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How to Protect Yourself from Ticks

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By Laura Monaghan, PA, MMS

Summer is in full force, which means increased time outdoors and traveling for vacation. Whether this includes more backyard time with the family, hiking in Appalachia, or relaxing outside the lake house, increased outdoor time also means increased exposure to ticks and the diseases they carry. The most common tickborne illness in the U.S. is Lyme Disease. So just what are its implications?

Signs of Lyme Disease

Lyme Disease is traditionally associated with a bull’s-eye rash known as erythema migrans. Other common symptoms include a headache, fever, and fatigue. Lyme disease can also lead to more serious health problems such as heart disease, nervous system dysfunction, and joint disorders.

Lyme Disease Prevention

A previous Lyme Disease vaccine was available in the US from 1998-2002. However, it was voluntarily discontinued in 2002 due to low demand, perceived safety concerns, and weak Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations. There are lessons to be learned from this failure. The success of a new vaccine will require a combined effort among the CDC and ACIP, healthcare providers, insurance companies, and government officials to generate adequate demand.

Today, there is a Lyme Disease vaccine developed by Pfizer and Valneva entering phase 3 human trials. This vaccine targets the bacteria’s outer surface protein (OspA) to inhibit its ability to leave the tick and infect humans. Phase 2 trials showed maximal efficacy of a three-dose regimen, with the second and third doses following the first after two and six months. Given that no vaccine-related serious adverse events have been observed, the vaccine passes safety and tolerability measures at this point. Looking ahead, this new vaccine could be seen as early as 2025.

Keep in mind that even in urban areas, ticks are active and prevalent in the summer months.

To lower the chance of tick exposure the CDC recommends:

  1. Apply products that contain permethrin 0.5% to clothing, shoes and camping gear. Apply in areas that are well ventilated; the repellant remains protective through several washings.
  2. Use EPA registered insect repellants containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE) para-menthane-diol (PMD) or 2-undecanona. Do not use products containing OLE or PMD on children under 3.
  3. Walk in the center of trails and avoid wooded areas with high grass.
  4. Check yourself  and clothing for ticks. Look under the arms, in and around ears, belly button, back of knees, between lets, around waist and in and around hair.
  5. Shower within 2 hours of coming indoors.
  6. Wash clothing in hot water. Tumble dry clothes in a dryer on high heat for 10 minutes will also kill ticks. Cold and medium temperature water will not kill ticks.

If you do find a tick, follow the CDC Guide for Tick Removal: https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/removing_a_tick.html

You can enjoy the outdoors. But be sure to take some care to identify uninvited guests on your body and clothing to reduce the likelihood of coming in contact with Lyme Disease!

 

 

Sources:

Gomes-Solecki, M., Arnaboldi, P. M., Backenson, P. B., Benach, J. L., Cooper, C. L., Dattwyler, R. J., Diuk-Wasser, M., Fikrig, E., Hovius, J. W., Laegreid, W., Lundberg, U., Marconi, R. T., Marques, A. R., Molloy, P., Narasimhan, S., Pal, U., Pedra, J., Plotkin, S., Rock, D. L., Rosa, P., … Schutzer, S. E. (2020). Protective Immunity and New Vaccines for Lyme Disease. Clinical infectious diseases : an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, 70(8), 1768–1773. https://doi.org/10.1093/cid/ciz872

Shen, A. K., Mead, P. S., & Beard, C. B. (2011, February 1). Lyme disease vaccine-A public health perspective. Infectious Disease Society of America. Retrieved July 13, 2022, from https://academic.oup.com/cid/article/52/suppl_3/s247/444695

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (2022, May 13). \ Tick removal. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved July 13, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/removing_a_tick.html

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (2022, May 13). Tick Bite Prevention: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. HTTPs: //www.cdc.gov/ticks/avoid/on_people.html

Skin and the Relation to Bone Density

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Do you look in the mirror and see a furrowed brow? Thinking about how to erase those lines that suggest you are worried or angry even when you’re not? You’re likely very aware that Botox does the trick and safely erases “the elevens” between the eyes. But did you ever wonder if forehead lines are an indicator that other tissues, not visible to the naked eye, are also showing signs of wear?

