White Delivers Expert Medical Dermatology Treatments to Patients

Optima Dermatology is excited to introduce Michelle White, NP-C, who provides medical dermatology services for patients in Bedford, NH. Michelle has been serving patients in New England since 2009 and treats a wide range of skin conditions for patients of all ages.

Michelle earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences University and continued at MCPHS University to earn her Master of Science in Nursing degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner.

Throughout her education, Michelle was a member of Sigma Theta Tau International, a National Nursing Honor Society. She is also a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, the Massachusetts Coalition of Nurse Practitioners, and the American Academy of Family Physicians.

A Passionate, Patient-Centered Approach

Michelle brings a passion and commitment to skin care and her patients’ skin health that aligns with Optima Dermatology’s overall mission: to treat every patient like they are our family. She understands it can be intimidating and difficult to seek help with skin issues and takes the time to listen to and understand her patients’ concerns while providing an inviting, relaxing atmosphere.

We recently had the opportunity to learn more about Michelle, her approach, and the path that led her to become a board-certified nurse practitioner.

Where did you go to college?

I originally wanted to be a veterinarian as a childhood dream. As such I first went to the University of New Hampshire and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science: Pre-Veterinary Medicine. I later realized my love for nursing and dermatology. I went back to school after 10 years for nursing and shortly thereafter for my master’s in nursing as a nurse practitioner from MCPHS University in Manchester, NH.

What made you decide to pursue a career in dermatology?

While I was working in the veterinary field, I was placed in the dermatology department. A veterinarian made a comment that she saw me as a “nurse practitioner” of the veterinary world.  Since this position didn’t exist, I started thinking seriously about becoming a nurse practitioner in the specialty I was familiar with. It was obvious during my clinical rotations that dermatology was where my heart directed me. All the while, I had been working at a dermatology practice since 2007 and throughout my education, which heightened my drive for this specialty. Having a mother who is a retired registered nurse for a dermatology practice also gives me the feeling it’s genetic.

What is your number one tip when it comes to taking care of your skin?

Sun protection. Having a fulfilling life is important and to be completely fulfilled, we need to do what is necessary to preserve the health of our skin. As skin cancer is the most commonly occurring type of cancer, protection from UV exposure is important. And sunscreen is only one type of protection. There are numerous options to protect our skin, including UPF clothing, sunglasses, umbrellas, wide-brim hats, avoiding high UV peaks – and more. Having options for how we can protect our skin gives us the ability to live life to the fullest along with ensuring a healthy glow.

If there is one thing you want your patients to know about you, what would it be?

My family is my life. Providing the best care to my patients is like welcoming them to the family.  My patients are excited when their skin conditions resolve, as am I. They are also disappointed and frustrated when their skin conditions do not improve as quickly as expected. I feel that frustration too. For these reasons, I’m committed to working together as a team with each patient to create a plan that will work best for them and that will deliver the best possible outcome. I care for them both during our time together and in the long run.

On your journey to becoming a board-certified nurse practitioner, what was the best advice you were given?

Never be afraid to lean on your colleagues and to think outside of the box. The best care comes in the form of the team approach. My goal for my patients is to provide the best care I can give as if they were family, and to do so often means leveraging other medical providers who can help find the answers to a patient’s health condition. I don’t claim to “know it all” and rely heavily on evidence-based practices from research and colleagues who may have additional experiences that have worked well for their patients. On occasion, some patients may even be referred for second opinions because, at the end of the day, it’s not always a straight line to a resolution. Getting the care my patients need is of utmost priority and is done with the patient’s best interests at heart.

What is your approach to treating your patients?

Coming to see a provider for the first time or repeat times can be uncomfortable for some, especially when they are asked to disrobe. My approach for all my patients comes with humor to lighten the tension, and honesty above all else. I provide professional care as expected but believe in humor and conversation to fill the “void” and ease discomfort. If the patient is talkative, I am a great listener. If the patient is shy, I can gauge how much conversation and humor is appropriate. Overall, not only will the patient have a very thorough exam and expert advice, but they will always leave with a good experience that was not as intimidating as they may have expected.

What do you like to do when you are not in the office treating patients?

My family is my life, and my daughter is my favorite person. Any opportunity I have to spend the days away with her along with my multiple animals (dogs, cats, fish, chickens, and ducks) are the best days. I’m a homesteader enthusiast so most days I am working on my property with the animals and landscape or indoors preserving the bounties of my harvest. Summer is my all-time favorite season and all the activities that come along with it such as going to the beach, Canobie Lake Park, water parks, Six Flags, kayaking, fishing, hiking, you name it.

