FIRST AID FOR BUG BITES — MOSQUITOS, TICKS, SPIDERS, BEDBUGS

Leading dermatologist discusses symptoms and treatments

New Hyde Park, New York, September 2008 – Along with the change of any season and as we move indoors, in come some of those pesky annoyances such as the little bugs and their bites that irritate more than our nerves. Most insect bites cause a stinging sensation along with itching and mild swelling that disappears within a day or two.  But experiencing soreness, redness, swelling and warmth beyond the immediate bug bite, or pus are warning signs that a bug bite may be infected and you should see a doctor.

“If you scratch these bites, you could break the skin, which can lead to an infection and possibly scarring.”, notes Dr. Joshua Fox, founder of Advanced Dermatology and a spokesman for the American Academy of Dermatology. To reduce itching, prior to seeing the doctor, Dr Fox advises to

1.  Apply a hydrocortisone cream(0.5 percent or 1 percent), calamine lotion, Aveeno powder, or a baking soda paste (3 teaspoons baking soda to 1 teaspoon water) to the bite several times a day until symptoms subside.

2. A cold pack or baggie filled with ice can help reduce swelling and itching too.

3.  For stronger bug bite reactions, Dr. Fox recommends taking an antihistamine containing diphenhydramine (Benadryl, Tylenol Severe Allergy), chlorpheniramine maleate (Chlor-Trimeton, Actifed) or loratadine (Claritin) to reduce the body’s response and itch.

4.  Also, products with camphor and menthol often alleviate the severe itching.

“If a bite site develops a rash, or if you experience a fever, headache, joint pain, dizziness, fatigue, nausea or vomiting following a bug bite, it is important to consult a physician immediately,” says Dr. Fox. “Although rare, you can get a serious reaction to bug bites, which can result in swelling in your throat, significant hives and wheezing to arthritis and heart problems – all of which require immediate medical attention.”

Learn more about West Nile Virus

West Nile Virus is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito.  Mosquitoes become infected with the virus from biting infected birds, natural hosts of West Nile. About 80 percent of the people who are infected with West Nile Virus show no symptoms.  Up to 20 percent of the people who become infected have symptoms such as fever, headache, fatigue, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back. Symptoms can last for as short as a few days, though even otherwise healthy people have become sick for several weeks. People with West Nile fever recover on their own, though symptoms can be relieved through various treatments (such as medication for headache and body aches) — seeing a doctor is recommended.

What to do if you get a deer tick bite

If you get a deer tick bite, remove the entire tick from the bite and avoid squeezing the tick.  Use fine point tweezers to grasp the tick near its head or mouth and then pull gently to remove the whole tick without crushing it or leaving a piece of the tick in the skin.  It is often helpful to save the tick in a plastic bag (noting the date it was removed) in case you need to visit a doctor. After the tick is removed, wash the bite site with soap and water, or an antiseptic. The person who removed the tick should wash their hands thoroughly. Dr. Fox points out that ticks often hide in warm, moist places, such as the groin, armpits, the back of the neck, navel, ears and scalp.  He has pulled out multiple ticks which have even masqueraded as skin growths – including one on his own daughter.

If you see an expanding circle or circles of redness about two inches in diameter that radiates out from the bug bite, it could be a sign of Lyme disease and the bite needs to be evaluated by a doctor.  Lyme disease is an infection caused when a person is bitten by a deer tick that is infected with B. burgdorferi bacteria. About 80 percent of individuals with Lyme disease will develop a rash that looks like a bull’s–eye near the bite. The rash is often accompanied by flu-like symptoms such as fever or headache, nausea and vomiting. “Some people may only develop flu-like symptoms and not a rash but still have Lyme disease,” Dr. Fox advises.  “Treatment with antibiotics is necessary to fight the infection and prevent more serious, heart or arthritic symptoms.”

