Dr. Gregory Delost Discusses Managing Skin Conditions in Youth Athletes on New Day Cleveland

As school sports ramp up, so do the concerns about various skin conditions that can affect young athletes. Dr. Gregory Delost, a board-certified dermatologist at Optima Dermatology, appeared on New Day Cleveland to discuss common skin issues in youth athletes and provide advice on prevention and treatment.

Common Skin Conditions in Youth Athletes

1. Ringworm (Tinea)
   Despite its name, ringworm is not a worm but a fungal infection. It can appear on various parts of the body, including the scalp, feet, and skin. Ringworm is especially common in athletes, as it spreads easily in communal areas like locker rooms and wrestling mats. Dr. Delost explains that the infection thrives in the top layer of the skin and is often contracted through direct contact or contaminated surfaces.
2. Herpes Simplex (Cold Sores)
   This viral infection presents as painful blisters, usually on the face. It’s highly contagious and can be triggered by stress, illness, or even sun exposure. While cold sores can be treated with oral antiviral medications, they tend to reoccur, as the virus can remain dormant in the body’s nerve cells. Dr. Delost emphasizes that stress or sunburns can trigger reactivation.
3. Impetigo
   Impetigo is a bacterial skin infection that is common among athletes, particularly wrestlers. It can manifest as yellow, crusted plaques or lesions, and it often occurs around the nose or hair follicles. The bacteria that cause impetigo can spread through minor skin injuries or contact with contaminated surfaces, making prevention crucial.
4. Molluscum Contagiosum
   This viral infection is spread through skin-to-skin contact or contaminated items like towels. It appears as dome-shaped bumps on the skin, often found in young athletes who frequent pools. Molluscum Contagiosum is highly contagious but typically resolves on its own over time.
5. Warts
   Warts are another common condition caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). There are hundreds of HPV strains that can lead to the formation of warts, which are especially prevalent in athletes due to frequent skin-to-skin contact during sports activities.

Prevention Tips for Youth Athletes

Dr. Delost stresses the importance of good hygiene to prevent the spread of these skin infections. Here are his top tips for young athletes:

• Shower Immediately After Practice or Games: This is critical for washing away sweat, dirt, and any potential bacteria or fungi that could cause skin infections.
• Avoid Sharing Personal Items: Never share towels, water bottles, or athletic gear, as infections can spread through indirect contact.
• Keep Equipment Clean: Ensure that sporting equipment, like wrestling mats, is cleaned regularly to prevent the accumulation of harmful pathogens.
• Check for Early Signs of Skin Issues: Parents and coaches should be vigilant about noticing early signs of skin infections and seek medical advice promptly to prevent the spread of contagious conditions.

When to See a Dermatologist

If your child is experiencing any persistent skin issues, it’s important to consult a dermatologist. Dr. Gregory Delost and the team at Optima Dermatology specialize in diagnosing and treating a variety of skin conditions, ensuring that young athletes can get back in the game quickly and safely.

Request an appointment to discuss the best preventions and treatment plan for skin conditions in youth athletes.

The Relationship Between Food and Your Skin Condition 

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 Eczema Awareness Month this October, we collaborated with Dr. Virginia Barton about how diet can affect eczema – both positively and negatively. 

The Low-Down on Eczema 

Diet is often an area worth examining if you suffer from a health issue. The old saying “you are what you eat” isn’t too far off – there are many foods that have negative impacts on the body and can cause certain reactions in some people, just as there are foods that help us improve our health and wellness over time.  

But before you can understand whether your diet is potentially hurting or helping your eczema, you need to understand this condition – and what makes it “tick”.  

Eczema is a very common, non-contagious skin condition that causes the skin to lose its ability to act as a barrier, which initiates an inflammatory response. Without the barrier function, your skin is left open to irritation, dryness, or infection.  

Common symptoms of eczema are dry, itchy, red, and often bumpy patches on the skin, and it can be quite uncomfortable but is manageable with the right treatment. There are many types of eczema that each manifest differently on different people, and treatments can be quite varied.  

While there are a host of topical ointments and creams that can alleviate symptoms, eczema is, ultimately, an inflammatory response to a trigger and will continue to flare up as long as the trigger is present. 

Triggers can include sweat, allergens, sun exposure, and even stress, among others. It is widely discussed whether food plays a role – either in worsening flare ups or helping alleviate them.  

Determining Whether Food is Contributing to Your Eczema Flare Ups 

Allergy testing or an elimination experiment are helpful methods to determine if a diet-related trigger is causing your eczema flare ups.  

Some individuals do see a distinct pattern between food and flare ups – for example, every time you eat bread or enjoy a bowl of ice cream you immediately experience those tell-tale itchy patches. In these cases, patients may end up being diagnosed with another health condition like Celiac Disease or Lactose Intolerance that is creating larger problems for their eczema.   

However, outside of allergy-related cases, there is no proven relationship between diet and eczema, and treating eczema with dietary changes might help some individuals but have no impact for others.  

For children with eczema, parents shouldn’t begin elimination diets without consulting with a board-certified dermatologist. If your child doesn’t have a known food allergy, restricting their diet to manage eczema can do more harm than good. Children need nutrients from many different foods and food groups, and if there is no immediate health risk or other type of restriction to their diet, it’s best to continue feeding as normal.  

