Innovative Dermatology

WestDerm

Save Money On Botox

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You’re Invited to Botox Day! đŸ’‰
WHEN đŸ“…: Thursday, May 16, 2019
WHERE đŸ“: West Dermatology, 4060 4th Ave Suite 415, San Diego, CA 92103
WHAT â“:
+ 30 Botox units $50 off
+ 40 Botox units $75 off
+ 20% off All SkinMedica Products this day only
+ Special Raffle for Botox Day only!
+ Bring a friend that is new to West Dermatology- $25 for patient and $25 for friend
+ Download the Brilliant Distinction app and sign up prior to your appointment to enjoy your first $10 coupon to be used at the Botox appointment.
+ Our special Allergan representative will be available to answer any questions you have on products, Brilliant Distinctions, or treatments.
Call to RSVP today: (619) 313-6022

How to protect your skin against itchy, sneezy allergy season â˜€ïžđŸŒ·đŸ€§

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For some people, spring weather means travelling with Kleenex at all times. Seasonal allergies can be a bear, and they don’t just affect your nose and sinuses – they affect your skin, too. Below, we’ve explained a few skin problems that seasonal allergies can cause, so you can stay prepared, plus how to solve them.
Dark circles: Seasonal allergies can mean more fluid in the veins, which shows through the skin under the eyes as dark circles. Though dark circles aren’t uncomfortable, some people combat them with under-eye creams containing caffeine or cover them up with cosmetic concealers. We love Sente’s Illumine Eye Cream or Colorescience Total Eye.
Puffy eyes: If you’re allergic to pollen or mold, your eyes may become irritated, water, and puff up in the spring. Lessen the swelling by taking antihistamines, wearing a cold compress, or (even though it’s no fun) spending time indoors.
Aggravated eczema: Those with eczema are extra vulnerable to itchy, irritated skin during allergy season, and annoyingly, scratching only makes symptoms worse! We recommend that people with eczema stock up on SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Masque or Pomega Healing cream, which will alleviate the irritation.
Red nose: Nasal congestion and sneezing are maybe the best-known allergy symptoms. Those symptoms can affect your skin, too, if you rub your runny nose, which will make the area red, flaky, and sore. To bring down the redness, choose your tissues carefully and pick a brand with added lotion or calming ingredients. Then, apply a non-irritating moisturizer to the area to soothe the inflamed skin. We recommend Calecim’s Recovery Night Complex.
Whatever seasonal allergy symptoms you may have, we’re here to answer questions, look at anything concerning, and above all, help you live more comfortably. Enjoy the brighter days, and come see us when you need us.
Yours in good health,
The West Dermatology Team

How To Choose The Right Dermatologist for Your Chronic Skin Condition

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Is it a rash? A bad breakout? Or are you developing a persistent skin problem that is affecting your health, comfort and self-confidence? Chronic skin conditions such as psoriasis, rosacea, acne and eczema can be painful and debilitating. While a general practitioner may be able to diagnose your skin problem, only the expertise and experience of a dermatologist can diagnose, comprehensively relieve symptoms, treat the specific skin condition and provide overall care for the body’s largest organ.
However, it can be stressful trying to find the right dermatologist. Here are tips on selecting the right dermatologist –so you get the healthcare you need, and the medical attention you deserve.

Seek Medical Dermatologist Referrals in Hillcrest

Ask your primary care doctor for a list of dermatologists to help narrow down your options. Also ask family, friends and other healthcare practitioners for recommendations. Once you’ve come up with a list, call each dermatologist’s office. Schedule a consult appointment so you can meet and interview the dermatologist.

Do Your Homework on San Diego Medical Dermatologists

Be proactive and take time to read the bios or profiles of dermatologists. Bios present overviews of their education, memberships and achievements –all relevant information for a potential patient like you. As for credentials, board certification is a key factor to consider. As well as whether the practice accepts your medical insurance.
Also take time to research the practice as a whole. Read patient satisfaction surveys which ask people about their experiences when it comes to scheduling appointments, staff friendliness and waiting time. Reviews on Google can be helpful too. All these testimonials from past and current patients could help you decide whether to move forward with a dermatologist or not.

Assess How the Doctor Communicates With You

You should be able to comfortably hold a conversation with your dermatologist. Carefully observe how a doctor responds to your questions.
  • Is he or she confident?
  • Are all your questions welcomed?
  • Do you feel engaged when being spoken to?
A good dermatologist should show interest in getting to know you, while respecting your decisions. And keep in mind that being able to employ an effective communication style could help lead to faster recovery.