Dr. Fox recommends using insect repellents on the intact skin and clothing to be more completely protected against bug bites. Repellents containing permethrin should be applied only to clothing, where the agent has a residual effect through several wash cycles, providing lasting protection against bugs. Insect repellent containing 10% percent DEET should be applied directly onto the skin to ward off mosquitoes, ticks and other insects.

First aid for spider bites

If you are bitten by a jumping spider (the most common biting spider in the United States) or a brown recluse spider it is important to immediately see a doctor.  You can identify a brown recluse spider by violin shaped marking on its top. The brown recluse spider bite has cytotoxic venom which causes severe pain or burning accompanied by local redness and itching. The wound may take on a bull’s-eye appearance, with a center blister surrounded by a red ring and then a blanched (white) ring.  A fluid-filled blister forms at the site and then sloughs off to leave a deep, enlarging ulcer that scabs over. Other symptoms from a brown recluse spider bite are: fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, listlessness and muscle aches.

The bite from a jumping spider is painful and itchy — the site becomes red and there is significant swelling. Symptoms can include painful muscles and joints, headaches, fever, chills, nausea and vomiting which may last from one to four days.  “It’s important to stay as motionless as possible to prevent the venom from spreading and if the spider bite site is at an arm or leg, it should be elevated to reduce swelling,” says

Dr. Fox. “Wash the wound with cool water and mild soap and then apply ice to decrease the pain and swelling.  Use acetaminophen for pain relief and antihistamines such as Benadryl can be taken for itching and swelling.”

How to treat bedbug bites

A bedbug is a small (about the size of a pencil eraser), flat, reddish-brown bug that feeds on human and animal blood.  Bedbugs are active at night and bite any areas of exposed skin.  The bite feels itchy and looks like little red bumps (similar to mosquito bites) which often occur in a line on the body. “Wash the bites with soap and water and use calamine lotion or a topical corticosteroid cream to help with the itching,” says Dr. Fox.  “Bedbugs pose very little health risk for infection and minimal risk for other diseases.”  They often present with three adjacent red bumps on an exposed extremity after getting a “new mattress”.

Bio: Joshua L. Fox, M.D. is a leading authority in the field of dermatology with an expertise in skin cancer, cosmetic surgery, and laser procedures. As an official spokesperson for the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery, Dr. Fox has been an expert resource on dermatologic topics for numerous television networks including ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC, including local television spotlights, Telemundo, talk shows, radio stations, newspapers and magazines. He has received multiple research and clinical awards including recognition from Top Doctors, Who’s Who, Journal of Dermatologic Surgery and Oncology, Community Service Award from the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery, the prestigious Husic Award as well certificates of recognition for service from multiple hospitals, civic, educational and community organizations. Dr. Fox has authored and presented papers of his research on lasers, cosmetic procedures, Rosacea, skin cancer, sunscreen, stretch marks, scars, skin cancer, bug bites, photosensitivity and various rashes.

As founder and director of Advanced Dermatology and The Center for Laser and Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Fox and associates have expanded the practice to one of the largest in dermatology, laser & cosmetic surgery with more lasers than any hospital or university center on the eastern coast. Dr. Fox is a graduate of the New York University Medical Center -Skin and Cancer and has been on the advisory board of the Psoriasis Foundation and National Rosacea Foundation among others. He has also been a fellow of many societies including the International Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, International Academy of Cosmetic Dermatology, and the Society for Investigative Dermatology. Dr. Fox is the founder of the AAD Melanoma/Skin Cancer Prevention Program in Queens, New York since 1987. Dr. Fox has been Chief of Dermatology of several major teaching hospitals including Mt. Sinai Hospital of Queens and Jamaica Medical Center and is currently on the staff of ten NY area hospitals. Dr. Fox and Advanced Dermatology the Center for Laser & Cosmetic Surgery have been used as a resource center educating dermatologists, laser surgeons, & cosmetic surgeons and others about lasers, cancer and cosmetic surgery and has one of the few Laser & Cosmetic Surgery Fellowship programs in the country.