What to Expect From Dermatological Care Delivered by Michelle and Her Team

If you’re seeking dermatological care, no matter how routine or complex, Michelle and her team at Optima Dermatology offer exceptional services and have the advanced training and experience to ensure the highest quality of care.

Michelle is currently accepting new patients at our Bedford, NH location. Request an appointment online or give us a call at 603-942-2003.

When it comes to your skincare routine, it’s important to consult with your dermatologist to understand the right products for your needs. With so much misinformation available online, consulting with an expert will save you time, money and potential skin and health issues. Dr. Gregory Delost of our Mentor, OH location recently sat down with David Moss of New Day Cleveland to talk about which skincare trends we should incorporate into our routine to maintain healthy skin, and which to skip.

Here’s What You Need to Know About Mohs Micrographic Surgery for Skin Cancer

Mohs surgery is considered to be the most effective technique for treating skin cancer and has been shown to result in cure rates of up to 99% in skin cancer patients. We’re proud to offer this surgery to our patients at two Optima Dermatology locations. If you have been diagnosed with skin cancer, Mohs surgery can be a great option. Providing Mohs surgery uniquely allows Optima Dermatology to deliver a full scope of skin cancer treatment in-house, making the treatment process easier for our patients.

Our board-certified micrographic dermatological surgeons, Dr. Brienne Cressey, who serves patients at our Stratham, NH practice, and Dr. Sherry Yu, who serves patients at our Macedonia, OH practice, have provided answers to the most frequently asked questions our patients have about Mohs surgery. Here’s what you need to know about this skin cancer treatment to help inform you of your options and how this approach can help.

Mohs Micrographic Surgery FAQs

Q: What is Mohs Micrographic Surgery and how does it work?

A: The Mohs procedure involves surgically removing skin cancer layer by layer and examining the tissue under a microscope until healthy, cancer-free tissue around the tumor is reached. This process allows the removal of all cancerous cells for the highest cure rate while sparing healthy tissue and leaving the smallest possible scar.

Mohs micrographic surgery is the gold standard for the treatment of skin cancers on cosmetically sensitive areas such as the face, areas with limited tissue mobility for wound closure like the hands/feet/scalp or shins, and for aggressive or recurrent skin cancers.

Q: When speaking to patients about Mohs surgery, how is the process explained?

In excisions, the tissue is sent to pathology, and slices are reviewed, similar to slices of bread. A larger skin margin is needed since the entire border is not evaluated.

However, Mohs surgery removes and processes skin cancer with a small healthy tissue margin. A helpful comparison is to think of it as a pie crust and pie filling. The pie filling is the tumor and the healthy tissue margin is the pie crust.

We remove a narrow healthy tissue margin around the skin cancer and examine the entire peripheral margin and deep margin (pie crust). If any skin cancer is identified, we take an additional margin of skin in that area. Once the “pie crust” is 100% clear, we know the tumor has been removed. This process provides the highest cure rate.

Q: When would a dermatologist recommend Mohs surgery over other skin cancer treatment options?

Mohs surgery is most often recommended for skin cancers on the face, neck, hands, and feet where it is most important to spare as much normal skin tissue as possible. It is also ideal for situations where tumors may be large, aggressive, or recurrent.

Q: What are the advantages of Mohs surgery for skin cancer removal?

Because the entire skin margin is evaluated, Mohs surgery conserves tissue as it requires a smaller margin of normal tissue compared to standard excisions. There is precise microscopic control of the entire tumor margin and as a result, Mohs surgery is the most highly effective approach to skin cancer treatment.

By maintaining skin tissue, Mohs surgery helps cure patients while protecting the areas of their skin that require treatment.

Q: What can patients expect from Mohs surgery?

Patients should expect to be at our office for several hours on the day of surgery. After surgery, they will go home with a large bandage and likely have some restrictions in activity for several days to several weeks.

Mohs surgery is performed using a local anesthetic to numb the area. We talk to each patient during the procedure so you are aware of what is going on. Once clear skin margins are obtained, the area is often sutured to provide the best cosmetic outcome possible.

Next, we asked each of our Mohs surgeons a little bit about their career paths and backgrounds. Exception patient care is at the core of what we do at Optima Dermatology, and our surgeons are truly experts in their field.

