‘Very visible’: Big new dermatology center coming to Stratham next to Market Basket
STRATHAM — A co-founder of ConvenientMD has received approval to build a 10,000-square-foot medical office at 23 Portsmouth Ave., on what is now an overgrown lot between the 110 Grill and Market Basket.
The Stratham Planning Board approved on Jan. 19 Optima Dermatology’s application to build what is touted as a cutting-edge medical facility, including 18 exam rooms, a Mohs surgical unit for skin cancer and on-site pathology.
“I believe this will be one of the most beautiful buildings in Stratham,” said Max Puyanic, the ConvenientMD co-founder.
ConvenientMD Founder Takes on Dermatology Access with New Startup
Using the walk-in urgent care model, Optima Dermatology to make New Hampshire debut in February
Max Puyanic wants to do for dermatology what he and his partners did for health care: make it more readily accessible.
He believes improving access to skin care will not only save money but save time and, most importantly in the case of skin cancer, save lives.
“We’re going to see patients sooner, not let the melanoma progress to the next stage. We’re going to save a lot of lives,” says Puyanic.
His new Optima Dermatology, the first of which is opening in February in Exeter while a new stand-alone facility is being built in neighboring Stratham, will be a straighter, more direct line in the diagnosis and treatment of skin disorders.
These facilities – seven are planned for New Hampshire and six in Maine to start – will offer general dermatology and cosmetology services, including pathology, surgery, and clinical trial and research, serving the Seacoast region, according to Puyanic. Their work, he said, is bound by a mission statement “to treat each and every patient the way we would want our friends and family to be treated.”
Optima Dermatology Has Opened Its First New England Practice in Exeter, NH
Exceptional Dermatology Care for Exeter-Area Residents
Optima Dermatology is pleased to announce the opening of our first New England practice, located in Exeter, NH. We’re excited to be expanding access to our expert skin care services to a new area, and look forward to serving patients in Exeter, NH and surrounding areas.
Our Exeter, NH practice, which officially opened on February 1, is in a temporary location at 1 Hampton Rd., Suite A306 across from the Exeter Town Recreation Department, while our new state-of-the-art facility is being constructed nearby.
Our Exeter practice is led by Dr. Brian M. Connolly, MD, FAAD, and his expert staff, and is currently accepting new patients. We treat a broad range of medical dermatology conditions and diseases, including skin cancer, eczema, acne, psoriasis, and others. In addition to general dermatology, Optima Dermatology offers medical aesthetic services, including neurotoxin injections (such as Botox® and Dysport®), fillers, and more.
Leading With Care and Expertise: Get to Know Dr. Brian M. Connolly
Board certified dermatologist Dr. Brian M. Connolly has been serving patients in the Seacoast area since 2018 after completing his residency at John Hopkins School of Medicine. Dr. Connolly shares Optima Dermatology’s core value of treating every patient the way we would want our friends and family to be treated, and has also applied that approach to his patient care throughout his career.
What does that mean for his patients? You can expect attentive, personalized care with treatments tailored to your specific needs. Everyone is different, and we take the time to identify the best approach to your unique skin and condition. Dr. Connolly continuously makes positive impacts in his patients’ lives by applying the latest advances in dermatological treatments and delivering a comprehensive approach to care.
We are confident patients and providers in the Exeter, NH area will find incredible value in Dr. Connolly’s expert care.
We recently had the opportunity to chat with Dr. Connolly and learn a little bit more about him, and we’re excited to share our Q&A so you can get to know him too!
Q: Where did you go to college?
A: Cornell University
Q: What made you decide to pursue a career in dermatology?
A: Dermatology is unique because it has a very broad scope. It is one of the only fields where we treat patients of all ages, literally from birth to death. Dermatology is also fun because it combines many different specialities. Dermatology uses oral and injectable medications that require the knowledge base of internal medicine. We also perform surgical excisions and advanced repair techniques in the same manner as surgeons. And lastly, we are all trained as part of our residency to perform advanced cosmetic procedures like Botox, fillers, and lasers. Dermatology truly has it all!
Q: What is your number one tip when it comes to taking care of your skin?
A: The number one thing is a consistent routine. Nothing works quickly in dermatology and medicine in general. Maintaining a consistent routine over months is of utmost importance. Exfoliating and SPF daily with a sprinkling of retinoids are a great place to start, but don’t give up too quickly. For most things, a 90-day trial is necessary before declaring a treatment failure.
Q: If there is one thing you want your patients to know about you, what would it be?
A: Skin exams can often feel embarrassing! I strive to create a comfortable environment for patients. Please don’t be nervous!
Q: What is your favorite aspect of being a dermatologist?
A: Treating skin disease is special because it goes well beyond the skin. Often the self confidence that patients develop when their skin improves expands into other arenas of their lives. An improvement in someone’s mood often positively affects social interactions, relationships, and trickles down into every aspect of life. Dermatology is much more than skin deep.
Q: What is your approach to treating your patients?
A: Every patient is an individual. With that being said, medicine (and clinical trials specifically), is very much a population-based science. Balancing individual needs and expectations with results from population-based studies is part of the art of medicine. A one-size-fits-all approach is therefore not appropriate. I work with patients to bring my knowledge of medicine and dermatology into a treatment plan that will work for their individual condition. Sometimes this approach requires some trial and error, but we will find the best regimen that works for a patient.
Working With Area Providers
As a new dermatology practice in the Seacoast, NH area, we look forward to building partnerships with the local medical community to provide a seamless approach to patient referrals and care. We value our provider relationships and strive to make the referral process an easy and positive experience for providers and patients.
If you are a provider interested in learning more about our services and our new Exeter, NH practice, or a new patient looking to schedule an appointment with Dr. Connolly, you can contact us and get more information about the new practice here.
Understand How SkinPen Microneedling Can Help Improve Your Skin
SkinPen microneedling is a safe, comfortable and easy option for treating acne scars, fine lines and wrinkles, and enhancing the overall appearance of your skin. As the first FDA-cleared device, SkinPen microneedling is made in the USA and rigorously tested for safety.
What is SkinPen Microneedling?
The SkinPen microneedling device uses tiny, sterilized needles to prick the skin and create microscopic channels that activate the body’s natural healing response, stimulating the production of elastin and collagen.
Think of a SkinPen microneedling treatment as a reset for your skin. The increased production of collagen and elastin makes the skin look younger, healthier, and more luminous.
It’s important to note that while microneedling is also available with at-home devices, these treatments are unlikely to produce the same quality and long-lasting results as SkinPen microneedling delivered by a board-certified dermatologist or medical aesthetics provider using the FDA-cleared device.