That being said, examining your own diet and making lifestyle changes to potentially alleviate eczema flare ups is never a bad idea. And there are certainly some foods that are harmful to our bodies in general, such as alcohol and sugar, that are always wise to cut back on.  

Treating Eczema From Within 

Because eczema is an inflammatory condition, it makes sense to eliminate or cut back on foods that cause inflammation (like sugar) and increase your intake of foods that reduce inflammation.  

Foods that cause inflammation include: 

• Dairy products 

• Fried food 

• Refined carbohydrates like rice, white bread, and pasta 

• Foods containing trans fats, such as baked goods and margarine   

• Red meat and processed meats 

• Sugar and sugar-sweetened products 

In general, eating a healthy diet will reduce inflammation in the body. Some recommended foods that have anti-inflammatory properties include: 

• Vegetables containing antioxidants, such as broccoli, kale, and brussels sprouts 

• Certain types of fish that contain omega-3 fatty acids and protein 

• Berries, which contain antioxidants and fiber 

• Yogurt or cottage cheese, which contain gut-healthy prebiotics and probiotics 

• Bananas and pineapples, which contain the anti-inflammatory enzyme, Bromelain 

• Plant-based foods, coffee, dark chocolate, and whole grains, which all contain polyphenols 

• Mushrooms, which contain antioxidants and phenols (and are low in calories!) 

Cooking with olive oil is also recommended, and it has properties that are known to reduce inflammation and even alleviate pain.   

It’s best to consult with your dermatologist about your eczema before trying an elimination diet or changing your lifestyle to alleviate eczema symptoms – especially if you’re trying these approaches and your eczema isn’t improving.  

Dietary Changes Can be a Win-Win 

If dietary changes help alleviate your eczema symptoms – great! And if they don’t, you’re still better off for it.  

Dermatology is really a whole-health practice because the skin is the largest organ and is exposed to so much in our everyday lives. Improving what you put into your body can only have long-term positive results for your overall health and your skin, even if it doesn’t provide relief from your eczema.  

Luckily, there are treatments for eczema that are highly effective, and don’t require a dietary overhaul. I’d love to meet with you to discuss your eczema and the best treatment method to help you feel better, more confident, and less itchy! 

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Virginia Barton to discuss a treatment plan that will work best for you.  

Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Gregory Delost from our Mentor, OH, location discusses eczema in children and what parents need to know on ‪New Day Cleveland‬. From physical discomfort, to impacting other aspects of adolescents lives, it is important for parents to understand how to improve the well-being of their child who has eczema.

5 Topics to Discuss With Your Dermatologist if Your Child Has Eczema 

Eczema in children is very common – according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), more than 10% of children in the U.S. have eczema.  

Any parent who has experienced eczema with their child knows it can be a challenging skin condition as it causes dry, itchy skin (which is never an easy thing to manage with a child) and can be disruptive to their daily lives depending on how severe their eczema is. More severe cases of eczema can cause food and seasonal allergies, sleep disruptions, decreased focus and performance in school, and more. To help parents better understand and manage this common condition, we’ve consulted with board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Greg Delost, to address some of the most common questions parents have. 

Children Can Develop Eczema at Any Age 

Babies are known and adored for their soft skin, and the presence of eczema can be alarming for parents, especially if it causes your baby any discomfort.  

Babies often develop atopic dermatitis around the scalp (also called cradle cap) and the face, and it can manifest at any time after birth. The American Academy of Dermatology has reported findings from studies that show eating a healthy diet while pregnant and breastfeeding in the first four months of life may reduce the likelihood that your baby will develop eczema; however, there is no proven way to prevent your baby from having eczema.  

Children can develop eczema anytime between birth and age 17, and the CDC reports that the largest percentage of children with eczema in the U.S. are between the ages of 6 and 11. 

If your child is diagnosed with eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, you likely have a number of questions and concerns. Eczema is a chronic condition, so it can be treated but not cured. If your child develops eczema, know that it is highly common and the most important next step is to figure out a treatment plan. There are different approaches to treat it that are dependent on your child’s age and the severity of their condition.   

The following are 5 topics you should discuss with your child’s dermatologist to ensure you have a plan for managing their eczema and helping alleviate their symptoms.  

1. What Could be Causing My Child’s Eczema? 

There is no singular known cause of eczema but, there are different potential triggers that can cause it to flare up, and if you can identify a trigger, you can intervene and ideally reduce the eczema reaction. Some triggers are bodily in nature; others are environmental or lifestyle triggers: 

• Sweat 

• Saliva that repeatedly wets and then dries on the skin 

• Dry air that sucks moisture from the skin 

• Exposure to cigarette smoke or known allergens such as pollen or pet dander 

• A reaction to laundry detergent, fabric softener, bath products or skincare products such as moisturizers or sunscreens 

In each case, there are ways to mitigate or reduce the trigger to help alleviate eczema symptoms; for example, switching laundry or bath products, or keeping your baby’s face dry from saliva around the mouth.  