Q: What type of education and training is required to become a Mohs surgeon, and what led you to choose this particular career path?

Dr. Sherry Yu: I earned my medical degree from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. I completed my residency in dermatology through the Harvard Combined Dermatology Residency Training Program and a fellowship in Mohs micrographic surgery and dermatologic oncology at Yale University School of Medicine.

I have always liked the balance of medicine and surgery in dermatology and, more specifically, Mohs surgery. Additionally, much of my academic research has focused on how medical conditions affect quality of life and how many chronic skin diseases have been shown to have a significant impact on patients.

Dr. Brienne Cressey: I studied Biochemistry and Chemistry at The University of Maine. I then went to Tufts University for medical school where I received my MD and MBA, followed by my internship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and a dermatology residency at New York Presbyterian-Weill Cornell in New York City.

I then continued to be a Dermatologic Oncology Fellow at Dermatology Professionals in Rhode Island, working under Dr. Nathaniel Jellinek to complete my Fellowship in Mohs Micrographic Surgery, facial reconstruction, and lasers and cosmetics.

I have always enjoyed the complexity of dermatology and the procedural aspect of the field. I’m able to combine Mohs surgery with my favorite aspects of medicine to deliver the most impactful and well-rounded patient care.

Q: Do you work with dermatologists outside of Optima Dermatology, and what do those relationships look like?

We do – and we are very grateful for our outside referring dermatologists and their patients. We strive to keep your dermatologist in the loop and will send them information when you have scheduled your appointment and again when you have had your surgery. After surgery, you will return to your dermatologist for regularly scheduled follow-ups.

We work with dermatologists at the VA, other dermatology practices, and primary care practices in the area. Our offices receive biopsy pathologies and referrals. Once this information is received, our team will contact you to review the Mohs procedure, discuss your expectations and concerns, answer any questions, and schedule your appointment.

Optima Dermatology offers Mohs surgery at our Stratham, NH, and Macedonia, OH locations. You can call us at (855) 277- 9689 to learn more!

Meet Board Certified Nurse Practitioner Trevor Lippincott

Optima Dermatology is excited to introduce Trevor Lippincott, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, who will be treating patients in Salem, NH, and Stratham, NH. Trevor offers dermatology treatments to patients of all ages for various skin conditions. 

Trevor has been serving patients around New England since 2014 and has trained under many experienced providers, including Optima’s board-certified dermatologists Dr. Ryan Karmouta, Dr. Molly Cowdrey, and Dr. Jennifer Stead.

Trevor completed his Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science from the University of New Hampshire. After working in the research field, Trevor went on to complete his Accelerated BS in Nursing from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences University (MCPHS). Trevor continued on to complete his Master of Science in Nursing from Carson-Newman University. Trevor is a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, the Society of Dermatology Nurse Practitioners, and the Dermatology Nurses’ Association.

Adding to Trevor’s experience is the time he spent as a registered nurse in the emergency room, clinical site lead, and certified dermatology technician (CDT).

Blending Expertise, Compassion, and a Personalized Approach

Trevor applies his years of medical and dermatological experience to every patient interaction, delivering the highest level of care and compassion. 

His approach to patient care mirrors Optima Dermatology’s overall mission: to treat every patient like they are our family. 

We recently had the opportunity to learn more about Trevor, his approach, and the path that led him to become a board-certified nurse practitioner.

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Where did you go to college?

I went to the University of New Hampshire for my undergraduate degree in Biomedical Science. After working at a dermatology practice as a scribe and medical assistant for many years, I decided to go back to school to become a registered nurse at MCPHS University. I worked in the emergency room for years and decided to advance my career and become a nurse practitioner, pursuing my Masters at Carson-Newman University.

What made you decide to pursue a career in dermatology? What did the path to get there look like?

After my undergraduate degree, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do next. I worked in the research field as a research assistant, but I quickly missed interacting with other people. When I was working as a medical assistant and scribe, I appreciated the opportunity to work with patients and immerse myself in the medical field. It didn’t take long for me to fall in love with dermatology. I worked as a scribe and medical assistant for many years before I decided to go on to get my nursing degree.

Going into nursing school I was confident I would want to continue for my NP, but I really wanted to work at the bedside as a nurse first. I loved the fast-paced environment of the emergency department and caring for the sick, emergent critical patients on their worst days. It was a privilege to do for so many years, but it wasn’t my passion.

