The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) emphasized, though, that the recommendation from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) referred only to primary care physicians, and not to specialists.

AAD President Terrence Cronin Jr. said in a statement that it is “important for the public to understand that the USPSTF is not recommending against skin cancer screenings or commenting on the value of general population screening by dermatologists, who are the leading experts in diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer.

“Skin cancer is highly treatable when diagnosed early. Melanoma accounts for the vast majority of skin cancer deaths, and nonmelanoma skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma can have potentially devastating effects, including severe tissue loss, metastasis, and death.

“The AAD encourages everyone to serve as their own health advocate by regularly conducting skin self-exams. Individuals who notice any new spots on their skin, any spots that look different from the others, or anything changing, itching or bleeding, should see a board-certified dermatologist.

“While everyone is at risk of developing skin cancer, some individuals have a higher risk and should be particularly vigilant. Consult with your dermatologists who knows what your individual skin cancer risk is.”

The USPSTF is a panel of health care professionals who make recommendations for primary care physicians.

If you notice anything suspicious on your skin, your dermatologist will examine it and may perform a skin biopsy. For many skin diseases and conditions — including skin cancer and some rashes — a skin biopsy is the best way to confirm the diagnosis. A skin biopsy can be done during an office visit with your dermatologist using local anesthesia to numb the area. During a skin biopsy, your dermatologist removes a small amount of skin, which will be looked at under a microscope to make a diagnosis.

“Your dermatologist will treat the small wound from the skin biopsy during your visit,” board-certified dermatologist Dr. Rajiv Nijhawan, MD, FAAD, said in a news release from the American Academy of Dermatology. “Continuing to care for your wound once you get home is important because it will help it heal, reduce scarring, and decrease chances of infection.”

To care for a wound from a skin biopsy, Nijhawan recommends the following six tips:

Practice proper wound care. Wash your hands before touching your wound. To care for your wound, gently wash the biopsy area with mild soap and water. Rinse thoroughly and gently pat dry with a clean washcloth. To keep the wound moist and help it heal faster, apply petroleum jelly from a squeeze tube to the wound. Then, cover the wound with an adhesive bandage or sterile gauze and paper tape. Repeat these steps daily for as long as your dermatologist recommends.

Do not use topical antibiotics unless instructed by your dermatologist. Topical antibiotics can cause allergic reactions. As long as you clean your wound daily, topical antibiotics are not necessary to treat a skin biopsy. Use petroleum jelly instead.

Treat itch. Your skin can itch as it heals. To relieve this itch, keep the wound moist by applying a thick layer of petroleum jelly to the wound. Itching can also be a sign you’ve developed an allergic reaction or irritated your skin. Cover the wound with a non-stick pad and paper tape instead of an adhesive bandage. If you’re using a topical antibiotic, start using petroleum jelly instead.

Treat bleeding. Apply firm and steady pressure with a sterile gauze pad continuously for 20 minutes if your wound starts bleeding. Call your dermatologist’s office if your wound is still bleeding after 20 minutes.

Treat pain. The area of your biopsy may feel sore. If you’re in pain, take acetaminophen. Another option is to place an ice pack over the bandage to relieve swelling.

Protect your wound from the sun to reduce scarring. Once your wound has healed, protect it from the sun by seeking shade, covering it with sun-protective clothing, and applying a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. For more effective sun protection, select clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) number on the label.

“If you have any signs of infection such as worsening pain, increased swelling, warmth, or fever, contact your dermatologist,” said Nijhawan. “If you have any questions about a skin condition, make an appointment to see a board-certified dermatologist.”

“Keeping our hands, feet and face protected from the cold weather is an essential part of preventing dry skin as well as stopping it from worsening,” said Elizabeth Kiracofe, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist who is in private practice in Chicago. “We can’t hibernate inside all winter, so when you’re out and about, make sure that as little skin as possible is exposed to the elements and you protect your lips by wearing lip balm.”

The weather changes year-round so it’s important to make sure your skin care routine fits with the season. What works well in the summer might not work as well when the humidity drops. In addition to causing dry, itchy skin, dry, cold air can make fine lines and wrinkles more noticeable.

“You don’t need to change every product you use, but you should switch to heavier creams when it’s cold,” said Kiracofe. “I recommend that my patients cut back on products that have alpha hydroxy acid or beta hydroxy acid, which can reduce the signs of aging by smoothing fine lines and wrinkles. In the winter months, these products can be irritating for the skin even when combined with moisturizing creams.”