At-home treatments can also cause complications like infection or injury due to dull or poorly sterilized needles.For the best long term results for your skin health, we recommend consulting with our dermatologist or specialized medical aesthetic providers who are highly experienced and trained to provide these precision SkinPen treatments.
Do I Need SkinPen Microneedling?
SkinPen microneedling is an effective way to treat a variety of skin conditions. It is typically performed on the face, but can also be used to treat the skin on other areas of the body, such as the neck or decolletage.
Cosmetic conditions that can be treated with SkinPen microneedling include:
Sunspots
Scars
Stretch marks
Fine lines and wrinkles
Reduced skin elasticity
Medical conditions that can be treated with SkinPen microneedling include:
Alopecia (hair loss)
Large pores
Acne
Dark patches or other types of hyperpigmentation
What Can I Expect From a SkinPen Microneedling Treatment?
The treatment typically takes between 10 and 30 minutes and has few side effects. You can expect 3-6 visits to see the full effects of your SkinPen microneedling treatment.
At your visit, your dermatologist or medical aesthetic provider will apply a numbing cream to your face. The SkinPen microneedling device itself will be moved around the treatment area, and tiny needles within the device will prick the surface of the skin.
Minor bleeding from the treatment is rare but possible. Your provider may apply a soothing cream to alleviate any discomfort.
SkinPen microneedling has relatively minor side effects, but you may experience any of the following:
Pain and redness: Because of the needle pricks, you may feel pain at the treated site or have redness for a few days.
Peeling: As with any injury to the skin such as sunburn, you may have peeling as the treated site heals.
Bruising: Especially if you experienced bleeding during treatment, you may have some minor bruising as well. As with any bruise, it is caused by damaged blood cells and will clear on its own.
Contact your provider if any of these side effects last longer than a few days or cause a severe reaction. In rare cases, scarring or infection can occur. It’s best to discuss all side effects with your dermatologist before beginning a SkinPen microneedling treatment.
SkinPen Microneedling Before and After
Depending on your goals and skin condition, our providers will create a custom plan with a recommended number of treatments, typically three to six total. Usually, treatments occur four to six weeks apart. While you may not see the full results until 2 to 4 weeks after your final visit, you can see improvements in just one week following the first procedure. Your skin will gradually improve as your body’s healing process promotes collagen remodeling.
Following each treatment, you should take care of your skin by avoiding sun exposure and applying any creams or ointments prescribed by your dermatologist. You will be able to apply makeup the following day post treatment.
We recommend a thorough consultation before beginning treatment so you understand what to expect from SkinPen microneedling before and after the treatment.
Our team of expert dermatologists and medical aesthetic providers are highly skilled, with advanced training and experience for a range of procedures and treatments. Our team also values exceptional patient care above all else, so you’ll know you’re in good hands.
For cosmetic issues such as fine lines or wrinkles, and medical conditions like muscle spasms or migraines, Botox® injections are a widely-used treatment. If you’re thinking about getting Botox® to treat a cosmetic or medical condition, you’ve come to the right place to learn more about what Botox® is, how it’s used, and what to expect from your Botox® treatment.
What is Botox®?
Let’s start with the basics. Botox® is a well-known and trusted brand name for a toxin that is made from the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum. There are other brands such as Dysport and Xeomin, but Botox® gained popularity as the first injectable botulinum toxin.
Put more simply, Botox® is a neurotoxin that blocks signals from the nerves to the muscles, causing muscles to relax and soften. Preventing the nerves from activating certain muscles can have a profound impact on reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, or relieving more serious or chronic medical conditions.
Millions of individuals have chosen Botox® injections as an effective way to treat cosmetic and medical conditions and it has a robust safety record over the decades it has been used.
How is Botox® Used?
Botox® injections can be a helpful and effective solution for a variety of conditions, both cosmetic and medical.
Cosmetic treatments using Botox® can include:
Lips: A couple of units of Botox® can create a subtle “flip” of the top lip by relaxing the muscle in the upper lip. Additionally, a few units of Botox® can prevent the top lip from rising too high and showing the gums when smiling.
Mouth: Botox® injections can relax the muscles around the mouth and lips, reducing the frequency of lip “pursing” that causes vertical lines around the mouth.
Marionette Lines: The depressor angularis oris (DAO) muscle can cause the corners of the mouth to turn down, forming what is often called “marionette lines” or a sad face look. Botox® injections can prevent the mouth from turning down and will not impact your gorgeous smile!
Eyes: Botox® injections are a popular treatment to reduce the appearance of crow’s feet, the fine lines around the eyes.
Eyebrows: A few units of Botox® injected between the eyebrows and at the tail-end of the brows can create a subtle “brow lift” and open up the eyes without causing a surprised look.
Chin: The texture of the chin can change over time and resemble the uneven texture similar to an orange peel. This texturizing is caused by the mentalis muscle that sits on the ball of the chin. This muscle also creates the horizontal line above the chin, which can deepen over time. Injecting a few units of Botox® can cause the ball of the chin to come down, preventing the uneven skin texture and deeper horizontal line.
Nose: The nasalis, commonly referred to as “bunny lines”, are the small lines on the side of the upper part of the bridge of the nose. Individuals who scrunch their noses while smiling or laughing will likely see the formation and deepening of these lines over time. A few units of Botox® injected on each side can reduce their appearance.
Neck: Everyone has superficial muscles in the neck called platysmal bands. The more these muscles are used, the stronger they get, which can cause unwanted skin laxity in the neck and under the chin, making the bands more prominent. Botox® injections can reduce the appearance of the platysmal bands and keep them from contributing to increased skin laxity.
Medical conditions that can be treated with Botox® include:
Chronic Migraines: Botox® can be effective at blocking the neurotransmitters that carry pain signals to the brain, minimizing the frequency or severity of chronic migraine headaches.
Underarm Sweating (Hyperhidrosis): Botox® injections can block the nerve signals that cause sweating, and can prevent sweat glands from over-producing sweat.
Muscle Spasms: Cervical Dystonia is a neurological disorder that causes involuntary movement in the neck muscles. Botox® injections can relax the muscles and reduce spasms over time.
Uncontrollable Blinking of the Eyes: Uncontrolled blinking, called Blepharospasm, can be treated using Botox®. Botox® blocks the nerve signals that tell the muscles of the eyes to contract, reducing the frequency or severity of muscle spasms around the eye.
Lazy Eye: Individuals with lazy eye have an imbalance in the muscles responsible for positioning the eye. Botox® can help stimulate the muscles and correct this issue.
TMJ: Temporomandibular joint disorder, as well as highly common teeth clenching and grinding, can be treated by injecting the masseter muscle with Botox®.