I have been working in dermatology in some fashion since November 2014, and over time I have deepened my understanding of dermatology through working with many experienced providers. During my time in the emergency room and through NP school, I kept working in dermatology as a nurse. I opened Optima’s Salem, New Hampshire clinic in September 2022, and I have loved watching our team grow! I’m honored to have held so many different roles within dermatology and to now be practicing as an NP.

What are your favorite aspects of dermatology?

I love being able to visualize the skin and provide care to all ages! There are several facets to dermatology, including medical, surgical, and cosmetic. There is so much to learn and a lot of skills to master. Treating chronic conditions can be frustrating for patients but going alongside them and seeing their results is an amazing process to be a part of!

On your journey to becoming a board-certified nurse practitioner, what was the best advice you were given?

Have a goal in mind and continuously remind yourself of it. The healthcare system is full of interdisciplinary members and it’s imperative to work as a team to care for patients. We all bring value and importance to caring for patients.

What is your number one tip when it comes to taking care of your skin?

Protect your skin from sun damage as early as possible! There are so many easy options to minimize sun exposure, including shade, sunscreens, and UPF clothing. Find a sunscreen product that you like, and wear it daily! Make it a part of your daily regimen. Enjoy your life and try to protect your skin along the way.

How would you describe your approach to treating patients?

I like to work alongside my patients. When I see patients in the office I like to ask, “What would make you the most comfortable?” or “What do you think?”  I can offer various treatments and other therapies but ultimately it is the patient’s decision. I want to educate and empower my patients with their options to help them feel comfortable in their skin. Whether it is a lesion that concerns them or an extensive rash, I want to come together with my patients and make them as comfortable as possible in their skin and pursue options that best fit their goals.

What do you like to do when you are not in the office?

I love working out, getting fit, and staying active! You’ll find me spending time with my family and friends. I love being at the beach (with lots of sunscreen of course) and adventuring around the fun restaurants and places in New England.

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What to Expect From Dermatological Care Delivered by Trevor and His Team

If you’re seeking dermatological care, no matter how routine or complex, Trevor and his team at Optima Dermatology offer exceptional services and have the advanced training and experience to ensure the highest quality of care. 

Trevor is currently accepting new patients at our Salem and Stratham, NH, locations. Request an appointment online or give us a call at 603-942-2020.

On January 12th, Dr. Gregory Delost from Optima Dermatology’s Mentor location, sat down with New Day Cleveland to discuss the signs, symptoms, and when to seek treatment for hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Many people have never heard of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) and end up living with it for years before being properly diagnosed.  HS is a skin condition that causes painful lumps deep in your skin and can occur at different levels of severity. Our team at Optima Dermatology is here to help, and our providers will create a treatment plan tailored to your needs!

Guidelines to Follow, Products and Treatments to Use – and What to Leave Behind

We’re back with another Derm Deep Dive, a series where we provide expert advice from one of our board-certified dermatologists about a specific topic in skin care. For this edition, we’re speaking with Dr. Daniel Cuozzo, DO, FAAD, about skin care guidelines and trends to bring into 2024 – and what to leave behind in 2023.

Dr. Cuozzo, who serves patients at our Scarborough, ME practice, was recently interviewed on this topic by Maine news station WGME 13 for its Ask the Expert segment. You can watch the complete interview here!

Skin Care Guidelines You Should Follow in 2024

Although we’re talking about trends, two approaches to skin care never go out of style and should be viewed as more routine practices than trends. 

There are also two new trends that you may consider exploring in 2024. 

A Skin Care Trend to Leave Behind 

We’ve all heard the term “New Year, New You” – well, here is one trend that shouldn’t be included in your “new you” approach to skin care. 

Nasal Tanning Spray

If you haven’t heard of this trend, don’t worry – I’m not recommending it to any of my patients. The primary ingredient in nasal tanning spray, Melanotan II, is intended to help trigger a temporary darkening of the skin when this product is inhaled. However, it is a synthetic ingredient and is not FDA-approved and unregulated, so it has the potential to be dangerous to your health.

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If you have concerns about your skin or want to discuss the best approach to your skincare, I’d love to meet with you. If you live in the greater Portland, Maine area, schedule an appointment with me at Optima Dermatology’s Scarborough, ME practice for an initial consultation and to get started on a path to healthier, happier skin. 