When the weather gets colder, the humidity drops outside and inside our homes. Turning up the furnace or lighting the fireplace creates dry heat and takes moisture out of the air, causing your skin to become dry and irritated. Kiracofe recommends that people bundle up by wearing warmer clothes and blankets when indoors rather than increasing the heat or using a fireplace. Adding moisture to the air also can prevent your skin from getting rough and cracked.

“Adequate sleep is such an essential component to maintaining healthy skin, and that uninterrupted time in the night is the perfect opportunity for the skin to recover,” said Dr. Kiracofe. “This is why, in winter, I recommend patients consider adding a filtered, cool-mist humidifier in their bedrooms. Not only can this help treat dryness, but it can be an effective tool for prevention. You don’t need to wait until you get irritated or cracked skin to make an improvement to your environment.”

If your skin does become very dry or raw, clothes and laundry detergent can be irritating. Consider wearing soft fiber fabrics that won’t cause irritation, such as cotton or silk, and using a laundry detergent labeled “fragrance free.”

There are many ways to relieve dry skin, but keeping it hydrated is essential. Kiracofe and the American Academy of Dermatology recommend the following tips:

Apply moisturizer immediately after washing, which traps existing moisture in your skin.

Use an ointment or cream because they are more effective and less irritating than lotions.

Use warm water instead of hot water during baths and showers to prevent dry skin from worsening.

Use only gentle, fragrance-free skin care products. Some skin care products, such as antibacterial, deodorant, or scented soaps, are too harsh for dry, sensitive skin.

If at-home treatments don’t work, see a board-certified dermatologist.

“Often, a prescription is needed to help treat the inflammation or dryness that’s gotten out of control,” said Kiracofe. “That’s why I always tell patients you don’t have to be in pain or itching before you come see me. If you’re noticing your skin is changing, and you can’t improve its condition on your own, come in. Don’t wait until your knuckles are bleeding or your lips are cracked. Board-certified dermatologists can give you recommendations to hydrate and prevent dry skin and prescribe a medication if you need it.”

To find a board-certified dermatologist in your area, visit the AAD website, click here.

But according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD0 while most rashes aren’t life-threatening, some rashes can signal something more serious. If you have a rash and notice any of the following symptoms, see a board-certified dermatologist or go to the emergency room immediately:

The rash is all over your body. A rash that covers the body could indicate something concerning, such as an infection or allergic reaction.

You have a fever with the rash. If this is the case, go to the emergency room. This could be caused by an allergic reaction or an infection. Examples of rashes caused by infection include scarlet fever, measles, mononucleosis, and shingles.

The rash is sudden and spreads rapidly. This could be the result of an allergy. Allergies to medications are common, and some can be serious. If breathing becomes difficult, go to the emergency room or call 911.

The rash begins to blister. If your rash is made up of blisters, or if the rash turns into open sores, it could be the result of an allergic reaction, a reaction to medication, or an internal cause. Seek medical attention if a blistering rash affects the skin around your eyes, multiple areas in your mouth, or your genitals.

The rash is painful. Painful rashes should quickly be evaluated by a physician.

The rash is infected. If you have an itchy rash and you scratch it, it may become infected. Signs of an infected rash are yellow or green fluid, swelling, crusting, pain, and warmth in the area of the rash, or a red streak coming from the rash.

Rashes can come in many forms and, depending on the cause, take days or even weeks to heal. Rather than treating the rash on your own, see a board-certified dermatologist for the proper diagnosis and treatment.

For more information on skin health, click here to visit the AAD website.

Go hands-free.

The skin on the face is often one of the areas that people find to be too oily. It’s also one of the areas that’s hardest to cover up in social situations, making it a primary area of concern for many patients.On average, people touch their face between one and two dozen times every hour. Each time there’s a chance to transfer dirt, bacteria, and more oil onto the face. Face touching is usually done unconsciously, so being aware of it can help prevent further irritation.

Use blotting papers.

Over-the-counter blotting papers can be used throughout the day as needed to absorb excess oil buildup on the skin.Blotting papers don’t prevent or slow oil production, but they’re a quick and discreet way to manage symptoms while going about your day. Just be sure to follow the directions on the package.

Remove makeup before bed.

For people who wear makeup, it’s important to remove it when it’s no longer needed or desired.As far as your skin is concerned, makeup is debris. Leaving it on overnight allows it to mix with sebum, bacteria, dirt, and dead skin cells, which can then clog pores and lead to further irritations like acne.

Wash regularly.