Bone Density Study

Researchers at Yale posed the same question about a decade ago and looked at bone density in 114 women in their late 40s and 50s who were within three years of menopause and not on hormone or bone density drug therapy. They measured the number and depth of the women’s forehead, face and neck wrinkles, as well as the skin’s firmness or rigidity, and then tested their bone density by x-ray and ultrasound. They excluded women who had undergone any cosmetic skin procedures or who may have damaged their skin by tanning beds or extensive sun exposure. The small study demonstrated only an association between decreased bone density and early skin wrinkling, and to my knowledge, there haven’t been larger follow-up studies confirming the observation.

Collagen

Although there may be insufficient data to confirm the association, it’s an interesting idea to think about since the scaffolding of both skin and bones is a group of proteins called collagens. As we age, the changes in collagen that visibly cause the skin to sag and wrinkle are also invisibly affecting bone quality and quantity. According to the CDC, the prevalence of low bone mass, a precursor of osteoporosis, at either the femur neck or lumbar spine or both among adults aged 50 and over was 43.1%. This was higher among women (51.5%) compared with men (33.5%).

Osteoporosis

Of the estimated 10 million Americans with osteoporosis, about eight million or 80% are women. Approximately one in two women over age 50 will break a bone because of osteoporosis. Furthermore, a woman’s risk of breaking a hip is equal to her combined risk of breast, uterine and ovarian cancer. There are 1.5 million osteoporotic fractures in the United States each year, leading to more than half a million hospitalizations, over 800,000 emergency room encounters, more than 2,600,000 physician office visits, and the placement of nearly 180,000 individuals into nursing homes. Hip fractures are by far the most devastating type of fracture, accounting for about 300,000 hospitalizations each year.

Bone Density Screening

Many women (and men) don’t know they have low bone density until it has progressed to the point of fracture that requires both surgical intervention and the initiation of treatment with bisphosphonates. The key is finding out early when you can do something about it. Talk to your physician about a screening bone scan, especially if you have a family history of osteoporosis, if you are a woman over age 65 or if you have risk factors (such as past fracture, certain medical conditions or medications, or cigarette or alcohol use).

Healthy Lifestyle Habits for Skin & Bones

We don’t know whether wrinkles really are a sign that your bone density is low, but we do know that many of the same measures that keep your skin healthy are also beneficial to your bones. Some lifestyle habits you can adopt that promote both healthy skin and bones:

1. Don’t smoke: Avoiding or quitting smoking is strongly recommended for bone health because smoking cigarettes is known to increase bone loss.

2. Alcohol in moderation: Excess alcohol decreases bone density by 2%, dehydrates the skin and exacerbates conditions such as rosacea.

3. Exercise: Weight-bearing exercise increases bone density and it’s also great for your skin: By getting the heart rate up and improving blood circulation, exercise can help to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the skin which stimulates collagen production, and promotes new skin cells, keeping the skin glowing and also helping with anti-aging. An interesting study in Japanese post-menopausal women demonstrated increased bone density in the hip after standing on one foot for 1 minute 3 times per day.

4. Diet: Sufficient Calcium and Vitamin D (through diet and not the sun in order to protect your skin!) are foundational for good bone health. Topical solutions include Solaana MD Healthy Base Layer, which is a Vitamin D enriched cream (available through our online store). Also important is a diet rich with fruits, vegetables and seafood in order to obtain sufficient Vitamins A, B, C, E, K, Potassium, Magnesium and Silica, which are all beneficial to both your skin and bones.

So as you embrace the Mediterranean diet and exercise regularly, you can be assured that you are simultaneously doing what’s best for your skin AND bones. Get your Vitamin D through your diet and supplements and apply sunscreen regularly; you can even apply it while standing on one leg to continue multitasking!

 

 

 

 

Sources:

Brooks M. Skin wrinkles may provide a glimpse into Bone Health. Medscape. https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/744027. Published July 25, 2020.

