If your teen years brought about painful, cystic acne then you may have the scarring to prove it. These scars, particularly on the face, can not only affect a person’s appearance but also their self-confidence. While treating the acne is the best way to prevent scarring from occurring, if you’re already dealing with scars know that there are ways to reduce and perhaps even eliminate these scars.

• Chemical peels: This treatment, which is often used for cosmetic reasons, can also reduce the appearance of acne scars. Chemical peels remove the outermost layer of the skin to reveal healthy new skin underneath.
• Microdermabrasion: Microdermabrasion offers similar results as a chemical peel, but instead of applying a chemical solution to the skin, microdermabrasion often uses a handheld device with a diamond or crystal tip at the end to blast away the outer layer of the skin.
• Laser skin resurfacing: This laser treatment will also remove the outermost layer of the skin, which is the most damaged layer, while also tightening the brand-new skin that’s revealed. The skin is numbed before treatment and the recovery time can take up to 10 days.
• Fractional laser therapy: Are you dealing with deeper acne scars? If so, then laser resurfacing or microdermabrasion may not give you the results you’re looking; however, your dermatologist may recommend fractional laser therapy, as this targets deeper levels of tissue.

Eczema is a chronic condition in which the skin periodically breaks out in red, scaly patches that can be itchy and uncomfortable. Treatments are available that can provide relief from the symptoms of eczema, but there are also steps you can take to prevent breakouts in the first place. Dr. Kevin Dawson, Dr. Douglas Chun, and Dr. Sarah Grekin, the experienced dermatologists at Dawson Dermatology in Honolulu HI, can develop an eczema treatment and prevention plan for you.

Eczema Symptoms

There are different types of eczema, including atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, neurodermatitis, nummular dermatitis, and stasis dermatitis. The exact cause of each type of eczema is not known, but it often runs in families.

Individuals with eczema can fluctuate between having clear skin and experiencing breakouts. When eczema flares up, the skin tends to feel itchy and dry. Additional symptoms that commonly develop during an eczema breakout include:

• Rashes
• Redness
• Blistering
• Scaliness
• Leathery patches
• Inflammation

Preventing Eczema Honolulu Breakouts

Although the specific cause of eczema has not been identified, several factors are known to trigger a breakout. Avoiding known triggers can help prevent eczema symptoms from flaring up. Steps that can be taken to help reduce the likelihood of experiencing an eczema breakout include:

• Applying moisturizer to the skin regularly
• Avoid eating foods that tend to trigger a breakout
• Using gentle soaps, cleansers, and shampoos
• Avoid using products containing harsh chemicals
• Avoid wearing scratchy fabrics such as wool

The weather can sometimes trigger an eczema breakout for certain individuals. Avoiding sudden changes in air temperature or humidity can help reduce weather-related flare-ups. Stress can also contribute to an eczema breakout. Developing techniques for managing stress is another way to potentially prevent a flare-up

Eczema Honolulu Treatments

There are many actions you can take to prevent an eczema flare-up, but you may still experience a breakout from time to time. Fortunately, various treatments are available for managing eczema and its symptoms. Treatments include itch relief creams, anti-fungal creams, antihistamines, antibiotics, steroid creams, and corticosteroids. The skilled providers at our office in Honolulu can recommend an eczema treatment that is right for you.

Eczema cannot be cured, but we can help you develop a plan for preventing eczema breakouts. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Kevin Dawson, Dr. Douglas Chun, or Dr. Sarah Grekin to discuss different ways to manage your eczema by calling Dawson Dermatology in Honolulu HI at (808) 599-3780.

During the much longed-for summer months, people work on their tans. While enjoying a richer skin tone now, tanners take huge risks for premature aging and skin cancer. 

Sun and artificial tanning

It's what we use to get those tans. But, did you know that when you tan, you actually burn the top layer (epidermis) of your skin and damage your DNA, too?

According to Live Science, DNA damage mutates normal skin cells into cancer cells. Basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas are the most common kinds of skin cancer. Malignant melanoma is the most deadly skin cancer as it easily metastasizes to major body organs. About one-third of melanoma cases in the US kill their sufferers annually, says The Skin Cancer Foundation.

Unfortunately, artificial tanning is just as dangerous as sitting in the sun. Intermittent sun exposure or occasional tanning in the sun or tanning beds are harmful, too. Damage to the skin is cumulative, and both kinds of ultraviolet radiation (there are UV-A and UV-B rays) breakdown your skin's DNA over time. Further, UV-B harms your skin's natural elasticity normally provided by a protein called collagen.

Don't tan: protect

To protect your skin, avoid sunburns, intentional tanning and excessive day to day sun exposure with these strategies from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD):

1. Cover up any exposed skin (face, arms, legs, ears) with a broad-brimmed hat, long-sleeves and other sun-protective clothing.
2. Use sunscreen lotion--SPF 30 or higher--on all exposed skin, and re-apply every two hours or whenever you sweat it off or swim.
3. Stay indoors or in the shade from 10 am to 2 pm.

Also, all adults, particularly those 40 or older, should see a dermatologist for an annual skin exam. Do a careful self-exam once a month at home, looking for changes in the color, size, and shape of existing spots or moles. Report changes to your skin doctor as well as any sore which does not heal in a week or so.

It's your skin

Don't sacrifice its health for a little fashionable color. Tanning really is bad for you. Find healthy ways to enjoy the summer months and that wonderful sun. Your skin and your overall health will be better for your efforts.