2. Can I Treat My Child’s Eczema at Home? 

You can easily incorporate skincare best practices into your child’s routine to help alleviate or reduce their eczema symptoms. Some recommendations for at-home healthy habits include: 

• Bathing them with lukewarm water and fragrance-free shampoos and soaps 

• Washing your child’s skin completely to remove shampoo or soap residues  

• Applying ointment or a fragrance-free moisturizing cream to your child’s skin following bathtime while the skin is still damp 

• Dressing your child in soft fabrics that are 100% cotton to reduce irritation 

• Washing your child’s clothing with fragrance-free detergent and skipping the use of dryer sheets or fabric softener 

In more severe eczema cases, your child’s dermatologist might recommend a diluted bleach bath to help remove bacteria and reduce inflammation of the skin. Be sure to consult with a dermatologist and obtain specific directions before administering a bleach bath. 

3. What if My Child Develops an Infection? 

Because of the itchy, irritating nature of eczema on the skin, children are more prone to scratch and break the skin, exposing them to bacteria, viruses, and fungi.  

Keep an eye out for reddening, crusty, pussy, or oozy skin – these symptoms are indicative of a larger issue like infection. If you notice your child’s eczema is worsening or changing in appearance, consult a dermatologist right away.  If your child’s eczema does become infected, your dermatologist will likely prescribe an antibiotic or antiviral medication.  

It is also important to be aware of the atopic triad, a term used to describe the coexistence of atopic dermatitis (i.e., eczema), asthma, and allergies, like allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis, also known as hay fever. Individuals with one atopic condition, can increase risk of developing another. Asthma is an obstructive lung disease that can cause difficulty breathing, usually triggered by environmental irritants. Allergic rhinitis is a nasal inflammation typically caused by airborne allergens, like pollen, dust, or animal hair. Symptoms of allergic rhinitis include frequent sneezing, and a runny or itchy nose.  

If your child is experiencing additional symptoms of asthma and hay fever, consult with your dermatologist to develop a treatment plan.  

4. Will My Child’s Eczema Go Away? 

As we know, eczema can develop at any time from birth through the teenage years. Many children who develop eczema in the first years of their lives tend to outgrow their eczema by age 4, but there are those for whom the condition continues into their adult lives.  

While there is no way to know whether your child will continue to suffer from eczema symptoms as they grow up, the more you know and understand about their specific condition, the better equipped you both will be to manage it going forward. 

5. What’s the Best Treatment Plan for My Child’s Eczema? 

It’s important to work with a board-certified dermatologist to establish the best treatment plan for your child. It will be based on your child’s age, the severity of their eczema, and any other factors such as known allergens or any other health condition.  

There are a number of treatments that are highly effective at managing eczema symptoms that you should discuss with your child’s dermatologist. These include: 

• Topical steroids or corticosteroids: These prescription medicated creams and ointments can help reduce inflammation and heal irritated skin. Your child’s dermatologist will prescribe the right strength medication for their eczema, as well as a frequency for application. When prescribed by a dermatologist and used correctly, topical steroids are very safe and effective for treating eczema in children. 

• Non-steroid eczema medications: There are a number of over-the-counter creams and ointments developed to treat skin irritation caused by eczema. Consult with your child’s doctor or dermatologist before administering these products as they may not be as effective as a prescription steroid or corticosteroid at alleviating symptoms.  

• Biologic therapies: Biologics are oral medicines that target the part of the immune system that is causing eczema. Eczema is not an autoimmune disease, but it can cause the immune system to overreact, leading to itchy, red skin, and suppressing the immune system can help alleviate these symptoms. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration has approved a biologic therapy called Dupilumab for treating eczema in children ages 6 and older. Your child’s dermatologist may recommend this option for moderate to severe eczema that is not responding to other treatments.  

• Antihistamine medicines: Children are more prone to scratch their eczema, which can make it worse or lead to infection, and administering an antihistamine medication at bedtime can make your child more drowsy and reduce the likelihood that they will scratch their skin. Antihistamines will not typically reduce the itch itself, but your child’s dermatologist may recommend it to complement other treatment options. 

Eczema in children is treatable, and can be effectively managed with both medicated solutions and self-directed care, such as a healthy skincare routine and identifying and avoiding allergens and triggers. 

Your first step in treating and managing your child’s eczema should be speaking with a dermatologist about these 5 important topics. At Optima Dermatology, our expert, board-certified dermatologists specialize in skin conditions in children and know the best approach to treating and managing your child’s eczema. 

Request an appointment to discuss the best treatment plan for your eczema. 

How to Identify and Treat Common Skin Pigmentation Issues

Hyperpigmentation and melasma are often confused because they present the same way, but they are not the same skin condition. Melasma is a type of hyperpigmentation, but not all hyperpigmentation is melasma. This distinction is important because causes and treatments may vary depending on whether you have melasma or another hyperpigmentation issue.  

In this blog post, we’re going to discuss what hyperpigmentation is – and how to identify it – with insights from Jill Bickford, MSN, APRN, AGNP-BC, who serves patients at our Stratham, NH location, and we’ll focus on melasma, a common and highly treatable type of hyperpigmentation with different causes.

What is Hyperpigmentation? 

Hyperpigmentation is any darkening of the skin’s pigment that is caused by an increase in melanin (melanin is the naturally occurring pigment that gives color to the skin). Hyperpigmentation occurs when the skin’s pigment-making cells, called melanocytes, are stimulated and make a surplus of pigment.  

