Have you ever been embarrassed by what seems like acne or rough bumps on your upper arms? If so, you probably have a condition called keratosis pilaris. Keratosis Pilaris, is a chronic dry skin condition in which keratin (skin protein) forms hard plugs in the hair follicles. Keratosis pilaris may affect the upper arms, thighs, back and buttocks and can affect patients of any age including children. Most patients have a direct relative such as a parent or sibling with the same condition.
There are several treatment options available, ranging from creams with salicylic acid and tretinoin to body washes. Depending on the severity of your condition, creams and washes may be prescribed together to achieve superior results.
One of our favorite therapies is the Glytone Keratosis Pilaris kit. This kit contains a glycolic acid wash to use in the shower and a rich moisturizing creams to apply afterwards. With consistent use of this kit, your small bumps will fade away and the skin will become smooth. Treat those pesky bumps on your arms and show off your arms again!

Many Americans suffer from overactive sweat glands which results in excess sweating. This condition is called hyperhidrosis and can occur in the under-arms, palms and soles. In severe hyperhidrosis, sweating significantly exceeds the body’s normal requirement for cooling. This can be stressful for patients as they have to change clothing frequently or may be embarrassed to shake hands because of the perspiration.

Clinical strength antiperspirants and deodorants are considered first-line treatment for the treatment of hyperhidrosis. Antiperspirants work by blocking sweat ducts, thereby reducing the amount of sweat that reaches the skin. Deodorants work by blocking the sweat ducts and making the skin more acidic, and therefore less attractive to bacteria. Both antiperspirants and deodorants are used together to help control sweating in addition to any odor that may be present. For more severe cases, Drysol (Aluminum Chloride)is a prescription strength topical medication to be applied, as directed by a medical provider, to the area of hyperhidrosis.

Another successful treatment option is Botox injections to the affected area. This is a great option for patients that do not respond to topical therapy. Botox is FDA approved to treat the symptoms of severe underarm sweating. Botox is a neurotoxin that is injected into the affected areas temporarily blocking the chemical signals from the nerves that stimulate the sweat glands. When the sweat glands don’t receive chemical signals, the severe sweating stops. The results may last for as long as 6 to 12 months.

If you or a friend suffers from hyperhidrosis and desire treatment, please contact our office. We would be delighted to help you be on your way to being sweat free for the summer! For more information on severe underarm sweating, you may visit the International Hyperhidrosis Society website at www.SweatHelp.org.

Are you tired of those stubborn dark spots on your face? If so, you may have a skin condition called Melasma. Melasma is a condition in which excess melanin (pigment) is deposited in the epidermis (top layer of the skin). Melasma is often a result of the use of hormonal pills or pregnancy and chronic sun exposure. It will primarily affect sun exposed areas on the face and very common especially in people with darker skin tones.

Creams that are frequently used to lighten dark spots in clued ingredients such as glycol acid, lactic acid, azelaic acid, hydroquinone and tretinoin. Some of these ingredients can cause irritation, therefore should be used only if you are being treated by a medical professional.

One of the newest treatments that we have for the treatment of melasma, is Elure lightening lotion. Elure is a non hydroquinone product that uses a natural enzyme called ligin peroxidase. This enzyme reduces the excess melanin in the skin. Since it does not contain hydroquinone, it is tolerated very well by all skin types. To supplement the treatment of your melanoma, make sure you are using high quality sun protection and anti-oxidant creams to maintain your results and prevent further pigment changes.

Tired of hiding yellow nails? Sick of over the counter treatments that just don’t seem to work? Not sure about expensive laser treatments?
We have a good solution for you!

Formula 3 is an antifungal solution, Tolnaftate 1%, that is a safe and effective treatment of onychomycosis or fungus of the nail. This topical medicine is odorless, does not stain clothing or skin, conditions the skin using jojoba oil, and is absorbed within seconds. Formula 3 is safe to use and as a topical medication does not pose the risks of oral antifungal medications, particularly on the liver.

For best results apply twice a day to the affected nails or skin. In addition to treating fungus of the nail the solution may be applied to the feet or hands and between digits as well to treat fungal infections that commonly occur on the skin.