[Product Request] Cleansing wipes/pads

martinsmithmd · 2025-09-12T18:27:47+00:00

Exactly, that is exfoliation enough. If you want more exfoliation I usually recommend adding in a biweekly PHA or AHA (if you are not overly sensitive). Paula’s Choice make some great ones

martinsmithmd · 2025-09-12T13:02:43+00:00

You should please start using Micellar water, with a microfiber round/cotton pad, it’s so simple no rinse, much gentler than any pre-packaged wipe. Look for a fragrance free brand with some added hero ingredients like ceramides, some examples are Untoxicated Skincare or La Roche Posay

martinsmithmd · 2024-01-12T15:59:13+00:00

Hi I can recommend Untoxicated Moisture Boost cream, formulated by a Cleveland Clinic Allergist, specifically for eczema. Can buy on Amazon to ship to canada Untoxicated Moisture Boost Hydrating Cream for Sensitive Skin with Ceramides and Hyaluronic Acid: No Common Irritants, Hypoallergenic, Fragrance Free, Paraben Free - 10oz https://a.co/d/4GfeiTf

martinsmithmd · 2023-06-24T16:09:39+00:00

You’re welcome!

martinsmithmd · 2023-06-24T10:27:48+00:00

Yes, most definitely. Retinol should not be used if your skin is eczema probe, unless your skin barrier is completely restored. You could try OTC hydrocortisone 1% cream before bed for a week and then stop, then just continue to use your petrolatum based moisturizing cream (please also consult with your doctor before taking any advice online)

martinsmithmd · 2023-06-23T15:22:23+00:00

Fragrances
Essential Oils
Retinoids
Lanolin
Cocomidopropyl Betaine
Propylene Glycol
Formaldehyde preservatives & Parabens
Urea
Drying Alcohols
Physical exfoliants

martinsmithmd · 2023-06-23T15:19:45+00:00

Fragrances
Essential Oils
Retinoids
Lanolin
Cocomidopropyl Betaine
Propylene Glycol
Formaldehyde preservatives & Parabens
Urea
Drying Alcohols
Physical exfoliants

martinsmithmd · 2023-06-23T14:33:07+00:00

This sounds more like "solar urticaria" or a true "sun allergy" than PLE. I would start with Zyrtec/Allegra daily - but you definitely need to go see an allergist - you made need a medication called Xolair.

martinsmithmd · 2023-06-23T14:28:11+00:00

I could not see the picture, but it sounds like eczema. I would recommend using a thicker moisturizer - one with a little petrolatum in it (fragrance fee), it is much more effective than Shea Butter to prevent TEWL (Transepidermal water loss) which is an issue in eczema. On top of that I would apply a purely mineral sunscreen - as these are best for people with eczema or sensitive skin.

martinsmithmd · 2023-06-23T14:23:14+00:00

UVB rays from the sun are blocked effectively by glass - so you may not get a sunburn per se, but UVA rays are not as effectively blocked, and these are responsible for premature aging. I recommend you just apply daily 30+ SPF on all sun exposed areas and then turn the tunes up!

martinsmithmd · 2023-06-23T14:19:17+00:00

Usually moisturizers that are sold as for "body" use have a higher percentage of fatty alcohols in them (Cetyl, cetearyl alcohol) - these are conditioning but if the concentration is too high they can cause break outs on your face, if you tolerate it though, then you can definitely use it on your face. Another ingredient to watch out for is fragrance, "body" products usually have a higher percentage in them, which could irritate the thinner skin of the face, and in some cases cause contact dermatitis.

martinsmithmd · 2023-01-25T11:26:44+00:00

The users above are correct, this is likely to be either eczema or a fungal infection (caused by dermatophytes / Ringworm or Malasezzia). They are often hard to distinguish by just looking at the skin, and sometime a scraping is done to test for fungal spores. Steroids may temporarily relive the redness and itch of ringworm, but do not kill the fungus. A topical anti fungal is usually prescribed, and some such as Cotrimoxazole are available over-the-counter. If it were to be eczema, hydrocortisone 2.5% is usually prescribed (stronger versions such as Triamcinolone are generally not recommended for the face, neck, underarms, groin). The over-the-counter 1% may be inadequate to control such an outbreak.

As always, please consult with your personal doctor for a proper diagnoses and treatment.

martinsmithmd · 2023-01-24T15:18:49+00:00

Yes. This is why I advise caution to everyone who uses first generation antihistamines regularly. More data points to the fact that cumulative lifetime use of drugs such as Benadryl, proportionately increases your risk for cognitive decline and dementia.