“It’s a fairly safe assumption for people of all skin types and ages that washing your skin—primarily your face—twice a day is a good cadence.It’s also a good idea to wash up after sweating, like after exercising. But don’t overdo it; cleaning your skin too frequently can aggravate it. Pay attention to how your skin reacts to your cleaning regimen.For oily skin, lightweight foaming products are usually a better fit than heavy, creamy products.

Try using astringents.

After the skin is washed and clean, follow up with an astringent. These products help to unclog pores and remove oil.Check the ingredients before you purchase an astringent. Salicylic acid, witch hazel, and citric acid can all provide benefits for oily skin. But try to avoid alcohol-based astringents, which some people find irritates their skin.

Exfoliate with care.

Exfoliating helps to remove debris that might be left behind by regular cleaning. For oily skin, it is appropriate to exfoliate only once per week.Exfoliating too often can irritate the skin. Watch for signs of over-exfoliating such as redness or flaking. Too much can actually cause your body to produce even more oil in response, so it’s a fine balance. Also, limit the use of facial brushes and scrubs with beads or rough coarse particles.

Always finish with moisturizer.

Washing, exfoliating, and using astringents all remove oil, which is the goal with oily skin. But removing oil also dehydrates the skin, which can be an issue.Skin is made up of many layers. Sometimes the deeper layers dry out and can’t absorb more water while the surface layers have excess oil, so it’s actually possible to have skin that’s both dry and oily at the same time.To avoid this, a lightweight moisturizer should be applied at the end of the skincare routine. If moisturizer is put on without cleaning first, bacteria and oils can get trapped against the skin, leading to clogged pores and further issues.Everyone’s skin is different, and it’s important to know your own skin, and what works and what doesn’t. When choosing skincare products, don’t worry about the brand name or the celebrity endorsements. Focus on the ingredients.For people with oily skin, there are some ingredients that are probably best avoided. These include:

• cocoa butter
• coconut oil
• petroleum jelly
• silicone
• alcohol
• products that are oil-based
• mineral oil
• petrolatum
• shea butter
• vitamin E

These are all likely to clog pores or cause irritation for people with oily skin types. Instead, try using products that include:

• green tea
• niacinamide
• L-carnitine
• licochalcone A
• cosmetic clays (such as green clay)
• aloe vera
• honey
• oatmeal
• products that are water-based

Many times, packaging will be labeled with the word “noncomedogenic,” which just means that it won’t clog pores.Your skin isn’t shy. It will tell you what works or doesn’t work. And for anyone having a hard time, visiting a dermatologist is always a great option.

Loretta Pratt, MD, is board-certified in internal medicine and dermatology in practice with Advanced Dermatology P.C., in Chadds Ford, PA.  

Advanced Dermatology P.C. and the Center for Laser and Cosmetic Surgery has over 50 offices in NY, NJ, CT and PA and is one of the leading dermatology centers in the nation, offering highly experienced physicians in the fields of cosmetic and laser dermatology, as well as plastic surgery and state-of-the-art medical technologies. www.advanceddermatologypc.com  

Distinguishing the differences

Neither psoriasis nor eczema is contagious. That’s an important thing to point out. Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease cause by a dysfunctional immune system that causes skin cells to hyperproliferate and mature too rapidly. It shows up on the skin as red or pink or white, scaly patches that are often itchy and can bleed. The patches can also look scaly or silvery in color. In some instances, the nails can become yellow, ridged and separate from the nail bed. Up to 30 percent of people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis, and sometimes patients with moderate to severe psoriasis are also at greater risk for other related health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, depression and hypertension.Eczema is also caused by a dysfunctional immune system. In some patients, deficiency in filaggrin, a skin protein can lead to a defective skin barrier. Increased allergic cells in these patients creates heightened skin sensitivities. This hypersensitive state leads to inflamed skin often causing pain, itching, dryness, swelling, cracking, weeping and scaling. Eczema lesions can bubble, ooze, and crust over if scratched. Skin infections can occur with eczema if bacteria invade the skin abrasions.

