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| Message from the Doctors - Getting Acne Under Control
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Acne is the most common skincare problem seen by physicians. For more severe, stubborn and/or widespread acne, however, it is recommended that you see a dermatologist, so he or she can prescribe medication appropriate to the condition. Patients may need to be exposed to multiple different treatments in efforts to attain control of the inflammatory process.
- Topical antibiotics can be recommended to help control the inflammation associated
with the redness and swelling of acne.
- Oral antibiotics are usually indicated for moderate to severe acne of the face, chest,
back and shoulders. They work by reducing the presence of acne-causing bacteria.
- Hormonal agents such as oral contraceptives are recommended for moderate to
severe acne after other treatments have failed and are often used for acne that begins
or worsens in adulthood.
- Topical retinoids (vitamin A derivatives) may help exfoliate the skin and open pores.
Windsor Dermatology physicians have utilized the drug isotretinoin (Accutane), which works by shrinking oil glands in the skin and decreasing oil production. After five to six months, most patients are clear and remain clear permanently.
Preventing and treating inflammatory acne lesions as early as possible is the best way to prevent scarring. When scarring occurs, laser therapy is an option requiring multiple treatments.
When it comes to skin care for patients with acne, Windsor Dermatology’s physicians generally recommend gently washing the face with a mild facial cleanser. Avoid vigorous scrubbing, as it can irritate the skin and make acne worse. Daily sun protection is essential because some acne medications increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight. It is equally important to use only skin and hair care products labeled “non-comedogenic” or “non-acnegenic.” Above all, do not pick or squeeze the lesions. This tends to make acne worse and may cause scarring.
If over-the-counter acne treatments and good skin care fail to clear the acne, do not get discouraged. Seeing a dermatologist can give you peace of mind and access to additional treatment options. Gaining control over acne can improve one’s appearance as well as one’s quality of life.
 You may schedule an appointment by calling 609.443.4500 or visiting www.WindsorDermatology.com.
A message from your physicians at Windsor Dermatology
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October is Eczema
Awareness Month |
Eczema also referred to as atopic dermatitis, is a common inflammation of the skin, but it is not contagious. The inflamed skin is red, itchy and swollen, sometimes with fluid-filled bumps that ooze and crust.
There are several types of eczema with atopic dermatitis being the most common, affecting 10 to15 percent of the population. The severe itching and irritation during flare-ups can be extremely bothersome. Scratching can result in raw skin and skin infections.
The worsening or flaring of eczema can be brought on by a variety of triggers which vary from person to person, but include exposure to skin irritants such as household chemicals or strong soaps, allergies, stress and, in some cases, certain foods. Some types are hereditary. There is currently no cure for eczema, but fortunately most cases respond well to treatment, though treatment may need to be repeated periodically.
Treatments include topical medications applied to the skin to help reduce itching and inflammation and systemic medications (oral steroids) which are used only for severe flare-ups. Phototherapy treatments expose a patient’s skin to UVB or UVA light.
Eczema can also affect you emotionally and have an impact on the quality of your life. This can increase your level of stress which, in turn, may make your eczema worse. The staff at Windsor Dermatology is always available to acknowledge your feelings and answer questions. We are here for you and want to make your experience with us as comfortable as possible.
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| Caring for Aging Skin
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By Brian Robert Keegan, M.D., Ph.D.
Windsor Dermatology, Board Certified Dermatologist
Americans are living longer than they ever have in history, thus, seniors represent one of the fastest growing segments of the population. While their skin concerns are not unique, there are several skin conditions that are more common in older people. Specifically, bruising and itching can be more prevalent.
Bruising is the result of multiple aging issues including thinning of the skin, changes in the skin’s architecture and usage of blood thinners. Currently, it is challenging to reverse these issues, so individuals should ignore products that make outrageous claims of treatment success.
Itching is another aging skin matter that can stem from multiple causes such as certain medications, underlying medical problems or dry skin. A complete dermatological assessment entails a review of the patient’s medical background including lab work, a review of their medications and a skin exam. If the dermatologist suspects underlying medical issues or medications as a cause, every effort is made to modify these factors in an attempt to stop the itching. Next, treatment options typically involve various topical medications including emollients, steroids and menthol. If necessary, systemic medications or photo-therapy can also be helpful, although care must be taken not to generate more side effects or interactions with other critical medications.