Location, Location, Location

When you live in a big city, location is key. If you’re searching for a medical dermatologist in San Diego for instance, you’ll need to find a clinic that is easily accessible to you without a lot of travel time. Additionally, don’t underestimate the importance of having available parking at your dermatologist’s office. Luckily, West Dermatology has 3 locations in San Diego: Hillcrest, La Jolla/UTC, and Encinitas.

Treating Chronic Skin Conditions with a Medical Dermatologist in San Diego

Chronic skin conditions make up 31% of all dermatology visits annually. Whether you have a serious skin condition or perhaps, you’ve found an irregularity after doing a skin self-check, choosing a dermatologist is a crucial, as well as personal decision. We hope these tips help you make an informed decision on finding the right practitioner.

Contact Us Today at West Dermatology

Taking care of your skin condition begins with a visit to the dermatologist. Contact West Dermatology Hillcrest today for more information and to discuss which treatment option is the best for you. Our board-certified dermatologists each have years of experience treating skin conditions and work diligently to find each patient the relief s/he deserves.

Get Fresh Air the Sun-Safe Way

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Now that the weather’s warming up, more people are leaving their cars in the driveway and biking to work. Cycling has many health benefits, like lower blood pressure and stronger muscles—that’s why many of our clinicians, like Dr. Mitchel Goldman, Dr. Brook Brouha and Dr. Shane Hamman in La Jolla, CA, choose to bike to work. Not only for the physical benefits, Dr. Goldman pedals to better health for the mood-boosting benefits as well. When participating in outdoor sports, like cycling, it’s important you take certain measures to protect yourself from the dangers of the sun.
Though cycling and outdoor sports strengthen the body and mind, the related sun exposure can actually harm you. Over time, the skin can show signs of sun damage, including cancerous growths. Thankfully, cyclists and other athletes can reap the benefits of exercise with minimal risks by taking simple preventative steps.
Choose the right sunscreen: You’ll want a broad-spectrum formula, meaning it offers both UVA and UVB protection. Pick something waterproof, so that you don’t sweat it off or rinse it away while swimming.
“I prefer Eryfotona Actinica from ISDIN,” says Dr. Goldman. “It has an SPF of 50+ and is 100% mineral-based for safe UVA/UVB protection. It stays on for hours, does not sting the eyes, and is not greasy.”
Find sun-protective clothing: Look for UV-resistant clothing from your favorite athletic brands. The higher the UPF (ultraviolet protection factor), the more effective the fabric is. Don’t forget to add a hat and sunglasses, or a visor with your bike helmet!
Pick a shady route: Trees and the shadows cast by tall buildings offer some protection against the sun.
Apply sunscreen before you go: It takes 15 to 30 minutes for sunscreen to absorb into your skin and offer its full benefits, so apply it before leaving your home.
Reapply: Put on more sunscreen every two hours, any time you get out of the water, or after periods of intense perspiration—whichever comes first.
Consider a supplement: “Heliocare Ultra is a vegan dietary supplement with a potent antioxidant formula that helps reduce harmful free radicals,” says Dr. Goldman. “I take one capsule every day when I am outdoors to complement sunscreen for protection from harmful ultraviolet radiation.”
The health benefits of outdoor exercise are clear, and you can get those benefits without harming your skin if you make smart choices.
Another great way to boost skin health? Check with your nearest West Dermatology dermatologist to figure out what works best for you, to keep you safe.

Atypical Moles: Know the Signs It’s Time to Get Your Mole Checked

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A mole is a growth of benign cells called melanocytes, which are responsible for the color of your skin. Normally, a mole is flat or raised, sometimes being flat for a long period of time before gradually becoming raised. Typically, it also has a smooth surface with a consistent color and border.
 
But how do you know when a harmless mole has put your skin, and ultimately your health, at risk? The team of board-certified dermatologists at West Dermatology wants you to know these signs, which you can look for via a skin self-check.

What You’re Looking For

New Moles
A mole is totally normal, especially if you have lighter skin, and it’s typically not much to worry about if you’ve had one since childhood or adolescence. However, a mole that develops during adulthood is likely to be more problematic.
 
According to the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, researchers have found in reviewing studies of more than 20,000 melanomas that more than 7 in 10 cases arose from new moles. Moreover, melanomas from new moles tend to be thicker or wider, which means a less favorable prognosis than those attributed to existing moles.
 
That’s why the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) strongly recommends that, in addition to your own regular skin checks every 3-4 months, you get regular (i.e., annual) professional skin checks, as they’re vital in preventing skin cancer or catching it in its early stages, as is protecting yourself from the harmful UV rays of the sun with broad-spectrum water-resistant SPF 30 or higher sunscreen.
 
