Seborrheic keratoses... Or what I like call "Wisdom spots"

Written by Dr. Wendy Myers

If you are over the age of 30 and have had a skin check with me, you may have heard me use the term "wisdom spot." What I am actually referring to are common lesions called seborrheic keratoses. Seborrheic keratoses or SKs are common benign skin lesions that often start developing in patients in their thirties, and continue to form as we age. I often like to joke with my patients that these are markers of their wisdom and maturity, as most patients do not want to hear that they are due to aging.

Patients often confuse SKs with "moles", but they are not. SKs are made of keratinocytes and not melanocytes which comprise true moles or nevi. They can develop on any part of the body except the palms and soles and can appear in many different ways: skin toned, pigmented, flat, or even quite raised, often resembling warts. 

The good news I always try to reinforce with my patients is that they are benign and require no treatment. They can be removed for cosmetic reasons or if they become irritated, inflamed, or itchy. There are various ways that this can be done in the office including cryotherapy (freezing lesion with very cold spray that results in the lesions peeling off), curettage (scraping lesion off after local anesthesia), or electrocautery (electric needle to burn lesion off, often with curettage).  Therapies are often determined by the size and location of the lesion. Treatment areas often heal well, but may hyper or hypo- pigmentation as a result. 

Sun Protection During the Spring and Summer

As we enter into spring and summer one question that is often asked is: What is the best sunscreen? The simplest answer is; "the one that you will use!!!"

Many improvements have been made over the years and sunscreens are now reasonably priced and readily available.  In addition, they now have standardized messaging.  The American Academy of Dermatology recommends SPF 30 or more.  This level of protection can be found in lotions, sprays, sticks (excellent around the eyes and for athletes), moisturizer, make-up and more. 

There are two major active ingredients: metals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that reflect the light (but are invisible) or ringed compounds like avabenzone and oxybenzone that absorb the dangerous energy.  Both are effective but metals are bit more expensive so are less commonly found.

The effects of water are now more clearly labeled as well as they are either water resistant for 40 minutes, water resistant for 80 minutes or untested.

 MOST IMPORTANTLY, sunscreen must be applied in adequate quantities and are only effective for 1-2 hours.  So while you are out having fun, make sure you re-apply.  You can have the fanciest sunscreen in the world but if you don't apply it, it won't help you!!! 

Be Safe, Have Fun!!

Written by:

Dr. Keegan

Localized Psoriasis and How to Treat It

 

Psoriasis affects 2% of the U.S. population. This translates to about 7.5 million Americans, the most common chronic inflammatory disease.

Psoriasis seems to be in some way related to a hyper activity in the immune system. In particular in the dermis there is an increase in T cells which produce excessive proteins that induce the epidermis to grow to rapidly and hence into the red, scaly,thickened plaques that are hallmarks of psoriasis.

 

About two thirds of people affected with psoriasis have it localized such as elbows, knees, and scalp. However, the remaining third plaques can be quite excessive involving over 10% of the body and may or may not include the palms, soles, axillary, and genital areas.

 

Common treatments for localized psoriasis include topical steroids.Topical steroids however require caution because prolonged use especially in sensitive areas is face, neck, axillae, infra-mammary, groin can result in skin thinning, in some cases causing irreversible stretch marks.

 

Localized phototherapy has also been utilized effectively in the treatment of localized psoriasis.

 

 

By: Dr. Jerry Bagel

 



National American Heart Association Month

 

 

Windsor Dermatology is proud to announce that during the month of February our patients, staff and physicians raised $400 for the American Heart Association.  Research has established the link between several skin conditions and cardiovascular disease.  Therefore, your generous contributions we will support further studies in areas like this.  Thank you for all your help and support!

 

 

 



 

Is There A Link Between Psoriasis and Heart Disease

According to several multi-year research studies, psoriasis is more than skin deep. These studies all conclude that individuals with psoriasis are at greater risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke than those who do not have the skin condition.