SEEKING THAT SUMMER GLOW YEAR ROUND? SKIP THE SUN AND TANNING BED FOR A “SPRAY TAN”:

Leading dermatologist discusses the newest – and safest – way to achieve sunkissed skin sans the risks

Advanced Dermatology, September 2008 – Ever since Coco Chanel returned from a French yachting voyage with a suntan in 1920, women, men, and even young teens have revered tanned skin as a sign of beauty and good health. Yet, the truth about skin that is exposed to the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays is just the opposite. Sun-damaged skin is prone to premature aging, causing wrinkles, uneven skin tone, enlarged pores and age spots. What’s more, UV exposure is the leading cause of skin cancer, which strikes one million Americans each year – nearly double the number of all other cancers combined. Although many of these cancers are rarely life threatening, they all can be disfiguring if they need to be surgically removed from the face, shoulders, chest or other commonly exposed area. Melanoma, of course, is the deadliest skin cancer…and it is thought to be almost exclusively caused by sun exposure or use of tanning beds.

Fortunately, “spray-on tans” are a new alternative to “baking” on a tan that can provide a realistic, natural-looking tan without any UV exposure at all. Joshua Fox, MD, founder of Advanced Dermatology, P.C. in New York and on Long Island, and a spokesman for the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery, explains, “Based on the available research, ’spray tans’ are a safe alternative to any UV-based tanning process, because they color the skin using an FDA-approved compound called DHA that simply tints the dead skin cells at the very top layer of the epidermis.” While a ‘spray tan’ does not actually fade, Dr. Fox points out, “it will disappear as the layer of skin is sloughed off – usually within a week.”

Getting the word out remains a challenge

“Despite the fact that ‘spray tans’ provide all the aesthetic benefits of a suntan without the serious dangers,” Dr. Fox notes, “recent research suggests that many sun-worshippers and tanning bed fans are still not getting the message.” For example, a study completed at Northwestern University and published in the April edition of Archives of Dermatology analyzed the knowledge, attitudes and behavior of young adults regarding indoor tanning over the course of 12 years. Researchers found that, between 1994 to 2007, the percentage of participants who knew that limiting tanning can help prevent melanoma actually decreased from 77% to 67% — a factor that coincided with an increase in the number of subjects who thought “having a tan looks better,” from 69% in 1994 to 81% in 2007. “Perhaps the most surprising statistic of all is that tanning bed use has remained at around 26-27% between 1994 and 2007, despite the fact that we learned during this time period just how dangerous these tanning beds can be,” Dr. Fox says.

In another recent study, researchers at Boston University Medical Center found that 44% of young adults surveyed had either used sunless tanning products like a ‘spray tan’ over the preceding 12 months or had planned to use them over the following 12 months. Unfortunately, these self-tanners were also more likely to use a tanning bed than those who had not used the sunless method. “There are certainly misconceptions and myths that still exist about the use of tanning beds, including the notion that the UVA rays in these machines are ‘healthier’ than UVB rays, but this is simply not the case,” Dr. Fox says. “In fact, UVA rays have been shown to penetrate more deeply than UVB rays, which are the main culprits in a ‘surface’ sunburn,” he adds.  UVA also promotes skin cancer, wrinkling and other bad effects on the skin.

A ‘spray tan’ can either be applied at home by oneself or can be applied in a booth in a salon by trained personnel, to ensure even coverage. There are many choices of spray-on products so one should try to match the color.  At a salon, the cost is usually between $25 and $40 per application, and the effects last about a week. After application, the tanning substance stays on the skin for about four hours before it can be showered off. While the compound itself is deemed safe, Dr. Fox offers two caveats: “’Spray tan’ participants should avoid inhaling the compound during application, and always remember that a ‘spray tan’ does not offer any significant protection at all from the harmful rays of the sun. In fact, DHA may make skin more sensitive and susceptible to UV damage – so a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 is a must.”  But the DHA product itself – without sun exposure – is safe and recommended if used to avoid tanning.  Dr. Fox also recommends supplementing your diet with Vitamin D pills since you may not be getting enough supply from the sun.