We welcome Double Board-Certified and Fellowship-Trained Mohs Surgeon Dr. Brienne Cressey to Our Stratham, NH Practice

Optima Dermatology is pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Brienne Cressey MD, MBA, FAAD, FACMS, to our Stratham, NH practice. Dr. Cressey will offer expert Mohs Micrographic Surgery and medical aesthetics treatments to the Seacoast region.

Dr. Cressey has been serving patients in the Seacoast region of New Hampshire since 2017, and has performed more than 8,000 Mohs Micrographic procedures. She has also provided medical aesthetics treatments, including VBeam ®, Fraxel®, and Halo® Hybrid Fractional Laser.

After receiving her MBA with a focus on healthcare management from Brandeis University, Dr. Cressey continued on an educational path aimed at dermatological studies. She graduated from Tufts University School of Medicine with highest honors, and completed her residency in dermatology at New York Presbyterian Weill Cornell, where she was named Chief Resident and received multiple awards, including the Derm Mentor Resident of Distinction award. 

As a Dermatologic Oncology Fellow at Dermatology Professionals in Rhode Island, Dr. Cressey worked under Dr. Nathaniel Jellinek to complete her Fellowship in Mohs Micrographic Surgery, facial reconstruction, and lasers and cosmetics. 

Dr. Cressey is currently a member of the American College of Mohs Surgery, the American Academy of Dermatology, and the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery. She has authored more than 25 peer-reviewed articles in major academic journals, including the Journal of Surgical Education and the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 

A Perfect Combination of Expertise and Care

Dr. Cressey brings well-earned knowledge and expertise in Mohs Micrographic surgery and a range of dermatological services, and delivers these skills with the highest level of care and compassion. 

Her approach to patient care is perfectly aligned with Optima Dermatology’s overall mission: to treat every patient like we would our family. 

We recently had the opportunity to learn more about Dr. Cressey, her approach, and the path that led her to become a double board-certified Mohs Surgeon and Dermatologist.

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Where did you go to college?

University of Maine, where I studied Biochemistry and Chemistry. I then went to Tufts University for medical school.

What made you decide to pursue a career in dermatology and Mohs surgery specifically?

I always enjoyed the complexity of dermatology and the procedural portion of the field. I’m able to combine Mohs surgery with my favorite aspects of medicine.

What can patients expect from Mohs surgery treatment? What advice would you share with a nervous patient?

Mohs surgery provides the best clearance rate for skin cancer. I aim to keep my patients informed and comfortable during the procedure. My team and I want to make it as positive of an experience as possible.

What is your number one tip when it comes to taking care of your skin?

Sunscreen and sun-protective clothing!

If there is one thing you want your patients to know about you, what would it be?

I am originally from Maine and love being able to provide Mohs surgery and reconstruction for my patients in New England. I’m happy to offer great care close to home.

What is your favorite aspect of being a micrographic dermatologic surgeon?

I love getting to know my patients and hearing their life stories. I have many repeat patients whom I’ve gotten to know well over the years and whom I love to see.

What is your approach to treating your patients?

I treat my patients how I would want my family and friends to be treated. I want all my patients to have a good experience and be happy with their care.

What do you like to do when you are not in the office treating patients?

I like to spend time with my husband and daughter. We love the New Hampshire outdoors and spend time swimming, fishing, or cross-country skiing at the lake whenever possible.

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What to Expect From Medical and Surgical Care From Dr. Cressey and the Stratham Team

If you’re seeking dermatological care, no matter how routine or complex, Dr. Cressey and her team at Optima Dermatology offer exceptional services and have the advanced training and experience to ensure the highest quality of care. 

Dr. Cressey is currently accepting new patients at our Stratham, NH practice.. For Mohs referrals, email referral@optimadirect.md or call (603) 699-9001. For all other services, you can request an appointment online or give us a call at (603) 942-2171.

On December 8th, Dr. Gregory Delost from Optima Dermatology’s Mentor location, sat down with New Day Cleveland to discuss skin cancer. While skin cancer is usually visible, it often goes undetected, leading to annual increases in skin cancer diagnoses. Early detection of skin cancer is key to making treatment more effective, and Optima Dermatology is here to help!

Optima Dermatology Welcomes Jayson Keener, PA-C, to Our Industry-Leading Care Team in Milford, OH

Optima Dermatology is excited to welcome Jayson Keener, PA-C, to our Milford, OH practice. Jayson has been serving patients around Cincinnati since 2018, treating patients of all ages from newborns to adults for a range of skin conditions. 

