Dermatology FAQs
Answers to your Dermatology questions
What is the best type of sunscreen for my entire family?
What exactly causes photosensitivity?
Can allergies cause skin problems as well?
What causes Psoriasis and what is the best way to treat it?
How does diabetes affect the skin?
When should a mole cause concern?
Q. What is the best type of sunscreen for my entire family?
A. While generally an effective sunscreen should provide UVA/UVB protection with an SPF of at least 15, there are a number of other things to consider including:
- Time of year
- Reflecting surfaces such as water, sand and snow
- Geographic location, altitude and proximity to the equator
- Air pollution
- Any medications or diseases that may cause photosensitivity
Individuals suffering from photosensitivity diseases should avoid UV rays and use a screen of the highest SPF and containing Titanium dioxide, when
exposure is unavoidable.
Q. What exactly causes photosensitivity?
A. Photosensitivity is a particular sensitivity to sun exposure and may be prompted by the use of certain medications and over the counter products. It can also be the result of certain diseases.
Photosensitizing Medications:
Ingested
- Tetracyclines - Declomycin Vibramycin
- Nalidixic Acid
- Lomotil
- Griseofulvin
- Phenothiazines - Phenergan, Thorazine, Stelazine, Compazine
- Sulfonamides
- Hypoglycemic agents - antidiabetics
Topical
- Deodorant soaps
- Plants - figs, celery, parsnips
- Retin A/Retinol
- Oil of Bergamot - perfume, cologne
Photosensitivity Diseases
- Actinic Reticuloid
- Dermatomyositis
- Discoid and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
- Herpes Simplex
- Polymorphous Light Eruption
- Solar Urticaria
- Xeroderma Pigrnentosa
Q. Can allergies cause skin problems as well?
A. Yes, there are a number of skin problems prompted by allergies. Some of these include poison ivy rashes, particularly common in the spring and summer months. Those suffering from allergies and those with a family history of allergies as well as asthma, are prone to atopic dermatitis.
Q. What causes Psoriasis and what is the best way to treat it?
A. Psoriasis is a hereditary condition that tends to but does not always run in a family. Mild forms are best treated with topical corticosteroids, topical Vitamin A-related compounds such as Tazorac and topical Vitamin
D-related compounds such as Dovonex. Also effective in treating mild cases of psoriasis is ultraviolet light.
More severe cases nonresponsive to less invasive treatment may require medication. Diet has not shown to play a significant role in the treatment of the condition.
Q. How does diabetes affect the skin?
A. Those living with diabetes are more susceptible to skin infections. Skin variations in diabetic children should be addressed promptly. In diabetic adults, sensation problems in the extremities can result in ulcerations
on the feet and infection from seemingly minor scraps and abrasions.
Q. When should a mole cause concern?
A. All moles should be carefully monitored in the young and old alike. In fact, melanoma most commonly affects young people.
Of particular concern are moles that change in any way - color, shape, size. Another type of skin cancer seen in adults generally 40 years of age and older does not resemble a mole but rather skin-colored,
scaly patches on the face, scalp and/or back of the hands or forearms. These patches will change color when exposed to sunlight. Such changes in the skin should be assessed by a dermatologist.
|