Office of the Surgeon General (US). Bone Health and Osteoporosis: A Report of the Surgeon General. Rockville (MD): Office of the Surgeon General (US); 2004. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/books/NBK45513/

Sahni S, Mangano KM, McLean RR, Hannan MT, Kiel DP. Dietary approaches for bone health: Lessons from the Framingham Osteoporosis Study. Current Osteoporosis Reports. 2015;13(4):245-255. doi:10.1007/s11914-015-0272-1

Sakai A, Oshige T, Zenke Y, Yamanaka Y, Nagaishi H, Nakamura T. Unipedal standing exercise and hip bone mineral density in postmenopausal women: a randomized controlled trial. J Bone Miner Metab. 2010;28(1):42-8. doi: 10.1007/s00774-009-0100-8. Epub 2009 Jun 12. PMID: 19521657.

Sarafrazi N, Shepherd JA, Wambogo EA. Osteoporosis or low bone mass in older adults: United States, 2017-2018. NCHS Data Brief No 405. March 2021. doi:10.15620/cdc:103477 What women need to know. Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation. https://www.bonehealthandosteoporosis.org/preventing-fractures/general-facts/what-women-need-to-know/. Published February 24, 2022.

Post-COVID Hair Loss

Post-COVID Hair Loss

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Post-COVID hair loss? It’s very much real.

Post-COVID Hair Loss

Did you have an uninvited holiday guest named COVID this year? If so, you’re not alone. Given the extraordinarily high levels of the Coronavirus in the Washington, DC area, nearly everyone had COVID or knew someone who did. As our vaccination and booster rate is very high, most people emerged with minimal or moderate symptoms.

Post-COVID Condition: Hair Loss

Even with only a mild COVID infection, however, it’s common to experience post-COVID conditions, such as hair loss. The phenomenon called telogen effluvium is not limited to COVID infections but can occur 2-3 months after any severe illness, high fever, surgery, or child birth, to name a few.

Why Does Post-COVID Hair Loss Occur?

It’s not completely understood, but the physical or psychological stress can induce hair follicles to prematurely move into the telogen or resting phase.

Normally 90% of scalp hair is in the growth or anagen phase, which lasts 2-6 years. The hair then regresses and stops growing. Approximately 1% of hair is in this regressing or catagen phase. In acute telogen effluvium, a larger than normal percentage of hairs move to the resting phase and are lost “at the root” with a club visible on the end. More than 100-150 hairs may be lost each day. Up to 50% of the scalp hairs may be affected but complete hair loss does not occur. The hair does grow back, but it may take 6-12 months.

If there is itching, scaling skin or pustules, it is likely that the hair loss is attributable to another cause and it’s important to be evaluated. Telogen effluvium can also sometimes unmask other conditions such as androgenetic or hereditary hair loss and can co-exist with other types of alopecia.

Treatments for Post-COVID Hair Loss

Telogen effluvium doesn’t usually require treatment, although there are some topical and oral regimens that may accelerate regrowth. Don’t be alarmed if you have some shedding 2- 3 months after an episode of COVID, but if the shedding is associated with other changes in your scalp or does not seem to be resolving, schedule a consultation with a dermatologist.

Contact us to schedule and appointment.

Do Personal Care Products Expire?

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cosmetic-expiration-dates

The life-changing magic of tidying up 

We all have too much stuff – in our closets, desks, basements and attics. Nobody wants to throw something away that might come in handy later. I’m no Marie Kondo (just ask anyone who has seen my desk!), but I can tell you that most of us keep personal care products far longer than they are safe and effective. 

Before you pack for your next vacation, look at what you have and discard everything that has expired. Make a habit of doing this regularly. Currently there are no U.S. laws requiring expiration dates on cosmetics.  However, the FDA holds cosmetic manufacturers responsible for ensuring the safety of their products and determining a product’s shelf life. Some manufacturers will include a Period After Opening (PAO) symbol printed on their cosmetic product. This is a tiny image of an open jar with a number on it that reflects the number of months a product is stable and safe for use after opening. Expiration dates and PAO are not synonymous.  An expiration date refers to the shelf life of a product in its “unopened” primary container when maintained under the conditions of storage indicated on the product’s label. 

