Associates in Dermatology

Hampton Roads Virginia Dermatologist since 1970

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How Can PRP Help with my Hair Loss by Stimulating Hair Growth?

Dermatologist Blog, Services

Hair Loss and PRPPlatelet Rich Plasma (PRP) treatment is an exciting non-surgical therapeutic option for patients who require stimulation of hair growth for hair loss conditions and to reverse hair loss including eyebrows.

PRP was established two decades ago as an effective medical treatment modality in the specialty fields of oral medicine, sports medicine, and orthopedics.  In hair restoration, evidence supports PRP therapy as a promising treatment option to promote hair growth.

How Does Platelet Rich Plasma Treatment Work?

If the hair follicles or hair roots are healthy, the growth of the hair is healthy.  Hair follicles survive on the nutrition they get from blood supply.  PRP consist of your own blood plasma concentrated with 3-5 times the number of platelets found in normal circulating blood.  These concentrated platelets contain protein and growth factors which

  • attract stem cells,
  • help stimulate hair follicles growth,
  • increase circulation to hair follicles, and
  • decrease inflammation.

[Read more…] about How Can PRP Help with my Hair Loss by Stimulating Hair Growth?

Is Hair Loss in Woman Normal?

Dermatologist Blog, Services

A Doctor Explains Female Pattern Thinning and What Steps Could Help Avoid It

Is Hair Loss in Women Normal

Women are often surprised to find they are losing their hair. At drugstores, they will spend untold amounts of money on products that claim to build back volume or reverse the damage of hair loss. One expert, Paradi Mirmirani, a dermatologist and assistant clinical professor at the University of California at San Francisco, explains how hair changes as we age and why we should chow down on protein.

Never Say ‘Bald’

In women, just as in men, the most common type of hair loss, or alopecia, is hereditary thinning. It is popularly believed to be inherited from one’s mother’s side, but actually could come from both parents, says Dr. Mirmirani, who specializes in hair disorders. It is as likely to affect women as men. “Fifty percent of everyone will develop some degree of hereditary hair loss by 50, but it can start as early as age 20 or even the teens,” she says.

In women, the pattern of hereditary thinning is different than in men; it is referred to as female pattern thinning. “Women don’t go bald or have a receding hair line,” she explains. “Instead you might notice some thinning on top of the head as opposed to at the back, or that your scalp is more visible or your pony tail isn’t as thick.”

Everyone experiences a normal five-to-seven-year cycle of growth and shedding of hair. At any given time, 10% of the hair is in the resting phase and not growing; the follicle, or hair root, will push out the old strand with a new, short strand.

Around 100 to 200 strands of hair loss a day is normal. “That is the amount that you should be able to replace daily, and that shedding is fine,” says Dr. Mirmirani.

Stress, such as a death in the family or having a baby, might trigger a normal “shedding episode,” especially for those predisposed to alopecia, according to Dr. Mirmirani.

“But those follicles aren’t dead,” she says. “The hair will recover, but it may take six to nine months.”

Blame Hormones

Woman Hair Loss

Hormonal changes can cause hair loss. In puberty, male hormones, called androgens, kick in for both men and women.

If a woman is genetically predisposed to female pattern thinning, that increase in androgens may encourage the follicles to shrink as early as during her teenage years.

In and around menopause, women’s estrogen goes down, which is the time most women with hair loss start to notice thinning.

Thinning is related to follicle size. “Think of your hair as a plant: That smaller root would cause a smaller plant to grow, so over time you get finer, thinner hair that won’t grow as long,” Dr. Mirmirani says.

Because a woman has gone through as many as eight hair cycles by the time she’s 40, Dr. Mirmirani says, her hair is going to be very different than when she was in her teens—just as her eyes and skin will be different. Still, hair loss is often traumatic.

“Women usually come to me with what I call a ‘midlife hair crisis,’ ” Dr. Mirmirani says. “It may seem dramatic to you when your long, dark hair is all over the bathroom floor. But for the vast majority of women, hair thinning is slow and gradual.” Later in life, around age 60 or 70, aging can typically cause further thinning.

Hair, like nails, is made up of protein, so eating adequate amounts of protein will help keep hair in peak condition.