Differences in treatment

Psoriasis is treated in a variety of ways depending on the severity of the condition, the patient’s overall health and more. A dermatologist will work out a treatment plan unique to each patient. It is common for psoriasis to be treated with topical creams such as corticosteroids, vitamin D analogues, retinoids, salicylic acid, and coal tars, to reduce inflammation and improve skin lesions. A new topical agent with a novel mechanism of action was recently approved by the FDA. Another course of action is to treat it with laser or light therapy with ultraviolet light (UVA or narrow band UVB). And lastly, in some cases systemic medications are prescribed orally or by injection to suppress, or control, the immune system.Eczema may also be treated with topical creams, such as corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors, to reduce inflammation. Additionally, immunomodulator creams are also sometimes prescribed to control inflammation and immune system reactions. In some cases, systemic medications (injectable or oral) and light therapy are prescribed to suppress the immune system. Prescription strength moisturizers can help restore the skin barrier and oral antihistamines can be used to help relieve itch. Lastly, some patients can get relief with diluted bleach baths and antibiotics to treat infection.I offer the following tips for reducing the itch of inflammatory skin conditions:

• Moisturize. Moisturize. Use a fragrance-free moisturizer. Thick ointments are top for locking in moisture and repairing the skin barrier.
• Use a mild, fragrance-free and non-irritating soap.Use in moderation.
• Take shorter and cooler showers. Bathe not more than once a day with warm water. Do not rub the skin with a towel when drying off, rather pat the skin dry. Apply moisturizer immediately after bathing.
• Detect and reduce possible triggers. Common triggers include soaps, fragrance, pet fur, wool, cosmetics, and household cleaners.
• Use a humidifier when indoors. The ideal range is 45-55% humidity.
• Try to avoid sweating. Sweat can spark flare-ups. Change out of damp or wet clothing immediately and wear wicking fabrics for working out.
• Wear soft, loose clothing. When possible, pick cotton over wool, denim, or other rough fabrics. In cold weather wear gloves and scarfs to protect exposed skin.
• Trim fingernails often. Shorter nails will decrease the chances that scratching will tear the skin and potentially result in an infection.
• Drink plenty of water. The more you can hydrate the better.

I advise that people with either psoriasis or eczema should check in with their dermatologist to get the right diagnosis and explore the best treatment plan for their specific situation.Suzanne J. Friedler, M.D. F.A.A.D., is a board-certified fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, with expertise in many areas of medical and cosmetic dermatology. She has been with Advanced Dermatology PC since 2002.Advanced Dermatology P.C. and the Center for Laser and Cosmetic Surgery (New York & New Jersey) is one of the leading dermatology centers in the nation, offering highly experienced physicians in the fields of cosmetic and laser dermatology as well as plastic surgery and state-of-the-art medical technologies. www.advanceddermatologypc.com

Studies suggest yes, according to board-certified dermatologist Cybele Fishman MD, who says both green tea and pineapple contain antioxidants, elements that are under increased scientific scrutiny for treating acne because of their abilities to neutralize free oxygen radicals, reduce inflammation, repair cells, and keep skin healthy. Antioxidant vitamins and minerals can be found in plants, foods, and other natural substances. In a study published in a 2020 edition of the Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sjbs.2020.11.032), authors report bromelain, obtained from the “core, crown, fruit, peel, and stem’ of the pineapple, “is used in alleviation of cancer, inflammation, and oxidative stress.”

Until recently, clogged skin pores caused by excessive amounts of sebum from oil glands, accumulation of dead skin cells and dirt, and bacterial colonization, as well as hormonal imbalances, were considered primary culprits for acne. But growing evidence indicates that oxidative stress may play a significant role, too.

Oxidative stress results from an imbalance between the presence and production of free radicals and the body’s natural defense system to counteract the radicals’ damaging effects on cells. Free oxygen radicals remove electrons from healthy cells and break down their structures. In skin, these radicals damage the collagen and compromise both the function of these cells and their capabilities in warding off bacterial invaders.

Other scientists agree. “Skin and mucous membranes have a contact and defense barrier role against chemical, physical and biological aggressions…,” write authors of a report in Anais Brasileiros De Dermatologia (10.1590/abd1806-4841.20175697). “…Antioxidant mechanisms [work] by neutralizing…reactive [oxygen] molecules…Where this balance is broken, various cellular structures, such as the cell membrane, [and] nuclear or mitochondrial DNA may suffer structural modifications, triggering or worsening skin diseases,” like acne, the researchers indicate.

Judicious use of antioxidants in topical – or oral – form can help in reducing inflammation associated with acne and re-establishing a healthy skin-cell framework as a bulwark against invading bacteria. Because they are naturally occurring, antioxidants also result in few – if any – treatment side effects.

But I caution that antioxidants alone are not an “end-all, cure-all” for acne. They can be most effective when applied in combination with other therapies, including applications of retinoids.  Retinoids are the gold standard in treating acne, both topically and orally, and they are anti-aging as well.

