Hanging Out to Dry

At this time of year, in the colder climates, you may find the symptoms of dry skin may be quite significant. Americans, compared to most countries, are very meticulous about bathing. In fact, it is not unusual for patients to tell me that they shower twice a day. Believe it or not, the longer and hotter the shower the more water evaporates from the skin. Consequently less showering, or at least shorter and cooler showers, will significantly reduce drying of the skin. In addition, avoiding deodorant-type soaps will help minimize the drying of your skin. Soaps labeled fragrance free should be used, especially for those with severe dry skin. 

Of course, applying moisturizer daily is very helpful. The best time to apply  moisturizer is right after bathing. Moisturizers are divided into three types.The first and most common are the simple hydrating moisturizers - these simply add water back to the skin. Products I recommend include Cetaphil or Aveeno. The second type are the exfoliating moisturizers - these both hydrate and help to exfoliate  dead skin cells. These moisturizers usually contain ingredients such as urea, salicylic acid, or lactic acid. Common over the counter brands also include carmol and amlactin. Amclatin is a brand of moisturizer that would fall into this category. The third and newest type of moisturizers are the barrier-type. These not only hydrate, but also improve the natural barrier function of the skin by adding certain ingredients to the cutaneous layer of your skin. Common over the counter products are Cerave and Aveeno Eczema Treatment. Finally if you don't have a humidifier, consider purchasing a portable unit or minimally place a basin of water near the furnace registers. This will help to increase the moisture in your air, helping to decrease the drying effects of the weather. Also remember that you can buy perfectly good moisturizers for under $15! Check your labels for the mentioned key ingredients, you'll be surprised at just how affordable a great moisturizer can be!

Pimple Popper, M.D.

It should come as no surprise that the first dermatological issue I’ve chosen to discuss on my blog is acne. Acne is the most common condition treated by dermatologists. Virtually 85% of adolescents will develop acne, but only 10-15% of teenagers will develop severe enough symptoms to seek treatment by a doctor. For most, good cleansing and a topical gel containing benzoyl peroxide, which may be purchased over the counter in a pharmacy, will do the trick. For girls, cosmetics are acceptable as long as they are oil-free, which is most commonly indicated by the phrase "non-comedogenic" on the container. For years dermatologists have downplayed the significance of dietary factors in causing acne, but recently several studies have shown there is actual scientific evidence that shows a correlation between certain items in the diet and the occurrence of acne. Specifically, excessive dairy intake and foods with a high glycemic index have been associated with acne. Foods with a high glycemic index are those that have a great deal of processed sugars - e.g. frostings, chocolates, cookies, or cakes. It is interesting to note that in cultures that do not commonly eat these foods, the incidence of acne is much lower than in the United States. For teens or adults alike that are struggling with acne, before consulting a physician, first try a regimen of face washing morning and night, a topical, over the counter, benzoyl peroxide treatment, and staying clear of excessive dairy intake and foods with processed sugars. For most, this will be a quick and easy fix to clearing up your acne-prone skin.

Welcome to Real Dermatology!

Welcome to my blog! I am Dr. Barry Auster and have been in active dermatology practice for over 30 years. In that time I have treated thousands of patients and have accumulated an enormous storehouse of information on the diagnosis and treatment of common and uncommon skin disorders. In my practice I have found that most skin issues and ailments can be treated effectively and often at relatively little cost to the patient. The goal of my blog is to provide real and practical information for the average person so that they may recognize their own common skin conditions and in some cases treat without having to ever see a doctor. It’s an additional goal of mine to make the public truly aware of skin cancer and the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays.

I am a board certified physician and a fellow of both the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery. I am an assistant professor in dermatology at the Michigan State School of Human Medicine. I am on the staff of four teaching hospitals and chairman of dermatology for Sinai-Grace Hospital in Detroit, Michigan. I am well experienced in not only general dermatology, but cosmetic dermatology as well. My experience includes the use of Botox, filler materials, laser surgery, chemical peels, the treatment of spider leg veins, and the laser removal of tattoos. I have a small group practice in which 75% of our  time is devoted to general dermatology and 25% to cosmetic dermatology. Please feel free to find out more information about me and my practice, Oakland Aesthetic Dermatology at www.drbarryauster.com. Thank you for continuing to follow my blog, and please respond with any questions or comments along the way!