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. 

How Do I Know If I Have Eczema?

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.

Eczema vs. Ringworm

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 vs. Psoriasis

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.

I Think I Have Eczema. Now What?

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. 

Will Eczema Go Away on Its Own?

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. 

Bottom Line

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. 

Use the Right Treatment Products for Acne

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. 

In-Office Treatments for Acne 

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:

• Acne facials with extractions. These facials are specifically designed for acne-prone skin and typically combine enzyme exfoliation with extractions to cleanse your pores and minimize acne-causing bacteria.

• Chemical peels. Peels lower the pH of the skin, making it difficult for acne bacteria to live there. Some peels are specifically formulated for sensitive skin types and contain anti-inflammatory ingredients such as salicylic acid to help reduce breakouts even further.
• Red light treatments. Light treatments have been shown to reduce the levels of acne-causing bacteria on the skin. While blue light appears to have a stronger effect than red light on Cutibacterium acnes, blue light has been linked with accelerated skin aging. Therefore, red light treatments for acne are preferable to blue. 

Dietary Changes for Acne 

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:

• Wild-caught salmon
• Fish oil
• Avocado
• Flax seed 
• Chia seeds
• Walnuts
• Blueberries
• Green tea
• Turmeric 
• Ginger

In Summary

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.

Do darker skin types need to use sunscreen?

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. 

Are age spots are inevitable?

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.”

What is the difference between a freckle and a sunspot?

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.

Does exfoliation removes dark spots?

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.

Can melasma be cured?

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.

Bottom Line

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.

What Causes Keratosis Pilaris?

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.

How Are KP Bumps Treated?

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.

Step 1: Exfoliate Skin to Treat Keratosis Pilaris

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.

Step 2: Use a Barrier Repair Moisturizer to Treat Red Bumps on the Arms and Legs

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.

Step 3: Add A Retinoid If Red Bumps Do Not Improve in a Few Weeks

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.

At-Home Treatment Schedule

When using the products listed above, apply them according to these morning and evening schedules:

Morning:

1. Pidanti body scrub
2. Zerafite Wrinkle Defense Barrier Cream (Yes it’s a face cream but it works great!)

Evening

1. Pidanti body scrub
2. Zerafite Ultra Rich Body cream
3. Essopi 5X Retinol Serum

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.

In Summary

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.

What Is Solar Elastosis?

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.

Is Solar Elastosis Preventable?

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.

How Is Solar Elastosis Treated?

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.

In Summary

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.

Early detection is crucial when it comes to treating melanoma and other skin cancers, but many people do not know what to look for. Use this guide to learn how to perform a self-exam at home and what signs to look for.

Steps to Perform a Self-Exam

For most people, scanning your skin for anything out of the ordinary about once a month is sufficient. However, if you are at a higher risk for skin cancer or have lots of moles, you may want to check your skin more frequently. When doing your self-exam, follow these basic steps:

1. Start with your face, including hard-to-see areas like the tips of your ears, your hairline, and lips.
2. Move onto your scalp. You will most likely need to use a handheld mirror, in addition to the one you’re standing in front of to be able to do this step. You may need to ask a spouse or other family member to help with this step. You can use a blow dryer on the “cool” setting to help blow your hair out of the way as you check. If you go to a hair salon- ask your stylist to look for any discolorations on your scalp.
3. Check your hands, wrists, and forearms. Be sure to check both the backs and palms of your hands, as well as between your fingers and under your fingernails.
4. Use a full-length mirror to check the rest of your arms, not forgetting the back of your arms and underarms.
5. Check the rest of the front of your body in the mirror, including your neck, chest, abdomen, and legs.  
6. If you can hold a mirror in front of a full length mirror-  turn around and examine your back, buttocks, and the backs of your legs. Or- ask a spouse or friend to check your skin. If you get massages- ask your masseuse to tell you if they see any suspicious looking dark moles.  I have had several patients come in with skin cancers that were noticed by their massage therapists.
7. Examine your feet, both the tops and the soles, and checking between toes and under toenails.

What Are Early Signs of Skin Cancer?

When scanning your body for moles and other spots, you want to look for the “ABCDEs of melanoma.” These are:

• Asymmetry. Do both sides of the mole look alike, or are there differences from one side to the other?

• Borders that are irregular. Look for any non-uniform borders or those that are poorly defined.

• Color that is varied and non-uniform. Most normal moles are one solid color. Pre-cancers and cancers may be varied in color and can include shades of brown, black, white, red, or even blue.

• Diameter larger than the size of a pencil eraser. While melanomas can be much smaller than this, this is the size that they typically are when diagnosed.

• Evolution or change. If you notice that a mole looks different every time you perform your self-exam for skin cancer, it may be a melanoma.

It is good practice to keep a mole map for these checks, where you fill in the spots where you have moles, especially those ones that you’d like to keep an eye on. This makes it easier to detect any changes or new spots.  I recommend taking photos or any moles and putting them in their own file on your phone for easy access. That way you can refer back to them if you are wondering if a mole has changed.

In Summary

Schedule a yearly check-up with your dermatologist once a year if you do not have any risk factors for skin cancer.  If your parents or siblings have had skin cancer, you should get checked at least every 6 months. In between visits,  perform these self-checks every month to detect any changes. If you notice any of the above ABCDEs, contact us to schedule an appointment. It is better to be on the safe side – even if the spot turns out to be nothing – than to take the chance of letting a possible melanoma go undiagnosed.

If you’d like to stay in-the-know about the latest skin care news and advice from Dr. Baumann, don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

©2019 Metabeauty, Inc.