Bio: Joshua L. Fox, M.D. is a leading authority in the field of dermatology with an expertise in skin cancer, cosmetic surgery, and laser procedures. As an official spokesperson for the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery, Dr. Fox has been an expert resource on dermatologic topics for numerous television networks including ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC, including local television spotlights, Telemundo, talk shows, radio stations, newspapers and magazines. He has received multiple research and clinical awards including recognition from Top Doctors, Who’s Who, Journal of Dermatologic Surgery and Oncology, Community Service Award from the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery, the prestigious Husic Award as well certificates of recognition for service from multiple hospitals, civic, educational and community organizations. Dr. Fox has authored and presented papers of his research on lasers, cosmetic procedures, Rosacea, skin cancer, sunscreen, stretch marks, scars, skin cancer, bug bites, photosensitivity and various rashes.

As founder and director of Advanced Dermatology and The Center for Laser and Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Fox and associates have expanded the practice to one of the largest in dermatology, laser & cosmetic surgery with more lasers than any hospital or university center on the eastern coast. Dr. Fox is a graduate of the New York University Medical Center -Skin and Cancer and has been on the advisory board of the Psoriasis Foundation and National Rosacea Foundation among others. He has also been a fellow of many societies including the International Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, International Academy of Cosmetic Dermatology, and the Society for Investigative Dermatology. Dr. Fox is the founder of the AAD Melanoma/Skin Cancer Prevention Program in Queens, New York since 1987. Dr. Fox has been Chief of Dermatology of several major teaching hospitals including Mt. Sinai Hospital of Queens and Jamaica Medical Center and is currently on the staff of ten NY area hospitals. Dr. Fox and Advanced Dermatology the Center for Laser & Cosmetic Surgery have been used as a resource center educating dermatologists, laser surgeons, & cosmetic surgeons and others about lasers, cancer and cosmetic surgery and has one of the few Laser & Cosmetic Surgery Fellowship programs in the country.

LASERS IMPROVE COMPLEXIONS — TREATING BROKEN BLOOD VESSELS AND REDNESS

Leading dermatologist discusses how lasers restore skin’s natural beauty and reduce signs of aging

New York, NY, July 2008 – The face has an extensive network of fine red veins and tiny blood vessels called capillaries that are commonly located on the nose, cheeks or chin.  By age 30, many people begin to notice that these capillaries can break and become unsightly tiny, spidery blood vessels,  red streaks or blotches on the face. Laser therapy can eliminate damaged veins and capillaries by removing virtually all traces of these unsightly blood vessels.

“Laser treatment successfully treats and removes broken facial blood vessels safely, easily and effectively with excellent long term results,” says Joshua Fox, MD, founder of Advanced Dermatology and a spokesman for the American Academy of Dermatology. “Millions of people are affected by facial capillaries that break and they want to get rid of these unattractive and embarrassing distractions to their natural beauty.” Many people consider red blotches on their face or nose to be suggestive use of alcohol intake. Thereby falsely labeling people who have these red lesions.

What causes broken facial blood vessels and redness?

Common causes for broken facial veins and redness include: aging, prolonged sun exposure, pregnancy, childbirth, oral contraceptives, estrogen replacement therapy and heredity. Diffuse redness is a result of dilated capillaries — the appearance is more general redness then well-defined blood vessels. Diffuse redness is often associated with rosacea — a treatable skin condition characterized by redness on the cheeks, nose, chin or forehead, or visible blood vessels, bumps or pimples on the face. More women have rosacea then men and it often affects fair-skinned people especially those from Celtic or Northern European extraction. The National Rosacea Society estimates that there are 14 million people with rosacea nationwide.

How lasers treat facial veins and redness

Dr. Fox notes that visible broken facial blood vessels are removed with a laser using light absorbed by the blood that destroys the vessel. After some time, the vessel disappears restoring the skin’s natural appearance. Lasers allow for quick treatment of broken blood vessels without any damage to the surrounding skin. The laser gently penetrates the skin without affecting the outer layers, meaning there’s a much shorter healing time or none at all.

