School's back in session. Time for kids to run around outside, share toys and good times with friends, and - wait, what's that little white bump on Junior's cute little belly? Hold on, what are ALL those little bumps on his belly, and armpit, and arm?
The dermatologist confirms it: Junior has molluscum contagiosum. Moll-what?!
Molluscum contagiosum is a common condition caused by a type of virus called a poxvirus. As the name implies, it's contagious. Kids pass it on to each other by direct skin-to-skin contact. Swimming pools are often associated with infection. While any child can get it, kids with eczema or atopic dermatitis are at higher risk, and the mollusum often shows up in the same areas affected by eczema.
How is it treated? Well, sometimes they're not treated at all. Molluscum will often go away on their own, but it may take up to two years. Applying surgical tape daily to the spots has been reported as a successful treatment in some. Other treatments include topical retinoids, scraping (curettage) the lesions, freezing with liquid nitrogen, and applying a topical cream called imiquinod. An often successful treatment is applying cantharadin liquid in the doctor's office, that is then washed off after 4-6 hours. It causes blistering of the molluscum and then resolution. It's up to the doctor and the parents to decide which treatment plan would be best.
Oh, look, Junior's smiling again. Oh, he's laughing, how cute. Wait, what's on the roof of his mouth? Hand, foot, and what?!
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Thursday, August 23, 2012
That tricky sun
Ah, the sun. While it's essential for life on earth, too much of it is not a good thing. We all know we should wear sunscreen and avoid too much exposure - but the specific reasons why aren't always so clear.
The biggie is skin cancer. Damage from ultraviolet light causes mutations in cells, which leads to skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Sunburns and tanning also increase the risk of developing melanoma, the most worrisome type of skin cancer.
And if that's not enough to make you reach for your tube of sunblock, let's talk about the havoc that the sun wreaks on beauty and youth. Ultraviolet light accelerates aging. Period.
Specifically, wrinkles, brown spots, and broken blood vessels (telangiectasias). Pre-existing pigment on the face gets darker with sun exposure. Exposure to the sun can also cause loss of pigment, which often shows up as little white spots on the arms and legs.
Although there are topical treatments, like bleaching creams and retinoids, as well as lasers, to correct these issues, if the skin is still exposed to the sun, they will recur.
So what's a South Florida lover to do? I've said it before, and I'll say it again... Sunblock, sun protective clothing, and avoiding the sun during peak hours is key. For overall skin health, protect your precious skin!
The biggie is skin cancer. Damage from ultraviolet light causes mutations in cells, which leads to skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Sunburns and tanning also increase the risk of developing melanoma, the most worrisome type of skin cancer.
And if that's not enough to make you reach for your tube of sunblock, let's talk about the havoc that the sun wreaks on beauty and youth. Ultraviolet light accelerates aging. Period.
Specifically, wrinkles, brown spots, and broken blood vessels (telangiectasias). Pre-existing pigment on the face gets darker with sun exposure. Exposure to the sun can also cause loss of pigment, which often shows up as little white spots on the arms and legs.
Although there are topical treatments, like bleaching creams and retinoids, as well as lasers, to correct these issues, if the skin is still exposed to the sun, they will recur.
So what's a South Florida lover to do? I've said it before, and I'll say it again... Sunblock, sun protective clothing, and avoiding the sun during peak hours is key. For overall skin health, protect your precious skin!
Monday, August 6, 2012
The Windows to the Soul
They say the eyes are the windows to the soul. Sometimes the window treatments need a little refreshing...
Lines around the eyes
Crow's feet result from squinting and repeated muscle movement. The most effective treatment for Crow's feet is botulinum toxin: Botox, Dysport, or Xeomin. For finer textural lines, a moisturizing eye cream, such as the TNS Illuminating eye cream, can help. Renova, a mild prescription retinoid, is often very effective but should be used sparingly. For lots of lines, fractional resurfacing with a laser like the Active FX can be very effective.
Hollows and Loose skin
Your two year old is only partly to blame. Hyaluronic acid fillers (Juvederm or Restylane) can be injected in the tear trough area to rejuvinate the contour under the eyes. A small amount should be used, as this is a delicate area. Loose skin around the eyes may be tightened with a radiofrequency treatment like Thermage or Exilis.
Dark circles
These usually result from broken blood vessels under the eyes, genetics, and allergies. If seasonal allergies are an issue, a daily antihistamine may be beneficial. Broken blood vessels may be corrected with a vascular laser.
Sparse lashes
Yes, there is a miracle-gro for lashes, and it's called Latisse. This FDA approved medication can increase the volume and length of lashes in about 6-8 weeks.
Little tricks for poofs
Applying cold moisturizer helps to relieve puffiness under the eyes. Sleeping on more than one pillow and avoiding foods high in salt help, too.
Usually, a combination of treatments are needed to make your eyes sparkle.
Lines around the eyes
Crow's feet result from squinting and repeated muscle movement. The most effective treatment for Crow's feet is botulinum toxin: Botox, Dysport, or Xeomin. For finer textural lines, a moisturizing eye cream, such as the TNS Illuminating eye cream, can help. Renova, a mild prescription retinoid, is often very effective but should be used sparingly. For lots of lines, fractional resurfacing with a laser like the Active FX can be very effective.
Hollows and Loose skin
Your two year old is only partly to blame. Hyaluronic acid fillers (Juvederm or Restylane) can be injected in the tear trough area to rejuvinate the contour under the eyes. A small amount should be used, as this is a delicate area. Loose skin around the eyes may be tightened with a radiofrequency treatment like Thermage or Exilis.
Dark circles
These usually result from broken blood vessels under the eyes, genetics, and allergies. If seasonal allergies are an issue, a daily antihistamine may be beneficial. Broken blood vessels may be corrected with a vascular laser.
Sparse lashes
Yes, there is a miracle-gro for lashes, and it's called Latisse. This FDA approved medication can increase the volume and length of lashes in about 6-8 weeks.
Little tricks for poofs
Applying cold moisturizer helps to relieve puffiness under the eyes. Sleeping on more than one pillow and avoiding foods high in salt help, too.
Usually, a combination of treatments are needed to make your eyes sparkle.
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