What to Expect From Your Treatment: Botox® Before and After
Botox® has been used for many years and has an excellent safety record; however, every person is different and it’s important to understand what to expect from your Botox® treatment.
A Botox® procedure only takes a few minutes, is non-invasive in most cases, and has few if any major side effects for most people.
Before your Botox® treatment, it is advised that you avoid alcohol for a week leading up to the procedure, and refrain from taking anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen up to two weeks prior to the procedure, as it can increase risk of bruising following treatment.
Before receiving a Botox® treatment, you will have an in-depth conversation with your provider about what to expect, and you should use this time to ask any questions you have and ensure you are comfortable and feel knowledgeable going into the treatment.
Following most types of Botox® injections, patients experience mild if any side effects. Possible, temporary side effects can include:
Pain, swelling, or bruising at the injection site
Headache or flu-like symptoms
Numbness
Crooked smile or drooling
Droopy eyelid
Eye dryness or excessive tearing
Weakness in nearby muscles
Side effects vary depending on the location of your Botox® treatment and the specific condition you are treating. In most cases, patients are able to go back to their lives as normal following the treatment but may be advised to avoid exercise and remain upright for 4 hours.
Patients also should avoid rubbing the injection site to prevent spreading the Botox® to other areas.
The effects from your Botox® treatment should last between 3 to 4 months before activity returns to the muscles. Over time, if you continue to treat the affected area with Botox® injections, your cosmetic or medical condition should improve.
How to Get the Best Results From Your Botox® Injection
Seeking care from a trained and certified medical aesthetics provider ensures you will have a safe, effective, and positive experience with Botox®. At Optima Dermatology, we work closely with each patient to discuss your needs, present your options, and provide a clear picture of what you can expect from your treatment.
Our team of aesthetic providers is highly skilled, with advanced training and experience for a range of procedures and treatments. Our team also values exceptional patient care above all else, so you’ll know you’re in good hands.
Meet Shelley Plescia, NP-C, Expert Medical Aesthetics Provider
Take Advantage of Expert Neurotoxin Injections and Other Cosmetic Dermatology Treatments
Optima Dermatology’s Macedonia, OH team is excited to welcome our newest medical aesthetics provider, Shelley Plescia, NP-C. Shelley brings more than 17 years of experience in dermatology and aesthetics, with advanced training and experience with neurotoxin injection treatments, dermal fillers, hair restoration, and microneedling.
Shelley has treated patients across the country from South Carolina and Michigan to Orange County and Beverly Hills, CA. With each transition, Shelley sought more training to gain greater experience, and has even provided training to health care providers in aesthetic injection, neurotoxins, and HA fillers.
A Commitment to Excellent Patient Care
Shelley’s approach to patient care reflects Optima Dermatology’s commitment to treating every patient the way we would want our friends and family to be treated.
Shelley’s patients can expect custom aesthetic treatment plans tailored to their needs. She is passionate about making a positive impact in her patients’ lives and strives to build long-term relationships with her patients.
We recently had the opportunity to learn more about Shelley, her approach, and the path that led her to pursue aesthetic dermatology.
How/when did you know you wanted to be a nurse practitioner? Were you always interested in medical aesthetics? What was your path to this career?
I was interested in aesthetics when I was 21 and started getting acne facials. I loved my aesthetician and she made me feel so much better about myself, which made me want to make others feel the same way. My aesthetics career started when I became an aesthetician working for a dermatologist and a plastic surgeon doing facials, peels, microdermabrasion, laser hair removal, IPL, Fraxel, and more. Working with physicians and nurses, I was able to see a lot and I learned so much from them. Given this opportunity, I wanted to go back to school to expand my knowledge and skills to have the ability to provide my patients with more advanced treatments. I then decided to go back to school for nursing to expand my scope of practice and to be able to do cosmetic injections, assist in surgeries, and much more. Fast forward a few years – I worked in Orange County and Beverly Hills as a nurse injector and laser specialist prior to moving to Ohio. I then returned to school to pursue my nurse practitioner degree so I could expand my scope of practice even more.
What do you enjoy most about treating your patients and what is unique about your approach?
I enjoy making my patients feel more confident. First, I make sure to thoroughly consult with my patients to understand their cosmetic concerns and goals. My approach is conservative and natural. I provide my patients with a treatment plan to address their concerns. Each patient is unique; what I recommended for one patient may not be my recommendation for another. To achieve optimal results, a variety of treatments may be recommended, as well as a series of treatments. I make sure my patients have realistic expectations; patient education and communication are key.
What are some common treatment areas for neurotoxin injections, and what technique do you typically apply?
A couple of units of a neurotoxin can create a subtle flip of the top lip for those that are not ready for filler. If a patient has a “gummy smile” we can inject just a few units to keep the top lip from rising too high and showing the gums when smiling.
For vertical lines around the mouth, a neurotoxin can relax the muscles and decrease the “pursing” around the lips that end up creating the lines. Patients will still be able to eat, drink, talk and smile, since the muscles are still active, just not as strong as they were prior to treatment.
There is a muscle that causes the corners of our mouth to turn down, contributing to a “sad face” look, and over time can cause what we call marionette lines. This muscle is the depressor angularis oris (DAO) and can be treated with a few units of neurotoxin to keep the mouth from turning down. The smile is not affected when treating this muscle.
We all know you can treat the “crow’s feet,” and decrease lines around the eyes. But did you know we can create a subtle “brow lift” and open up the eyes without causing a “surprised look”? We do this by treating the tail-end of the brow with a small amount of neurotoxin, as well as a few units between the brows.
The texture of the chin can change over time and cause an “orange peel” or golf ball texture, which is caused by the mentalis muscle that sits in the ball of the chin. This muscle also creates the horizontal line above our chin, which can deepen over time. Treating the mentalis muscle can cause the ball of the chin to come down and prevent it from turning upward, which can cause uneven skin texture and deepen the horizontal line.
The nasalis, aka “bunny lines”, are the small lines on the side of the upper part of the bridge of our nose. Some people scrunch this area when smiling or laughing and lines form. This muscle can be treated with just a few units on each side.
We have superficial muscles in our neck called platysmal bands. The more these muscles are used, the stronger they get, which can cause unwanted skin laxity in the neck and under the chin, making the bands appear more prominent.
What kind of medical conditions can neurotoxin injections help with?
Neurotoxins not only treat lines on the face from repetitive expression and muscle movement but can also help with migraines. Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), and teeth clenching and grinding can also be treated by injecting the masseter muscle. In addition, neurotoxin injections can address hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating under the arms. Blepharospasm, or eye twitching, can also be treated by neurotoxin injections to decrease the muscle contraction that’s causing the spasm or twitch near the eyes.
What are the most common areas you treat with filler?