Lasers are safe and effective — they can be tailored to an individual condition and skin type. Some patients say that the sensation of a laser treatment is akin to the snapping of a small rubber band against the skin. Some people choose to have a topical anesthesia or ice applied to the area of the face being treated.

Each treatment usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes.  Small veins/capillaries may require a single treatment for repair. Veins that are larger or darker may require multiple treatments for improvement and not reach full repair.   Treatments are spaced at 4-to-6 week intervals.

“Lasers offer natural looking improvement for successfully treating broken blood vessels and redness without injuring the surrounding healthy facial skin,” says Dr. Fox. “Patients can immediately return to normal activities but they must apply sunscreen on the treated area.” A side benefit of the laser is it seems to stimulate collagen and give the face more of a “glow” appearance.

What to Expect At The Consultation for Facial Vein Laser Treatment

The experts in skin care and related laser treatments are board-certified dermatologists — surgeons who have received extensive education, training and passed a certifying examination given by the American Board of Dermatology. Some are members of laser society like the American society of Laser Surgery.  Dr. Fox says that using lasers to treat facial broken blood vessels and redness is a safe and fairly simple treatment. He advises that patients need to discuss with their dermatologist expectations and projected outcomes based on their specific skin problem. During the initial consultation, patients can ask the physician to share before and after photos of patients who had a similar condition and treatment.

The dermatologist will need to know how long a patient has had problems with facial veins and if they have had any prior skin treatments on their face. The physician will take a patient’s complete medical history — including asking about any medical problems or if they are taking any medications. Certain systematic diseases like Lupus Erythematosis need to be ruled out.

Tips For Protecting Your Skin

As most of us age, we begin to see signs of skin damage caused by the sun appearing in our complexion.

The best way to protect your skin is by avoiding prolonged sun exposure and use sunscreen with an SPF 30 with UVA and UVB protection or higher on a daily basis. “You are lowering your possibility of developing skin cancer and reducing the suns premature aging process by applying sunscreen protection daily and not just when you are at the beach or pool,” says Dr. Fox. Dr. Fox advises that there is not such thing as a healthy tan — a tan is the skin’s response to the sun’s damaging rays. Also, the UV radiation emitted by indoor tanning lamps is many times more intense than natural sunlight. Dangers include burns, premature aging of the skin, and the increased risk of skin cancer. The next best protection from the sun is a high SPF rating that does not come off with sweaty or vigorous exercise and protective gear like a sunshade.

Dr. Joshua Fox, MD

Joshua L. Fox, M.D., is a leading authority in the field of dermatology with an expertise in skin cancer, cosmetic surgery, and laser procedures. As an official spokesperson for the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Dr. Fox has been an expert resource on dermatologic topics for numerous televisions networks, including ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC and Telemundo, talk shows, radio stations, newspapers and magazines. He has received multiple research and clinical awards, including recognition from Top Doctors, Who’s Who, Journal of Dermatologic Surgery and Oncology, Community Service Award from the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, the prestigious Husic Award, as well as certificates of recognition for service from multiple hospitals, civic, educational and community organizations. Dr. Fox has authored and presented papers of his research on lasers, cosmetic procedures, stretch marks, scars, skin cancer, bug bites, photosensitivity and various rashes.

As founder and director of Advanced Dermatology and The Center for Laser and Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Fox and associates have expanded the practice to one of the largest in dermatology, laser and cosmetic surgery, with more lasers than any hospital on the eastern coast. Dr. Fox is a graduate of the New York University Medical Center of Skin and Cancer and has been on the advisory board of the Psoriasis Foundation and National Rosacea Foundation, among others. He has also been a fellow of many societies, including the International Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, International Academy of Cosmetic Dermatology and the Society for Investigative Dermatology. Dr. Fox is the founder of the AAD Melanoma/Skin Cancer Prevention Program in Queens, New York (since 1987). Dr. Fox has been Chief of Dermatology of several major teaching hospitals, including Mt. Sinai Hospital of Queens and Jamaica Medical Center, and is currently on the staff of eight NY area hospitals. Dr. Fox is also the founder of New Age Skin Research Foundation at www.newageresearch.org, committed to research and advocacy in dermatology. Dr. Fox and Advanced Dermatology and The Center for Laser & Cosmetic Surgery have been used as a resource center educating dermatologists, laser surgeons and cosmetic surgeons and others about lasers, cancer and cosmetic surgery. www.advancedd.com.

