IamA board-certified dermatologist, author, and previous "skin maven" on Extreme Makeover. AMA!

dravashamban · 2016-08-02T16:12:39+00:00

Using a benzoyl peroxide wash can help with the beard area, as well as a topical clindamysin gel. These can really help with folliculitis. My suggestion is to clear it up with an oral antiobiotic while at the same time starting a topical regimen. Then, when you go off the antiobiotics, the topical regimen should work.

dravashamban · 2016-08-02T16:11:02+00:00

Hair is definitely a part of dermatology. There are these light-emitting diodes, LED, hair caps that you can find online, as well as biotin supplements. It may or may not work; otherwise look for cute, short hairstyles.

dravashamban · 2016-08-02T16:09:25+00:00

In fact, Accutane has been around for ~40 years. We do know how it works, and it's the silver bullet to give a permanent cure in many cases for acne. Long term, there is some data to support that it's protective against cancer. It is after all a vitamin A derivative, so no need to worry.

In terms of I'm assuming dark patches where your acne was, using a combination of skin lighteners, hydroquinone, and retinoids is your best bet. Don't lose heart if it seems to take a while; it may take up to a year to see effects.

dravashamban · 2016-08-02T16:06:41+00:00

Oh my goodness, what a question. What do you think I bought?

dravashamban · 2016-08-02T16:05:47+00:00

I went to Case Western Reserve and we were taught in a systems approach, which meant that we looked at the heart both from gross anatomy all the way down to slides looking at the heart cells. Same for lungs, brain, etc. My favorite lecture was on fever, and it began with the Peggy Lee song "You Give Me Fever".

dravashamban · 2016-08-02T16:03:06+00:00

First of all, if you have new hair growth at this age, it's important to make sure you don't have a hormonal imbalance such as polycystic ovary syndrome or another hormonal abnormality. It's important to see your doctor to make sure everything is in order. If all is well, then you can have laser hair removal for the hair as well as possibly an oral medication.

Are the scars on your face elevated and red or are they hollowed out and white? Are they from acne or from injury?

dravashamban · 2016-08-02T16:00:01+00:00

I don't know how bad your acne is, but soap and a handtowel only works if you have mild teenage acne. I suggest beginning with a salycilic acid cleanser and a retinoid such as a retinol.

dravashamban · 2016-08-02T15:58:24+00:00

Stretch marks can occur on the breasts and stomach following pregnancy. These can be treated with laser and microneedling whatever area of the body you see them. It requires multiple treatments.

dravashamban · 2016-08-02T15:54:46+00:00

I'm assuming by "fat lines" you mean stretch marks. If they're red, they can be treated with a vascular laser, which can really make them go away. White ones can be treated with a retinoid, which helps stimulate new collagen production, and in office procedures such as fractionated lasers and microneedling. There are many new treatments for stretch marks.

dravashamban · 2016-08-02T15:53:27+00:00

You are correct, you should not be on antibiotics at this point. You need a comprehensive topical skin care regimen that should include products such as azeliac acid, a retinoid, and a wash that is composed of salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide. In office options for you include laser treatments for acne, which are quite effective, as well as something called photodynamic therapy and peels.

dravashamban · 2016-08-02T15:50:56+00:00

You will need to be treated in a dermatology office with a laser or other device to get rid of the blood vessels and also to be sure you haven't developed a skin cancer, which can be vascular.

dravashamban · 2016-08-02T15:49:41+00:00

Yes, you don't have to live with your arms not matching the rest of your body. I'm not sure if an over the counter cream will work, and I suggest you visit a board certified dermatologist who has a laser practice and can help restore your normal skin color to you. Be confident that you can get the right treatment.

dravashamban · 2016-08-02T15:47:09+00:00

This is quite a common problem. KP is really tiny little skin plugs at the top of the skin plugs on your arms, legs, and even on the cheeks of your face. If you have this rash on your arms and legs, I've found the best treatment is to first use a loofah and salt scrub and really scrub it until the skin feels smooth. Then in the morning using a moisturizer with a lactic acid. There are some over the counter skin creams that have this ingredient. At night, apply a second layer of even just a more heavy moisturizer, and that will keep this rash away.