This surplus can be triggered by sun exposure, inflammatory skin conditions like eczema or acne, medications, or hormones. In fact, hyperpigmentation is common during pregnancy because of the body’s hormonal changes. This is often called the “mask of pregnancy”. 

When hyperpigmentation occurs, it can appear as large blotches of brown spots, or as smaller spots like freckles. Types of hyperpigmentation include: 

• Sun Spots: Also known as solar lentigines, liver spots or age spots, these darkened patches often appear in sun-exposed areas of the skin like the face and on the hands and arms. While they are harmless, they can be an unwelcome sight on the body and there are treatments to reduce their appearance.  

• Freckles: These highly common small brown spots typically occur on areas of the skin with high sun exposure when the skin produces excess melanin to protect the skin from UV radiation. Sun spots are a type of freckle that develops later in life.  

• Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH): Hyperpigmentation can occur as a result of a skin injury or inflammatory condition, such as eczema or acne, leaving behind brown, red, black, pink, or purple patches of skin. Skin cells involved in the healing process following injury or inflammation can produce excess melanin, resulting in darkened areas of the skin. While PIH may fade over time, it can be treated by a dermatologist.  

• Melasma: As we’ll explain in more depth below, melasma manifests as darkened patches on and around the face. It is unique in that it often appears symmetrically – if it occurs on one cheek, it usually occurs on the other cheek as well.  

How to Treat Hyperpigmentation 

Treatments for hyperpigmentation include medical-grade topical skin care products called tyrosinase inhibitors such as Vitamin C, Azelaic acid, Kojic acid, and Tranexamic acid, which can all aid in decreasing or suppressing melanin production.  

Chemical peels, lasers, and light treatments are offered at Optima Dermatology. These include Forever Young BBL™ (BroadBand Light), HALO® Hybrid Fractional Laser, Fraxel®, and more. Your provider can help you determine the best treatment for your hyperpigmentation issue and work with you to improve its appearance.  

All About Melasma 

Melasma is a highly common skin condition, although the exact cause is not known. Some triggers include: 

• Hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy or as a result of thyroid disorders 

• Sun exposure 

• Medications 

• Genetics 

Melasma is most often brought on by hormonal changes, and is therefore most common in pregnant women, women taking contraceptives, using hormone replacement therapy drugs (HRT), going through menopause, or experiencing other hormonal changes or imbalance.  

Progesterone and estrogen hormones cause the production of melanocytes on the skin, resulting in darkened or red spots or patches.   

While it is often noticeable, as it typically appears on sun-exposed areas like the nose, cheeks, forehead, or upper lip, it does not cause itching, pain, or burning symptoms.  

This condition most often manifests in women but can occur in anyone at any age. Many describe the appearance of melasma as ‘dirty’, or ‘muddy’. While it is treatable and not serious, the dark patchiness that appears on the face can have emotional impacts such as depression and heightened self-consciousness when out in public. For this reason, it’s important to speak with a dermatologist to understand your treatment options. Additionally, melasma should be checked to rule out cancer if discoloration appears suddenly or in an area of the skin not often exposed to sunlight.  

Identifying and Treating Melasma 

If you notice irregularly shaped, darkened areas on your skin, you may have melasma. It is commonly tan, brown, or gray-brown. It does typically manifest on sun-exposed areas and especially forehead, temples, cheeks, and upper lip, but has been known to appear on other parts of the body as well.  

Melasma is exacerbated by sun exposure or exposure to UV light, so it’s always recommended to wear a sunscreen of at least 30 SPF, wear sun-protective clothing, and avoid tanning beds and long-term direct sunlight. In addition, melasma may flare from exposure to excessive heat from hot weather, hot cars, saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs, and hot yoga) 

Melasma may go away on its own once hormones become more balanced, but is often a lifelong condition that can be managed, but not cured.  At times, changing birth control, or hormone replacement therapy may help reduce melasma.  

Depending on your melasma, your dermatologist may recommend other treatment options that can include: 

• Chemical peels 

• Topical skin lighteners or corticosteroids 

• Laser therapy 

• IPL/BBL therapy  

• Microdermabrasion 

It’s important to meet with a dermatology provider to understand your melasma and identify the best treatment option.  

If you think you have hyperpigmentation or melasma, and want to discuss treatment options, schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified dermatologists and providers. We can help you get back to feeling confident in your skin! Book a consultation today.  

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Dr. Gregory Delost Discusses How to Treat and Prevent Sunburn on New Day Cleveland

Sunburns can cause long-term skin damage, so it’s important to treat them promptly and prevent them in the future. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Gregory Delost from our Mentor, OH, office appeared on New Day Cleveland to share his expertise on what to do if you are sunburned.