Cheeks are a common area for filler since we lose volume in our cheeks as we age, which in turn causes the fat pad of our cheeks to flatten over time. This volume reduction can also occur with weight loss or simply having a thin face.
Another common area is the lips. Patients often want to add more volume to the lip area or to treat the fine lines around the lips called perioral rhytides.
Where are some unexpected areas that you treat with filler that produce great results?
Common areas many people don’t realize that can be treated with filler and make great improvements are the temples, chin, and hands. As we lose volume in our cheeks, we lose volume in our temples. If we only treat the cheeks with filler, we may not have the balance needed for a youthful look. Having filler placed only in the cheek area can make the temples look even more hollow. Treating the chin can help create more balance in the face.
The skin on our hands is thin. Over time, the veins and the tendons become more prominent. We can inject filler to add more volume so that the veins and tendons are not as noticeable, and the skin appears thicker as it once was.
Which patients would you recommend a SkinPen® treatment for? What are the benefits of incorporating PRP into the treatment?
The SkinPen® is a great treatment for improving acne scars, large pores, fine lines, and uneven skin texture. Microneedling done with the SkinPen® is a non-invasive, in-office procedure that helps stimulate collagen, also known as collagen induction therapy. This non-invasive treatment has minimal downtime and can be done on any skin type. We all lose collagen over time, so the SkinPen® is a great way to stimulate the collagen in the skin.
The benefit of incorporating PRP with the SkinPen® treatment is to stimulate even more collagen than the SkinPen® alone can and to promote healing and skin rejuvenation. The PRP contains growth factors that allow more collagen to be stimulated and help with tissue repair. In addition, PRP can also be done in the scalp area for hair growth.
What do you like to do when you are not in the office?
I enjoy getting outdoors, being active, and love to hike with my husband and our two mini-Goldendoodles, Luna & Cali. I also enjoy cooking and spending quality time with family and friends. You can also find me running, biking, biohacking, wine tasting, and traveling.
Answer this question: If you know me you would know…
Gymnastics was my first love. I adore my two mini-Goldendoodles. I love the outdoors, especially the mountains and the beach. I always have my sunscreen! Balance is key.
What to Expect From Cosmetic Treatments From Shelley and Her Team
If you’re considering a cosmetic treatment such as HALO™, BBL™, or Botox®, it’s important to understand your options and explore the best treatments for your specific goals.
Our expert team of specialized medical aesthetic providers, like Shelley, have advanced training and experience for a range of procedures and treatments. These include:
Dermal fillers (including Juvéderm®, VolumaTM, Vollure, Volbella, and Restylane®)
Laser treatments
PRP hair restoration
Microneedling
& More
Come in for a free consultation to learn what will work best for you. Shelley is accepting new patients at Optima Dermatology’s Macedonia, OH practice, serving the Cleveland area.
Temporary Location Will Offer Quality Dermatology Care for Macedonia Residents
Optima Dermatology is now open in Macedonia, Ohio and looks forward to providing expert dermatology care to patients in the greater Cleveland area. We take great pride in making access to our expert skin care easy and convenient, and we’re excited to be serving patients in this community.
The temporary practice is located at 911 East Aurora Rd in Macedonia and is currently accepting new patients. Our exceptional care, provided by Meredith Reimer, MD, FAAD, and her expert staff, address a broad range of medical dermatology conditions and diseases, including skin cancer, eczema, acne, psoriasis, and more. Dr. Reimer and her team also provide cosmetic services, including fillers and neurotoxin injections such as Botox® and Dysport®.
Dr. Reimer has been serving patients in the Cleveland area since 2013, preceded by two years in Colorado and four years in Chicago.
Cosmetic Services Offering
Another exciting feature of our Macedonia practice is cosmetic services provided by Shelley Plescia, NP. Plescia joins the Optima Dermatology team with more than 17 years of experience in dermatology and aesthetics, treating patients across the country from South Carolina and Michigan to Beverly Hills, CA.
Plescia has advanced training and experience with Botox® and Dysport®, dermal fillers, including Juvéderm®, VolumaTM, Vollure, Volbella, and Restylane®, Kybella®, PRP hair restoration, and microneedling. Plescia has also trained healthcare providers in aesthetic injection, neurotoxins, and HA fillers.
Plescia’s patients can expect custom aesthetic treatment plans tailored to their needs. She is passionate about making a positive impact in her patients’ lives and strives to build long-term relationships with her patients.
Referrals and Our Provider Relationships
We look forward to building trusted partnerships with the local medical community for a more seamless approach to patient referrals and care. We believe in close collaboration to ensure a positive experience for both patients and providers, and to create a welcoming and friendly atmosphere for dermatological skin care.
We work hard to make the referral process easy for patients and providers. If you are a provider interested in learning more about our services and our new Macedonia practice, or a new patient looking to schedule an appointment with Dr. Reimer, you can contact us or get more information here.
Leading With Expertise: Get to Know Dr. Meredith Reimer
We’re thrilled to introduce Dr. Meredith Reimer, board certified dermatologist who will be serving patients at the Macedonia location and overseeing her expert team. Dr. Reimer shares Optima Dermatology’s core value of treating every patient the way we would want our friends and family to be treated and has applied that approach to her patient care throughout her career.
We are confident patients and providers in the Macedonia area will enjoy working with Dr. Reimer and will find incredible value in her expert care.
We recently had the opportunity to sit down with Dr. Reimer and learn a little bit more about her, and we’re excited to share our Q&A so you can get to know her too!
Q: Where did you go to college?
A: I went to college at Northwestern University in Chicago and I studied biomedical engineering. I always knew that I wanted to go to medical school and pursue medicine as a career. I then went to medical school at The Ohio State University. I was interested in lots of different specialties and didn’t decide to pursue dermatology until I did my first dermatology rotation as a 4th-year medical student.
Q: What made you decide to pursue your career in dermatology?
A: I chose dermatology because I loved the diverse nature of our patient care and patient interaction. I also love seeing patients of all ages and genders.
Q: What is your number one tip when it comes to taking care of your skin?
A: Sun protection!
Q: If there was one thing you wish your patients knew about you, what would it be?
A: I have 4 kids (ages 2-14), so most of my free time is with them! They are a busy crew with lots of activities and sports. Outside of my kids, I try to keep active, spend time with friends and family, travel (during NON-Covid times!), and read.
Q: What is your favorite aspect of being a dermatologist?
A: I love forming relationships with patients and their families. One of my favorite parts of practicing is that I get to know a patient’s whole family, often spanning many generations.
Q: What is your approach to treating your patients?
A: I try very hard to form a collaborative and trusting relationship with patients
Optima Dermatology is now open and accepting patients in Macedonia, Ohio. If you would like to schedule an appointment, please visit our Macedonia page. We look forward to seeing you at our practice!
