Southlake Dermatology

WestDerm

Screen Your Skin during Skin Cancer Awareness Month!

by Leave a Comment

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and we have a favorite way to honor the occasion…by SCREENING OUR SKIN!
DID YOU KNOW?
A 15-minute skin check could save your life? Early cancer detection leads to prevention so we’re encouraging you to screen your skin this month, because healthy skin is always in.
Schedule your in-clinic or TeleDerm skin check today!

How to Pick the Best Sunscreen ☀️💪

by Leave a Comment

As summer temperatures rise and you spend more time outside, you’ll probably want to keep a tube of sunscreen or one of the newer sunscreen powders in your gym bag or glove compartment. If you pop into any makeup counter, drugstore, or grocery store, you’re likely to see at least a half-dozen sunscreen brands. While the ubiquity of sunscreen makes it easy to stay sun-safe, the variety of options makes it hard to choose!
That’s why we’re going over the sunscreen basics and listing some of our favorite formulas. With this handy email, you can figure out what works best for you and avoid getting burned.
First things first: There are two main types of sunscreen. Physical sunscreens deflect sunlight with the active ingredients titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. The old versions used to feel thick and sometimes leave a white cast on the skin. Newer versions of microniadized zinc and titanium feel great, are not thick and do not leave a white sheen on your skin.
Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, use chemicals like avobenzone and oxybenzone to absorb UV rays and make them less harmful. These formulas blend invisibly into skin. The drawback is that the chemicals in sunscreen may be absorbed in minute quantities when applied in large amounts every 2 hours. This has recently gotten some bad press but there’s no conclusive proof that they’re harmful. Still, pregnant women, young children, and cautious types may want to go for physical sunscreen.
If you already know which type of sunscreen you prefer, you may be wondering: Which brand is the best? We’re glad you asked!
> For your face and body, try ISDIN- Eryfotona Actinica SPF 50, a fast-absorbing sunscreen that feels smooth on the skin it absorbs quickly, layers well under makeup, doesn’t smell like SPF, is made with antioxidant-rich vitamin E, as well as an ingredient that helps repair previous sun damage.
> We also love ISDIN’s Eryfotona Actinica SPF 50 for your face, or Total Defense and Repair from SkinMedica.
> For your lips, EltaMD’s UV Lip Balm Broad-Spectrum SPF 31 neutralizes free radicals with antioxidants and offers both physical and chemical sun protection.
> For on-the-go, grab an ISDIN Mineral Brush, your solution to reapplying SPF at 2 p.m. without messing up your mascara.
> For when you’re exercising or going swimming, make sure you reapply even a “waterproof” sunscreen every two hours
Whichever sunscreen you choose, remember to use it in conjunction with other sun-safety measures, like wearing protective clothing and scheduling an annual skin check with a board-certified dermatologist. As always, get in touch with us if you have any questions. We hope you get outside and enjoy healthy, comfortable skin all summer long!
Yours in good health,
Your West Dermatology Team