“I have some vegetarians and vegans who have trouble with hair growth,” says Dr. Mirmirani.

In Treatment

There are over-the-counter treatments for hereditary thinning, such as minoxidil.

“Before you try any product, talk to your doctor to make sure nothing else—medications, recent surgery—is contributing to shedding or loss,” says Dr. Mirmirani. For extreme cases, there are cosmetic and surgical solutions, like transplants.

There is not a lot of data about the effects of supplements, she says, despite pharmacy shelves crowded with products making claims of hair growth. “We know biotin deficiency, which is a very rare genetic disorder, will cause brittle hair. The question is, will biotin supplements help reverse that? Science just doesn’t know yet,” she says.

Steps to treat female thinning as outline by Dr. Leslie R Coker

  1. Minoxidil Foam – Applied once daily (men’s strength) – Can be found at Costco and many other drug stores.
  2. IGROW Helmet – The laser energy proven to stimulate hair growth is visible in the red light spectrum. (https://www.igrowlaser.com/)
  3. Finasteride (Propecia) – oral medication proven helpful for male patterned thinning. This can be a possible treatment for some women.
Article written by HEIDI MITCHELL and first published in the Wall Street Journal on 1/26/2015.  Be sure to view the video that goes along with the article.

What To Do With Those Pesky Lice

Dermatologist Blog, Services

What To Do With Pesky LiceNow that school is back in session, a common pediatric concern is lice. Lice are those pesky parasites that prefer to hang out in the hairy areas of the body including the scalp, pubic area and less commonly, underarms, eyelashes, eyebrows and beard areas, as well as on clothing. The location depends on the types of lice. They survive by feeding on human blood like bedbugs (which are relatives of lice) and mosquitoes. A dermatologist or other doctor can diagnose the condition and give you treatment options.

Different Types of Lice

There are 3 types of lice: Head lice, Body lice and Pubic lice. You cannot pick them up from pets or toilet seats; and they do not jump or fly.

Head Lice

Head lice are the most common of the lice infestations and can occur in children between 3-10 years of age. They are spread by close head-to-head contact (while playing or sleeping in the same bed, sharing pillows or hats, combs/brushes.). The average louse (singular of lice), are 2-3mm long and lay eggs which attach firmly to the hair shaft close to the scalp or body.   These hatch after about 10 days. Even after the infestation has been taken care of, it can be difficult to remove the nits/nit shells (hence, the use of the nit comb). Girls are infected more than boys and it is unclear exactly why but most likely because of girls typically having longer hair. Personal hygiene is not a factor.

Body lice

Body lice are a little larger and live on clothing (usually in the seams). They can live 30 days away from the human, which is longer than the head lice can (which dies of dehydration after 2 days of not being able to feed). Overcrowding, personal hygiene and the reuse of mattresses, linens and clothing can contribute to the spread. Itching is also a symptom and they are identified by finding them on the clothing or affected items.

Pubic lice

These are sometimes called “crab” lice as they look similar to a crab. They live for approximately 3 weeks and the eggs attach to the base of the pubic hair and generally hatch in 6-8 days. They are transmitted by sexual contact and sometimes non-sexual contact by parents to children. They are not as easily transmitted via clothing or linens as body lice. Symptoms include itching in the pubic area, usually more intensely than with the other lice, and more so at night.

Once you’ve been diagnosed

After seeing your Dermatologist and initiating treatment, here are some steps you can take to avoid lice re-infestation:

  • Wash the following items in hot water:
    • all clothing
    • bedding
    • hats
    • towels
    • combs, brushes, hair care items/clips/headbands
  • Use “nit combs” which are fine-toothed combs that aid in the removal of dead lice/nits.

There are also services that can take care of some of these steps for you.

If you suspect you or your family member has this condition, make an appointment with us and let us help you rid yourself of these “louse-y” pests!

 

 

Get Shapely Eyebrows with Eyebrow Waxing

Dermatologist Blog, Services

Newport News Eyebrow WaxingIf you’ve got a face, you’ve got two eyebrows.  Your eyebrows are an integral part of your face and appearance. Well groomed, nicely shaped, symmetrical eyebrows can brighten your eyes and enhance your overall look.  However, the dreaded uni-brow can age your face or even make you look perpetually angry. Spring is here and summer is around the corner.  We all need a boost! Consider improving the look and shape of your eyebrows with eyebrow waxing.

