Category: Health

Clinical, Surgical and Aesthetic Dermatology

ANTI-ACNE TIPS FOR A CHALLENGING YEAR

Unfortunately acne can bother us at various times of life. Your skin type and genetics can predispose acne in adolescence, and hormonal changes can trigger acne in adulthood. Bad habits, related to your skin care routine, can make acne worse.

Here are some actions you can get worse the acne:

1. Try a new acne treatment every week or for a short time

This approach can irritate the skin, making the lesions worse. Also, most treatments need a few weeks to show results.

2. Apply acne medication only to the lesions. It makes sense to treat what you see, but this approach fails to prevent further injury.

What to do instead: To prevent further damage, spread a thin layer of the medication evenly over acne-prone skin.

3. Some makeup, skin and hair care products can cause acne.

Some makeup, along with many skin and hair products, contains oil or other ingredients that can cause acne. If you continue to use them, you may continue to see injuries.

What to do instead: Only use makeup, sunscreen, skin care and hair care products that are labeled “non-comedogenic” or “do not clog pores.” These products do not cause rashes in most people.

4. Share makeup, makeup brushes or makeup applicators

Acne isn't contagious, but when you share makeup, brushes, or applicators, other people's acne-causing bacteria, oil, and dead skin cells can end up in your makeup. They can clog pores, causing injuries.

5. Sleep with makeup on

Even non-comedogenic makeup can cause acne if you sleep in it. What to do instead: Remove your makeup before going to bed. No exceptions. If you're too tired to wash your face, use a makeup remover wipe.

08/04/2021 / by Dr. Milvelena

Foods that reduce the outbreak of eczema or atopic dermatitis

If you have eczema (atopic dermatitis), it's hard enough to prevent outbreaks as the weather gets colder and drier. But just as you need to adapt to environmental changes, you also need to consider what you're putting into your body.

Believe it or not, what you eat and drink can greatly contribute to its emergence. It's all about inflammation. Nothing you eat (or don't eat) will cure your eczema. This, unfortunately, will stay with you throughout your adult life. However, you can make smart eczema choices in your daily diet to reduce uncomfortable, itchy flare-ups.

Foods to Avoid If You Have Eczema

Certain foods, including nuts, milk, and wheat, can trigger the release of inflammation-causing T cells and immunoglobulin-E. Other foods that commonly cause eczema flare-ups include eggs, dairy, soy, citrus fruits, tomatoes, gluten, and even some spices such as cloves, cinnamon, and vanilla.

For those with dyshidrotic eczema (eczema of the hands and feet), foods that contain nickel make symptoms worse. This includes canned meats, chocolate, seeds, beans (including soybeans), peas, shellfish and even some black teas.

Try an elimination diet

How do you know if what you're eating or drinking is causing your eczema flare-up? Typically, if you have any food sensitivities, you will have a reaction somewhere between 30 minutes to more than a few days after ingesting it. This can make it difficult to identify the source of the problem.

If you're not sure what's causing the flare-ups, you can try an elimination diet. Add one of these common culprits to your diet and monitor your reaction over the course of a few weeks. Track your body's response, if any. If you don't find any noticeable effects, add the next ingredient and test again. If you discover an ingredient that is causing your symptoms, it's time to completely remove it from your diet.

what should you eat

If you suffer from food sensitivities, it's best to swap the above offenders for anti-inflammatory foods. This will reduce the immune system response. Adding omega-3 fatty acids to your diet is a great start. Fatty fish, including sardines, salmon, tuna and mackerel are good options. Foods rich in flavonoids like cherries, apples, broccoli, vegetables and fruits also work wonders in fighting inflammation. You can also add foods with live active cultures found in probiotics to your diet, such as yogurt. Sometimes, simply by changing your diet, you can greatly reduce the suffering that comes with eczema flare-ups. If you're not sure what would work best for you, ask a dermatologist. 