Steps to Take After a Sunburn

Even if you’re diligent with sunscreen, sometimes sunburns happen. Here’s what you can do:

1. Apply Pure Aloe Vera: Aloe is a great option for soothing sunburned skin, but make sure to use a product without additives or latex. For a more natural approach, you can use aloe straight from the plant, though be cautious of any latex it may contain if you have sensitivities.
2. Take Cool Showers: A cool shower can help alleviate discomfort, reducing the heat and inflammation caused by sunburn.
3. Stay Hydrated: Hydration is key to recovery, as sunburns can cause dehydration. Drink plenty of water to support your body’s healing process.
4. Use NSAIDs: Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen can help reduce pain and inflammation.
5. Consider Vitamin D: Dr. Delost also discussed new research suggesting that taking a mega dose of Vitamin D within an hour of sunburn may reduce skin damage. However, consult your primary doctor before attempting this approach.

How to Prevent Future Sunburns

The best way to manage sunburn is to prevent it altogether. Dr. Delost recommends using sunscreen with at least SPF 30—though he personally suggests higher SPFs, such as 50, 70, or 90, since most people don’t apply sunscreen as thickly as they should. Look for sunscreens containing zinc or titanium, which are not only safer but also more effective.

Common areas people forget to protect include the ears, nose, scalp, hands, and feet, so be sure to apply sunscreen to these spots as well. Reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating to ensure continuous protection.

Consult with Dr. Delost at Optima Dermatology

If you have concerns about sunburn or other skin conditions, Dr. Gregory Delost is available for consultations at our Mentor, OH, office. Protect your skin and keep it healthy by scheduling an appointment with one of our board-certified dermatologists

Request an appointment to discuss the best preventions and treatment plan for sunburns.

Summer Rashes 

As we enjoy the summer activities, our skin can often react to various environmental factors, leading to uncomfortable and sometimes serious rashes. Let’s discuss the causes, symptoms, tips for prevention, and treatment options of some common summer rashes. 

Board-Certified Dermatologist, Dr. Daniel Cuozzo sits down with ‪‪CBS13 News‬ to discuss the causes, symptoms, tips for prevention, and treatment options for some common summer rashes.

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Poison Ivy & Poison Oak 

Cause: Contact with urushiol oil from these plants. 

Symptoms: Red, itchy rash, often in streaks or lines, blisters. 

Prevention: Avoiding areas where these plants grow, wearing protective clothing. 

Treatment: Immediately rinse your skin with warm, soapy water, and wash your clothing. To avoid getting any oil from the plant on your skin, wear gloves while touching or washing anything that may have oil on it. This includes your pet! 

You can treat the rash at home if it is a mild rash in a small area my using a calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream and applying cool presses. If your rash is not improving after 7 to 10 days, or you think your rash may be infected, see a board-certified dermatologist. 

“Swimmer’s Itch” (cercarial dermatitis) 

Cause: Allergic reaction to parasites in contaminated water. Swimmer’s itch occurs in both freshwater and in the marine coastal environments. 

Symptoms: Itchy, patchy red pinpoint skin rash. 

Prevention: Avoiding swimming in infested waters, toweling off immediately after swimming. 

Treatment: You can apply anti-itch creams and cool compresses. Avoid scratching, scratching can cause abrasions leading to infection. If the symptoms persist for longer than 3 days, a dermatologist should be seen. 

Bug bites 

Cause: Bites from insects like mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and spiders. 

Symptoms: Red, itchy bumps, swelling, sometimes blisters or a rash. 

Prevention: Use insect repellent, wear protective clothing, avoid areas with high insect activity, and pay attention to outbreaks in your area. 

Treatment: For painful bites, such as a bee sting, take an over-the-counter painkiller, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. For bites that itch, apply an ice pack or an over-the-counter anti-itch cream, such as hydrocortisone. Another option is to take an over-the-counter oral antihistamine. To reduce swelling, apply an ice pack to the bite. 

If you experience any serious symptoms after a bug bite, such as a rash, fever, or body aches, see your doctor or a board-certified dermatologist immediately. 

Tinea Versicolor 

Cause: Overgrowth of yeast on the skin. Hot, humid weather, lots of sweating, oily skin, and a weakened immune system can cause yeast to overgrow. Tinea versicolor is more common in teens as they tend to have more oily skin. 

Symptoms: Discolored patches of skin; the color of the spots can be white, pink, salmon, red, tan, or brown. 

Prevention: Keeping skin dry, avoiding excessive heat and humidity. 

Treatment: Antifungal creams, shampoos, or oral medications. 

Skin rashes typically seem easily treatable at home, however some rashes can be a sign of a more serious condition or become infected. If you have a rash that persists for more than a week or shows signs of infection visit your local dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

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For more information on skin best practices, please visit optimadermatology.com.

Kristen Provides Excellent Cosmetic Skin Care Services 

Kristen French, LE , a licensed medical esthetician, is the newest addition to Optima Dermatology’s Stratham, NH practice. Having served patients in the Seacoast region since 2010, Kristen brings more than a decade of expertise.  

She graduated as a Licensed Medical Esthetician from the Catherine Hinds Institute of Aesthetics. She also graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a Bachelor of Science, where she completed a semester abroad at Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia. 

Kristen has more than 20 years of experience in the skincare industry and provides a wealth of knowledge on medical-grade skincare products. She provides esthetic services including dermaplaning, HydraFacial®, extractions, chemical peels, eyebrow waxing, and more. 

A Patient-Centered and Care-Focused Approach 

Kristen is dedicated to helping her patients achieve their skincare goals by creating custom treatment plans and offering best-in-class technology, devices, and products.  

