By Dr. Richard Thomas
It’s prime time for cold sores
Although we tend to associate cold sores with the winter season of colds and flus, they actually crop up more often during the summer months. Sun exposure weakens the immune system, which allows the herpes virus responsible for cold sore outbreaks to multiply. Too much sun and heat can also lead to dry lips, which are more prone to injury and susceptible to infection, like any broken skin.
To read more click here.
Quick facts about acne:
By Sheila Reesor
Even during the summer months, the Canadian Ski Patrol is there to help you play safely
When winter is over, Canadian Ski Patrol (CSP) volunteers may hang up their skis, but they continue to offer their first aid skills to outdoor enthusiasts and athletes. During the summer, CSP members volunteer at events ranging from local 5K runs to international marathons, cycling races and beach volleyball tournaments.
In the line of duty, these first responders treat a range of summer-related injuries and illnesses that include everything from heat stroke to sunburn. Dehydration and heat-related illness are very common, particularly during all-day, endurance or competitive outdoor activities in the heat. Many sports enthusiasts forget that basic hydration begins with water and starts days before an event.
To read more click here.
Check out Sheri Roselle, one of our renowned medical estheticians discussing the importance of exfoliating, and doing it properly:
Helping Canadians make informed choices about skin care products
The Canadian Dermatology Association (CDA) Skin Health Program helps consumers identify skin care products that are fragrance-free or unscented, have a low potential for irritation and don’t contain the most common contact allergens. It also provides expert guidance for maintaining healthy skin, hair and nails. All facial products with the Skin Health Program logo have the added benefit of being non-comedogenic; that is, they won’t clog pores or cause blackheads and whiteheads. Recognized products display the Skin Health Program logo on their packaging to help Canadians identify the most appropriate products for themselves and their families.
To read more click here.
By Dr. Joel DeKoven
Photosensitizing compounds in citrus juice, fruits and plants can result in temporary hyperpigmentation and painful blisters
You’re on holiday, relaxing in the sun. You pick up a bottle of Mexican beer, put a lime wedge into it and shake the bottle – accidentally spraying lime juice and beer on yourself in the process. After continuing to spend the rest of the afternoon in the sun, you notice bizarre brown blotches and markings on your chest and abdomen.
What you’re experiencing is phytophotodermatitis, a reaction between the chemicals in the lime juice and sunlight that can result in temporary red, blistered or hyperpigmented skin.
To read more click here.
One of the most stubborn and mysterious skin conditions commonly seen at Toronto Dermatology Centre is melasma, a condition that leaves lesions of hyperpigmentation on the skin, usually in dense patches as opposed to freckling. Melasma may appear symmetrical, appearing on cheeks, the forehead, upper lip and nose. It is most common in darker skin types although may occasionally show up in lighter skins as well. Melasma is most common in women, due to hormonal factors (pregnancy and taking birth control pills are risk factors), although about 10% of melasma patients are men.
Genetics can prove to be a factor in some ethnicities, such as Asian or Hispanic, where an abundance of melanocytes are present. In addition to genetics, hormones are the general suggested aggressor that stimulates the onset of melasma. Pregnancy, birth control pills, breast-feeding, or any fluctuation in hormones can induce the onset of melasma for those genetically predetermined for the condition.
For some, post-pregnancy or cessation of hormone therapy will help the melasma to fade to some degree. This is called transient melasma. Unfortunately, most patients who visit our clinic have been fighting a never-ending battle with melasma for a long time.
Studies have shown that a combination of treatments along with strict sun protection is the best means of reducing most or all of the melasma present on the face. Various topical therapies are often where we start the treatment regime. Products containing hydroquinone, Arbutin, Retinols, Kojic acid, glycolic acid and L- ascorbic acid (vitamin C) will help to suppress the pigment and aid in preventing new pigment from forming.
Chemical peels with a lower acid percentage have been known to fade hyperpigmentation as well. There are also “super peels” such as Dermamelan that help to give a jump start in reducing pigment. I have found that post-treatment, I will either start the patient on an active home care with some of the above mentioned ingredients or begin a secondary treatment of either ProFractional laser resurfacing or TCA peels, along with skin care by ZO or Lytera to be used daily at home. For some patients, BBL photorejuvenation can also be considered.
Melasma can be epidermal, dermal or a mixture of both. The epidermal melasma is the easiest to treat and often doesn’t require laser treatments. However, stubborn melasma has to be treated aggressively and yet gently. Over-treating may cause the pigment to darken. It is essential that the home care for these types of melasma contain anti-inflammatories, as inflammation is a definite contributor to hyperpigmentation.
The pigment of melasma develops gradually and resolution is also gradual. Resistant cases or recurrences of melasma often occur. As a tunable Er:YAG laser, ProFractional laser helps tackle this very significant cosmetic challenge. The intracellular nature of the pigmentation makes it difficult for one treatment modality or agent to arrest the progression of further pigmentation, as well as remove existing pigmentation. Single treatment modalities cannot easily reach all levels of the skin (dermis and epidermis) where the excess pigment exists.
ProFractional laser provides a fractionated option to ablate narrow-diameter channels of skin, covering a fraction of the total treatment area and maximizing comfort by transmitting minimal heat into tissue.
The 2940 um wavelength of the ProFractional laser is significantly absorbed by water, causing most, if not all, of the energy to be used in ablation or vaporization. Stimulated fibroblasts in the treated channels produce new collagen and elastin, leaving surrounding tissue intact to promote rapid healing.
The infrared energy from the fractionated pattern of ProFractional lasers not only removes targeted tissue in melasma-affected skin, but also improves excess pigmentation surrounding the channels via transepidermal elimination.
Treatments that are too aggressive can increase hyperpigmentation, whereas treating more cautiously may take a little longer, but results have shown that improvement can be achieved more readily and safely this way. Each patient should be assessed properly before beginning melasma treatments (e.g. by a dermatologist, the skin experts), therefore getting the appropriate treatment for their specific case. In all cases, mandatory use of a medical grade sunscreen (along with hat, big sunglasses, seeking shade, avoiding mid-day sun, etc.) is, and will always be the most important ingredient towards improvement and prevention of melasma reoccurrence.
~ Sheri Roselle, Medical Esthetician at Toronto Dermatology Centre
Dr. Anatoli Freiman talks about aerosol sunscreens on Global News TV:
Did you know that Dr. Benjamin Barankin and Dr. Anatoli Freiman were chosen as part of a select group of Canadian dermatologists to help develop the Acne Academy website? The website and facebook page recently launched, check it out!