7 Questions to Ask Your Dermatologist if You’re Diagnosed With Eczema
If you’ve been diagnosed with eczema, you might feel a bit of relief at finally having an explanation for your itchy, bumpy skin. But your next order of business should be asking your dermatologist about the best treatment for eczema and how you can manage it.
There are a lot of ways to treat eczema, as well as lifestyle changes you can make to relieve or prevent the symptoms. Your dermatologist will be able to help you navigate the options based on your specific type of eczema, your age, and your health history.
First Thing’s First: What Type of Eczema Do You Have?
At Optima Dermatology, we won’t just diagnose you with eczema; we will tell you the specific type of eczema you have. Eczema manifests in different ways, and depending on which type you have, the best treatment for eczema can vary.
Here is a quick rundown of the different types of eczema:
Atopic Dermatitis (AD)
An extremely common form of Eczema that begins with itchy skin that forms a rash. It affects infants, children, and adults. In adults, AD often manifests on the hands or eyes as dry, scaly, or patchy areas. Common symptoms include itching, and raw, bleeding, or oozing skin.
Contact Dermatitis
Caused by an irritant that comes in contact with your skin and triggers an itchy, rashy reaction. In some cases, the cause is as simple as the laundry detergent you’re using, but it can also be more difficult to know what you are coming in contact with that is irritating your skin.
Dyshidrotic Eczema
Also called Pompholyx, this type of eczema causes tiny, highly itchy blisters on the hands and feet and can become chronic. The most effective treatment is identifying the allergen that is triggering the blisters.
Hand Eczema
Deep, painful cracks on the hands accompanied by excessively dry or chapped skin. It can lead to painful, bleeding blisters that are uncomfortable and hard to manage, and traditional hand creams and moisturizers do little to relieve the symptoms.
Neurodermatitis
Highly common among adults and tends to affect only one or two patches on the body, as opposed to other types of eczema that affect multiple areas at once. The cause of Neurodermatitis is unknown, but treatments are highly effective.
Nummular Eczema
Typically brought on by extremely dry skin, Nummular Eczema manifests as itchy, red bumps and can look similar to Atopic Dermatitis and Ringworm. Moisturizing treatments are the most helpful for preventing Nummular Eczema.
Stasis Dermatitis
Primarily affects the lower legs and feet, causing inflammation, swelling, itchiness, scaling, and hyperpigmentation. In some cases, ulceration occurs. Stasis Dermatitis is caused by chronic edema or swelling, and treatment is highly focused on a self-care routine.
7 Questions to Ask Your Dermatologist About Treating and Managing Eczema
Could my eczema be caused by an allergy or another health condition?
In children specifically, there is a link between allergies and eczema. WebMD presents several interesting statistics about the correlation between allergies and eczema in children and their parents:
About 80% of children who have eczema experience allergies like hay fever or asthma later in childhood.
When parents suffer from seasonal allergies or asthma, there is a 1 in 3 chance their child will develop eczema.
37% of adults who suffer from nasal allergies or asthma experienced eczema as kids.
35% of children with moderate to severe eczema also suffer from food allergies.
While eczema is caused by a problem with the outer layer of your skin, symptoms can correlate with allergies or be exacerbated by certain allergens like pollen, dander, cosmetics, fabric softeners or soaps, and certain foods.
Your dermatologist may recommend allergy testing or an elimination experiment to try and identify a potential allergen that could be causing your eczema to flare up. In some cases, patients may be diagnosed with another health condition like Celiac Disease or Lactose Intolerance that is creating larger problems for their eczema.
Can I enjoy a day outdoors in the sun without worrying about an eczema flare-up?
Sun exposure can make your eczema worse. When your skin heats up, perspiration or UV ray irritation can cause eczema to flare up or existing flareups to worsen.
However, your dermatologist can work with you to help you manage your eczema without having to sacrifice quality of life. Days spent outside enjoying the fresh air are extremely healthy for your overall well being, and the right eczema treatment combined with sun protection measures, can help you keep your plans, and keep your eczema under control.
Do sweat and exercise make eczema worse?
Similar to the effects of sun exposure, sweating from exercise or vigorous activity can also cause an eczema flareup, or worsen an existing flare up. However, exercise is important for staying healthy and for reducing stress, and your dermatologist can help you manage your eczema so you can stay comfortable during exerting activities.
Can stress make my eczema flare up or worsen?
Emotional stress causes a “fight-or-flight” reaction in the body that produces the stress hormones Cortisol and Adrenaline. When too much Cortisol is produced, it causes an inflammatory response in the body, and this type of internal inflammation can cause your eczema to flare up.
Eczema caused by stress can turn into a vicious cycle when you are also experiencing stress because of your eczema. Stress management is the most important step in managing eczema caused by stress, and your dermatologist can help you pursue the appropriate mental health care to manage your stress and your eczema.
Can eczema cause other skin conditions or lead to other health complications?
Because eczema is an inflammatory condition, it may put additional stress on the body that makes individuals with eczema more susceptible to other health problems. While eczema has been linked with certain allergies, like hay fever, asthma, or food allergies, it has also been linked to more serious conditions like obesity and heart disease.
Other issues include a greater risk of different skin conditions, mental health challenges caused by feelings of self-consciousness or depression from dealing with eczema symptoms, and even poor sleep habits.
At Optima Dermatology, our goal is to understand every aspect of your skin condition, including those that may not be direct symptoms. Treating the whole person is the only way to improve quality of life and avoid additional health challenges down the road.
Is there a skincare routine I can follow to prevent flare-ups?
Taking care of your skin is important whether or not you have eczema, but for eczema symptoms, a skincare routine that involves daily moisturizing with a fragrance-free cream can be helpful. It is recommended that you apply the moisturizer after bathing as water also adds moisture to the skin.
You can also use ointments or creams with high oil content. Oil won’t burn or sting affected skin as much as a water-based lotion, and it helps seal moisture into your skin.
The National Eczema Association also recommends skin barrier creams. These contain lipids and ceramides, which are naturally occurring substances that support healthy function of the skin. Lipids are part of what makes up the structure and function of skin cells, and ceramides help form a barrier in the skin. Both substances can help the skin heal and be more resistant to eczema symptoms.
Your dermatologist can help you create a healthy daily skincare routine to complement additional eczema treatment. Understanding how to care for your skin, even when you’re not experiencing a flare-up, promotes habits for healthy skin into the future.
What lifestyle changes can I make to prevent flare-ups?
If you are diagnosed with eczema, you will likely begin a treatment plan after consulting with your dermatologist that can include medicated solutions. However, there are also lifestyle changes that can help keep your eczema stay under control.