Her approach to patient care mirrors Optima’s mission to treat everyone like we would our friends and family, and she looks forward to continuing to provide the Seacoast with individualized and thorough care.  

We recently had the opportunity to learn more about Kristen, her approach, and the path that led her to become a licensed medical esthetician. 

How and when did you know you wanted to be an esthetician? Were you always interested in the industry, and what was your path to get where you are now? 

When I was younger, I was always the one who waxed my friend’s eyebrows and was always interested in the latest skincare treatments. After I graduated from college, I knew I wanted to further my education in either nursing or aesthetics. After graduating from Esthetic School, I moved to Arizona and got a job in sales, selling PCA Chemical Peels and Skincare. After about 5 years in Arizona, I moved back to New Hampshire and started working in a plastic surgery office where I worked for the past 15 years. Once that office closed, I decided to make a change and join the dermatology world where I can continue to grow and use my skills and passion for skincare.  

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

Always apply sunscreen, and don’t forget your neck! 

What do you enjoy most about treating your aesthetic patients and what is unique about your approach? 

I enjoy seeing the results of the treatments. I also enjoy getting to know my patients and building relationships.  

How would you recommend someone get started if they’re interested in medical aesthetic treatments?  

I recommend they start with a consultation, where we can go over their concerns and goals for their skin. From there we can create a personalized skincare plan.  

Which patients would you recommend a HydraFacial® treatment for? What kind of results can patients expect to see? 

HydraFacial® is one of the most versatile treatments that can be done on all skin types. It provides instant results with smoother, more hydrated skin in just one session. There is no downtime, and you walk away with glowing skin.  

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

I’d like my patients to know that I’m excited to be part of their skincare journey and love to help people feel more confident while using a personalized skincare approach.  

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

I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. In the summer you can find us at the beach, and in the winter, you can find us on slopes skiing.  

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

Kristen and her team at Optima Dermatology offer exceptional services and have the advanced training and experience to ensure the highest quality of care.  

She is currently accepting new patients at our Stratham, NH location. Request an appointment online or give us a call at 603-942-2171. 

Understanding Causes and Treatments for Female Hair Loss.

We’re back with another Derm Deep Dive, a series where we provide expert advice from our board-certified dermatologists about common skin conditions and treatments. This month, we collaborated with Dr. Gregory Delost of our Mentor, OH location. August is Hair Loss Awareness Month, and we’ve asked Dr. Delost to weigh in on the causes of hair loss in women and treatment options. 

The Unique Challenges of Female Hair Loss 

Our hair is an important part of our identities and one of the ways we can express ourselves and our personalities. When an individual experiences hair loss, whether from aging or another trigger, it can impact their self-esteem and everyday life.  

Harvard Health found that one-third of women in the U.S. will experience hair loss at some point in their lifetime, and 85% of men will lose a significant amount of hair by age 50.  

Because hair loss issues are so widespread and often leave individuals wondering what to do, Hair Loss Awareness Month is a great opportunity for dermatologists to spread the word about hair loss conditions and treatments.  

For this blog post, we will focus on female hair loss, which has several causes and can affect women at any age. Fortunately, there are treatment options to get women closer to the healthy head of hair they love.  

What Causes Hair Loss in Women? 

There are several reasons why women lose their hair. Some female hair loss is temporary, while other types are more permanent or require treatment to manage.  

Let’s start with temporary hair loss. While frustrating and even a bit scary to see hair falling out and thin or bare patches form on the scalp, temporary hair loss occurs because of a specific trigger and will regrow once that trigger is resolved.  

Here are some common causes of temporary hair loss: 

Postpartum hair loss: Losing hair after having a baby actually isn’t true hair loss – it’s hair shedding as your body adjusts to falling estrogen levels. During pregnancy, the body holds onto hair, so you aren’t experiencing normal daily hair shedding. After giving birth, all that hair falls out. It may be a bit shocking but it should taper off by four months postpartum and normal hair growth resumes at about one year postpartum. To reduce the appearance of thin or bald spots from postpartum hair loss, we recommend: 

• Avoiding heavy or intensive conditioners, as these can weigh down hair 

• Using a volumizing shampoo to make hair appear fuller 

• Only conditioning the ends of your hair to avoid weighing your hair down 

Recovery from a major illness or surgery, or weight loss of 20+ pounds: A major trauma or change to the body can cause telogen effluvium, where more hairs than normal begin shedding at the same time. Similar to postpartum hair loss, hair falls out all at once but will taper off after a few months and normal hair growth resumes.  

Cancer treatment: Chemotherapy targets rapidly-dividing cells, which include hair follicles. Hair loss during chemotherapy treatment is normal, and hair typically grows back once the treatment is complete; however it may be thinner or patchy, something you can manage with different treatment options.  

Psoriasis on the scalp: This condition can cause temporary hair loss as the skin is inflamed and irritated. Once your scalp psoriasis has been treated, normal hair growth typically resumes.  

Alopecia areata: This autoimmune condition causes your immune system to attack the hair follicles, leading to patchy hair loss or hair thinning. Alopecia areata can be triggered by stress or disease, but with management and treatment, you can expect normal hair growth to resume.  