Jayson served as an EMT and firefighter for more than 10 years before following a new path to a dermatology career. He earned his Master of Science degree in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of New England Physician Assistant Program and went on to complete a six-month APP Dermatology Fellowship at Advanced Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery. 

Jayson is currently a member of the Ohio Association of Physician Assistants, as well as the Veterans Caucus of AAPA.

Emulating Our Commitment to Care

Jayson provides industry-leading dermatology care to patients, and his personalized approach to each patient reflects Optima Dermatology’s mission of treating each patient like we would treat our family. 

We recently had the opportunity to learn more about Jayson, his approach, and the path that led him to pursue a career in dermatology.

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Where did you go to college?

I received my undergraduate degree from Columbia College in Orlando, Florida. I attended the University of New England in Portland, Maine for my Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies.

What made you decide to pursue a career in dermatology? What did the path to get there look like?

While serving on a mission trip in Guatemala I was asked to create a clinic from the ground up and perform medical assessments. With the help of two young women who lived in the shelter, we designed an examination room and organized the available medical equipment and supplies. After training the women in how to take medical history and vitals we opened the clinic. It was a slow start, but it wasn’t long before I realized the majority of the complaints were dermatology-related. Up until that point in my medical career, I had very little dermatology experience or knowledge, and as a result, I was unprepared to help those in need at a critical time. That experience both humbled and motivated me to further my knowledge with the end goal of practicing dermatology.

What are your favorite aspects of dermatology?

Treating those suffering from acne, eczema, and psoriasis, changing my patients’ lives, and seeing their self-confidence grow.

On your journey to becoming a board-certified physician assistant, what was the best advice you were given?

Be the thing you loved the most about the people in your life who are now gone.

What is your number one tip when it comes to taking care of your skin?

Ensure you have a regular skin care routine you know you’re able to maintain consistently throughout your life. This routine includes both daily care like cleansing and the application of moisturizer and sunscreen to yearly care, especially annual full-body skin checks. This consistency can keep your skin healthy and beautiful while also allowing for early skin cancer detection.

How would you describe your approach to treating patients?

I always start by thinking, “If this was a member of my family, how would I want someone to take care of them?” This perspective allows me to build relationships with the patient and their family, which I believe most often leads to better outcomes. 

What do you like to do when you are not in the office?

I enjoy hiking and taking walks on local trails, cooking, traveling, and exploring new locales with my wife. Most importantly, I enjoy spending time with family and friends.

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What to Expect From Dermatological Care From Jayson and the Milford, OH Team

If you’re seeking dermatological care for common skin issues or more complex treatments, Jayson and his team at Optima Dermatology offer a wide range of services and have advanced training and experience to ensure the highest quality of care. 

Jayson is currently accepting new patients at our Milford, OH location. Request an appointment online or give us a call at (513) 327-9244.

Board-certified Dermatologist Dr. Daniel Cuozzo, joined Katie Sampson on Good Day Maine to discuss the importance of yearly skin exams, and break down current skin care trends. Check out this interview to learn more about nasal tanning spray, slugging, and skin cycling. Dr. Cuozzo provides guidance on which trends you should avoid, and which you should try!

What You Should Know About Rosacea and How to Best Treat It

We’re back with another Derm Deep Dive, a series where we provide expert advice from one of our board-certified dermatologists about common skin conditions or treatments. For this edition, we’re discussing rosacea treatment with Dr. Lori Schaen, MD, of our Milford, OH location, servicing the Cincinnati area. 

What is Rosacea and How Do You Know if You Have It?

I see a lot of patients who are experiencing symptoms of Rosacea but are unsure what it is or how to treat it. First and foremost, if you have any skin issue and you aren’t sure what it is, the best thing to do before any at-home treatment is to visit your dermatologist and get an official diagnosis. 

Rosacea in particular is a skin condition that requires a more specific treatment plan, so understanding what it is and how it manifests for you is most important for proper treatment. 

While some people think of Rosacea as facial redness, it is a bit more complicated than that. Rosacea is a chronic condition that can cause inflammation on the cheeks, nose, chin, forehead, or eyelids. This inflammation can also lead to redness, broken blood vessels, swelling, pimples, pustules, and sometimes ocular/ eye symptoms.

Rosacea is a fairly common condition, affecting about 16 million Americans. There is no known cause for Rosacea, and because it is a chronic condition, it can only be managed and controlled but not completely cured.  