Generally eye-area cosmetics tend to have shorter shelf lives due to the risk of serious eye infections, whereas lipsticks can be used longer. Most manufacturers recommend discarding mascara in 2-4 months because the wand can become contaminated. It is important to be aware that the PAO is a ”rule of thumb,” and that a product may expire sooner if it has not been properly stored (that tube of sunscreen that you forgot in your car becomes unstable in the heat and the cosmetics in the bathroom are exposed to harmful organisms). If a product looks different from when it was first opened, if there is any change in texture, color, smell or if the product begins to separate, it should be thrown out. Don’t try to rehydrate dried out or cracked products, just send them to the waste basket. 

Not all skin care products are regulated as cosmetics. Sunscreens and over-the-counter acne treatments are considered drugs under the law. The FDA requires that all drugs have expirations dates listed, unless testing has demonstrated the product will remain stable for at least three years. Therefore, if a sunscreen does not have a labeled expiration date, it should be considered expired three years after the date of purchase. When you buy sunscreen without a visible expiration date, write the date of purchase on it so you’ll know when to get rid of it. To maintain the quality of a sunscreen, it should be kept out of direct sunlight and excessive heat. Additionally, if the sunscreen’s consistency or color has changed since you first purchased it, discard it. Daily sunscreen use is proven to decrease your risk of skin cancers and skin precancers. Don’t rely on an old bottle of sunscreen to protect yourself. Your health depends on it! 

 

 

Source:

https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-labeling/shelf-life-and-expiration-dating-cosmetics 

Sun and Skin Cancer Myths

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month

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Sun and Skin Cancer Myths

Skin cancer is the most common of all types of cancer. Nearly one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, causes nearly 20 Americans to die every day. As May is National Skin Cancer and Melanoma Awareness Month, it’s important to debunk some common skin cancer misconceptions.

Myth: Having a base tan will prevent sunburns.

  • UV exposure causes your skin to increase its melanin production, which leads to a darker skin tone. This process is a natural defense mechanism as a result of sun damage. There is no such thing as a healthy tan.

Myth: Indoor tanning is a safe alternative to UV exposure from the sun.

  • Tanning beds produce UVA and UVB light. UV exposure from any source can lead to skin damage, wrinkles, aging, and skin cancer.

Myth: Clouds will protect from the sun’s UV rays.

  • Up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays can penetrate through the cloud.

Myth: I need sun exposure to get vitamin D.

  • You can maintain adequate levels of this essential nutrient from supplements or  foods that are either naturally contain Vitamin D or are fortified with it.

Myth: The higher the SPF the better.

  • SPF protection doesn’t increase proportionately with the designated SPF number. SPF 30 absorbs 97% of the sun’s burning UV rays, while SPF 50 absorbs around 98% and SPF 100 absorbs 99%. A sunscreen with at least a SPF of 30 is recommended.

Fortunately, exposure to UV light is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer. It’s important to seek shade, especially from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., when the UV index is at its highest. Wearing a broad- spectrum (UVA and UVB coverage), water- resistant SPF of 30 or higher is recommended and should be reapplied every two hours and after swimming/sweating. Sun protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses with UV protection should also be worn when possible. Lastly, regular total body skin exams and exams using the ABCDE criteria (Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, and Evolving) can result in early skin cancer detection. 

Get yourself checked today!

sun Protection Supplements

Sunburn, Skin Cancer and Supplements

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sun Protection Supplements

Sunburn and Skin Cancer

Sunburn is inflammation of the skin caused by overexposure of ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun. Although sunburn often results in short term pain, redness, and dryness, the long term effects of sunburn can lead to serious consequences including skin cancer.

Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is considered to be the most common form of cancer in the United States and the incidence of NMSC is on the rise. The current methods available to protect against UV radiation include the use of hats and or protective clothing, sunscreens, avoidance of midday sun, and seeking shade. However, compliance with these methods is low due to the inconvenience of use, forgetting to reapply, desire to be tan, and protective clothing being too hot to wear. The introduction of an oral supplement as an adjunctive treatment for the protection against the harmful effects of UV exposure may provide a simple solution.