We have already mentioned the importance of adopting a healthy skincare routine and taking precautions when spending time in the sun or when exercising. To further prevent flare-ups and worsening eczema symptoms, wear lighter, loose-fitting clothing made with breathable fabrics, avoid scratching the affected skin, and consider adjusting your diet to avoid foods that can cause an inflammatory response in the body, such as sugar.
Eczema manifests in different forms and can affect everyone differently. All types of eczema are treatable using a combination of medicated solutions and self-directed care, such as adopting a healthy skincare routine and identifying and avoiding allergens and triggers.
Your first step in treating and managing eczema should be asking your dermatologist these 7 important questions and understanding how to keep your eczema under control while maintaining your quality of life. At Optima Dermatology, our expert, board-certified dermatologists know the best approach to treating and managing your eczema.
Identifying, Treating, and Preventing Skin Conditions in Young Athletes
Tips for Parents As Kids Head Back to School
The occasional pulled muscle, ankle sprain, or even broken bone are well-known, albeit unfortunate, byproducts of playing any sport. A lesser-realized risk, however, are the skin conditions in young athletes that, while common, have the potential to sideline a player.
Athletes in particular are at greater risk of developing a skin condition because of being in close contact with other players, and the presence of sweat and wetness against the skin that provides an ideal environment for bacteria.
In most cases, skin conditions in young athletes won’t prevent their participation in a sport, but there are more serious skin infections where contact should be avoided. However, with sports clubs and teams starting up with back-to-school in the fall, both you and your young athletes should be aware of different skin conditions, how to treat them, and how they can be prevented.
Skin Conditions in Young Athletes You Should Know About
Due to the unique conditions of gyms and the environment that is present in contact sports, bacteria often grow easily and can infect unsuspecting young athletes who simply suffered a scrape or forgot to bandage an open wound.
In some cases, these skin conditions and infections can be more long-term and require ongoing treatment, and depending on the severity, they can impact a player’s ability to participate. Early identification and treatment, however, can make a significant difference.
Staph infections. The risk of contracting a staph infection is one of the primary reasons why it is important to bandage any open sore before going to a gym facility or playing a contact sport. The bacteria, staphylococcus aureus, spreads through skin-to-skin contact and enters the body easily through open wounds. Staph can cause a number of different types of infections; the most common to athletic environments are cellulitis and skin abscesses, both of which affect the inner layer of the skin.
Symptoms: Red, swollen, warm, sensitive skin. In the case of an abscess, it may have the appearance of a hard ball, which can be filled with fluid.
Risks: Staph infections can become resistant to antibiotics, making them far more difficult to treat. This form, known as Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) must be addressed right away to avoid systemic infection.
Treatment: Topical or oral antibiotics, and drainage of the abscess if present. Always cover the affected area with a bandage and clean thoroughly.
Ringworm. Primarily a risk for young athletes who come in close contact with one another and share equipment like helmets or gloves, Ringworm, which is caused by a fungus (not a worm), can cause a number of different skin reactions. Ringworm spreads easily between infected people, animals, or objects contaminated with the fungus, such as a piece of equipment or a locker room floor. Depending on which part of the body it affects, Ringworm has different names: when it impacts the feet it is known as Athlete’s Foot; when it impacts the groin it is often called Jock Itch, and when it impacts the scalp it is known as Scalp Ringworm.
Symptoms: A red, itchy, ring-shaped skin rash. Symptoms of Athlete’s Foot include an itchy, burning rash between the toes and on the soles of the feet. It can also cause blisters. Symptoms of Scalp Ringworm include itchy, scaly, red bald spots.
Risks: In rare cases, the infection can go deeper into the skin and make it more difficult to treat. Scalp Ringworm can also become more severe if left untreated, resulting in larger or permanent bald spots.
Treatment: Antifungal creams, powders, or oral medications are effective at treating Ringworm. Antifungal shampoos are often also prescribed to prevent Scalp Ringworm from spreading.
Warts. There are many different types of warts individuals can develop as a result of physical contact, and young athletes in particular contract them easily, commonly on the bottom of the feet or in-between fingers. They may impact participation in sports depending on where they are located and how severe they are, but warts are typically very treatable.
Symptoms: A round area of hard tissue that sticks out from the skin or is embedded in the skin, and is painful when pressure is applied.
Risks: When left untreated, warts can continue to grow and cause greater discomfort, impacting daily life.
Treatment: Dermatologist-administered cryotherapy, in which liquid nitrogen is used to freeze the skin, is effective at removing warts. In other cases, an over-the-counter wart removal treatment can be effective.
Molluscum. This contagious skin infection causes raised lesions or bumps called Mollusca on the skin primarily in exposed areas. Mollusca live only in the top layer of the skin, and this skin infection is especially prevalent among young athletes because it can easily be spread through person-to-person contact.
Symptoms: A small, raised, round, flesh-colored bump that typically has a small dent or indentation at the top of the bump. The bumps can be red and itchy. In younger individuals, Molluscum is commonly found on the arms, legs, face, neck, hands, or armpits.
Risks: Itching the bumps can cause them to scrape off and allows for the spread of the infection to other areas of the skin. It is also contagious via skin-to-skin contact or contaminated objects such as towels.
Treatment: While Molluscum typically resolves itself in about 6 to 12 months, it can last for a longer amount of time and require treatment. A dermatologist can treat Molluscum in several different ways depending on the symptoms. Treatment options include scraping or freezing the bumps, or a medication that causes the bumps to blister and fall off.
Impetigo. Caused by strains of both staphylococcus aureus bacteria and streptococcus bacteria, Impetigo is highly contagious but easy to treat. It is more common among children and spreads easily in athletic environments due to close contact between players and the prevalence of a warm or humid environment.
Symptoms: It typically manifests as a rash that can be characterized by small blisters. Often, a dark or honey-colored crust appears if the blisters have burst.
Risks: It can spread very quickly to other parts of the body through contact transfer.
Treatment: Impetigo is easy to treat with topical or oral antibiotics, but because it is so contagious, players should wait to participate until it has cleared up.
Other Skin Conditions
Young athletes are prone to developing skin conditions that are temporary or non-contagious and, depending on severity, unlikely to impact their participation in a sport. These skin conditions are more common and rarely are cause for concern.
Cuts, scrapes, and other skin sores. Young athletes often develop skin injuries like cuts, scrapes, blisters, or friction burns. While common and often seen as minor, these injuries should be treated and well-bandaged to prevent blood or other fluids from coming into contact with other players. As long as the player can still comfortably participate, these skin injuries shouldn’t impact participation.