DIY Skincare to Keep Your Skin Glowing During Quarantine ✨

by Leave a Comment

It’s time to turn up the positive vibes and treat yo’self with a DIY skincare day! It will do wonders for your mental health and help keep your mind focused. Here are some of our favorite dermatologist approved DIY skincare recipes that you can make right at home with all-natural ingredients:
Avocado Honey Face Mask
·      Mash 1-2 avocados into a bowl
·      Add 1/8-1/4 of a cup of honey to the mix
·      Apply to face and leave on for 10 – 15 min, then rinse with warm water
Why it’s good for your skin: Avocados’ high fat content is a great skin softener that will maximize your skin’s moisture. Honey is a natural humectant (like hyaluronic acid) and will help your skin hold in the hydration, while offering antibacterial benefits and antioxidants.
Soothing, Softening Oatmeal Mask
·      Blend 3 teaspoons of oatmeal with 1 teaspoon of warmed milk or water.
·      Stir 1 teaspoon of coconut or plain yogurt into mix, if you have on hand
·      Apply to face and leave on for 10 -15 min, then rinse with warm water
Why it’s good for your skin: Oatmeal has been used for centuries to soothe dry skin and calm sunburns, bug bites, and more. Yogurt has probiotics and enzymes that will soften and smooth the skin.
Green Tea & Rose Water Face Mist
·      Steep two bags of green tea in half a cup of boiling water for 15 minutes
·      Take tea bags out and mix in ½ cup of rose water
·      Pour in a spray bottle to apply and refrigerate the leftovers in a sealed jar
Why it’s good for your skin: this calming face mist is great for irritated skin because the antioxidants in the green tea and the anti-inflammatory benefits of the rose water soothe skin.
Exfoliating Oatmeal & Honey Face Scrub
·      Add 2 teaspoons finely ground dry oats into a bowl (you can use a coffee grinder or blender to finely ground oats)
·      Add 1 teaspoon honey
·      Add 1 teaspoon warm water and mix together, until it has a paste like consistency
·      Apply scrub to entire face and massage, in circular motions, for 1 min. Then let sit for 4 mins
·      Rinse off with warm water
*can use once a week
Why it’s good for your skin: Honey is a humectant (helps hold in hydration) and a natural antibiotic, that contains healing properties that soothe and clear up the skin. Oats are soothing and gently exfoliate dead skin cells, making your skin smoother and brighter
By trying the above skincare recipes, your mood will be lifted in a snap. It feels great to treat yourself and focus on your well-being once in a while. Taking your mind off of what’s going on is important, and why not practice self-care in the process! Another great thing about these DIY recipes is that they are all safe for your skin. There are so many great natural ingredients to help nurture, heal and nourish your face and body.
As always, we’re here for you and we’re now offering medical and aesthetic telehealth visits! If you have any questions at all regarding your skin health, do not hesitate to give us a call and we are more than happy to answer them for you or help you setup your telehealth visit.

Covid-19 Info From the Skin Experts

by Leave a Comment

Here at West Dermatology, our mission is to serve our patients to the best of our ability, each and every day. This also includes providing info to you that is beneficial for maintaining your health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read on below for some tips from the skin care experts at the national organization, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS). This includes information and tips around COVID-19, like how to identify symptoms, how to prevent getting the virus and whether or not you should go to your scheduled dermatology appts at this time.
WHAT IS COVID-19?
Symptoms:
·     Fever
·     Cough
·     Difficulty breathing
·     Loss of taste and/or smell
·     Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
·     New confusion or inability to arise
·     Bluish lips or face
High Risk Populations:
·     Adults older than 65 years old
·     People with underlying medical conditions including, but not limited to, heart or lung disease, or diabetes.
Medications That Might Increase Risk:
·     Prednisone/CsA
·     MTX/MMF
·     Tofacitinib
·     TNFi
·     IL-12/23i
·     IL-17i/IL-23i
·     Apermilast
·     Acitretin
·     Dupilumab/Omalizumab
*Source: Mark Lebwohl, MD; Webinar Summary – March 19, 2020
During this time, some medications are in limited supply or are more challenging to be delivered. Contact your physician with any concerns or question on the medications you are taking.
EVERYONE IS AT RISK. All ages, genders and races have been diagnosed and have died from this virus. Please take this virus seriously and protect yourself, your family and your communities.
HOW TO PREVENT GETTING THE VIRUS
Disinfect:
·     Frequent hand washing (at least 20 seconds with soap and water, or a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol). Use moisturizing hand cream to avoid cracks and skin breakdown
·     Avoid touching your face
·     Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily
Social Distancing:
·     Avoid large gatherings of 10 or more
·     Limit / avoid travel
·     Maintain a 6-foot distance between yourself and others
·     Stay at home whenever possible
Wear a Mask:
·     Before putting on a mask, clean hands with alcohol-based hand rub or with soap and water
·     Cover mouth and nose with mask and make sure there are no gaps between your face and the mask
·     Avoid touching the mask while wearing it; if you do, clean your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or with soap and water
·     Replace the mask with a new one as soon as it is damp and do not re-use single-use masks
·     To take off the mask: remove it from behind (do not touch the front of the mask); discard immediately in a closed bin; clean hands with alcohol-based hand rub or with soap and water
Stay Home If You’re Sick, Except To Get Medical Care:
·     Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze
·     Wear a mask when with others
DERMATOLOGY SPECIFIC INFORMATION
Should I go to my scheduled dermatology appointment?
Transmission of COVID-19 is especially high in health care settings. Health care facilities and clinicians are prioritizing urgent and emergency visits at this time. Make sure to check with your physician about your individual situation before canceling or proceeding with your scheduled visit. Please note, most states are enforcing no elective procedures regulations at this time. This would include cosmetic or aesthetic treatments which will need to be rescheduled once these regulations are lifted.
Your doctor may triage your care based on the individual risk of your condition, your risk of complications for COVID-19, and your risk for contracting COVID-19.
Some skin cancers (including squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma and basal cell carcinomas) can be slow growing and treatment can be safely delayed for a period of time.
Other cancers may pose an immediate risk to your health, and thus, urgent treatment would be recommended. Instead of canceling or delaying your care, your physician may offer you a virtual visit via phone or video in order to optimize your care.
What To Do When Going To A Medical Appt?
Before visiting a clinic or hospital, make sure to understand the active safety protocols in place. During the pandemic, you may be screened for symptoms and/or asked to wear a protective mask, and there may be restrictions on bringing a family member or visitor with you.
 