The Psoriasis-Heart Connection
A Journal of the American Medical Association study, conducted by Joel M. Gelfand, MD, MSCE and colleagues at the University of Pennsylvania in 2006, was among the first large-scale investigations to identify increased risk of heart disease in patients with psoriasis. The study also confirmed that psoriasis increases the risk of diabetes and high blood pressure which also contribute to cardiovascular disease.
Psoriasis is caused by an overactive immune system which triggers inflammation, not only of the skin, but throughout the body. Blood vessels may become inflamed, contributing to the development of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is the buildup of plaque inside artery walls. Plaque slows or interrupts the flow of blood to the heart, which can heighten a person’s risk of heart disease and heart attack.
On the positive side, systemic treatments for psoriasis currently being studied suggest these medications could also decrease the risks of heart attacks and strokes.

Choose to be Heart Healthy
Everyone should take steps to maintain a healthy cardiovascular system. Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising and smoking cessation are not only good for your heart, they also help you manage your psoriasis. We urge our psoriasis patients to review their heart health with their doctor.
As medical professionals, Windsor Dermatology physicians are committed to more than the health of your skin. We care about your overall health and the well-being of our community. Please contact us with any questions about psoriasis and heart disease or to schedule an appointment today.
From your Windsor Dermatology physicians, be healthy and well! 

Windsor Dermatology
59 One Mile Road Ext, Suite G | East Windsor, NJ 08520 | Phone: 609-443-4500 | Fax: 609-426-0530
Email: windsordermatology@windsordermatology.com | Web: www.windsordermatology.com
 
Visit us on

Since February is American Heart Month, Windsor Dermatology is raising awareness of the psoriasis-heart connection while raising funds for the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association.
Offer a donation and get a heart placard displayed in our office. Additionally, if you make a donation of $5 or more you will have the choice of a red heart pin or a bracelet. The fundraising event will culminate with Red Day on Friday, February 6, when all Windsor Dermatology staff is encouraged to wear an article of red clothing. Talk with our staff about participating.

Healthy Skin Starts With You

By Dr. Brian Keegan

As the cooler fall weather sets in and winter weather approaches, Windsor Dermatology encourages our patients to be mindful of changes in their skin during this time. The cold, dry weather can aggravate certain skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. Changes in the weather also means it’s a perfect time to schedule a skin screening with your dermatologist to ensure your skin stays healthy, especially as the holiday season approaches. In honor of National Healthy Skin Month, consider these five skin care tips:

• Wear sunscreen. Even though it’s cold out, UV rays are present year round. Your skin can absorb reflective light during outdoor winter activities such as skiing or snowboarding, which makes the sun just as intense. Even though it’s not hot outside, you should still think about wearing sunscreen. 
• Moisturize. Skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis are more common during this time of year due to the colder weather and the decrease of humidity in the air. Moisturize your skin consistently to ensure it stays hydrated. 
• Reduce stress. The holiday season can be stressful and stress can exacerbate people’s underlying skin conditions such as acne, eczema and psoriasis. Try to limit the unnecessary holiday stress to help keep your skin under control and reaction-free. 
• Eat healthy. Everyone likes to indulge during the holidays, but this type of behavior can lead to a skin outbreak. Drinking alcohol and straying from a healthy diet can leave the skin swollen and create bags under the eyes. Eating healthy foods will leave your skin happy and healthy for the holiday season. 
• Quit smoking. Smoking damages your skin by causing wrinkles, premature skin aging and staining of the fingers and nails. With the new year approaching, make a resolution to quit smoking. Seek help from your primary care physician if you don’t think you can do this on your own.

These five skin care tips will help you maintain healthy skin while setting you up for success as the weather changes and the holidays get closer.

To schedule an appointment with a dermatologist at Windsor Dermatology, call +1-609-443-4500 or visit Windsor Dermatology.