Traction alopecia (hair damage or breakage): How we treat our hair is so important to its overall health and strength from the roots to the ends. Hairstyles that pull the hair can damage follicles over time and lead to hair loss. Shampooing your scalp and conditioning your hair keep it healthier and moisturized. Avoid excessive hair brushing and keep exposure to extreme heat, such as hair straighteners or curling irons, to a minimum. 

Scarring hair loss: Inflammatory or autoimmune disorders can lead to hair loss caused by hair follicle destruction. This type of hair loss can also be caused by skin injuries or burns. Systemic and aggressive treatment may be required, to help avoid permanent scarring and hair loss. Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA), is a specific type of scarring hair loss, it often begins in the center of the scalp as a small, balding, and round patch that grows over time. While more common in Black women, this type of hair loss develops in men and people of all races. If you have this type of hair loss, you want to treat it early. Starting treatment early can prevent CCCA from spreading outward and causing more permanent hair loss. 

Female Pattern Hair Loss 

Female pattern hair loss affects millions of women and typically begins in a woman’s 40s, 50s, or 60s. While it is a normal part of aging, hair loss at any point in one’s life can feel frustrating and have a significant impact on daily life.  

Female pattern hair loss is an ongoing condition that doesn’t improve with time, but unlike male pattern baldness, women do not lose all of their hair; rather, it becomes thinner and sparse in patches. 

It can be treated a number of ways depending on the severity of your hair loss and specific situation. Read on to learn about different treatment options for female hair loss.   

Find Your Hair Loss Treatment Plan 

Treatments for hair loss may help stop or slow down hair loss but will not regrow an entire head of hair. The sooner you begin treating hair loss the better, as female pattern hair loss will continue as you age.  

Here are some common treatment options for female pattern hair loss: 

• Minoxidil: Commonly known as Rogaine, this treatment can stimulate hair growth and slow down hair loss.  

• Laser: Laser caps and combs have been shown to be successful at treating hair loss and stimulating hair growth; however, not much has been studied about the overall effectiveness or side effect potential for laser treatments.  

• Microneedling: Typically used in conjunction with Minoxidil or another treatment option, microneedling has been shown to stimulate hair growth. 

• Corticosteroid injections: This procedure can help stimulate hair growth and can be especially effective for those with alopecia areata.  

• Hair transplant: An effective and permanent solution to cover an area of baldness or thinness.  

• Platelet-rich plasma: This procedure separates platelet-rich plasma from your blood, which is then injected into the area of hair loss. It has been shown effective at slowing hair loss when repeated several times.  

• Prescription medications: In some cases, prescription medications like Propecia are recommended to slow or stop hair loss. You should consult with your dermatologist to see if a prescription medication makes the most sense for you.  

We don’t recommend medicinal treatments for temporary hair loss since it will grow back with time in these situations. However, if you are struggling with your temporary hair loss, here are a few quick tips to improve your hair’s appearance: 

• Use a volumizing shampoo 

• Avoid heavy or intensive hair care products that weigh hair down 

• Keep hair away from extreme heat treatments like curling irons that can damage it and lead to greater hair loss 

• Avoid hair styles that pull or break the hair 

• Use a conditioner formulated for fine hair 

If you’d like to meet with a dermatologist to discuss hair loss concerns, schedule an appointment at any of our offices in Indiana, Ohio, New Hampshire, and Maine, and start your journey to stronger hair! 

YORK, Maine — Optima Dermatology is opening a new practice in York on August 5th.

YORK, Maine — Optima Dermatology is opening a new practice in York on August 5th.

The practice will be Optima’s second in Maine and fifth in New England, with three existing practices located throughout New Hampshire.

Optima’s York practice at 10 Market Place Drive will be led by Dr. Joan Sisto, Dr. Virginia Barton, and Jacqueline Watts, PA-C.

Sisto has been serving patients in southern Maine and the New Hampshire Seacoast since 1999. She completed her residency in dermatology at Montefiore Hospital of AECOM and was named Chief Resident during her final year. She earned her Doctor of Medicine from Albert Einstein College of Medicine and was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society.

“It’s wonderful to be part of Optima’s continued growth and focus on increasing access to dermatology services in New England,” said Sisto. “I value Optima’s approach to dermatology as it reflects my own mission to treat my patients like I would want my friends and family to be treated.”

As summer kicks into full gear, many of us find ourselves jet-setting off to our favorite vacation spots. While it’s refreshing to take a break from our daily responsibilities, it’s crucial to remember that our skin care routine should come along for the ride. In a recent New Day Cleveland interview on July 12th, Dr. Delost, who serves patients in Mentor, OH, shared valuable insights on maintaining your skin’s health while traveling.

From the dehydrating effects of airplane cabin air to the harsh environmental factors of new destinations, Dr. Delost covers it all. He also offers practical tips and product recommendations to keep your skin glowing on the go. Don’t let travel stress or increased sun exposure take a toll on your skin—watch the full interview below to learn how to keep your skin healthy and radiant throughout your summer adventures.

A Portable Skincare Routine to Maintain Your Glow On-the-Go

It’s summertime – that wonderful season of vacations and weekend getaways. Vacation is for relaxing, shedding the stresses of everyday life, and perhaps indulging a bit more than usual. It’s refreshing to leave certain responsibilities behind, but some things should come along for the trip, like your skincare routine.

