Management opinions
Acne Scars (For Professionals)
Sunday, April 10th, 2011Scarring in acne as in other skin diseases is the result of an initally active process. Consider two situations: 1. either the pimples are still developing 2. the pimples have stopped developing and only scars are left 1. In this situation, it is important to prevent new pimples from developing as they are developing “bombs” […]
How to Avoid Overprescribing (Topical Treatment)(For Professionals)
Saturday, March 12th, 2011Over- and underprescribing is very common when prescribing a cream when treating a skin condition. Two simple rules can avoid this: the fingertip unit (FTU) -it is a specific amount of cream on the index. It was initially designed for topical steroid treatment but is valid for any treatment with a semi-solid topical substance (cream, […]
Acne Vulgaris (for professionals)
Friday, January 14th, 2011Acne is common but can be psychologically devastatating. It is important to see a dermatologist whose role is: -to confirm the diagnosis of acne vulgaris. -to determine the type of acne: retentional (non inflammatory) or inflammatory. -to determine the psychological impact to determine aggressivity of treatment. -to monitor the effects of treatment. Some advice for […]
Xerosis (Dry Skin)(For Professionals)
Wednesday, November 17th, 2010Dry skin is commonly referred to as xerosis, which is a form of endogeneous eczema (the skin is not red). It is very common and tends to occur when absolute humidity levels are low such as in the winter in temperate countries. It is also a complaint of people living in tropical climates migrating to […]
Plaque Psoriasis (for professionals)
Tuesday, September 14th, 2010Psoriasis is a frequent inflammatory dermatosis which affects 1 to 2% of the global population. It is more frequent in Scandinavia and Europe. It is less frequent in Blacks and Chinese and is a rarity in Ethnic American-Indian population. Its cause is genetic (PSOR1 gene on chromosome 6) and environmental (guttate psoriasis for example has […]
Screening for Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) before undergoing a cosmetic procedure (for professionals)
Sunday, July 4th, 2010Body Dysmorphic Disorder is a psychiatric condition whch is characterized by obsessive and destructive preoccupation of minor visible defects; it affects in 93% of cases the skin and in other cases, the eyes, facial features such as the nose or excessive body weight. Cosmetic treatments are sought more frequently and invariably lead in this condition […]
Sunburn (For Professionals)
Tuesday, June 15th, 2010Although prevention is better than cure, there are chances that you or someone around will get sunburnt. It is more likely in the summer months, when in high altitude, when increasing outdoor activities, when on far-away holidays, and when indulging in sun-seeking behaviour (e.g. sunbathing). In acute sunburn (erythema, pain, edema, desquamation, bullae) Always keep […]
Stretch Marks (Striae Distensae)(for professionals)
Sunday, May 16th, 2010No current therapeutical modality gives complete clearance: -the best way remains prevention. -Our impression is that the most effective available treatments will yield around 30% improvement. CREAMS -tretinoin (retin A) 0.1% has a proven effect (Topical tretinoin 0.1% for pregnancy-related abdominal striae: an open-label, multicenter, prospective study. Rangel O, Arias I, García E, Lopez-Padilla S. […]
Mesotherapy: necessary risks ? (For Professionals)
Thursday, May 13th, 2010Mesotherapy was developed in 1952 by Michel Pistor. The technique was initally targeted at vascular and lymphatic diseases treatment. It consists of the injection with very fines needles of hormones, enzymes, nutrients, pharmaceutical products, homeopathic agents, detergents as well as other products in the subcutaneous fat (hypodermis) of the skin (phosphtatidylcholine injection would not be […]
Melasma (for professionals)
Saturday, March 27th, 2010Melasma (for professionals) Melasma is a very cumbersome condition especially in pigmented skin. It is important to note that only superficial located pigment can improve, not the pigment located deeper in the dermis. Examination with Wood’s lamp (360nm, blue light) is a plus (note that it may be less reliable in phototypes IV and above […]
