Psoriasis and Hidradenitis Suppurativa: What Does IL-17 Have to Do With It?
Our immune system is a complex network and relies on communication molecules to carry out its functions. The big group of communication molecules are called cytokines. They deliver messages to the immune system which signal certain actions like further cytokine production or recruitment of additional immune cells. Interleukin-17 (IL-17) is a proinflammatory family of cytokines […]
Visible Light: The Sun Damage We’ve Been Missing
Have you ever had a patient come in with a sunburn and you immediately ask, “Did you wear your sunscreen?” As dermatologists we might pontificate about sunscreen, even if the patient says, “Yes.” When someone says they used their sunscreen right—used enough, chose SPF of at least 50, broad spectrum and reapplied consistently and still […]
Smooth Moves: Botox and Other Neurotoxins
I’m a history buff and I love to nerd out on a little history even in dermatology. One fascinating thing is the discovery of botulinum toxin and its use in medicine. Botulism was coined long before the causative organism was identified. In 1820, Justinus Kerner provided a description of clinical botulism based on clinical observations […]
Living With HS
One of the things that’s empowered me to become a better dermatologist is my patients. Patients are the authority on how to live with their skin condition and have so many clinical pearls to share. Yes, I love patient education, but what is often underestimated and not celebrated enough is how patients educate us. As […]
The Scent-sitive Truth About Fragrance and Your Skin
Let’s face it, fragrance sells. We all do the discerning sniff test when considering a new shampoo, moisturizer and yes, perfume. I am even guilty of buying a product merely because it smells good and not because it delivers excellent results. It’s kind of like purchasing a new wine just based on the label. Ever […]
Take Your Pick: Skin-Picking Disorder or Prurigo Nodularis?
Ok, I admit, it. I like to pick just like the next person. If something on my skin just doesn’t feel right or if that pimple looks like it’s going to burst, I can’t resist. Believe it or not, but dermatologists are often pickers too. But why do we pick or scratch? There are several […]
Peel Back the Years: The Power of Chemical Peels
When you think of chemical peels, do images of Samantha’s flaming, glazed face from Sex in the Citycome to mind? Not very enticing if you’re thinking if a chemical peel is right for you. However, our understanding of peels has evolved over time, and the need to feel some pain to see the gain isn’t […]
Tanning is Out, Self Tanning is In
Did you ever wonder where the origins of wanting to be tan came from? The desire to have that bronzed glow goes back to Coco Chanel. She came back from a Mediterranean vacation with a tan and the reaction was rather positive from the media and her fashion icon colleagues. That incident set the trend […]
Sunscreen in a Pill? Not Yet, but There Are Other Ways to Elevate Your Sun Protection
You are probably a sunscreen expert by now and might even own a few pieces of sun protective clothing with UPF, but have you ever wondered what else is out there to help protect you from the sun? There are several other products that you can consider adding into your sun protection regimen that you […]
Curious About Hair Transplants?
Have you ever noticed more hair in the shower or that your scalp is a little more visible than you would like? Yes, I’m talking about hair loss. Just thinking about it stirs up a lot of emotion and makes people cringe at the possibility. The reality is most of us may experience hair thinning […]