03/04/2021 / by Dr. Milvelena

Study reveals health habits during the pandemic


A year has passed since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, a year marked by unspeakable tragedy and stressful routines for almost all Brazilians and billions of people around the world.

Without a doubt, we are persevering, we are going through it. As vaccines become more concrete and we are closer to the end of this maelstrom, we need to reflect on new beginnings and throw away the bad habits many of us have picked up along the way. Millions of Brazilians spent the year confined to the vicinity of their home, sometimes doing homework, wearing pajamas and snacking against stress. In some ways, it was the only way to get over it.

In the interest of self-knowledge and setting intentions for our best and healthiest year, in a survey of more than 2,000 Americans about their unhealthy (and healthy) habits during the pandemic. 74% of respondents said they wish they had taken better care of themselves in the past year, including many admitting to having subpar skin care. The most commonly cited reason for unhealthy habits? The emotional price. Stress and anxiety.

The good news is that of those who say they should take better care of themselves, 61% have already started to make progress towards healthier lifestyles.

Unsurprisingly, much of the attention is on weight gain. 61% of respondents said they gained weight during the pandemic, at an average of 4.5 kilograms per person. This is no small feat, especially for people who were already overweight. Let's not forget that obesity is one of the main comorbidities with Covid-19.

We asked people why they think they gained weight. The reasons aren't surprising, but they aren't always as simple as eating more and moving less. For example, one in five people said that part of their weight gain is due to the fact that they don't feel the pressure of seeing other people in social situations, such as being able to talk and go out.

Looking beyond weight gain, in particular, we asked people about a wide range of unhealthy behaviors known to correlate with the unique pressures of life during the pandemic. By far the lack of time spent moving around outdoors has been the biggest culprit and unfortunately for many of us this will continue to be a challenge for at least a few more weeks. One of the most annoying bad habits we asked about is poor posture, which more than half of respondents said they suffered from.

Of course, not everyone fell apart during the pandemic. Some took the opportunity to make positive changes in their lives. While bad habits were more prevalent overall, a significant number of people resisted these trends and emerged better. Notably, 41% of the people we surveyed say they got more sleep than they did before the pandemic.

In addition to exploring healthy and unhealthy habits, we were very curious about trends in looks, hygiene and morning routines. We're certainly not the only ones to notice a collective relaxation when it comes to how people present themselves. 77% of people we interviewed said they noticed a trend towards more casual looks, and 61% who work remotely report feeling less pressure to be presentable than they do in the office.

Exploring the details on these casual looks, we asked people where specifically they are saving in regards to their pre-pandemic routines. Fortunately, only 14% have neglected oral hygiene. The most impacted part of our routines is the attention to looks. In short, people are keeping things simple and not worrying about the details.

Finally, we asked those who have moved from commuting to working remotely about the glorious time they gained early in their workdays. For some, it's a pretty dramatic change. Many people are saving five to ten hours a week just in the morning.

Blessed be our hearts, the main way to use the time saved is to get more sleep. If you're looking for a silver lining to emerge from all this madness, here it is.  

25/03/2021 / by Dr. Milvelena

Hand and foot care

When we think about skin care and looking our best, we usually put all our energy into our faces. So, we spend a lot of time just worrying about the face, but we tend to ignore two important parts of our body: our hands and feet.

Here are some helpful tips to consider when you want to provide better care for your hands and feet.

SIGNS OF AGING IN YOUR HANDS

There are several signs of aging when it comes to your hands:

actinic keratoses;

age spots;

wrinkles;

Flaccidity.

There are a number of treatments available that can reduce the appearance of these signs of aging. A filler with a collagen biostimulator can restore a youthful appearance, while a peel and/or laser are great for improving skin quality.

SIGNS OF AGING ON YOUR FEET

The texture of the skin of the foot changes with age as there is a loss of fat. As the layers of fat thin, the skin can also experience additional stress, causing dryness and cracking. Many people also develop calluses.

To take care of your feet, make sure you wear the right shoes. Pointy shoes or shoes that are too tight can cause ingrown, painful, and inflamed toenails. Also take care of cuticles. Keep them hydrated to create a barrier against yeast, fungus and bacteria.