In the Anais Brasileiros De Dermatologia-published study, the investigators write, “Use of antioxidants may be of great value, if they are administered, orally and/or topically, rationally. Each molecule with antioxidant action has actions in certain sites and, therefore, the association of these molecules, in smaller doses, seems to be more efficient.”

Physicians also are finding antioxidant-containing therapies to be an effective alternative to long-term use of antibiotics, which can promote development of resistant bacteria.

Statistics indicate approximately 80 percent to 85 percent of Americans will experience an outbreak of acne at some point in their lives. The disorder, which causes the growth of unsightly pimples and blemishes on facial skin, usually occurs during adolescence, can persist into adulthood, and primarily affects women. Although not life-threatening, acne often results in significant psychological stress and loss of self-esteem.

A study published in The British Journal of Dermatology (10.1111/bjd.16099), which found acne sufferers to have more than a 60 percent greater risk of developing depression than those without the skin disease. Other research, conducted by the University of Limerick in Ireland and published in PLOS One (10.1371/journal.pone.0205009), determined through surveys that acne patients experience greater psychological stress and anxiety and are more prone to report a variety of physical symptoms, such as headaches and sleep disorders.

Of course, a doctor’s prescription is not necessary to get a healthy dose of antioxidants.

Skin is the body’s largest organ and provides a critical, protective barrier against outside bacteria and environmental toxins. That is why a healthy lifestyle, which includes consumption of foods rich in antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and E and zinc, selenium, lutein, and other like nutrients, helps maintain the integrity and immune function of skin cells. Fruits, such as plumbs, cherries, berries, and red grapes; vegetables that include beets, red cabbage, beans, and broccoli; dark chocolate; green tea; and even coffee are important sources of antioxidants.

But antioxidants are only part of the answer in the prevention – or at least minimization – of outbreaks of acne. I offer these tips for achieving healthy skin:

• Let acne pimples heal naturally or with proper application of medicative substances. Stop picking or popping acne pimples because that action can lead to scarring.

• Do not scrub skin. Scrubbing causes irritation and inflammation.

• Wash the face once a day, preferably at night. Don’t overwash your face, once a night is enough unless you do an activity where you sweat. Use a gentle cleanser that won’t disrupt the skin barrier and apply recommended moisturizer.

• Use soaps and creams gentle to the skin and apply recommended moisturizers to the face.

• Avoid the inclination to put hands or fingers to the face.

And if an acne breakout becomes serious enough, is concerning, or affects your self-esteem and self-confidence, contact a dermatologist immediately for evaluation and care.

Cybele Fishman MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, with advanced training in melanoma and pigmented lesions. She specializes in a variety of skin disorders, including acne.

Advanced Dermatology P.C. and the Center for Laser and Cosmetic Surgery has over 50 offices in NY, NJ, CT and PA and is one of the leading dermatology centers in the nation, offering highly experienced physicians in the fields of cosmetic and laser dermatology, as well as plastic surgery and state-of-the-art medical technologies. www.advanceddermatologypc.com

“If you’ve ever shaved, you probably know how razor bumps feel,” says board-certified dermatologist Cameron K. Rokhsar MD, FAAD, who is in private practice in New York. “These painful or itchy bumps are caused when shaving irritates the skin,” he says in a news release from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).

The good news is that changing your habits when shaving can help prevent razor bumps from developing or cause fewer, less painful bumps.”

To prevent razor bumps, Rokhsar recommends the following:

Grow your hair. If you have the option, stop shaving and grow out your hair, which will eliminate the cause of your razor bumps.

Figure out the direction your hair grows. Shaving “against the grain” causes irritation. To find out which direction your facial hair grows, tightly pull the skin where your hair grows while looking in a mirror. If your hair grows in different directions, you can train it to grow in one direction by gently brushing the area with a toothbrush daily.

Shave when your hair is soft. Shaving at the end of your shower or holding a warm, damp washcloth to the area you’d like to shave loosens the hairs and causes them to swell, so they’re less likely to curve into your skin and cause bumps.

Shave more often. Shaving daily, or at least every 2-3 days, gives hair less time to grow and curve.

Replace your disposable razor after 5-7 shaves and store it in a dry place. If you use an electric razor, clean it every 5-7 shaves.

“Razor bumps can create permanent changes to your skin when left untreated, like deep grooves and raised scars,” Rokhsar says. “If you still get razor bumps after changing your shaving habits, see a board-certified dermatologist to get relief.”

To find a board-certified dermatologist in your area, click here.