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Question was submitted via email August 19 ,2014.
HI Susan
Thanks for the recent IPL treatment I received for my broken capillaries and pigmentation. My skin is looking and feeling great. Just checking about ongoing skin care now I have had this treatment . Jane
Susan:
Dear Jane
Thankyou very much for taking the time to share the progress of your recent IPL treatments. I’m delighted to hear youre happy with the results and it’s always very rewarding to know that I’ve been able to address and correct your skin care concerns.
Post IPL ,it’s very important to wear a sunscreen, so make sure sunscreen becomes part of your morning skin care routine.
If i can direct you to my recent blog- Hope in a Jar,there you will find what to look for when choosing skincare.
Having a thorough understanding of your skin type, I would definitely include Vit A derivatives to accelerate cellular turnover and remember: Cleanse -Treat/Manage-Protect
Question was submitted via email July 5,2014.
Dear Susan
My son has annoying rash on his face.We have used pawpaw cream and multi b niacinimide serum. What should we do? Thanks for your help. Concerned Mum
Dear Concerned Mum,
Great photos and cute ephiledes (freckles) !
Unfortunately without taking a thorough history including if your son suffers any allergies, it is difficult to determine precisely what the rash might be and the cause. A number of factors may contribute such as environment eg: cold climate and change in diet. I wonder if this rash appears anywhere else on his body or confined to the triangle area of his face or if he has eaten anything he may be allergic to?
A topical Niacinamide is a good call as it contains anti-inflammatory properties, however if ingesting it please be cautious,especially in children,as it may have adverse side effects as it stimulates the release of the chemical histamine , which is part of the inflammatory process in the body and may exacerbate the rash like symptoms.
The paw paw was also a great idea as it provides a barrier whilst keeping the skin lubricated. From the photos it appears to be either eczema or contact/atopic dermatitis and I would suggest using an emollient cream called Moogoo ( used in Australian hospitals to sooth radiation dermatitis) ,and in the event the rash persists a .05 % steroidal cream, both may be purchased over the counter at your pharmacy. The steroidal cream is not for prolonged use as it can cause thinning of the skin and always consult your Doctor if the rash doesnt clear.
I look forward to hearing of your progress and don’t lose those ephiledes!
Linda submitted this question via askinsolution’s Q & A page June 29, 2014
Hi Susan,
I have attached a photo of one side of my face. I am starting to see more small marks over my face however mainly on the sides. A combination of dark marks, small red marks and some dry patches. What would u suggest to even out the colour and texture of my skin. Please help!!
Thankyou for your question and the photo, It really helps when considering the best treatment options.
I noticed from your history that you’re heading towards a milestone B’day and you live in a coastal area of QLD.
Both age and environment contribute to what appears ,from your photo, to be a sun damaged skin. A sun damaged skin typically appears with fine lines,diffuse redness and pigmentary changes.
The good news is there are a number of treatment options available but before embarking on any treatments I would suggest you seek an opinion from a Doctor as to whether there are any lesions that may be need removal or which may be affected by future treatments.
Light based therapies and chemical peels would be appropriate treatment options in addressing your skin concerns. Your’re welcome to visit my blog page where I have written comprehensively on both of these treatment options which will help you assess your candidature and suitability for these treatments.
Skin care products containing lightening ingredients and acids which accelerate epidermal cell renewal may also be considered if you would prefer a more conservative approach.Allow up to 8 weeks to see improvement and of course a sunscreen is vital to prevent a worsening of the condition.
Hope this helps?
Hello Skin Guru, seeking advice regarding scar minimalisation, following removal of an SCC on my face…..and for added complication am going on a beach holiday 2 weeks after suture removal. Please don’t advise cancelling my holiday!
Susan:
How timely Susan as this months blog is geared around how to achieve adequate sun protection in preventing skin cancer…
I’d like to say im sorry that you have now become the 1 in 3 Australians who will be diagnosed with skin cancer every year, but the upside is your SCC has been diagnosed and treated and your now on the way to recovery.