Oral Supplements as Sun Protection

Starr 050107-2831 Phlebodium aureum

Polypodium leucotomos extract and Nicotinamide (Vitamin B3) are two oral supplements that have proven to be effective photoprotective agents. Polypodium leucotomos extract is derived from a Central and South American fern plant.¹,² Studies have shown that it possesses properties ranging from antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and photoprotective.¹ In the U.S., it is currently marketed as an oral dietary supplement (Heliocare) with a recommended dose of one 240 mg capsule 30 minutes before sun exposure, followed by an additional 240 mg capsule 3 hours after prolonged sun exposure. It has proven to be well-absorbed, well-tolerated, with negligible risk of side effects, and no recognizable toxic effects.²

Nicotinamide’s photoprotective effects range from replenishing cellular energy after UV radiation, enhancing DNA repair, reducing UV-induced immune suppression, reducing number of actinic keratoses (precancerous lesions), and improving the skin barrier function. It’s recommended dosage is 500 mg two times per day. It has been found to be safe and well-tolerated even at high doses.3,4

 

Shop Heliocare from our Website

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sources:

Choudhry SZ, Bhatia N, Ceilley R, et al. Role of oral Polypodium leucotomos extract in
dermatologic diseases: a review of the literature.J Drugs Dermatol. 2014;13(2):148-153.

Winkelmann RR, Del Rosso J, Rigel DS. Polypodium leucotomos extract: a status report on
clinical efficacy and safety. J Drugs Dermatol. 2015;14(3):254-261.

Damian DL. Nicotinamide for skin cancer chemoprevention. Australas J Dermatol.
2017;58(3):174-180.

Chen AC Martin AJ, Choy B, et al. A Phase 3 Randomized Trial of Nicotinamide
for Skin-Cancer Chemoprevention. N Engl J Med. 2015;373:1618-1626.

PRP Therapy for Hair Loss

PRP Treatment for Hair Loss

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“You’re not imagining it: the pandemic is making your hair fall out,” says the NY Times. And in our practice, we can confirm that observation. After covid-19 infection, many patients experience post-viral hair loss known as telogen effluvium, beginning a few months after infection. Telogen effluvium can occur after the body is stressed by a high fever, surgery or childbirth—and usually reverses itself. It’s not surprising that we see more viral related hair loss. What is unusual is that even hereditary thinning known as androgenetic alopecia seems to be worsening this year.

Many patients have inquired about PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) for hair loss. There are no studies examining its use in post-covid hair loss patients; however, it can be very effective for patients with hereditary thinning — and possibly other types of hair loss.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Treatments

Platelet-Rich Plasma is a type of regenerative medicine in which the injection stimulates or restores the body’s own repair mechanism. Physicians have used PRP injections to treat acute sports injuries, such as pulled hamstring muscles or knee sprains and after surgery to repair a torn tendon (such as a rotator cuff tendon in the shoulder) or ligaments (such as the anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL).

Chronic wounds have also responded to PRP and multiple studies are currently examining the practice for the treatment of dermal atrophy, wound healing, and other conditions.

More recently, however, PRP has emerged as an effective therapy for hair loss, which can be a challenging dermatologic problem to treat.

PRP Treatment for Hair Loss

PRP Treatment for Hair Loss

Understanding PRP begins with recognizing the function of platelets. Platelets are components of the blood that promote blood clotting as well as cell growth and healing. Normal concentrations of platelets in the bloodstream are between 150,000-450,000 per microliter of blood. However, when blood is spun down by a centrifuge machine, concentrations of platelets increase, leading to even greater benefits in wound healing and tissue regrowth.

While the exact mechanism is unknown, scientists theorize that PRP stimulates certain types of cells in the scalp that play an important role in hair growth. PRP also appears to keep hairs in the growing (anagen) phase of development longer than usual, resulting in a greater number of hairs on the scalp relative to shedding hairs.

How does it work?

First, a small amount of blood is drawn from a vein in your arm. This blood is spun down to separate the red blood cells from the plasma — where the highest concentration of platelets can be found. Using a small needle, the plasma is then injected into areas of the scalp where hair loss has occurred. For best results, a series of three-monthly treatments should be completed, followed by maintenance sessions every six months.

What are the risks?