Folliculitis. Easily spread through skin-to-skin contact, Folliculitis manifests as small, itchy red bumps or white head pimples and occurs when the hair follicles become infected and inflamed. Folliculitis can appear anywhere on the skin and is typically caused by bacterial or fungal infections. Bacterial Folliculitis is generally caused by staphylococcus aureus after it enters the body through an open wound. Folliculitis typically clears on its own, but in more severe cases, a dermatologist may prescribe an antibiotic or antifungal cream.
Psoriasis. This itchy, chronic, autoimmune skin disease is not caused by athletics; rather, certain athletic conditions can cause flare ups or discomfort for individuals who suffer from psoriasis. For young athletes, avoiding scrapes and skin lesions during play can help reduce the onset of psoriasis symptoms. During flare ups, players should avoid synthetic fabrics, use skin-protecting lotions and sunblock, stay hydrated, and clean off immediately to limit the amount of time sweat stays on the body. Psoriasis is not contagious. Click here to learn more about psoriasis.
How Young Athletes Can Avoid Contracting Skin Conditions and Infections
Contact between players is often inevitable in sports, but there are precautions young athletes can take to minimize their exposure to and risk of a skin condition or infection.
Wear breathable clothing. Most athletic apparel is moisture-wicking and breathable, which helps keep the skin dry and prevent the growth or spread of bacteria.
Shower after practices and games. Washing up right after a practice or game reduces the amount of time sweat lingers on the skin, allows cuts and scrapes to be cleaned up, and prevents the growth or spread of bacteria.
Don’t share personal care items. Towels, razors, hair brushes, soap, and other items can all facilitate the spread of harmful bacteria. Players should use their own items and avoid sharing with others.
Wash athletic clothes, gear, and towels. Wearing the same sweat-soaked clothes or gear multiple times allows bacteria to flourish and enter the body through the skin more easily. Washing or disinfecting these items between practices and games stops bacteria in its tracks and keeps players healthier and safer.
Cover those feet. Warts and other skin conditions can spread through surfaces like locker room floors, especially in humid, moisture-laden shower areas. Wearing flip flops protects players’ feet and keeps bacteria from getting in.
Bandage or cover open sores. Even if it’s just a paper cut, putting a bandage over an open wound keeps the skin protected during high-intensity activities that can be a breeding ground for bacterial growth.
Young athletes are likely not thinking about the risks of skin conditions and infections when they’re out on the field or in the gym, but prevention is far easier than having to treat what can be severe or highly uncomfortable symptoms.
Additionally, many of these skin conditions or infections can impact an entire team – not just a single player – if allowed to spread. The earlier they are identified and treated, the better. It is a good idea to routinely conduct skin checks on young athletes to be sure there are no skin anomalies present.
In the event of a skin condition or infection in your young athlete, Optima Dermatology is here to help. We are committed to helping our patients navigate treatment and get young athletes back in the game as soon as possible.
What is Psoriasis? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
How to Identify and Manage this Common, Inflammatory Skin Disease
There can be many causes of itchy, red, burning or stinging skin, but if it is persistent and won’t go away on its own, you may have psoriasis. What is psoriasis? It’s a chronic skin disease that can affect any part of the body, but is often found on the knees, elbows, or scalp.
The National Psoriasis Foundation explains that psoriasis is caused by an overactive immune system in which the growth of skin cells occurs very quickly. It takes about a month for normal skin cells to finish growing and be shed from the body. With psoriasis, skin cells finish growing every few days, and instead of shedding, they pile up on the surface of the skin.
In most cases, psoriasis is characterized by raised areas, or plaques, on the skin that are typically red, itchy, and can burn or sting.
Psoriasis is not contagious, and is not always hereditary. It can be difficult to pinpoint exactly what causes psoriasis in a certain individual, but we do know that it occurs when the immune system is reacting to a triggering event, which can include illness, stress, exposure to hot or cold temperatures, contact with an allergen, or even trauma to the skin, such as a burn or scrape.
Do I Have Psoriasis?
If you are experiencing itchy, red, burning or stinging skin, always contact your dermatologist for a clear diagnosis. Individuals who suffer from psoriasis describe it as a persistent burning, stinging itch; different from something more benign like a rash or irritation.
There are actually five primary types of psoriasis that can all affect different parts of the body. Some individuals have more than one type of psoriasis.
Plaque Psoriasis: This most common type affects 80-90 percent of individuals diagnosed with psoriasis. Plaque psoriasis manifests as raised patches of skin called plaques, which are itchy, red, inflamed, and often appear to have silvery scales or even a dark coloration, depending on skin type.
Inverse Psoriasis: Affecting about 25% of those living with psoriasis, inverse psoriasis is most commonly identified by the lack of scales on the skin that are so common with plaque psoriasis. It is also most often found within skin folds – under arms, under the breasts, or in the genital or buttocks areas.
Guttate Psoriasis: Slightly different in appearance from other types of psoriasis, guttate psoriasis typically manifests as small red spots, and is frequently found on the arms, legs, chest, stomach, or back. Guttate psoriasis is less common, affecting about 8 percent of those living with psoriasis.
Pustular Psoriasis: A far smaller population of people (about 3 percent) are affected by this type of psoriasis, which is characterized by pus-filled bumps that are painful and irritated. While it is most commonly found on the hands and feet, it can also appear on any area of the body.
Erythrodermic Psoriasis: Very rarely, individuals with psoriasis may develop erythrodermic psoriasis, which causes redness and excessive shedding of skin layers. About 2 percent of people with psoriasis suffer from erythrodermic psoriasis, and it can be severe enough to be life threatening. Symptoms include itching and pain, an almost burned appearance of the skin, as well as more serious conditions such as changes in heart rate or dehydration.
In some cases, psoriasis can lead to other health conditions, including psoriatic arthritis, which can cause symptoms of arthritis in the joints, and affects about 30 percent of individuals with psoriasis. Psoriasis can also affect fingernails and toenails, causing pain, pitting of the nail, separation of the nail from the nail bed, or coloration changes.
While these types of psoriasis vary widely in how they affect people, and can be more mild or more severe depending on the flare-up and other physical or environmental factors, you should always contact your healthcare provider or dermatologist to ensure a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Eczema vs. Psoriasis: What’s the Difference?
Like psoriasis, eczema is a very common skin condition that causes red, itchy, and sometimes flaky patches on the skin. While individuals with psoriasis report more burning and stinging associated with their flare-ups, eczema can look and feel very similar, making it difficult to self-diagnose.
Ultimately, your dermatologist needs to make the final call, but there are a few characteristics of eczema that set it apart from psoriasis.
While eczema can cause a very intense and unrelenting itch, it does not typically burn or sting the way psoriasis does.