Existing Moles
In addition to the valuable information the AAD provides on skin cancer protection, prevention, and detection, West Dermatology offers ways to know when it’s time to get an existing mole checked.
 
One is this: self-awareness. Be cognizant of any mole that changes shape, size, and/or color, regardless of whether it’s an existing one or a new one, as it means you should see your dermatologist ASAP.
 
An irregular mole is one that is no longer smooth or has a consistent shape or color. It also is one that bleeds, crusts over, itches, or oozes and/or causes pain or is tender to the touch.
 

Knowing Your ABCDEs Can Save Your Skin – And Maybe Your Life

 
An easy way to know what constitutes an irregular mole is to know your ABCDEs:
 
  1. Asymmetry: is each side of the mole the same? Asymmetry could indicate a more serious matter.
  2. Border: an irregular border – ragged, blurred, notched – is another sign.
  3. Color: a mole with different shades of brown, tan, or black, or that includes patches of white, red, or blue could symbolize something more dangerous.
  4. Diameter: a mole smaller in diameter than a typical wooden pencil eraser is considered normal, but when it’s bigger (more than 6mm in diameter), you may have a mole that should be professionally checked ASAP.
  5. Evolving state: if your mole changes in any of the above ways, including ways already mentioned (i.e., bleeding, oozing, etc.), then get it checked by a dermatologist ASAP.
When you know how to look and what to look for, you’ll know when you need to have your favorite dermatologist conduct a more thorough exam when and if you find an irregularity.
 

Contact West Dermatology for More about Moles

 
Knowing the signs of an irregular mole could be life-saving, so contact the mole experts at West Dermatology immediately if you notice an irregular mole.

What Makes Us Itch?

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WHAT MAKES US ITCH?
For the most part, itchy skin — caused by irritation of the skin cells or the nerves associated with them — is nothing to worry about and is usually treatable at home. Still, itching is unpleasant, and in rare cases, it can point to a serious health problem, so it helps to know the facts.
CAUSES
Itchiness is mostly caused by dry skin, allergies, or a skin disorder. More rarely, itchiness can result from prescription medications, thyroid dysfunction, or illnesses like diabetes or cancer. Itchy skin also comes with age, unfortunately: older adults’ skin retain less moisture, and menopause can cause itching, as well.
AT-HOME REMEDIES
Try taking shorter baths and showers in lukewarm (not hot) water. You’ll want to wash your skin with a mild cleanser and use a daily moisturizer. Both should be hypoallergenic and fragrance-free. Be careful, though: “unscented” means something different on labels than “fragrance-free,” and unscented products might not get the job done.
Whatever you do, don’t scratch! Scratching an itch just makes it worse and could lead to infection. Soothe your skin with over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion instead.
SEEING A DERMATOLOGIST
If your itching has lasted for more than two weeks, is all over your body, is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, or you’re just tired of the discomfort, then it’s time to see a doctor. An expert dermatologist like the board-certified clinicians at West Dermatology, can prescribe anti-itch medications and uncover any chronic conditions (like eczema) or underlying health issues (like liver disease), so you get relief for good.
If you’re itching for more information on your skin health, just make an appointment with us.
Yours in good health, 
The West Dermatology Team

Paradise Valley Dermatology joins the West Dermatology network!

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Paradise Valley Dermatology joins the West Dermatology network 
West Dermatology is pleased to announce the addition of Paradise Valley Dermatology to our growing network of providers. Mark Blair, MD, who serves patients in Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona, owns the office. His practice offers medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. 
Dr. Blair has special expertise in Mohs micrographic surgery, dermatopathology, and managing skin conditions such as actinic keratosis and acne through advanced treatment with photodynamic light therapy and cosmetic dermatology that includes a wide variety of laser systems, filler and injectable treatments. He is Board Certified with the American Board of Dermatology and is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, and American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery. 
Before becoming a dermatologist, Dr. Blair served in the Navy from 1994 through 2004 as a General Medical Officer in Okinawa, Japan, and as a flight surgeon in Lemoore, Calif. After working for the Naval Hospital Beaufort in South Carolina as the Department Head for Dermatology, Dr. Blair began his private practice. 
Assisting Dr. Blair at Paradise Valley Dermatology is Kathy Cecchin. She received an aesthetic license in 2011 from the Arizona State Board of Cosmetology along with her Laser Technician certification by the Arizona Radiation Regulatory Agency. Kathy is certified in all laser modalities including hair reduction, spider vein reduction, skin rejuvenation, skin tightening, wrinkle reduction, facial erythema, acne scar reduction, solar lentigo reduction, ephelis reduction, photofacial, acquired adult hemangiomas, telangiectasias and tattoo removal. 
Kathy also holds certifications in numerous medical grade devices such as Ultherapy, Coolsculpting and the Infini RF. In addition to cosmetic treatments, Kathy specializes in medical grade chemical peels and can personalize a skin care treatment plan for each patient along with make-up application and custom color matching. 
West Dermatology is continuing to expand throughout Arizona, California, and Nevada. We are actively recruiting best-in-class dermatologists and established dermatology groups within our core markets. We seek providers who have a demonstrated track record of excellence in serving their patients and who embrace our culture of integrity, teamwork, and transparency.  
To learn more about West Dermatology, contact: 
Nina Jorajuria 
Director of Business Development
To learn more about Paradise Valley Dermatology, visit:
www.pvdermatology.net

