In terms of sunburn, the most important factor is PREVENTION!  Wearing a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and reapplying sunscreen every 2 hours, or when you get wet or sweat, can help prevent sun damage.  Also, wearing sun protective clothing and hats is a great way to protect from damaging sun rays.  Sunburn is a sign of skin damage, and can increase your risk of skin cancer. 

If you do get sunburnned, protect you skin from further exposure to the sun, moisturize the skin regularly with a soothing, bland moisturizer, and consider an anti-inflammatory medication by mouth if permitted.

Sun Sensitivity

Did you know that some medications can make you more sensitive to the sun (and sun burning)?  Antibiotics that can make you more sun sensitive include doxycycline and tetracycline, among others.  Keep in mind that NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications) such as ibuprofen and naproxen are known to make skin more sensitive. 

Just one more reason to protect from the sun!

Do you wonder whether a mole should be evaluated?

The criteria for concern have been listed as the "ABCDEs" of moles, which include A=asymmetry (Do the sides match?) B=Borders(Are  the borders sharp and clean?) C= Color (Is the color one regular brown color or are there reds and blacks as well?) D=Diameter (Is it bigger than a pencil eraser?) E=Evolution (This is the MOST important factor in studies, as any CHANGE in characteristics is most important).  Keep an eye on your moles and if any have CHANGED, consider having them checked by a dermatologist.  

IPL hair removal uses pulsed light to remove unwanted hair from most body areas.  As there must be contrast between the color of the hair and color of the skin, hair removal cannot be done when the skin is tanned. 

MiraDry, a device used to eliminate sweat glands in the axilla (armpit), has been shown to decrease hair in that area by about 70%. It works for all hair colors, unlike most lasers and pulsed light sources which cannot eliminate red, blond or gray hair.  Get sweat free and hair reduced in one procedure!

Call today to schedule a free consultation and get ready for a hair free, under arm sweat free summer!  (919) 467-8556.

Cold sores or fever blisters are caused by the Herpes Simplex virus.  Sunlight can be a trigger for some people, resulting in more outbreaks as the weather warms up.  Applying sunscreen in face lotion and lip balm, wearing a wide brimmed hat, and avoiding sun exposure between 10am and 2pm can help prevent sunburns which can activate the herpes virus.    

Other triggers include being stressed, getting sick, having a fever, or having surgery (including chemical peels, dermabrasion, laser treatments to the face).

If you do notice tingling or burning in an area where you are prone to cold sores, immediate treatment can help prevent the area from blistering.  Treatments include over the counter creams, prescription creams and pills and a relatively new treatment with a tablet that is place between the upper lip and gum near the site of the outbreak.  While the buccal tablet contains the same medication that is found in other creams and pills, applying it locally increases the amount of medicine that reaches the inflamed nerves.  Studies have shown that this tablet can prevent the fever blister from blistering and it increases the length of time between outbreaks.

The providers at Cary Dermatology can discuss treatment options with you and give you a prescription to have on hand for use as soon as you notice a fever blister is coming.  Don't let a cold sore ruin your spring and summer events.