First, PRP can be mildly painful. Small needles are used to insert PRP into specific areas of the scalp. Local numbing medicine, cold compresses and vibrational devices used to offset the sensation of pain can be helpful and may be utilized during treatment. Bruising may also occur, but typically resolves within one to two weeks. There is also a small risk of infection with the venipuncture used to obtain the sample.

What conditions can be treated with PRP?

Patients experiencing hair loss associated with genetics or age-related changes, known as androgenetic alopecia, are good candidates for PRP. This type of hair loss typically runs in families and presents with a widening part on the crown of the scalp. Additionally, new research suggests that PRP may have a role in other forms of alopecia, such as alopecia areata (autoimmune disease resulting in patchy hair loss) and scarring forms of alopecia (lichen planopilaris and frontal fibrosing alopecia).

Interested in PRP for hair loss? Contact us to schedule a consultation with a dermatologist to discuss treatment options for you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sources:

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/18/style/hair-loss-coronavirus-pandemic.html

https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/cellular-gene-therapy-products/resources-related-regenerative-medicine-therapies

https://journals.lww.com/dermatologicsurgery/Fulltext/2017/05000/Regenerative_Medicine_and_Stem_Cells_in.2.aspx

Butt G, Efficacy of platelet-rich plasma in androgenetic alopecia patients. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2019 Aug;18(4):996-1001. doi: 10.1111/jocd.12810. Epub 2018 Nov 4. PMID: 30393988.

J Cosmet Dermatol

  • 2020 May;19(5):1071-1077.

doi: 10.1111/jocd.13146. Epub 2019 Sep 18

Cosmet Dermatol

  • 2019 Aug;18(4):996-1001.

doi: 10.1111/jocd.12810.

COVID Vaccination Information for Dermatologic Patients

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The Covid vaccines are here! As a part of the medical community, our staff has received their first dose. We report varying degrees of arm soreness and are otherwise extremely grateful to have started on the road to immunity.  Through vigilance, we have made it this far without anyone on the team becoming ill. Our infection control protocols remain firmly in place despite our vaccination status. So, if you come in for an appointment you will continue to see us practicing strict protection measures, just as we have since March.

The vaccine roll-out seems slower than promised, but at least it’s moving forward. Maryland moved into Phase 1B on Monday, January 18, which widened eligibility to residents 75 and older. The next phase, 1C, includes those over 65 and starts January 25.

You have probably noticed the plans for our area vary widely, by jurisdiction. To find out when and where to get vaccinated, these websites may be helpful to you:

Maryland: https://covidlink.maryland.gov/content/vaccine/

DC: https://coronavirus.dc.gov/vaccinatedc or call 856-363-0333

Virginia: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/covid-19-vaccine/

MedStar Health: Current patients who meet the criteria, may be vaccinated by appointment at the four DC Medstar facilities. https://www.medstarhealth.org/mhs/about-medstar/covid-19-vaccine-information/

Important information, if you:

Are Immunocompromised or on immunosuppressive medications:  the CDC advises taking the Covid vaccination if there are no contraindications. (see below)

Are on Biologic treatment: Evidence to date suggests that most individuals on biologic treatment can be successfully immunized with no increased incidence of adverse effects.

Have had:

  • Severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) after a previous dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine or any of its components*;
  • Immediate allergic reaction of any severity to a previous dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine or any of its components (including polyethylene glycol [PEG])*;
  • Immediate allergic reaction of any severity to polysorbate (due to potential cross-reactive hypersensitivity with the vaccine ingredient PEG)*;

If you have had any of the above, the CDC considers such history to be a contraindication to vaccination with both the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines.

*These persons should not receive mRNA COVID-19 vaccination at this time unless they have been evaluated by an allergist-immunologist and it is determined that the person can safely receive the vaccine (e.g., under observation, in a setting with advanced medical care available).

To read more, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/clinical-considerations.html#Patient-counseling

Cosmetic injectable fillers and the vaccine

There have been a few cases of facial swelling reported in Moderna vaccine trial. The localized swelling resolved itself after treatment with antihistamines or steroids in all three cases. In its report on the Moderna vaccine hearing, the FDA notes that “it is possible the localized swelling in these cases is due to an inflammatory reaction from interaction between the immune response after vaccination and the dermal filler.”

