Commonly Asked Questions

1. Are tanning beds bad for your skin?
   Tanning beds have traditionally used UVA wavelengths of light which will slowly tan and not burn the skin as readily as UVB sunlight, which has led to the misconception that they are safe. It has been shown that damage from UVA contributes to the development of skin cancer. Tanning bed use has also been associated with the development of melanoma, the most deadly type of skin cancer.
2. What type of sunscreen should I use and how should it be applied?
   There are many effective sunscreens on the market so brand choice often has more to do with skin sensitivity than efficacy. You should use a sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB with a spf of 30 or higher. Sunscreens should be applied to dry skin 15-30 minutes before going outdoors. Sunscreen should be applied liberally (1 oz for the body minimum) and needs to be reapplied every 2 hours.
3. What can I do for wrinkles?
   The most important thing is sun protection. Many daily facial moisturizers have sunscreens in them which will help protect the skin from damage and thereby help prevent signs of aging such as wrinkles. There are many additional treatments including various procedures which can be helpful. We recommend consultation with a dermatologist to determine what might be appropriate for your type of skin and lifestyle.
4. What is psoriasis?
   Psoriasis is a chronic, medical autoimmune disease that appears on the skin. It occurs when the immune system sends out faulty signals that speed up the growth cycle of skin cells. The body does not shed these excess skin cells so they pile up on the surface of the skin and lesions form. Plaque psoriasis causes patches of thick, scaly skin that may be white, silvery, or red. Called plaques (plax), these patches can develop anywhere on the skin. The most common areas to find plaques are the elbows, knees, lower back, scalp or nails. In studying the immune system, scientists discovered that when a person has psoriasis, the T cells (a type of white blood cell that fights unwanted invaders such as bacteria and viruses) mistakenly trigger a reaction in the skin cells. Psoriasis is not contagious. There are five different types of psoriasis: plaque, guttate, inverse, pustular and erythrodermic. There are many treatment options specific to type of psoriasis and our dermatologists will prescribe the most appropriate treatment plan for each condition. Treatments include cortisones and other types of creams, systemic medications such as Mexthotrexate and Acitretin, biologic injectibles and the XTRAC Eximer laser.
5. What does the doctor need to know when I come in for a visit?
   It is very important that a patient always makes sure to tell the doctor of all medications he or she may be taking and any natural or herbal product (including vitamins and supplements) you are using, as some may interact with treatments or prescription medications prescribed.
6. When should I be checked for skin cancer?
   It is never too early to have a baseline skin exam. It can then be discussed with your dermatologist how often you may need to be checked in the future. Frequency may vary based on skin type, degree of sun damage, family history, and number and types of moles amongst other things. You should also practice self exams so that you can help recognize new moles or other new spots.