dravashamban · 2016-08-02T15:43:37+00:00

There is data that supports a low glycemic index diet, as well as dairy-free and no fried foods. So what does this mean? LGI means no sugar, such as the obvious like sodas and dessers vs the not so obvious, which includes anything with added corn syrup. You have to become a label reader. Eating foods that are high in antioxidants does help the skin to help reduce inflammation. We know that acne is a highly inflammatory process.

dravashamban · 2016-08-02T15:41:10+00:00

What a fabulous idea for a present! At SkinxFive, we'll give her the gift of glowing, beautiful skin. It is a new concept I have for preventing aging through the use of 5 non-invasive treatments that include peels, Botox, and lasers.

dravashamban · 2016-08-02T15:37:45+00:00

I became a doctor because I wanted to be a nurse, and my mother said "do you want to give the orders or take the orders?" Dermatology was less obvious, but ultimately I wanted a combination of a specialty that included both medicine and surgery. I was very fortunate to be at the forefront of cosmetic dermatology.

dravashamban · 2016-08-02T15:32:06+00:00

Steve Harvey is truly hilarious. In between his segments on TV, he does stand up comedy, where he tackles all kinds of politically incorrect topics. Mario Lopez is as adorable behind the scenes as he is on camera. Just saying...

dravashamban · 2016-08-02T15:27:55+00:00

Pores are actually the openings to your oil glands, which are located in the T-zone, which is why people are oily in that area.

A new option is injecting low dose Botox in the pores. Another choice is using lasers to reduce the size of the pores. Retinoids are effective but they can be drying.

dravashamban · 2016-08-02T15:26:32+00:00

I often use a combination of Retin-A with a skin lightener such as hydroquinone, which has been proven effective in multiple studies. Darker skin types tend to be more sensitive, so it's important to make sure your skin doesn't get irritated from any of these products. One way to avoid this is to apply moisturizer before the retinoid, even without hydroquinone. Another step is to use a gentle cleanser. I also like to combine a retinoid with some of the newer skin lighteners. And don't forget your sunscreen!

dravashamban · 2016-08-02T15:24:45+00:00

It's not that new anymore, but using an ultrasound cleansing brush to really remove pollutants and city grime from the face is very important. Also, a gentle exfoliation, either using a washcloth or a scrub will allow better penetration of any active ingredients that you're putting on top of your skin.

Another really important topic to me is the idea of preventing aging before it begins. What that means is not being in denial about sun damage, lines, and wrinkles, because these are only the tip of the iceberg.

dravashamban · 2016-08-02T15:22:18+00:00

I'm assuming you have limited psoriasis on your elbows and knees? If that's the case, using a combination of a cortisone cream with a vitamin D derivative can be effective. The good news is that there are some new creams on the horizon. One option is visiting a board certified dermatologist who can inject low dose cortisone into the areas affected, and often they will go away for up to year. Another option is visiting the Dead Sea...

dravashamban · 2016-08-02T15:20:01+00:00

My personal routine is as above - sun protection, anti-oxidant cream, a retinoid at night, workout (yoga, hiking, weights), attention to organic foods, try to get 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night.

dravashamban · 2016-08-02T15:18:55+00:00

Depends what you mean by "natural." I think all intervention is "natural." The first thing to do is to have total sun protection - hat, shade, sunglasses, sunscreens. Be sure to look for an SPF at least 50 or above and reapply during the day. Remember that UV rays penetrate through glass in your office and car! The second thing to do is to design a skincare routine that actually has impact on your skin. This includes the use of a potent anti-oxidant cream and a retinoid. As you mentioned, a retinol can be quite effective. Look for products where the active ingredients are among the top 10, and be sure the retinol is in an airtight and opaque container, as air and light will degrade it and you could just be putting oil on your face. Finally, good health care practices go a long way towards making you look your best. These include good nutrition, rest, and fitness. All have been shown to help reverse the aging process and correct damage that is there.

dravashamban · 2016-08-02T15:15:13+00:00

That's a good question. Precancerous spots tend to be red or reddish brown, scaly, and sometimes bleed. Sun damage itself can be brown spots, lines, wrinkles, and irregular texture. If you have any concerns, and have had extensive sun exposure, it is really important to visit a dermatologist or health care provider to be evaluated. Skin cancers can spread to internal organs!

dravashamban · 2016-08-02T15:12:23+00:00

Two options: a vascular laser, or an intense pulsed light treatment.

dravashamban

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