You might be put in a private room or have specific waiting room instructions enforcing social distancing requirements. Also, your physician may be taking extra precautions including wearing a mask or other protective gear, avoiding handshakes or use verbal consent instead of written signatures to limit multiple people touching a pen or paperwork.
 
Avoid Going To The ER
Not only are health care settings high risk transmission locations, but the emergency room needs to be for the most critically ill, especially during this challenging time. Please contact your physician first before heading to the ER. Your physician will evaluate your immediate need.
 
ADDT RESOURCES
·     Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) – cdc.gov/coronavirus
·     World Health Organization (WHO) – who.int
·     Coronavirus.gov
 
 
Many of our clinics are offering telehealth options to help diagnose and provide treatment for various skin conditions, all from the comfort of your own home! If you have any questions regarding telehealth or how the visit works, please give us a call and we will be happy to explain. Schedule your telehealth appointment today and we’ll give you the peace of mind you deserve.
Yours in good health and happiness,
Your West Dermatology Team

3 Reasons You Need To Protect Your Skin While Self-Isolating!

by Leave a Comment

We know that these times have been a huge change for most of us. With many people working from home for the unforeseeable future, we recommend (for the first time ever) spending more time outdoors. But hear us out. Spending time in your front yard, backyard, or patio for fresh air can create a feeling of freedom when you begin to feel uncomfortably confined.
However, these times may make you question your need for sun protection (sorry, but you can’t get out of putting on that SPF with us!). Listed below are three busted myths that explain why you should still be taking care of your skin while self-isolating.
Myth #1: Windows block UV rays.
While you shouldn’t forget to wear your hats and sunscreen when outside, you also should protect your skin with clothing or SPF when you are working near a window or driving in your car. This is because glass is great at blocking UVB rays that cause sunburns, but does not block out UVA rays, or the UV rays that cause skin aging, wrinkles, and pigmentation.
Myth #2: SPF prevents Vitamin D absorption
With most people staying indoors due to current circumstances, we understand the panic of not getting enough Vitamin D. Many people believe that sunscreen and sunblocks will prevent their body from absorbing Vitamin D, but this is untrue. Even when wearing SPF, small amounts of the sun’s rays penetrate the skin and allow for adequate Vitamin D absorption. (So don’t skip that sunscreen!)
Myth #3: Clouds are like nature’s sunscreen. 
While clouds shield our skin from intense sun rays, this is not a reason to not wear sunscreen. This is because up to 80% of the sun’s rays pass through clouds according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. 
So whether you are driving to the store, doing some home workouts in your backyard, or working by your window, we recommend using an SPF 50 sunscreen and/or UPF sun-shielding clothing to protect your gorgeous skin.
If you are struggling with skin related concerns, call your local clinic today so we can answer any questions you may have or schedule a Telehealth appointment for you. 
Yours in good health and happiness,
Your West Dermatology Team