I’m also very pleased you sought advice prior so you can enjoy your holiday complication free!
I hope you’ve had an opportunity to read our blog and suncreen information to prevent future diagnosis of skin cancers.
From your question I can assume that you are under the care of Dr who has achieved a correct area of margination,that is, they have excavated the entire SCC with borders being clear of further dysplastic cells.
The following information will facilitate optimal wound healing…..
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Phase 1 – INFLAMMATORY PHASE (0-3 Days) the body’s normal response to injury. This phase activates vasodilatation leading to increased blood flow causing HEAT, REDNESS, PAIN, SWELLING, LOSS OF FUNCTION (e.g. arm swells and cannot bend). Wound ooze may be present and this is also a normal body response.
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Phase 2 – PROLIFERATIVE PHASE (3-24 Days) the time when the wound is healing. The body makes new blood vessels, which cover the surface of the wound. This phase includes reconstruction and epithelialisation. The wound will become smaller as it heals.
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Phase 3 – MATURATION PHASE (24-365 Days) the final phase of healing, when scar tissue is formed. The wound at this stage is still at risk and should be protected where possible.
Caring for your wound…….
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Use Aseptic Technique procedure-sterile environment
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Wound cleansing should not be undertaken to remove ‘normal’ exudate
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Cleansing should be performed in a way that minimises trauma to the wound
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Wounds are best cleansed with sterile isotonic saline or water
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The less we disturb a wound during dressing changes the lower the interference to healing
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Fluids should be warmed to 37°C to support cellular activity
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Skin and wound cleansers should have a neutral pH and be non-toxic
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Avoid alkaline soap on intact skin as the skin pH is altered, resistance to bacteria decreases
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Avoid delipidising agents as alcohol or acetone as tissue is degraded
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Antiseptics are not routinely recommended for cleansing and should only be used sparingly for infected wounds
What is the “Moist wound healing ?
There were two principles in the moist wound healing, no disinfectants over the wound and keeping the wound in a moist environment. Lacerations, abrasions, crush injuries and burn are all treated with this moist wound treatment method and the wounds heal faster with less scarring. Disinfectants should never be used over wound surface, as they are toxic to cells.
Cells can grow, divide and migrate at an increased rate to optimise the formation of new tissue when there is a moist environment.
Wound exudate also provides the different cells of the immune system with ideal conditions to destroy invading pathogens such as bacteria, foreign bodies and necrotic tissues, diminishing the rate of infection.
A moist environment allows epithelial cells to migrate more easily in order to close the wound faster and with less pain. In addition, pain is significantly reduced when wounds are covered with an occlusive dressing.
Advantages of moist wound healing….
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Up to 50% faster wound healing.
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Lower rate of infection. No need of systemic antibiotics.
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Painless removal of the dressing without destroying newly formed tissue.
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Less scarring and better cosmetic results.
Patients should stay out of the sun as much as possible, and always use a sunscreen (SPF > 20). Scars exposed to the sun (especially if sunburn develops) not only stay red longer but also may not fade as much as normally expected and in some cases hyper pigment, making the scar appear more noticeable.
Finally good nutrition and no smoking will facilitate optimal healing.
If in the maturation phase of healing you find scar revision is needed please don’t hesitate to visit www.ASkinsolutions.com.au where we can offer advice on different revision techniques to minimise the appearance of the scar.
http://www.rch.org.au/rchcpg/hospital_clinical_guideline_index/Wound_care/
http://www.wound-treatment.jp/english/index_e.htm
Lee:
Dear Susan I suffer from recurrent cold sores depending on the time of year, time of month ,or just bad timing!! Is there any preventative measures you can recommend? I have in the past taken lyceiene and vitamin C supplements with mixed results. After our last consultation I found your moist healing tips to be very beneficial with reduced length of the outbreak and scaring. Lee x
Susan:
Thank you Lee for your positive feedback.