Eyebrow waxing can be messy and dangerous with the typical heated waxes.  We don’t recommend performing eyebrow waxing at home.  Instead, select an experienced, licensed Aesthetician and schedule regular eyebrow waxing every 3-4 weeks.

Avoid Irritation

Waxing the hair in your eyebrows is a widely accepted means of removal.  However, used incorrectly, it may rip off some of your skin when the wax is removed.  Hence the unsightly, red, irritated skin around the hair removal area.   This redness and inflammation may be significantly reduced by using a sensitive skin hard wax instead of the more traditional soft waxes.

Get the Look Your Desire

Shaping the best eyebrows for your face is not a “one-size fits all” proposition.   The shape of your face, location of your brows, and density of the brow hair come into play when determining the ideal shaping for your eyebrows.  Properly shaping your eyebrows can soften sharp features, provide some lift to your face, or even help your face look younger. Be sure to consult with your Aesthetician before you begin the waxing process.  She will be able to advise you on the best shape and weight for your eyebrows.

Keep it Clean

While waxing your eyebrows isn’t surgery, you want the procedure conducted in a clean, safe environment.  With cleanliness in mind, be sure check that the wax applicator is used for you alone and not shared with previous clients.  A gentle cleanser is usually used over the brow initially. Then, after waxing, a wax remover / skin soother may be used to calm the skin and decrease redness.

If you’re interested in more long term results, you may want to consider laser hair removal or dermaplaning.  Speak to your licensed Aesthetician to discuss your specific needs.

Turn Back Time: Erase Years from Your Face with Fractional CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing

Dermatologist Blog, Latest Technology, Services

Turn back time with Hampton Fractured CO2 Laser Skin ResurfacingFractional CO2 resurfacing is the physician’s choice for turning back the clock on aged skin.  CO2 laser resurfacing decreases wrinkles and improves texture creating healthy radiant skin.   While one of the most popular skin tightening and skin rejuvenation treatments, fractional CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing can also be an effective treatment for scars from burns, acne or other trauma.    One of the advantages of using Fractional CO2 Laser is the ability to target multiple cosmetic problems afflicting facial skin at the same time:

  • Uneven pigmentation from UV damage and aging
  • Loose skin on neck and lax skin about the eyes
  • Deep creases around the lower face and mouth from age or scaring
  • Fine lines, wrinkles, and stretch marks

Time Tested Therapy

CO2 lasers have been around for over a decade.  In that time, CO2 laser technology has improved in effectiveness as well as dramatically reduced negative side effects.  With Fractional CO2 Skin Resurfacing Laser treatments, longer recovery times are no longer necessary.  Results can be seen soon after treatment and continue to improve during the coming months.

Safer Than Traditional Laser

Fractional CO2 laser skin resurfacing is safer than traditional laser resurfacing treatments. During treatment, no oral medication, injections, or sedation is required due to minimal discomfort.  A topical anesthetic is applied to your skin to make the procedure more comfortable during treatment.  Patients are treated faster and more precisely because the doctor has much more control and customization with the fractional CO2 laser.  While delivering excellent results, this therapy is minimally invasive and extremely safe.

Shorter Recovery Time

With Fractional CO2 laser skin resurfacing the laser creates thousands of tiny pin points into the skin but leaves the skin around each point intact.  This allows for more rapid healing.  The fractional CO2 laser can also be customized to allow variable levels of penetration.  But even with the most aggressive settings healing is rapid and similar to that of a chemical peel.  Minimal redness and swelling only last a few days making the recovery time relatively short.

The fractional CO2 laser resurfacing transformation is truly amazing and tightens skin in a way that the other treatments cannot.

To see if fractional CO2 laser resurfacing is for you, contact our office for an appointment today.