How to Keep Your Beautiful Hands Moisturized When Frequently Washing Your Hands!

by Leave a Comment

Raise your (super clean) hand if your (very clean) hands feel dry. 🙋‍♀️🙋‍♂️ You’re not alone. In an attempt to keep ourselves and others safe, we’ve been sanitizing and washing more than ever. With all of the alcohol in hand sanitizer, harsh soaps, and warm water, our hands are more susceptible to extreme dryness and it can get really uncomfortable. We thought we would give a lending hand with our tips to keep your paws soft and hydrated during this time.
 
Seal in the moisture! Immediately apply a cream or ointment to the hands post-washing. Doing this will seal in the moisture from water and keep your skin supple.
 
Use a fragrance-free cream or ointment instead of a lotion. This is because fragrances can be irritating to sensitive, chapped skin, and creams and ointments lock in moisture and to protect the skin more so than a lighter lotion.
 
Try to use a hand sanitizer with a moisturizing base. These types of hand sanitizers have emollient ingredients to nourish the skin and sometimes humectant ingredients like aloe vera. Hand sanitizers are hard to come by these days, so work with what you have to stay clean.
 
Use cotton gloves. Before going to bed, apply your cream or ointment, like Vaseline or petrolatum product, and cover your hands with cotton gloves. This works similar to a mask as the ointment nourishes hands and the gloves protect your skin from external objects. This can be fun and relaxing to do while you’re on the couch watching Netflix at night.
 
If you are struggling with extreme skin dryness or have any other skin related concerns, call your local clinic today so we can answer any questions you may have or schedule a Telehealth appointment for you. 
 
Yours in good health and happiness,
Your West Dermatology Team

Tips for Managing Stress During Covid-19 Isolation

by Leave a Comment

Bears hibernate, plants go dormant and us humans, go go go. Until now, for the first time ever, we are being required to socially-distance ourselves from one another and limit our exposure to public places. It’s a new (albeit temporary) way of life, and while we all hope it won’t last long, we’ve been cookin’ up some ideas to keep stay-at-home life lively and productive. 
For all the introverts out there, this may be nothing new to your normal routine. For others, you may be itchin’ for some boredom busters at this point. So here’s what we recommend to keep that cabin fever at bay: 
 
We like to move it, move it: When you exercise, your body releases endorphins, the ‘feel good’ chemical, which can help manage stress levels. There are many easy exercises that you can do right in your home, such as yoga and simple body-weight moves.
The Great Outdoors: It’s so important to get your daily dose of Vitamin D and fresh air but remember – sun damage doesn’t discriminate to world-wide pandemics, so don’t forget your sunscreen 😉 
Ommm: Different people relax in different ways, but if you feel particularly anxious you might try deep breathing and meditating, taking a warm bubble bath or baking cookies. 
Facetime Happy Hours: Did you know red wine has benefits for your skin? Packed with antioxidants, it protects the skin from aging by restoring collagen. So call up your pals and enjoy a glass (or two, we don’t judge!) together via Facetime.
News? What News? It may be hard to refrain because you want to know the latest updates on what’s happening but try to limit your consumption as much as possible. Ignorance is bliss, but to an extent. Catch your need-to-know updates, then flip the switch to Netflix.
LOL: Humor is a wonderful coping mechanism in times of crisis. Our staff love Netflix series like: New Girl, Friends, The Office & more!
Spark Joy and Marie Kondo it up (another great Netflix binge): Time to tackle that looming closet over there and play “Love it or Leave it.” Anything that hasn’t been used or worn in a year needs to go. Organizing and donating can be rewarding, while also diverting your attention from anxious thoughts.
Have a DIY Spa Day: There are many resources online where you can find some great recipes for DIY skincare. We love this one as a sugar-lickin’ good lip scrub:
  • Mix together 1 tbs of coconut oil (or another food grade oil you have on hand),
  • 2 tbs of white or brown sugar, and
  • 1 tbs of honey
Massaging this mixture on the lips will not only exfoliate dead skin cells, but will also hydrate your lips.
 