Unfortunately you represent part of the 90% of the population who are infected with the Herpes Simplex type 1 virus. Infection occurs when coming into contact with someone who is already infected with the virus and can be contracted through kissing, using the same eating utensils,towels or razors.
Recurrent attacks normally appear through the original site of entry of the virus and signal their arrival 2 days prior with a tingling /burning /itching sensation, followed by small sores or blisters lasting approximately 7-10 days.
Many people develop antibodies to the virus and never suffer another attack after the first initial cold sore, however it seems you are part of the 40% of sufferers who develops recurrent episodes.
You are fortunate in that you have identified some triggers that may contribute to recurrent outbreaks and avoidance of these is wise. Other triggers you might like to consider in order to minimise the likelihood of an episode, include mental stress, an injury to the area and intense sunlight. Avoid foods that may trigger an episode; such as foods rich in arginine e.g. chocolate, cola, beer, grain cereals, chicken soup, gelatine, seeds ,nuts and peas. The Herpes Simplex type 1 virus thrives on the essential amino acid arginine.
According to Medical News Today, most outbreaks clear up without any intervention, but the duration of the lesion may be reduced by the application of topical antivirals immediately the symptoms appear, and applied up to 5 times a day for best results. Painkillers and oral antivirals may also be prescribed for those with severe symptoms.
Creams not containing antivirals may also help alleviate the symptoms of dryness/itchiness and irritation.
As you mentioned, keeping the site occluded with a protective gel barrier will facilitate faster epidermal healing.
In 2005 the’ Alternative Medicine Review’, conducted a study treating cold sore sufferers with topical applications of Lysine, Zinc oxide,Echinacea,Vitamin A,D and E, and found 87% of participants in the study “cured” by the 6th day and all lesions “cured” by the 11th day!
Prevention in stemming the spread of the virus should be practised. In the presence of an active lesion avoidance of such things as kissing/skin contact and the sharing of lipsticks. Good hand washing hygiene after touching the lesions should be observed.
Unfortunately there is no cure once infected with the virus but the management of triggers and the use of anitvirals in addition to herbal remedies may minimise the duration and severity of outbreaks.
I hope this information is of use to you Lee and welcome any other questions you might have concerning your skin.
Remember always to see your Doctor if you have any concerns.
Carolyn wrote on ASkinSolutions facebook page June 13, 2014-
My 18 year old son has this Acne on his face, shoulders and back.We have tried using Clearasil Ultra Rapid Action Wash on all areas’s affected but it doesn’t seem to be having any effect. Do you have any suggestions to what we do?
Susan:
Thanks for your question Carolyn, teenage years are a very difficult time for adolescents and the added complication of dealling with Acne is unwanted.Thankyou for the photo you uploaded it made it easier for an accurate diagnosis.
The male hormone Androgen is the enemy here stimulating oil production so it’s all about controlling the oil and keeping the skin clean and oil free.
Whilst there are a number of pimples present they do appear to be non cystic which makes it easier to manage and is likely to be managed successfully with topical applications, however patience is the key here !
He is certainly on the right track in cleansing with a mild cleanser containing Salicylic acid but the story doesn’t end there-
Cleanse with a mild cleanse containing Salicylic, Tea Tree or Hydrogen Peroxide (although the last two can be drying)
Treat with a mild scrub to exfoliate the skin and if necessary a topical antibiotic ( to kill the propionic bacteria) or some tretionoins (Vit A derivatives that will accelerate epidermal turnover)
Protect with a non- oily zinc based sunscreen (Zinc has fantastic healing properties)
Regular changing of linen will also help to prevent the spread of infection
I know it’s difficult but as I mentioned earlier, it’s important to be patient as it may take up to two months to see results and please try not to squeeze however tempting!
I hope this helps and please visit our fact sheet on Acne where you will find more treatment options and helpful diet tips to manage your son’s Acne successfully.