How Can You Manage Your Rosacea?

Because there is no known cause – and no definitive cure – I work with patients to identify two important aspects of their Rosacea:

1. What triggers seem to cause Rosacea flare-ups
2. How those triggers can be managed or mitigated to reduce Rosacea flare-ups

Identifying Potential Triggers

Many individuals who have Rosacea are able to identify triggers that seem to bring on flare-ups. While these triggers vary naturally from person to person, there are some that are more common:

• Sun exposure 
• Hot or cold weather conditions, including humidity or indoor heat
• Hot baths, showers, hot tubs, or saunas
• Heavy exercise
• Alcohol consumption, especially red wine
• Harsh winds
• Emotional stressors, such as anger, anxiety, embarrassment, or general stress
• Certain foods, including spicy foods, aged cheeses, dairy products, and some chocolates
• Hot drinks, including coffee and tea

I understand this list can seem pretty daunting and limiting – or simply hard to avoid, such as hot or cold weather conditions. However, the good news is that Rosacea can typically be brought under control, even if you can’t avoid your trigger or triggers 100 percent of the time. Here are some basic tips:

• On hot, sunny days, seek out shade, wear protective clothing, and use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher
• Protect your face and neck from cold weather, especially harsh winds
• Try to manage emotional stress through deep breathing exercises, meditation, or calming, relaxing activities like yoga or simply reading a book. 
• Keep showers short to avoid overheating. If exercising, recognize when it’s time to take a break and drink water, and keep cold water on hand. 
• Choose white wine instead of red if alcohol is a trigger, or try to avoid alcohol and opt for a mocktail or water. 

Products to Avoid that Can Aggravate Your Rosacea

Every individual’s skin is different, and not all skin care products work for everyone. If you have Rosacea, there are a handful of products that are best to avoid as they’ve been known to make symptoms worse or bring about flare-ups. 

• Topical steroids on the face, especially if used for more than a few days. 
• Cosmetics and hair sprays that contain alcohol, witch hazel, menthol, camphor, eucalyptus oil, propylene glycol, or fragrances. Instead of these products, I recommend L’Oreal alcohol-free hairspray.
• Soaps, astringents, and alcohol-based toners. 
• Chemical peels or acids, including glycolic acid and hydroxy acids, exfoliants, and dermabrasion. 
• Sodium lauryl sulfate, which is a common skin irritant present in many shampoos, and chemical sunscreens.  

When it comes to sunscreens, mineral blockers zinc and titanium are often best tolerated by individuals with rosacea.

Treatment Options for Rosacea

Avoiding triggers is a critical way to manage your Rosacea, but I also work with patients to identify treatment options that can help manage or mitigate flare-ups altogether. It’s important to note that there are different types of Rosacea, and treatment options differ depending on the type and severity of your Rosacea. 

Some treatment options can include:

• Antibiotics (typically Doxycycline): If Doxycycline is prescribed, be aware of common side effects and closely follow the recommendations for taking this medication.
• Oracea: Oracea is a lower dose of Doxycycline that acts as an anti-inflammatory rather than an antibiotic. This helps minimize the risks associated with the antibiotic dosing of doxycyline and is a safer long-term choice for rosacea. 
• Topical medications: I help my patients understand which topical treatment is best for their Rosacea. 
• Laser treatment: Typically, laser treatments are used in conjunction with one of the above treatment regimens and depends entirely on your specific type and severity of Rosacea.  Laser treatment for rosacea are not covered by insurance.

What Can You Do to Manage Your Rosacea at Home?

After you have seen your dermatologist and identified the best treatment plan for your Rosacea, there are other steps you can take at home to adjust your skin care routine for better Rosacea management. 

Simplify, simplify, simplify. Keep your skin care routine simple. The more products you’re using on your face, the more irritated your skin can become, which can trigger Rosacea symptoms. 

Wash your face. A gentle wash with lukewarm water and a soap-free unscented cleanser is perfect for your face. Don’t scrub or rub your skin. My favorite products include:

• CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
• Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser
• Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser
• Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
• Avene Antirougeurs Clean 

Establish a regimen. Any prescription medications should be applied prior to any other products. 

Tackle dry skin right away. Apply thicker moisturizers to dry skin, such as CeraVe, Cetaphil, or Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream to mitigate dry skin before it becomes worse. 