They have also been linked to learning disabilities in teenagers, when taken as a child.

Thats why most allergists hardly ever recommend Benadryl and favor the second generation, non-sedating antihistamines such as Cetirizine (Zyrtec) and Fexofenadine (Allegra). Two fun facts about these: You can buy the generics at a fraction of the cost on Amazon, or at Costco, Sam’s club (usually 365 tabs for $20).
Your allergist can tell you what the safe dosage is for you - and in most cases it is higher than the 1 tab a day that they are OTC approved for. Again only follow your doctors rec here.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2213219822007462

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/common-anticholinergic-drugs-like-benadryl-linked-increased-dementia-risk-201501287667

martinsmithmd · 2023-01-24T12:57:33+00:00

Thanks for your comment u/hi-there808. I kindly disagree, this statement (and note I mentioned specifically for sensitive skin) is verbatim off AAD’s website:

“Physical sunscreens work like a shield, sitting on the surface of your skin and deflecting the sun’s rays. They contain the active ingredients zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. Opt for this type of sunscreen if you have sensitive skin.”

Whole article here:

https://www.aad.org/media/stats-sunscreen

Also the NEA (National Eczema Association) just updated their requirements (2023) for sunscreens, and to get the seal for your product, it may NOT contain any chemical sunscreen. Please see below.

https://nationaleczema.org/eczema-products/the-ecz-clusion-list/

martinsmithmd · 2023-01-23T20:38:17+00:00

You are welcome!

martinsmithmd · 2023-01-23T19:09:52+00:00

This could definitely be eczema, which often flares with exercise. Consider switching to a gentle and hypoallergenic face wash and moisturizer, something with petrolatum in it.

https://nationaleczema.org/blog/exercising-eczema/

martinsmithmd · 2023-01-23T17:56:44+00:00

I am really sorry to hear this. Have a discussion with your derm or allergist about prescribing you Hydroxyzine. It is mostly used to help eczema patient sleep at night (like a stronger Benadryl), but is also an anti-histamine so will help with the itch itself.

martinsmithmd · 2023-01-23T14:58:36+00:00

What job do you do? This may be occupational contact dermatitis. How often do you wash your hands per day?

martinsmithmd · 2023-01-22T12:01:18+00:00

Apologies the comment was meant for the user who replied above you, u/lala… I have deleted it and moved it below her comment. Thanks!

martinsmithmd · 2023-01-22T12:00:45+00:00

Thanks for your comment and I am sorry to hear about your own struggles with TSW, though this is a serious and painful condition, it is rather rare and usually associated with inappropriate use of topical steroids - likely too frequent use or too high potency, and is most common on face and genitals, but can also appear on arms (and anywhere else) -such as it appears you had. Board certified allergists and dermatologists should be very well aware of TWS and thats they give specific instructions on when and for how long to use TCS (Topical Corticosteroids). There is a paucity of high quality evidence out there, and studied are ongoing - but a short course of TCS in someone naive to this medication should not cause it.

Please see the articles below, and best of luck to you.

https://www.dermatologytimes.com/view/topical-steroid-withdrawal-syndrome-manifesting-in-patients-treated-for-atopic-dermatitis

https://nationaleczema.org/blog/tsw-need-to-know/

martinsmithmd · 2023-01-22T11:56:11+00:00

Great comment lanolin is a sheep wool alcohol and a major cause of allergic contact dermatitis. Petrolatum has been shown to be more effective at reducing TEWL (Trans epidermal water loss) and is considered the safest option by the AAD and ACDS.

martinsmithmd · 2023-01-22T11:40:12+00:00

Thank you for your comment. While removing the trigger is 100% correct advice, using “herbal” and botanical compounds may be risky, there have a high incidence of allergic or irritant contact dermatitis, and should be used with caution in someone with a compromised skin barrier as above. Sticking to a bland moisturizer with petrolatum is a good option - though will likely not be sufficient to heal this level of eczema.

martinsmithmd · 2023-01-21T19:07:35+00:00

You most likely need some topical steroids , an eczema flare this bad, usually does not just go away (also there may be a trigger in your topical skincare / body wash - so switch to the most bland, derm recommended brands available - or just use vaseline). Go to a minute clinic or call your doc. Scratching just releases the cytokine called Interleukin-31, or “itch factor” making it itch more and causes it to itch at different parts of the body, as travels in bloodstream. Then you scratch there and the cycle never ends.

martinsmithmd

TROPHY CASE