Tough Job Market Needles More Men Into Trying Botox

Dermatologist Blog, Services

Men seeking BotoxDavid McDaniel, a dermatologist in Virginia Beach, Va., recalls an awkward scene in which a husband bumped into his wife at Dr. McDaniel’s office. Both were there for Botox, but the husband hadn’t told his wife he was getting treated. The man quickly threw his arm around Dr. McDaniel, pretending the doctor was an old buddy he had stopped by to visit.

“Men are stealthy,” Dr. McDaniel says.

However stealthily, men are having a little work done in increasing numbers these days, plastic surgeons and dermatologists say. Total cosmetic procedures for men rose 22% from 2000 through 2012, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

From 2011 to 2012, men’s use of minimally invasive cosmetic procedures, including botulinum toxin (sold under the brand name Botox), rose 6%, according to the society.

One theory for the trend: pressure to look young to find employment. While the unemployment rate for people 55 and older is lower than for other ages, it takes baby boomers much longer to find work if they lose their jobs. The duration of unemployment for job seekers 55 and over is 50.4 weeks, compared with 34.2 weeks for those under 55, according to an analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics data by Sara Rix of the AARP Public Policy Institute.

Women visit plastic surgeons, too, of course, and face similar pressures at work. Men account for just 9% of overall cosmetic-procedure patients, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Dr. McDaniel does laser skin resurfacing on the faces of men who have done too many rounds on the golf course without wearing sunscreen. He sees men in their early 30s for “pre-juvenation,” or treatments such as micro-dermabrasion designed to delay the onset of wrinkles.

Cosmetic treatments generally aren’t covered by health-insurance plans. Botox is typically sold either by the unit or per treatment area—a dosage for crow’s feet, for example. One unit costs around $15, says J. Shah, a doctor of anti-aging medicine and chief medical director of Amari Medical in Scarsdale, N.Y. Areas might cost $200 or more to treat. Treating laugh lines around the eyes alone would cost less than laugh lines plus forehead and frown lines, for example. Facial fillers that minimize the appearance of wrinkles are sold by the syringe and typically run $500 to $600 per vial, with a usual minimum of two shots per treatment, Dr. Shah says.

One catch: As with gray roots, wrinkles resurface. Botox typically lasts about three months, while fillers can last about a year, Dr. Shah says.

Men have a tendency, doctors say, to make the mistake of shopping for cosmetic procedures the way they shop for cars. It isn’t a matter of getting the best price for a menu of features, experts say. Fillers and Botox aren’t commodities that perform the same no matter who injects them, and even “minimally invasive” procedures can go wrong in unskilled hands. (Think of a frozen look from bad Botox, or “duck lips” from too much filler).

Dermatologists and plastic surgeons have plenty of competition these days when it comes to administering cosmetic treatments, from dentists to medical-spa technicians who aren’t doctors or nurses. Unsurprisingly, experts say the doctors who get the best results tend to be those who specialize in cosmetic procedures and do them all day long.

Some doctors also advise patients to go to a practitioner who offers a full range of cosmetic treatments, from minimally invasive to more involved procedures, such as face-lifts. Eric Swanson, a plastic surgeon in Kansas City, Kan., sees men in their mid-60s who want to get rid of their “turkey wattle.” In these cases, injections usually aren’t the answer and a face-lift is needed instead, says Dr. Swanson, a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

Face-lifts are pricier, running between $8,000 in some parts of the country to the $20,000 charged by some New York City or Beverly Hills doctors.

Such procedures last longer, but require more down time, which may be tough to fit in to an executive’s schedule. For his part, Dr. Swanson thinks patients are fine with this: “They want results.”

The article was written by ELIZABETH O’BRIEN and published in the Wall Street Journal on October 17, 2013

Do Eyelashes Normally Thin as You Age?

Dermatologist Blog, Services

Have you ever notice how long and beautiful a child’s eyelashes are? As we age, our lashes begin to thin out, regardless if you are a male or female. Just like in animals, who may not be able to shield their eyes, lashes are a protective mechanism meant to keep debris out.   Eyelashes also “frame” our eyes and add beauty.

Should I Be Concerned Regarding My Thinning Eyelashes?

Do eyelashes thin as you age?Your eyelashes naturally thin as you age. For the most part, you shouldn’t be overly concerned with it. Your lashes are like the hair on your head. It grows, rests, shed’s, and regrows. Your lashes grow through your eye follicles. The older we get, the slower our growth process becomes. This is how your lashes start to thin out.