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| Causes of Acne
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Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting 40 to 50 million people. Acne is essentially an inflammatory disease that affects the skin’s oil glands. The pores in your skin connect to oil glands under the skin which create an oily substance called sebum which carries dead skin cells to the surface of the skin through a canal called a follicle. When the follicle of a gland clogs up, a pimple appears typically in areas including the face, the upper part of the chest or the back.
Acne occurs most commonly during adolescence and may continue into adulthood. In adolescence, acne is usually caused by an increase in testosterone, which occurs in people of both genders during puberty. For most people, acne diminishes over time and tends to disappear or decrease after a person reaches his or her early twenties. Some individuals carry this condition well into their thirties, forties and beyond, or it may reappear in adulthood.
Hormonal activity, such as menstrual cycles and puberty, may contribute to the formation of acne. During puberty, an increase in male sex hormones called androgens causes the follicular glands to grow larger and make more oil. Pregnancy-related and menopause-related acne may occur due to hormonal imbalances or changes.
The tendency to develop acne runs in families. A family history of acne is associated with an earlier occurrence of acne and an increased number of acne lesions.
While the connection between acne and stress has been debated, scientific research indicates that increased acne severity is associated with increased stress levels. The National Institutes of Health list stress as a factor that can cause an acne flare.
A high glycemic diet is associated with worsening acne. There is also an association between the consumption of milk and the rate and severity of acne. Other associations such as chocolate and salt are not supported by the medical evidence. However, products with these ingredients often contain a high glycemic load.
No matter what the cause, thanks to medical advances, virtually every case of acne can be controlled. You should see a dermatologist when treating acne with non-prescription medications isn’t improving your skin condition.
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| Autumn Skin Care Tips
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It happens every year―summer winds down and the cool weather slowly makes its way in. As hard as it can be to pack away those shorts and summer dresses, it feels good to drag out the sweaters and other cool weather clothing.
Don’t forget though, just because your wool pants and sweaters cover your skin doesn’t mean that you can take a break on your skin care regimen. Proper care can mean the difference between healthy skin and dry flaky skin.
When the seasons change, you may notice your skin type changes as well. This is the time where some with oily skin might notice their skin turns a bit normal, or those with normal skin might consider their skin is suddenly dry. Watch your skin as the weather turns colder to see if you need to change up your skin care products accordingly.
Just because you may not be lying on the beach doesn’t mean you can forget the sunscreen for the next six months. Sunscreen is a daily essential, so don’t set it aside. Use a moisturizer with SPF 15 at the minimum and reapply with a facial sunscreen throughout the day as needed.
Prepare for flare-ups. Skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema tend to flare up in the fall. If you have a skin condition that goes through such cycles, be sure to have prescription treatments and other remedies readily available.
Proper skin care in the fall requires that you correct any skin damage dealt by the summer months while you also shield your skin from the cold weather conditions ahead.
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| Check-Up Reminder |
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Have You Had Your Annual Skin Check-Up?
Having an annual Healthy Skin Check-Up at Windsor Dermatology is an important and simple preventative solution to ensure the health of your skin. Many people assume they only need to see a dermatologist if they have a specific problem, such as a strange mole or a sudden rash.
Give Windsor Dermatology a call today at 609.443.4500 to schedule your annual Healthy Skin Check-Up.
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| Patient Testimonials |
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 "The treatment I have received at Windsor Dermatology has been caring, personal and competent." – Roseann B.
"I am always pleased with the short wait time, and the friendly professional staff at Windsor Dermatology." – Kathy R.
"Dr. Bagel is the first dermatology doctor to effectively deal with my skin problems and issues." – Anonymous
"The staff really helped me work with my insurance company, thank you!" – Peter T. Back to Top |
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| Windsor Dermatology: Healthy Skin Care
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 When a medical or cosmetic skin condition arises, have it treated promptly at Windsor Dermatology. We now welcome patients Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings. You’ll be seen promptly by doctors who take time to explain your diagnosis and treatment and answer your questions.
Windsor Dermatology accepts a wide variety of health insurance plans. Appointments may be scheduled Monday from 7:45 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday from 7:45 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday from 7:45 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 12 noon. Call 609.443.4500 or visit www.WindsorDermatology.com to schedule an appointment today.
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