General Dermatology

    •     Acne Treatment
    •     Mole Removal
    •     Birthmark Removal
    •     Warts
    •     Hair Loss
    •     Aging Skin
    •     Psoriasis
    •     Skin Allergies
    •     Eczema
    •     Skin Cancer
    •     Scar Repairs

What can I do to control my dry skin?

Dry itchy irritated skin is often synonymous with the onset of autumn. Heaters go on, our baths become warmer, fireplaces and woodstoves get lit, and the air is much drier.

Dry skin is quite prevalent, especially in older people. There are precautions we can take to alleviate this problem.

First, the use of harsh cleansers should be discontinued. We often recommend a mild, oiled soap for our patients called Oilatum.

Taking long, hot baths or showers to ward off the winter chill can aggravate dry skin. Shorter, cooler showers or baths should be replaced during the dry season.Moisturizers should be applied on still damp skin after bathing to "seal" in the moisture. Most patients need only a good, all-purpose, mild moisturizer such as our Hand and Body lotion. Therapeutic moisturizers with glycolic acid added are especially helpful for those with sun-damaged or particularly dry skin.

When the skin is especially itchy, Pro-X lotion is a wonderful combination of both moisturizer and Pramasone, an anti-itch medicine.

When moisturizing, don't forget your nails. Dry brittle, splitting nails are often from dryness of the cuticle area.

Cool air humidifiers can be added in the home and work environment. Humidity in the household should be approximately 30%. Routinely we recommend that patients wear natural fibers such as cotton. When dry skin becomes inflamed, the term eczema or dermatitis is used. Treatment of this usually requires a visit to the doctor and possibly prescription medication.

What is Allergic Contact Dermatitis (ACD)?

Allergic contact dermatitis is a common inflammatory reaction that occurs when substances to which you are allergic come in contact with your skin. These substances could be an ingredient in your cosmetics or aftershave, jewelry, antibiotic ointment or cream, rubber boots, etc.

What if I Am Allergic to A Test Substance?

If you are allergic, information on where in your everyday surroundings you are likely to come in contact with the substances to which you are allergic will be provided. You will learn how best to avoid these substances and alternatives.

What Are Some Common Sources of Allergens?

  • Toiletries - Cosmetics, perfumes, shampoos, permanent and semi-permanent hair dyes, soaps, creams, lotions, ointments, other skin care products.
  • Medical items - Cough syrup, lozenges, topical anesthetics, antibiotic creams, topical fungicides, eye drops, ear drops, nose drops, paste bandages, other medicated creams and ointments, dermatological creams.
  • Rubber products - Shoes, gloves, elastic, tires, handles, hoses
  • Food products - Flavorings, candies, chewing gum.
  • Metals - Metal-plated products, costume jewelry.
  • Building/industrial supplies - Cement, industrial chemicals, glues, adhesives, sealants, paint, industrial anticorrosive agents.
  • Miscellaneous - Fragrances, leather goods, pine oil cleaners, pesticides, veterinary products, furniture.

Appropriate diagnosis and management of persistent eczematous conditions such as contact dermatitis are common challenges for the dermatologist. The causes of contact dermatitis, which can be either allergic or irritant in nature, are also diverse.

Additional Resources

Acne - Why Do I Get Acne?
What is Acne?
Rosacea FAQ's
Dry Skin
About Moles
Skin Cancer
Spider Veins
Botox
Laser Treatments