IT’S WRITTEN ALL OVER YOUR FACE:

Leading dermatologist explains how stress can wreak havoc on your skin

New York, NY, July 2008 – Stressed out? You might find yourself pigging out on sugary snacks, snapping at your kids or lying awake half the night. And it will show on your skin because stress can lead to skin problems, as well. “We know that stress can have a dramatic effect on the immune system,” says Joshua Fox, MD, founder of Advanced Dermatology and a spokesman for the American Academy of Dermatology. “And quite often, that can create immune-related responses in the skin.”

Everyone faces stress, and we’re all familiar with the theory of “fight or flight,” which explains how our ancestors were able to survive the life-and-death stresses that they encountered. The stress response puts your whole body into high gear, boosting the systems that would help you face a physical threat and suppressing functions that aren’t essential at the moment (this includes the immune system). Once the crisis has passed, everything goes back to normal.

Unfortunately, the psychological “threats” that most of us face today are ongoing, meaning they trigger a never-ending stress response. The body gets stuck in fight-or-flight mode — and all those systems that were temporarily suppressed can stay that way. “In today’s world, the physiological changes that are part of the stress response get misrouted,” Dr. Fox explains. “Instead of helping you attack or run away, they’re triggering inflammatory, autoimmune or allergic reactions.”

Studies have shown that psychological stress can create problems such as acne, hair loss, eczema, psoriasis and rosacea. For example, a study of college students showed that acne got markedly worse at exam time. Other studies show that stress leaves skin open to infection. “Stress seems to disrupt the skin’s antimicrobial barrier and reduce the production of chemicals necessary for the synthesis of fats,” Dr. Fox explains. “That means stressed-out skin loses its ability to defend and rebuild itself.”

If you think stress might be causing problems in your skin, see your dermatologist. And consider stress-relieving tactics, which have been shown to help alleviate some skin problems. “We don’t fully understand the biological mechanisms that might be involved, but we know that relaxation does improve your outlook and helps you do things — like eating healthier food, sleeping better and getting more exercise — that improve the health of your skin,” Dr. Fox says.

Here are a few to try:

Meditation. Research shows that psoriasis patients who listened to meditation tapes while receiving ultraviolet light treatments healed much faster than patients who did not use the tapes.

Biofeedback. In one published study, a 56-year-old woman who had suffered from severe psoriasis for several years (and had no luck with standard medical treatments) was cured after 13 weeks of biofeedback therapy.

Hypnosis. One study found that psoriasis patients who were susceptible to hypnosis treatments improved more than patients who resisted hypnosis. Hypnosis has also helped get rid of warts and cure hair loss (in one study, 57 percent of patients had total or partial hair regrowth after undergoing hypnosis).

Talk therapy. It’s been estimated that as many as 60 percent of people who seek treatment for skin problems also have emotional issues, and we know that anger, depression and anxiety all affect the immune system. “Being aware of what’s stressing you can help your overall health — and your skin,” Dr. Fox says.

Bio: Joshua L. Fox, M.D., F.A.A.D

Joshua L. Fox, M.D., is a leading authority in the field of dermatology with an expertise in skin cancer, cosmetic surgery, and laser procedures. As an official spokesperson for the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Dr. Fox has been an expert resource on dermatologic topics for numerous televisions networks, including ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC and Telemundo, talk shows, radio stations, newspapers and magazines. He has received multiple research and clinical awards, including recognition from Top Doctors, Who’s Who, Journal of Dermatologic Surgery and Oncology, Community Service Award from the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, the prestigious Husic Award, as well as certificates of recognition for service from multiple hospitals, civic, educational and community organizations. Dr. Fox has authored and presented papers of his research on lasers, cosmetic procedures, stretch marks, scars, skin cancer, bug bites, photosensitivity and various rashes.