Different Types of Acne and What They Say about Your Health

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Are all acne blemishes the same? Is there a difference between blackheads and pimples? What about cystic acne?
Not only are they dissimilar, but they also usually require different treatments. At our San Diego West Dermatology clinic, our board-certified dermatologists: Dr. Reed, Dr. Zaleski-Larsen, and Dr. Hemperly are acne experts. We provide a variety of treatments, each designed to address different types of acne, and tailor-made to fit your unique skin condition. If you have acne that’s making you self-conscious, contact us today for a consultation so you can get the right treatment and get on with your life.

How Acne Starts

As your skin produces oil and sheds dead skin cells to make room for new ones, the pores of your skin can become clogged. Bacteria, which normally live on the skin, begin to spread and thrive in this area. As a result, the immune system goes to work attacking the bacteria, which results in a red, inflamed, and swollen pimple.
 

Different Types of Acne

 
A pimple is a closed, clogged pore that becomes red and inflamed. So how is it different other types of acne blemishes?
  • Blackheads occur when a clogged pore of a pimple fills with excess dead skin cells, bacteria, and oil, yet but does not close, and a black spot becomes visible.
  • A whitehead is a clogged pore with excess dead skin cells, oil, and bacteria on which a tiny white or flesh-colored bump develops.
  • Papules occur when the bacteria, dead skin cells, and oil push deep beneath the surface of the skin, causing inflammation and swelling in the form of small, hard red bumps.  
  • Pustules can resemble an oversized whitehead because the bump that has formed contains pus, which appears as a yellowish-white center on top of a red, swollen blemish.
  • Cysts/Nodules penetrate deep below the skin and result in more swollen pustules or papules.

What Your Acne Says about Your Health

Acne can develop anywhere on the body, and where it occurs can give hints as to the condition of your health.
  • Forehead acne could signify poor digestive health, stress or, even simple skin irritation from hats and hair on the skin, which can clog pores.
  • Cheek acne could be the result of air pollution, as the skin on the cheek is affected by the respiratory system. Acne here could also be due to cell phones, dirty hands, makeup brushes, clothing, and pillowcases.
  • T-zone acne consisting of your forehead, nose, and chin is believed to result from food allergies or an imbalance of the GI tract
  • Nose acne is thought to correspond to the heart and blood pressure problems. A diet lacking in essential fatty acids found in foods like wild-caught salmon, avocados, flaxseed and olive oil may be a reason for this type of underlying health ailment.
  • Chin acne is commonly associated with a hormone imbalance.
  • Acne on the back, arms, and thighs could develop due to friction from genetics and hormone fluctuations.

Acne Treatment at West Dermatology

Individual treatments will vary due to the factors contributing to your breakouts. Treatments may include: retinoids that help unclog the blocked pores of whiteheads or blackheads. While, OTC retinoids are available, we may prescribe stronger retinoids for stubborn, more serious breakouts. Additionally, benzoyl peroxide cleansers help rid your skin of the P. acne bacteria responsible for clogging those pores.
Pustules and papule treatment involves washing with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid 2-3 times. If the wash routine does not deliver results in 6-8 weeks, an upgraded treatment plan may be necessary.
For nodules and cysts, see a dermatologist ASAP, as permanent scarring can result after healing. Only a professional dermatologist can treat these effectively and the sooner you get treatment, the less chance there is of widespread scarring. Possible options for these more serious types of acne include lasers,  light therapy, chemical peels, and minor surgical procedures to drain and extract.
 