Patients already treated with dermal fillers should not be discouraged or precluded from receiving vaccines of any kind. Similarly, patients who have had vaccines should not be precluded from receiving dermal fillers in the future.  Our current recommendation is that you delay filler treatment if you are scheduled for the vaccine within 2 weeks.

Once Vaccinated

Once you do receive the vaccine, you may experience some malaise, soreness at the injection site, and even a mild fever, but these symptoms are transient and typically resolve in 24-48 hours. The symptoms are indicative of your body building immune defenses against the virus. Applying ice in the form of a bag of frozen peas as well as taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents such as ibuprofen (Motrin) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help relieve discomfort.

If you have a reaction, I recommend registering in the CDC’s vaccine symptom tracker at: https://vsafe.cdc.gov/

And last, Inauguration Day Office Hours

Because of anticipated road and bridge closures and disruption in public transportation, we are not seeing patients on Inauguration Day, January 20. However, we will be answering phone calls from 10AM – 3PM.

End of Year Message From Dr. Maral Skelsey

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One of the most extraordinary achievements in medical history is the rapid development of the coronavirus vaccine.  With truly breathtaking speed, a novel technology has been harnessed to create a life-saving intervention. It will be several months, however, before most of us are vaccinated—and even longer before we can resume life as we knew it. This holiday season—like Thanksgiving- will not involve leaving town to visit extended family. I love to travel and am not excited about the prospect of another “staycation.” Who doesn’t want to get away and leave pandemic madness behind? But where is there to go? Like nearly everyone, I want to escape the drumbeat of bad news and the monotony of the same routine and landscape. A few weeks ago, as I walked along the river, I realized a boat could be the ticket out. Kayak rentals are now closed so I needed to buy one. I was a little worried about how much space it might take up—as city dwellers without a garage, that’s always an issue. But when I saw someone neatly fold up her kayak like origami, I learned about the world of foldable boats and headed straight to Amazon—the online version, not the one in South America.

It turned out that there are a lot of choices for portable kayaks; the priciest are collapsible. Since I only hit the water a couple of times a year in “before times” I thought it was a bit extravagant for my needs. But then I hit upon a very reasonable inflatable kayak that came with its own pump and backpack. Jackpot! I could see myself walking down to the river with my backpack for a peaceful sunset cruise.

After a few weeks I almost forgot about the order until a box the size of a small Volkswagen Bug arrived at my front door. I pulled out the massive plastic contents, which may have weighed as much as a VW. Maybe walking to the river with the kayak in a backpack was not going to be so easy. Perhaps I’d made a mistake. Perhaps I should reconsider and make sourdough bread instead. But I was committed- mainly because my family thought it was a crazy idea. I wasn’t going to let this end up in the basement with my other unused purchases like the pasta machine, bread maker, ice cream maker, waffle maker, fondue pot and sous vide machine. The last kitchen device I really embraced was the Easy Bake Oven, although I did start using the Instapot once I overcame my fear of causing a massive explosion.

I was ready to put this together. How hard could it be? I do surgery on complex skin cancers and operate sophisticated lasers. Surely I could put together a kayak that came with an illustrated instruction manual. And it was only 19 pages, two thirds of which were written in foreign languages that I am purported to speak. Easy peasy in comparison to a laser manual!

Most of the pages, however, were filled with  caution symbols  and dire warnings (“Paddle sports may involve serious injury or death”). DEATH? Although it sounded like inflating this thing might cause transformation into some kind of evil genie, I carried on. It was a beautiful Saturday and I loved the idea of paddling around, looking at some new scenery. Back to the manual- whose diagrams, unfortunately, bore no resemblance to the unwieldy folded plastic contraption in front of me. Instructions helpfully pointed out: “NOTE: the pump may look different from yours. It is for illustration purposes only.” Right about that. I carried on, inserting the pump into what I hoped was the right port as the manual was explicit that the “Floor chamber must be inflated before the main chambers.” I guessed that one of the 8 likely ports was the right one and started pumping away. EUREKA! It worked. With a little elbow grease, the kayak would be ready in no time. After fifteen minutes of strenuous action, however, and I had reached only about 10 % of my goal. This was definitely more than I bargained for. In a touching gesture of concern my son came outside and said, “I think you’d better stop before you have a heart attack.” I would have loved to have stopped but I remembered the shelf of partially read parenting books by my bed, admonishing parents to encourage Perseverance! Resilience! I wasn’t about to model a quitter. On the other hand, I recognized how embarrassing it would be for a teenager to admit that his mother dropped dead trying to inflate a plastic kayak, so I gave him a shot at the pump, rendering the last 90% a breeze.