As founder and director of Advanced Dermatology and The Center for Laser and Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Fox and associates have expanded the practice to one of the largest in dermatology, laser and cosmetic surgery, with more lasers than any hospital on the eastern coast. Dr. Fox is a graduate of the New York University Medical Center of Skin and Cancer and has been on the advisory board of the Psoriasis Foundation and National Rosacea Foundation, among others. He has also been a fellow of many societies, including the International Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, International Academy of Cosmetic Dermatology and the Society for Investigative Dermatology. Dr. Fox is the founder of the AAD Melanoma/Skin Cancer Prevention Program in Queens, New York (since 1987). Dr. Fox has been Chief of Dermatology of several major teaching hospitals, including Mt. Sinai Hospital of Queens and Jamaica Medical Center, and is currently on the staff of eight NY area hospitals. Dr. Fox is also the founder of New Age Skin Research Foundation at www.newageresearch.org, committed to research and advocacy in dermatology. Dr. Fox and Advanced Dermatology and The Center for Laser & Cosmetic Surgery have been used as a resource center educating dermatologists, laser surgeons and cosmetic surgeons and others about lasers, cancer and cosmetic surgery. www.advancedd.com.

DEBUNKING THE HARSH MYTHS AND MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT SOAP:

Leading dermatologist reveals the benefits of using the right soaps the right way for each skin type

Advanced Dermatology, July 2008 – When it comes to skin care, soap has developed a harsh reputation as drying, unsanitary, irritating and filled with moisture-stripping, pore-clogging detergents and fragrances. Yet, many of today’s soaps are actually superior to other cleansers and washes when it comes to gentle, effective skin care. The key, experts say, is to choose the right soaps for your particular skin type and purpose, and to use them as needed.

“Cleansing bars are becoming more popular today,” says Joshua Fox, MD, founder of Advanced Dermatology and a spokesman for the American Academy of Dermatology. “From clearing acne-prone skin to moisturizing dry skin, certain components in soap can make these bars very effective,” he explains.

All soaps are not created equal

Dr. Fox recommends using the following types of soap for a variety of skin types and body parts:

1. FOR OILY OR ACNE-PRONE SKIN, choose soaps with salicylic acid, which is a beta hydroxy acid that sloughs off pore-clogging dead skin cells, or benzoyl peroxide, which dries up pimples. “These ingredients are most often used on the face, but can be used on other body parts that are prone to oiliness or breakouts, such as the jaw, chest and back,” Dr. Fox points out.
2. FOR DRY SKIN, mild “superfatted” soaps with moisturizing ingredients work best to avoid stripping the skin of its natural moisture and oils, particularly on the face. “Soaps with ingredients such as shea butter, glycerin and Vitamin E can add moisture during the cleansing process, allowing for the use of a lighter, oil-free moisturizer to avoid clogging pores,” Dr. Fox notes.
3. FOR SENSITIVE SKIN, Dr. Fox recommends looking for a soap that is hypoallergenic, which indicates that there are fewer ingredients shown to spur allergic skin reactions. In addition, one should use only luke warm water, avoiding too much lather, scrubbing and rinsing well to avoid irritating sensitive skin.
4. FOR NORMAL SKIN, a variety of botanicals and organic soaps are available on the market to address any temporary or fluctuating needs. Try soothing lavender when skin feels irritated, or organic oatmeal soap for itching and light exfoliating. “Those with normal skin should also take note of subtle changes in the skin; if it becomes a bit oily or dry, switch to soaps that address those conditions, and switch back when skin normalizes again,” Dr. Fox advises.
5. FOR IRRITATED OR WEATHERED SKIN that has been overexposed to sun or wind, Dr. Fox points out that dry-skin soaps with moisturizing agents like shea butter or cocoa butter can work well. In addition, soaps with aloe vera and other cooling agents can soothe chapped or burned skin.
6. BODY SOAPS can differ from those used on the face if the skin’s condition varies as well. “If your skin is dry everywhere, however, then it’s important to use moisturizing soap on the entire body – the same holds true for oily skin,” Dr. Fox says. Deodorant soaps can be used on skin sections that are most prone to producing odor, but they may be harsh and should be avoided on the face and neck. “There’s a difference between scented soap and deodorant soap,” Dr. Fox points out. “There are many soaps with herbal or natural fragrances and scents that do not contain deodorizing agents, and these can be easier on sensitive areas of the body.”
7. FOR HANDS, Dr. Fox points out that antibacterial soaps are not necessary – and may actually be harmful. “The chemicals that provide an antibacterial effect can be harsh and drying, and medical research into whether overuses of these products seem to make us more prone to resistant bacteria is ongoing,” he points out. Instead, lathering with a mild antibacterial bar soap for approximately 30 seconds, followed by a warm water rinse, is sufficient to sanitize the hands. Storing a bar of soap in a slotted dish while basically safe can promote bacterial overgrowth in comparison to a soap pump. In a Triclosan review of soaps, 48% of soaps even when not listed as antibacterial had the antibacterial Triclosan in them. Most studies did not reveal a decrease in the bacterial count after use of an antibacterial soap.