Other Reasons For Thinning Eyelashes
If you’re reading this and saying to yourself how you’re not old enough to have thinning lashes, there are a few other reasons your eyelashes could be thinning. Constant rubbing along your lashes or eyelid can cause thinning. This is especially true for women who wear eyeliner and mascara. When you rub to take your makeup off, you are irritating your lids and your eyelashes.

Another reason for thinning of your lashes is simply having eye irritants. If you rub your eyes constantly, you eventually will irritate the follicles. Also, there is pure scientific reasoning of thinning lashes including family heredity, taking certain medications, and certain medical conditions. For any major concerns regarding your eyes, you should always speak with your primary doctor or optometrist.

What Are Home Treatment Options For My Thinning Eyelashes?

You don’t have to live with thinned lashes. There are home remedies that can help you achieve the look of beautiful eyelashes again. Most are temporary, but you will feel great about them and possibly fool everyone around you. Whatever method you choose, be sure to give your lids a breather.

Wear eye makeup such as mascara. There are so many mascara products on the market now such as thickening or extended lash formulas.

False lashes are a huge hit in today’s beauty era. You can find eyelash strips to apply yourself at home or go to your salon professional for strand by strand extremely natural looking lashes.

Are There Other Options For My Thinning Eyelashes?

There is also a prescription treatment available and you can speak to your dermatologist about it. It’s called Latisse. Latisse is FDA approved to assist in growing long, healthy, and fuller lashes in approximately 16 weeks.

There is extreme process that only your doctor or dermatologist can determine is right for you. It’s an eyelash transplant. This procedure involves transferring your scalp follicles to your eyelids.

Now that you are aware of all your options regarding thin lashes, you can make an informed decision on what to do about them, if anything at all.

Make sure to talk to your dermatologist before applying any unnatural treatment to your eyelids.

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What is Microdermabrasion? And what is this thing called a DermaSweep?

Cosmetics, Services, Skin Care Answers

I often get questions about the different types of treatments for skin problems.  If you’re experiencing one of the following, microdermabrasion and DermaSweep  may help improve your skin and reduce these problem areas.

  • Sun damaged skin on face or body.
  • Enlarged or clogged pores
  • Brown pimple marks and other skin blemishes
  • Age spots and superficial pigmentation
  • Some stretch marks and acne scars.

You’ve probably heard the terms microdermabrasion and DermaSweep™ before, but they sound very foreign. I know, but I’m here to explain what it is and some of the benefits of Microdermabrasion and DermaSweep™.

Microdermabrasion

What is Microdermabrasion?

First, Microdermabrasion is simply removal of the outer most layer of dead skin cells. The medical term for this layer is known as the stratum corneum.

There are several types of Microdermabrasion. One type includes tiny crystals to buff and sluff. Another type is called a Diamond tone uses an abrasive tip to remove dull skin. Both are very effective, however their only purpose is to remove the very top level of dead skins cells.

What is Dermabrasion?

The medical dermabrasion machine at Associates in Dermatology is called a DermaSweep™.   It utilizes specialty bristles and an adjustable vacuum pressure suited for all skin types.

In addition to removal of sluggish dead skin, it has another important feature called infusion therapy.  It actually replaces or feeds the skin once treated. The infusion process uses a silk soft tip with a variety of chemicals & vitamins to treat the concerns of the skin. For example Vitamin C provides a  powerful antioxidant while also offering a natural protective shield from environmental factors.  Other infusions address skin types like those with acne, sun damage, sensitive skin and aging skin.

Your skin will glow with radiance after just one of these treatments!

Expected Results?

Multiple DermaSweep™ treatments provide long lasting results. The condition of the skin will improved dramatically. Expect your skin to be more subtle and smoother. Your products and creams will require less application while their absorption rate into the skin will significant. Get the most impact with this effective and affordable way to treat your fabulous skin!

Finally, always consult with a skin care professional or your physician prior to treatments. Different skin disorders are contraindicated for these treatments. The average price range is $100-$150 per session depending on your location and setting. Ask about packages as they may be offered at a discount rate.