And just like that I became a boat owner- ready for a quick getaway. Not exactly ready for an extended river cruise, but the entire process gave me a very welcome escape. Sometimes a box from Amazon can provide enough of a change of pace to refresh one’s outlook until a trip down the real Amazon is possible.

Stay safe, stay home and have a peaceful and happy holiday season.

face mask skin care tips

Wearing a Mask and Caring for Your Face

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While taking walks in Chevy Chase and Georgetown these days, I see most people wearing a face covering.  It is reassuring, as wearing a mask is critical to keeping your family, friends, co-workers and yourself safe from coronavirus. With long-term wear, however, masks can sometimes cause or exacerbate painful and troubling skin conditions. In the past few months, we have seen a significant increase in:

  1. “Mask-ne,” or an acne breakout in the area under and around the mask,
  2. Dry, itchy skin in the same areas on the face,
  3. Redness and pain behind the ears, from the mask straps.

Since there is no question wearing a mask is the right thing to do, here are some tips on how you can manage these conditions while continuing to keep yourself covered.

START CLEAN – washing your face

Masks retain dirt and oil on the skin, so cleaning your face (and your mask) properly before you put one on is even more important.

  • If you suffer from acne, use a non-comedogenic cleanser (one formulated so as not to cause blocked pores) twice a day. Also, use a gel moisturizer and oil-free make-up.
  • Stop using make-up entirely until your skin heals, if you can.
  • For irritated or dry skin use a gentle cleanser.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT SKIN PRODUCTS – moisturize and mitigate irritation
  • Choose products that are fragrance-free.
  • Look for moisturizers containing ceramides, hyaluronic acid or dimethicone.
  • For acne, use a gel, non-comedogenic moisturizer.
  • If you must wear make-up and you have acne, use oil-free, mineral-based products.
  • If your skin is dry or irritated, stop using retinoids, glycolic acids, salicylic masks, peels and scrubs.
  • If your ears are telling you they need a break, try moisturizing behind them to ease redness and discomfort from the mask straps.
MASK TYPES AND ROUTINE – Not all masks are alike

What a mask is made of and how you wear it has an impact on your skin.

  • Wear a mask made of natural breathable cotton fabric. Avoid synthetic nylon, polyester or rayon that can irritate and cause breakouts.
  • Make sure your mask is snug at the edges, but not too tight on your face. A mask that moves around a lot can abrade your skin surface and exacerbate inflammation. Plus, it is more likely you’ll touch your face to adjust it.
  • Rotate wearing different strap types and ear loops in order to cause less irritation behind the ears.
  • Purchase masks with long straps, or strap extenders, that wrap about the back of your head so that the strap does not rest on sensitive skin behind the ears.
  • Take a mask break for 15 minutes every 4 hours when you are in a safe environment such as alone in your car or outdoors six feet away from people.
CARE FOR YOUR MASK, TOO

It is important to regularly clean your mask, so that it is as inoffensive to your skin as it can be.

  • Wash a cloth mask daily in hot, soapy water, and rinse well, unless otherwise specified.
  • When washing cloth masks, use fragrance-free, hypoallergenic soap or mild laundry detergent and skip the fabric softener.
  • If you do not hang your mask to dry, avoid scented dryer sheets as these frequently cause itchy, inflamed skin.
  • If you are using a disposable surgical-type mask, how often you should start a new one depends on how much you use it, if you wear makeup and your specific skin condition. If it is visibly dirty, it is time for a new one.

For DIY help, our online store contains products that will allow you to care for your face during this unique time (mohs-md.square.site).  If your mask-related skin problem does not resolve after a few weeks, prescription medication may help. Call our office to make an appointment.