The last word on lathering up

In addition to using the right soap for your skin type, using soap the right way can ensure skin looks and feels healthy. “Sometimes our soap habits can be more of a culprit in drying or irritating the skin than the soap itself,” he says. “Soap should be used only once daily on the body and twice on the face, with just enough lathering to clean the skin surface and without excessive rubbing or sloughing,” he advises. “Rinsing twice with lukewarm rather than hot water will remove more of the soap and the dirt, and reduce the amount of moisture stripped from the skin’s surface,” Dr. Fox concludes.

Bio: Joshua L. Fox, M.D., F.A.A.D

Joshua L. Fox, M.D., is a leading authority in the field of dermatology with an expertise in skin cancer, cosmetic surgery, and laser procedures. As an official spokesperson for the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Dr. Fox has been an expert resource on dermatologic topics for numerous televisions networks, including ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC and Telemundo, talk shows, radio stations, newspapers and magazines. He has received multiple research and clinical awards, including recognition from Top Doctors, Who’s Who, Journal of Dermatologic Surgery and Oncology, Community Service Award from the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, the prestigious Husic Award, as well as certificates of recognition for service from multiple hospitals, civic, educational and community organizations. Dr. Fox has authored and presented papers of his research on lasers, cosmetic procedures, stretch marks, scars, skin cancer, bug bites, photosensitivity and various rashes.

As founder and director of Advanced Dermatology and The Center for Laser and Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Fox and associates have expanded the practice to one of the largest in dermatology, laser and cosmetic surgery, with more lasers than any hospital on the eastern coast. Dr. Fox is a graduate of the New York University Medical Center of Skin and Cancer and has been on the advisory board of the Psoriasis Foundation and National Rosacea Foundation, among others. He has also been a fellow of many societies, including the International Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, International Academy of Cosmetic Dermatology and the Society for Investigative Dermatology. Dr. Fox is the founder of the AAD Melanoma/Skin Cancer Prevention Program in Queens, New York (since 1987). Dr. Fox has been Chief of Dermatology of several major teaching hospitals, including Mt. Sinai Hospital of Queens and Jamaica Medical Center, and is currently on the staff of eight NY area hospitals. Dr. Fox is also the founder of New Age Skin Research Foundation at www.newageresearch.org, committed to research and advocacy in dermatology. Dr. Fox and Advanced Dermatology and The Center for Laser & Cosmetic Surgery have been used as a resource center educating dermatologists, laser surgeons and cosmetic surgeons and others about lasers, cancer and cosmetic surgery. www.advancedd.com.