Self-isolate, but don’t self-sabotage. It’s more important than ever to take care of ourselves, mentally and physically. As always, we are here for you as a resource if you have any questions at all.
Yours in good health and happiness, 
Your West Dermatology Team

So You Got Lip Filler, Now What?👄

by Leave a Comment

After months of research, numerous consultations, and countless questions to your doctor, you’ve done your due diligence and have finally decided to take the plunge. You got lip filler! As the product settles in and your newly-enhanced features are starting to settle, a few pretty common themes tend to take shape in the form of potential swelling, soreness, and bruising. Don’t fret — keep reading for your comprehensive post-care guide.  
ICE, ICE BABY
Make sure to apply an ice pack or a cold compress directly to the lips shortly after getting filler. Aside from providing some soothing relief to the area, this slows down blood flow, which in turn helps to reduce the chances of eventual bruising and swelling. Use the ice pack for ten to fifteen minutes at a time a few times a day as needed, but don’t apply too much pressure as you don’t want to risk moving the filler around. 
CALM THE SWELL
Don’t freak out — post-treatment swelling is always the most dramatic in the day or two following your appointment. Ensuring that you stay extra hydrated can help the situation, as it encourages the extra fluid to leave the treatment area. Also, try to keep your head elevated. The aforementioned ice method can also keep swelling at bay, as can popping an allergy pill. If you’re the type who has seasonal allergies, a Benadryl can help with overall de-puffing just as it does when pollen is in abundance. 
STAY COOL
Consider skipping that hot yoga session after you get filler — the chances of swelling tend to increase when the area is exposed to extreme heat, and when your heart rate increases dramatically. Chill out for 48 hours just to be safe, then resume your regularly-scheduled physical activities as normal. 
BATTLING SOME POSSIBLE BRUISING
While arnica is typically recommended to treat bruises, the ideal outcome is to have no bruising at all. With the right practitioner, bruises are few and far between, and at West Dermatology, we pride ourselves on having the best board-certified dermatologists in the country so that our patients get the best results. Make sure to see a board-certified medical professional you trust, do your research, and the chances of bruising won’t even be a concern. 
Follow the above tips, and your pout will be perfect in no time. If you want more personalized advice, we’re here for you! Feel free to reach out to our board-certified medical professionals today to schedule your consultation and appointment. 

What is MOHS Surgery?