Eczema and psoriasis both cause red, inflamed patches of skin that can be flakey or scaly. However, skin affected by psoriasis tends to be more inflamed, with raised areas that may appear swollen.
Because everyone is different, there are no definitive locations on the body where eczema or psoriasis exclusively appear. Speaking strictly in terms of the most commonly observed cases of each skin condition, eczema typically affects parts of the body that bend, like behind your knee, as well as on the neck, wrists, and ankles. Psoriasis is common in skin folds, and on the elbows, knees, scalp and parts of the face, hands, feet, lower back, and fingernails or toenails.
When considering eczema vs. psoriasis, there are almost more similarities than differences, which underscores the need to consult your doctor for an accurate diagnosis.
Psoriasis Treatment: How to Manage Symptoms
About 7.5 million Americans, and 125 million people worldwide, are living with psoriasis. Psoriasis currently has no definitive cure, and because it’s a chronic disease, those who have it will have it for life. While psoriasis can occur at any age, it first appears most commonly in individuals between the ages of 15 and 35.
The symptoms of psoriasis do come and go, and the onset of symptoms, or flare-ups, can vary in severity. The goals of psoriasis treatment are to reduce the occurrence of flare-ups, and to reduce the severity of those flare-ups when they happen.
There are a few different ways to manage psoriasis. Patients may try multiple approaches before finding one or more that make a difference.
Corticosteroids and other topical treatments: Corticosteroid creams, ointments, or sprays can relieve the discomfort of a psoriasis flare-up by reducing inflammation and soothing irritation.These treatments are typically prescribed by your primary care doctor or your dermatologist.There are also many other topical treatments available, including coal tar, Vitamin D analogues, or salicylic acid.
Diet: While there is currently no evidence pointing to diet as a trigger for psoriasis, many psoriasis patients notice a correlation between certain foods they eat and their flare-ups. Because psoriasis is an inflammatory disease, foods that reduce inflammation, such as those high in Omega-3 fatty acids, are thought to be helpful.
Weight: Obesity has been shown to correlate with psoriasis, and can make psoriasis more difficult to treat. Weight management has far-reaching benefits for individuals struggling with any autoimmune disease, and for psoriasis patients, it can help mitigate those triggers that may bring on flare-ups, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or other metabolic conditions.
Meditation, Exercise, and Lifestyle Improvements: Because stress is thought to be a trigger for psoriasis, patients who focus on stress relieving activities like meditation or exercise, or make lifestyle changes to reduce day-to-day stressors, may see improvements to their flare-ups.
Light Therapy: In some cases, your dermatologist may prescribe ultraviolet light therapy. With this treatment, UVB rays applied over a consistent period of time penetrate the skin and can slow the growth of affected skin cells.
Within the last few years, different prescription drug treatments, or biologics, have come onto the market to help people manage their psoriasis, and have been found to be highly effective in treating psoriasis symptoms. However, individuals should consult with their doctor prior to taking a biologic, as these drugs can suppress the immune system in ways that can lead to serious infections, such as tuberculosis.
Biologic treatments are often considered for individuals who are not responding to any other type of psoriasis treatment, but there are other medications available that can be used when other drugs can’t be given.
These drugs can be administered orally in liquid or pill form, or through an injection or intravenous infusion. It is best to speak with your dermatologist about the right medication to treat your psoriasis.
Creating Greater Awareness Around Psoriasis
Finding a treatment is important for reducing the discomfort that can come with psoriasis flare-ups, but for many individuals suffering from psoriasis, there is an emotional impact as well. Even mild psoriasis can make individuals feel self-conscious or lead to social and mental health consequences. With stress being considered a trigger for psoriasis, it can create a challenging cycle for individuals feeling anxious about the appearance of their psoriasis when in public settings.
Fortunately, awareness about psoriasis has grown exponentially. The month of August is National Psoriasis Month, helping to spread information about this disease and make those who suffer from it feel less isolated. Coupled with television commercials for psoriasis drug treatments and billboards and other advertising highlighting the challenges of psoriasis, there is far more acceptance and hope for people with psoriasis than ever before.
At Optima Dermatology, we are committed to helping our patients find the right psoriasis treatment. Our goal is to give you power over your psoriasis so you can manage your flare-ups and get back to your life.
5 Tips to Protect Your Children’s Skin This Summer
Did you know, it only takes one serious sun burn during childhood or adolescence to nearly double a person’s chance of developing melanoma later in life? Unfortunately, skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. Fortunately, you can decrease chances of developing melanoma by practicing proper skin protection with your children from day one.
Here are 5 tips to protect your child from harmful UV rays and overexposure.
Stay in the Shade
This may seem obvious, but shade is the best form of protection from the sun. Keep your child in the shade as much as possible. Be ready to create your own by having an umbrella, canopy, or stroller hood handy. A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses are also great ways to provide personal shade.
Sun-Protective Clothing
Resist the urge to put your little one in shorts and a sleeveless shirt on a hot day. Light, long-sleeved shirts and pants are an excellent protective layer for their sensitive skin. UPF clothing, specifically designed to protect skin from UV rays, is another great option. When purchasing UPF protective clothing, keep an eye out for the UPF rating. UPF ratings indicate what fraction of the sun’s ultraviolet rays can penetrate the fabric. A fabric must have a UPF rating of more than 15 to be considered sun protective. A rating of UPF 30 is sufficient, but UPF 50 will provide the best sun protection.
Apply Sunscreen, Properly
If your child is younger than six months old, limit the frequency and amount with which you apply sunscreen on them. For children older than six months 30 SPF, broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide is recommended. Have you heard of the “teaspoon and shot glass rule”? To make sure you are applying the correct amount of sunscreen, Harvard Health recommends 1 teaspoon of sunscreen to cover the face and neck, and enough to fit a shot glass (approximately 1 ounce) for remaining exposed areas. Always remember to reapply immediately after swimming (even if it is water-resistant!) and every two hours.
Avoid the Strongest Rays
Direct sunlight is dangerous, and it is typically strongest from 10 a.m. through 4 p.m. Try to stay in the shade, dress in sun-protective clothing and apply sunscreen properly during these hours. Be cautious even on cloudy and overcast days. The “invisible sun” can cause sun damage and sun burns!
Be Careful Around Water and Sand
Water and sand reflect sunlight, making the damaging rays of the sun much stronger. If your child is out and about near sun and water, be sure to practice the sun protection practices we’ve outlined here.
Protecting your children from the dangers of skin cancer (let alone parenting in general) is a daunting task. With these tips and expert recommendations, you will have an excellent foundation to keep your child safe and raise skin cancer awareness in your family. Remember that these practices are important all year round! While risk is heightened during the warmer summer months, skin damage can occur year-round.