Improve Acne and Your Skin Health at West Dermatology

 
At West Dermatology, we customize treatments based on your condition and individual needs. Because your healthy skin is our passion, we will address your concerns with compassion and support. Contact us today so we can provide you with a comprehensive consultation and address your condition.

The Best and Worst Holiday Foods for Your Skin Health đŸ„§đŸ„•đŸ«

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Holiday parties mean decorations, dressing up, and all sorts of indulgent dishes. Most health-conscious adults know they should watch finger foods and heavy entrees for sodium, saturated fat, and overall excess calories. However, did you know that what you put on your plate can also transform your skin’s health and appearance?
To help you protect your complexion and make healthy decisions at the buffet table, we’ve rounded up a dermatologist-approved list of the best and worst holiday foods (and drinks).
The Worst
  • Creamy dips: The dairy in these can boost androgen, a hormone that increases oil production.
  • Chips, pretzels, or other salty snacks: Excess sodium causes skin to puff up, reduces radiance, and makes fine lines more noticeable.
  • Cookies, pie, and other desserts: Refined sugar releases free radicals in the body, which diminish the skin’s elasticity and damage it overall.
  • Alcoholic drinks: In general, alcohol dries out the complexion, increases the risk of acne, and disrupts restorative sleep, but the antioxidants in red wine can actually help to protect the skin—as long as you don’t overdo it!
  • Eggnog: Eggnog combines all the hazards of dairy, sugar, and alcohol, with the added disadvantage of high fat content, which can prompt your skin to supply more oil.
The Best
  • CruditĂ©s: Carrots, in particular, have beta carotene, vitamin A, and vitamin C, all antioxidants that defend skin against free radical damage and sun damage.
  • Fish: The omega-3 fatty acids in fish promote collagen production and boost skin’s elasticity.
  • Mixed nuts: Nuts contain both antioxidants and omega-3s, but watch out for nut mixes that overuse sugar or salt.
  • Salads with leafy greens: Not only do leafy greens pack an antioxidant punch, but they also fight inflammation and promote good digestion.
  • Cocoa: Again, it’s all about the antioxidants in dark chocolate, but be careful of eating too much sugar.
Of course, it won’t destroy your complexion if you eat an indulgent meal once in a blue moon. Most people do over the holidays! Just be sure that your diet is healthy overall, and your skin will thank you. That said, a healthy diet alone won’t guarantee good skin health. To truly protect your complexion, you should schedule a skin check at least once a year. Our nationally renowned dermatologists, including current and former American Academy of Dermatology board members, are ready to listen to your concerns and help you make smart choices. Happy holidays, and enjoy the food and your good health!

We Did It! ☀ We Told Skin Cancer to Take a Hike!

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This past Saturday, West Dermatology and 300+ team and community members participated in hikes we held in California, Nevada, and Arizona to send a message: We can prevent skin cancer—and save lives—through education and encouraging healthy habits.
Through our three hikes, we raised more than $65,900 (Yea!) for free skin cancer screenings, new shade structures, new sunscreen dispensers at large outdoor areas, and educating the public on the importance of skin cancer detection and prevention. To put this in the proper perspective, via the leadership of Dr. Kimberly Butterwick, Dr. Paul English, Tom Powell, Veronica Rooney, Minerva Navarette, Henry Whitehair and many other committed team members, our collective efforts resulted in the second-highest contribution to the American Academy of Dermatology in the entire United States!
As a community of healers, nothing is more important to us than disease prevention and early treatment. That commitment is especially important right now, since men’s death rates from melanoma have shot up around the world, and an estimated 9,000 US adults will die from melanoma this year. Both Chris Kane, our CEO, and Dr. Kimberly J. Butterwick, one of our nationally recognized dermatologists, gave rousing remarks that reminded everyone of what’s at stake—and the bright future we’ll have if we take action now.
Skin cancer is a serious topic, of course, but the fundraiser still made space for fun. Designated sunscreen sprayers with hot pink signs sprayed hikers and passersby, so participants could treat their own skin as they protected the health of others. As a bonus, some hikers won prizes from the dermatologist-recommended skincare brands SkinCeuticals and EltaMD. And everyone went home with a goodie bag full of sun safety products from Heliocare, SkinMedica, Colorescience, La Roche-Posay, Coppertone, EltaMD, and ALASTIN Skincare.
Most importantly, the hike met its aim: helping people in underserved communities, including kids, live longer and healthier lives. The funds raised will allow doctors to teach sun-smart habits and clear a path to early treatment for people from all walks of life—which saves lives about 97% of the time! We’re confident that we, along with our community, made a difference. Thank you to everyone who donated!