Protect your skin! Apply a sunblock every morning with an SPF of at least 30. As I mentioned, physical sunblocks containing Zinc Oxide and/or Titanium Dioxide over chemical sunscreens are recommended for sensitive skin and are typically better tolerated by individuals with Rosacea. My favorite sunscreens include:

• La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted or Un-tinted SPF 50
• Cetaphil or CeraVe Mineral SPF
• Elta MD UV Elements 44 (Tinted in moisturizing base with antioxidants)

Switch up your makeup. Tinted SPF or mineral-based makeup is recommended for individuals with Rosacea as the minerals sit on the surface of the skin rather than being absorbed. You should avoid:

• Liquid makeups, which contain emulsifiers which can irritate the skin
• Mineral makeup that contains bismuth oxychloride, a common skin irritant that can cause facial redness and rash
• Oil-based and/or waterproof makeup

I recommend using makeup made by Neutrogena Mineral, Clinique Mineral, and Jane Iredale. 

When Should You Schedule a Visit With Your Dermatologist?

I recommend that you schedule a visit with your dermatologist as soon as you begin experiencing Rosacea symptoms. Because it is a chronic condition with no known cause or cure, it’s best to speak with a professional rather than try and treat it at home.

When you schedule an appointment with me, I first listen to your symptoms and concerns, perform an examination of the affected skin, and work with you to establish a treatment plan. You can expect to see improvements within the first few weeks of treatment, with ideal and more noticeable improvement occurring between eight and 12 weeks. 

I know Rosacea, like any skin condition, can be difficult to manage and frustrating to live with. However, the best way to manage it and get back to your life is to work with a dermatologist to establish the best treatment plan for your specific situation. 

I’d love to meet with you to start a conversation about treating your Rosacea. Schedule an appointment with me at Optima Dermatology’s Milford, OH practice for an initial consultation and to get started on a path to healthier, happier skin. 

Expanding Cosmetic Services in Scarborough with Hydrafacialist Renita Ireland, MA, & Medical Aesthetics Nurse Taylor Seipel, BSN, RN, LE

Optima Dermatology is excited to have Hydrafacialist Renita Ireland, MA, and Medical Aesthetics Nurse Taylor Seipel, BSN, RN, LE as our newest cosmetic skin care specialists in Scarborough, ME, serving Greater Portland. We’re excited to be able to expand our cosmetic services for our Scarborough patients.

Let’s learn a little more about our two new skin care specialists in Maine.  

Renita Ireland is a Certified Medical Assistant who has been working with patients since 2004. She earned her professional Medical Assistant Certificate from Seacoast Career Schools and has been working closely with Dr. Daniel Cuozzo, DO, FAAD and Holly Morris, MSHS, PA-C as a medical assistant at our Scarborough practice, and will now be offering HydraFacial® treatments for patients as well. 

Taylor Siepel, BSN, RN, LE, is a Medical Aesthetics Nurse who has been working with patients since 2015, and applies her advanced training in medical dermatology and cosmetic treatments, including SkinPen® microneedling, chemical peels, and CoolSculpting®. Taylor previously worked in vascular surgery and Mohs surgery, and earned her Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing from Winona State University and her Licensed Esthetician certificate from Spa Tech Institute. Like Renita, Taylor also works closely with Dr. Cuozzo and Holly Morris as a dermatology medical assistant. 

At our Scarborough, ME practice, Renita and Taylor each offer a range of cosmetic dermatology treatments for patients of all ages to help rejuvenate and brighten skin, treat scarring or stretch marks, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and remove excess or sagging skin. 

Caring for Patients with an Expert and Personalized Approach

With almost 3 decades of experience between them, Renita and Taylor are each fantastic providers who approach every patient interaction with care and a personalized approach. Individuals who visit our Scarborough, ME practice can expect to get a tailored treatment based on a thorough evaluation and thoughtful approach to what makes the most sense for your particular situation.

We recently had the opportunity to learn more about Renita and Taylor, including their individual approaches to care and the paths that led them to pursue careers in cosmetic dermatology.

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What to Expect From Renita, Taylor, and the Team 

If you’re seeking dermatological care for cosmetic skin issues, Renita, Taylor and the team at Optima Dermatology offer a wide range of services and have advanced training and experience to ensure the highest quality of care. 

Both Renita and Taylor are currently accepting new patients at our Scarborough, ME location. Request an appointment online or give us a call at (855) 277 – 9689.