention is ideal, conditions like solar elastosis can be treated with a combination of in-office laser treatments, the proper skincare regimen for your skin type, and sun protection habits like wearing SPF daily and avoiding deliberate tanning.
If you have more questions about what solar elastosis is or would like information on how it is diagnosed and treated, please contact us online or give our Miami office a call at 305-532-5552. You can also sign up for our newsletter by visiting www.derm.net, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
©2019 Metabeauty, Inc.