YOU NEED TO MOISTURIZE FREQUENTLY

Every time you wash your hands, you are removing important oils from your skin. So, moisturize them regularly and frequently. Also, don't forget to use sunscreen on the back of your hands, preventing photoaging and reducing the risk of developing skin cancer.

Hydration care is also important for the feet. We should hydrate them mainly at bedtime.

20/03/2021 / by Dr. Milvelena

melasma

WHAT IS IT?

They are persistent dark (brownish) spots that usually appear on the face (forehead, chin, nose or cheeks). It mainly occurs in women but can also be seen in men.

Melasma is a pigmentary disease that can affect women of all ages and can last for years. It is not painful and not a health concern, but it can cause a lot of anxiety as not everyone is comfortable with their appearance.

It can arise mainly during pregnancy, as hormonal changes during this period are quite intense. It is also common while using birth control pills.

Sun exposure is one of the main causes of melasma. However, other sources of light (visible light, computer/tv/cell phone brightness) also contribute to the onset and worsening of melasma.

WHAT CAN YOU DO AT HOME?

The most important pillar for the prevention and treatment of melasma is the daily use of sunscreen. The ideal is to use the protector throughout the day, reapplying it every 3 hours. Colored protectors are the most suitable, as they provide greater protection against visible light.

Topical treatment with creams containing acids and lighteners may also be indicated. The type of product to be used will depend on the assessment of the patient's skin.

TREATMENTS PERFORMED IN THE OFFICE FOR MELASMA

If topical treatment for melasma doesn't provide a good answer, your dermatologist can offer a variety of in-office procedure options to reduce skin discoloration. Each has its own risks, so it's best to consult a dermatologist to find out what will work best for your skin type. These in-office treatments include: microneedling, peeling, and laser.

10/03/2021 / by Dr. Milvelena

Alcohol gel and burns

It's been almost a year since we've dealt with the lifestyle changes that come with a major pandemic. Social distancing, divisions, use of masks and, of course, increasingly hand asepsis with alcohol gel.

One thing you may not realize is that hand sanitizer, like any product containing high concentrations of alcohol, is flammable.

While the hand gel is still wet, any contact with a flame, electrical switch, or static electricity can ignite a small, nearly invisible flame, burning the skin it comes in contact with. 

While such incidents can and do happen, they are very uncommon. To prevent burns from occurring with products that contain alcohol, here are some helpful tips:
1) Wait until the alcohol gel is dry, before touching any surface or approaching any source of ignition;
2) Read the bottle label for information on how to store it safely.

It is best to use soap and water whenever possible.

Alcohol hand sanitizer is still an important way to fight the spread of coronavirus and other germs, but it's important to follow warning labels and handle the product properly.

03/03/2021 / by Dr. Milvelena

maskne

maskne is the name of facial acne caused by the frequent use of mask, due to the pandemic. The use of the mask causes increased moisture and facial heating, altering the skin's natural microbiota and favoring the appearance of acne. The skin also becomes more oily, which is another factor that contributes to the appearance of acne lesions. To avoid the emergence of this type of acne, we must be up to date with the skincare routine. In addition, it is essential to be careful with the type of mask used. 100% cotton and surgical masks reduce facial heat, aiding in skin ventilation. Changing the mask every 2 hours also helps to prevent these injuries. We must not forget to moisturize the face, use sunscreen and avoid excessive makeup. These actions reduce the appearance of the maskne.

15/02/2021 / by Dr. Milvelena

Daily skin care routine (skincare)

The term “skincare” means “skin care” and has been used to name the routine, steps and products used in daily skin care.

The safety and effectiveness of a good skincare routine is guaranteed by the use of dermocosmetics, chosen according to the skin type. 

A good skin care routine is essential to keep your skin beautiful and healthy. It is important that this routine is carried out in the morning and at night and maintained consistently. 

