During these unprecedented times many normal daily routines are shifting.  One of these changes includes many more people, healthcare workers, first responders and the general public, wearing masks and face coverings on a daily basis.  While masks are integral in preventing the spread of viruses and illness, their routine use can lead to undesirable side effects including irritation, dermatitis, and acne.  The irritation that arises from wearing a tight-fitting mask can cause discomfort, itch, skin breakdown, and bruising. 

During a national health emergency to prevent the spread of disease, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended frequent hand washing with soap and water and using hand sanitizer when handwashing is not feasible.  While frequent handwashing is very important in preventing the spread of viral disease, it can often lead to hand irritation, dryness, and itching (dermatitis). Hand dermatitis is often caused by irritation from over-washing, which leads to dry, cracked, itchy skin.  Other products and exposures that may cause hand dermatitis include triple antibiotic ointment (e.g. Neosporin), nickel sensitivity, latex sensitivity, or allergy to ingredients in certain moisturizers. 

Skin cancer is THE most common form of cancer in mankind.  In fact, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, more people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year in the U.S. than all other cancers combined.  Skin cancer rates continue to rise, and some proven contributing factors are cumulative sun exposure, inadequate sun protection and sunscreen use, tanning bed use, and a history of sunburns.

 

Melasma is a common problem that causes discoloration and brown patches on the skin.  It is especially common in women, and commonly develops during or after pregnancy, or with hormonal treatments like birth control pills, because female hormones are thought to contribute to melasma development. However, hormones alone are usually not enough to cause melasma.  Sun exposure and sometimes heat exposure combined with hormones make melasma worse and more prevalent.  There is also sometimes a vascular component to melasma where blood vessels near the skin surface make the pigment more noticeable. 

A dermatologist may sometimes take a sample of a skin mole for a biopsy because of its unusual features, a patient’s symptoms or health history. Fortunately, most moles are not melanoma (a type of skin cancer). However, patients are commonly told they have an atypical mole, or atypical nevus, after a biopsy.

A question I often get from patients is whether they should stop their blood thinner before surgery.  The answer is almost always no -- do no stop your prescribed blood thinner.  This is especially important for patients with a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clots.

While the best way to deal with a sunburn is to not get one, it does happen.  Sometimes, it even happens when sunscreen is used but not applied or re-applied properly.

Sunburn is your body’s inflammatory response to skin damage caused by too much ultraviolet (UV) radiation. High doses of UV, especially UVB, cause DNA mutations that usually lead to cellular death. The death of skin cells is why people may blister or peel after a sunburn.

Dr. Matthew Molenda from Bravia Dermatology (braviaderm.com) believes your natural skin color looks best, but not everyone shares that point of view.  For special events like weddings, spring break, prom, tropical vacations many patients express the desire to have a tan.

The weather is getting colder.  Heaters are running, and the air is less humid.  And maybe a hot bath or shower sounds nice?  It's really the perfect storm to aggravate dry or sensitive skin.  Dr. Matthew Molenda, a board-certified dermatologist at Bravia Dermatology recommends the following winter skin care tips.

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