Hot Topics
A collection of our current Skin Hot Topics by Dr. Landow are available on this page.
A collection of our current Skin Hot Topics by Dr. Landow are available on this page.
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Dermatology Hot Topics February 2012 Melanoma Screening? Screening for early detection of asymptomatic disease may be a financial boon to the medical profession, but for otherwise healthy individuals the whole concept appears fraught with more danger than most imagine. Recent statistics suggest prevention of just one death from malignant melanoma may require evaluating 25,000 people. During these check ups, an enormous number of benign spots will be surgically removed and biopsied leaving significant expense, unwanted scarring and exaggerated neuroses. Square Face? Especially prominent in Asian women, enlargement of the masseter - the large muscle lying immediately above the rear portion of the lower jaw – often detracts from the physical appearance. Often stemming from a genetic tendency, this condition may develop in anyone as a consequence of teeth grinding, jaw clenching or vigorous gum chewing. For those concerned about aesthetics, injections of Botox provide long lasting improvement. Anti-Aging Injections Fillers gained popularity by lessening the depth of the creases coursing between the nose and sides of the lips. Later lip enhancement swung into vogue until unbridled injectors left patients with so-called fish-lips. With added sophistication doctors now recognize the need to restore lost volume to the face by adding material to correct drooping and deflating facial prominences. Among the most popular materials, Sculptra enjoys a good reputation as a long lasting although not immediate collagen stimulator. Filler Problems One of the major benefits associated with filling lines and wrinkles with popular hyaluronic acids such as Juvederm, Restylane and Perlane relates to the ease of handling unwanted results. Inexperienced injectors who tend to ply their trade in spas and salons not uncommonly create cosmetic problems that need attention by medical professionals. Usually vigorous massage together with firm pressure improves the situation although at times treatment with hyaluronidase seems necessary to return the skin to normal. These simple remedies do not exist for Radiesse and other fillers. Cracked Skin During these relatively cool dry months, excessive hand washing or work-related exposure to liquids and chemicals often results in cracked, fissured skin especially about the fingertips and palms. While standard moisturizers and avoidance of further irritation assist in relieving the problem, Krazy Glue applied once nightly to the affected skin seems extraordinarily well-suited to providing immediate and long lasting relief. Of course appropriate precautions must be exercised with this product. |
Botox Too many people wrongly believe Botox injections work immediately to stop all muscle activity. In order to maintain a more natural appearance, doctors employ considerably lower doses than soon after the product obtained its marketing license. Success involves allowing a rested but not frozen look. Although Botox begins to work within one to two days after therapy, full results may require passage of several weeks. Only after a minimum of 14 days may further enhancements be considered. Neck Muscles With middle age, prominence of muscles about the front and sides of the neck may lead to considerable angst and displeasure. Enlargement of the platysma muscle causes both horizontal and vertical bulges and creases that often improve when injected with small amounts of Botox. This multi-purpose agent continues to find novel ways of offering cosmetic improvement without the need to resort to surgical intervention. Scars In spite of advertisements aplenty often coupled with testimonials from well meaning but not unbiased physicians, standard scar treatments rarely deliver on their hype. Legitimate studies not funded by manufacturers generally fail to confirm any benefit in humans. While hints of laboratory and test animal improvement offer a glimmer of hope, testing in people fails to provide any enthusiasm for such products as Strivectin and Maderma. Home Blue Light Therapy Over the past several years, burgeoning sales of over-the-counter blue light devices as treatment for acne, wrinkles, warts and miscellaneous skin blemishes has increased the potential for significant eye disease. Since these rays damage the cells providing nutrients to the retina, excessive blue light ranks as a risk factor for age-related macular degeneration, the eye disease generally associated with vision loss in older individuals. Adding insult to injury, the home units lack sufficient power to improve the skin. Wearing appropriate goggles offers protection. Time of Day? Most people assume the skin’s susceptibility to damage from the sun’s rays remains relatively constant throughout the day. New research suggests this old concept may need updating. While the sun’s rays may be equivalent, the body’s ability to cope with trauma from ultraviolet light seems greater in the morning than in the evening. Due to diurnal variation in the activity of corrective enzymes important in repairing DNA damage, consider early morning rather than late afternoon sun exposure whenever possible. Cigarettes and the Skin Common knowledge accepts an association between cigarette smoking and excessive wrinkles around the mouth most likely as a consequence of reduced oxygen delivery to the connective tissue. At least in women, it now appears that chronic sun exposure among smokers dramatically increases the risk of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin. Surprisingly the most common form of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma, remains unassociated with one’s tobacco habits. |