Packing up your at-home skincare routine isn’t the easiest to do – available luggage space is at a premium, and how can you possibly choose which products to bring and which to leave behind? Not to mention those pesky TSA liquid restrictions for carry-ons.

Plus, we know it can be challenging to keep up with routines when you’re on vacation, since letting loose is kind of the point, but the extra time in the sun and heightened activity only increase the need to maintain your skincare.

Luckily, our providers and estheticians have some great tips and guidance for maintaining a skincare routine while you’re on the go.

Traveling’s Toll on Your Skin

Vacationing is wonderful! But for your skin it can be quite the opposite, which is why your skincare routine shouldn’t take any time off.

There are a few ways traveling can impact your skin – even before you get to your destination – but there are ways to stay fresh, hydrated, and glowing on the go.

Flying

Our skin needs a little extra TLC while in flight, thanks to the depressurized – and therefore dry – cabin air. This low-humidity environment can leave skin dry, itchy, and even flakey, especially during lengthy flights.

Different Climates

Depending on where you’re traveling, you might be going to a completely different climate. Switching from a cold climate to a hot one, or from a humid climate to a dry one, can wreak havoc on your skin since it has little time to adjust to the change.

Different Environments

Planning to sit on a beach for several days? Maybe you’re headed into a big city. Environmental factors like sand, wind, and pollution can give skin a run for its money, especially exposed areas like the face.

Stress

Let’s face it – no matter how relaxing it is once you get where you’re going, there is always some travel stress you can’t avoid. Packing, leaving in time, catching a connecting flight, or long travel hours will cause some stress that can manifest on your skin, especially if you’re prone to stress-related breakouts.

Sun

Summer vacation and sunny days go hand-in-hand, but going from a 9-5 workday spent indoors to a 9-5 beach day under the sun is a shock to the skin and requires extra attention to prevent burns that can quickly put a damper on your trip.

Whatever factors might be at play on your vacation that can impact your skin, you can be prepared with skincare products that can take on anything your trip throws your skin’s way.

Overcoming the Challenges of Skincare While Traveling

Here are the top tips for overcoming some of the biggest challenges of maintaining your skincare routine while traveling.

Pack products to tackle your travel challenges. Whether it’s a change in climate, days in the sun, or a long flight, consider what you’ll need to care for your skin while you’re away. Here are a few recommendations for different travel situations.

• Hydration is critical for battling that dry cabin air. Pack a moisturizer you can apply before and during your flight to keep skin hydrated all flight long.
• If you’re headed to a sunny, warm destination, pack that sunscreen, moisturizer, and after-sun skin cream to protect and nourish your skin during and after time in the sun.
• If you’re prone to breakouts, make sure you’re traveling with the products you’ll need to manage it if it happens.

Decide how you can downsize your routine. Chances are you’re not going to pack up your entire skincare collection. What do you really need for the time you’ll be away? Our dermatologists recommend bringing at least these three essentials:

• Sunscreen or sunblock rich in antioxidants; make sure to reapply every 2 hours, protection is key to prevent burns, skin cancer and signs of aging! There are many SPF products out there, read on for some of our provider’s favorites.
• Cleanser to remove impurities such as dirt, oil and sunblock to keep pores clean.
• Hyaluronic Acid (HA) serum is lightweight, hydrating, plumping and gives a beautiful glow.

Invest in travel-size containers. If you can transfer some of your skincare products to smaller containers, consider purchasing some TSA-friendly sizes for your essentials.

Try new products before you leave. The last thing you want is to have a bad reaction to a new skincare product while you’re away. Try any new products ahead of time to make sure they work for your skin.

The Best Skincare Products to Bring on The Road

Some of our expert providers have weighed in with their favorite skincare products that they wouldn’t leave behind while on the road.

Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner, Sarah Winholt, NP-C, from our Milford, OH clinic, always travels with:

• Skinbetter TONESMART SPF 75 Sunscreen Lotion
• Skinbetter Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum

Licensed Esthetician, Michelle Nunez, from our Bedford, NH practice recommends the following products as must haves for summer on the road!

• Revision’s Gentle Foaming, or Revision’s Papaya cleanser for light exfoliation
• Revision’s C+ Correcting complex 30%  
• Alastin’s HA Immerse Serum
• SPF:
  • Isdin mineral brush – easy to reapply over makeupEltaMD sheer SPF stick for face and body – easy to pack!
  • Isdin Eryfotona, a 100% mineral SPF 50 sunscreen with an innovative blend of peptides, antioxidants and DNA Repairsomes, helping repair existing sun damage and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
  • EltaMD Aero Spray

Finally, Medical Aesthetics Provider and Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner, Jill Bickford’s from our Stratham, NH location, three must-have products when traveling are:

• Alastin’s Gentle Cleanser
• Alastin’s Restorative Skin Complex
• Alastin’s Hydratint – Hydratint doubles as SPF and light foundation and has become a favorite amongst the team in Stratham!

You might be taking a vacation, but your skin isn’t. Pack your skincare products for your trip and treat your skin just as lavishly as you treat yourself