by Leave a Comment

Since it’s National Cancer Prevention Month, we’re exploring one of our go-to methods for treatment: Mohs surgery. Originally developed in the 1930’s by its founder and originator, Dr. Frederic E. Mohs, MOHS Micrographic Surgery is a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure typically performed by board-certified dermatologists like the ones at West Dermatology.
The treatment has been so successful, the Skin Cancer Foundation calls it “the gold standard for treating many basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs).” Mohs surgery has a 99% cure rate when performed on someone who has not had cancer before, so we perform it often—and that means we get a lot of patient questions. Below, check out our answers to some of the most commonly asked ones.
How long does Mohs surgery take?
The surgery usually takes less than four hours but can sometimes take longer. When making your appointment, set aside a full day, just in case.
What will my dermatologist do to my skin?
Before making the first incision, local anesthetic is injected to numb the area completely. Then, your dermatologist will cut away the visible cancer with a narrow amount of surrounding tissue. After the sample is processed in the laboratory, they will examine the cutting under a microscope to determine whether there are additional cancer cells in the body that need to be removed. This method minimizes the amount of tissue extraction, leading to reduced surgery time and a smaller scar.
Will it hurt?
The local anesthetic makes the procedure fairly painless, but the healing process may take time, depending on the depth and location of the surgery. 
How will I know whether it worked?
Your practitioner will know the results while you are still in the office and be able to share them with you.
What are the potential complications?
Mohs micrographic surgery is well-tolerated. While most patients do not experience many side effects, some potential issues that may occur include: Mild discomfort, possible infection, bleeding during or after surgery, scar formation, allergic reaction, and in rare cases, nerve damage.
Mohs surgery is very safe and effective, and we’re proud to have some of the most world-renowned Mohs surgeons on our team to help fight cancer. If you have any questions that weren’t answered above, just give us a call and we’ll be happy to talk.

The Cardinal Rules of Pre and Post-Laser Care 🌟

by Leave a Comment

Real talk: Is there anything that a laser treatment can’t fix? An IPL laser (short for intense pulsed light) serves as the one-two punch for reversing sun damage, fading hyperpigmentation, and other pigment concerns in the skin, including red spots and rosacea. 
IPL works by sending out a certain wavelength of light into the skin, which targets uneven pigment and breaks it down. The broken down pigment then rises to the surface of your skin and flakes off, revealing a brighter, renewed complexion! Right after your first treatment, you will notice a more even skin tone, tighter pores, and less pronounced lines. Your dermatologist will be able to determine how many follow-up treatments you’ll need to target specific issues.
While the finished effect can be totally transformative (and frankly, borders on pure magic), taking certain precautions before and after your treatment are key in ensuring the best possible result. Here, we break down exactly what you should do before and after getting a laser treatment. 
BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT
While staying out of the sun after your treatment tends to be a given, it’s just as important to avoid direct sunlight in the weeks beforehand. Even if you aren’t getting a tan, the sun can create minor amounts of inflammation that increase the risk for hyperpigmentation and adverse reactions.
Make sure to avoid aspirin/ibuprofen for one week prior and alcohol two days prior to your appointment. These are blood thinners and can cause unwanted side effects, like swelling and minor bruising. Also make sure not to do any aggressive waxing, exfoliation, or use formulas that lighten hyperpigmentation in the area either. The goal is to reduce any chances of inflammation to the skin so that your treatment heals with zero complications. 
AFTER YOUR APPOINTMENT
You may notice that your skin looks and feels like it has a sunburn immediately following your treatment, and there might be a mild amount of redness and swelling. Don’t panic — this is normal and should subside in a few days. You can choose to apply ice or a cold compress for the sake of comfort and helping to reduce the swelling if needed. Dark spots may appear more prominent, but will eventually flake away to reveal your renewed complexion. As tempting as it may be, resist the urge to exfoliate them away or physically remove them. 
As far as the rest of your skincare routine goes, avoid putting on makeup right after your treatment, keep your skin clean and hydrated, and wash your face with a super-gentle cleanser to avoid irritation. Stay out of sunlight to reduce the risk of inflammation, and when you do go outdoors, make sure to wear an SPF of 45 or higher. Don’t bathe in hot water, get into a hot tub, or swim in the pool or ocean for at least three days. Avoid astringents, toners, tretinoin, harsh soaps, scrubs, and other exfoliants that can irritate the area for at least one week following your treatment.
Follow the above tips, and your radiant complexion will be on full display in no time. If you want more personalized advice, we’re here for you! Feel free to reach out to our board-certified medical professionals today to schedule your consultation and appointment.