A basic routine consists of the following steps: 1) Wash your face with a soap suitable for your skin type; 2) Apply a facial tonic – regulates the pH of the skin and removes impurities not removed by the soap; 3) Moisturizer - also suitable for oily skin - hydration is important to restore the barrier function and to make the skin more tolerant to treatments; 4) Sunscreen during the day: Acid or some other treatment cream. During the night: Always look for a dermatologist to carry out a skincare routine suitable for your skin for this time.

Dr. Milvelena Santiago

Phone: (85) 3457-8288

13/01/2021 / by Dr. Milvelena

December Orange – Skin Cancer Prevention Month


December Orange – Skin Cancer Prevention Month

– What are the Most Common Skin Cancers?

Skin cancer can basically present in three most common types: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.

1.What is Basal Cell Carcinoma?

It is the most frequent skin cancer, mainly resulting from exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation.

How Does Basal Cell Carcinoma Appear?

It presents as a nodular lesion or a skin-colored or erythematous (reddish) and sometimes dark-colored plaque that may bleed.

Is Basal Cell Carcinoma Serious? Can it compromise other organs?

It is a tumor that rarely metastasizes (involves other organs), but can be locally invasive.

What is the treatment of basal cell carcinoma?

Treatment consists of removing the tumor or using destructive methods, depending on the tumor characteristics.

How to Prevent Basal Cell Carcinoma?

Prevention can be accomplished with the use of sun protection.

2. Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

Second most common skin cancer. It occurs most commonly in regions of the body exposed to the sun, with ultraviolet radiation being the most important factor in its occurrence.

In the oral region, SCC is related to the habit of smoking and the use of alcoholic beverages. While in the genital region, it is related to chronic infections by the HPV virus.

How Does Squamous Cell Carcinoma Appear?

Clinically, it is characterized by a nodule, ulcerated or not, or a vegetating or verrucous plaque. Metastasis can occur. Treatment varies according to tumor characteristics. Protection from sun exposure is of fundamental importance to prevent the appearance of the tumor.

3. Melanoma

It is a more aggressive skin cancer, with a high rate of metastasis (involvement of other organs).

Sun exposure is the main environmental risk factor for the development of melanoma. People with fair skin, eyes and hair that are more prone to sunburn than to tan belong to the group most affected by melanoma.

A history of sunburn with blistering in childhood, the presence of multiple melanocytic, atypical or dysplastic nevi, and a previous history of melanoma, as well as a family history of melanoma, are other risk factors for the development of the tumor. Melanoma can arise anywhere on normal skin as a pigmented lesion with irregular borders and symptoms of itching and scaling, or it can arise from a pre-existing nevus with asymmetry, irregular borders, change in color and increase in size.

Treatment depends on the characteristics

28/11/2019 / by Dr. Milvelena

Botox for Migraine

What do you need to know about migraines and botox?

We've all heard of Botox, responsible for generations of smooth foreheads in Hollywood, but Botox has also brought relief to many people suffering from chronic medical conditions. In 2010, Botox was approved for use with chronic migraines, and many patients are reporting success.

What do you need to know first? What type of headache responds best to Botox?

Botox is FDA-approved only for chronic migraines, which means headaches on 15 or more days a month. "The more frequent the headaches, the better the patient does with Botox." Botox is not recommended for patients who experience fewer than 15 headache days per month.


What is Botox and how does it work?

Botox is a form of botulinum toxin, a neurotoxin produced by the bacteria that causes botulism. When Botox botulinum toxin is purified and used in small doses on specific areas, it temporarily reduces muscle contractions for approximately 3 months.

Botox is injected around pain fibers that are involved in headaches. Botox enters the nerve endings around where it is injected and blocks the release of chemicals involved in pain transmission. This prevents the activation of pain networks in the brain.

Botox prevents migraines before they start, but it takes time to work. A treatment course lasts 10 to 12 weeks, with patients reporting approximately 50% reduction in the number of migraines after two applications.


28/01/2019 / by Dr. Milvelena
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