Seborrheic keratoses (SK) are very common skin growths. They may seem worrisome as they can look like a wart or a skin cancer, but they are completely harmless and can easily be removed by our dermatologists near Boston. SK’s tend to develop in middle age or older and increase in number over time. They can be seen almost anywhere on the skin, but favor the chest, back, head and neck. SK’s typically start as small rough bumps, and slowly thicken to take on a warty surface. Classically, they have a waxy “stuck-on-the-skin” appearance. The color can range from white to … Continue reading »
Psoriasis is a common and incurable skin disorder that is characterized by red raised scaly lesions that can occur anywhere on the body. One of the most frequent, and often distressing, locations is on the scalp. Common symptoms include intractable itch, burning, pain and excessive shedding of flaky skin. Historically, addressing scalp psoriasis has been very challenging, as it seems to be more treatment resistant than psoriasis affecting other areas of the body. But fortunately, recent research has identified a number of more successful therapeutic options. A majority of patients benefit from prescription topical solutions, oils or gels, but success … Continue reading »
Otezla® is the first pill FDA approved to treat psoriasis in over 15 years. Unlike previous oral medication options, Otezla® specifically reduces the inflammation associated with the disease process without affecting any internal organs such as the liver, kidneys or bone marrow. The safety of this therapy has been greatly celebrated; in fact, no routine blood testing is required. Otezla® is indicated for moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis as well as for psoriatic arthritis. At the Psoriasis Treatment Center at SkinCare Physicians, our providers have found Otezla® particularly helpful and attractive in a number of clinical scenarios. 8 clinical … Continue reading »
While there is no cure for psoriasis, an autoimmune skin disease, the science of psoriasis therapies is evolving at a very rapid pace. The recent Cosentyx® approval heralds a new era for psoriasis treatment at SkinCare Physicians’ Psoriasis Treatment Center near Boston. Cosentyx® (secukinumab), a biologic therapy developed specifically for psoriasis, is now available for adults suffering from moderate-to-severe psoriasis. This is the first of several highly anticipated “second generation” biologics to complete rigorous testing and become available to treat this significant life-impacting disease. Cosentyx® targets interleukin-17 (IL-17), one of the key chemical hormones that are elevated in people who … Continue reading »
“If you suffer from severe psoriasis, you may want to consult with your rheumatologist and cardiologist” advises Dr. Jeffrey Sobell, a dermatologist and psoriasis specialist in Boston. Learn why. Psoriasis is a chronic and incurable disease affecting 3% of the US population. The red scaly lesions on the skin are striking in appearance, however the manifestations of psoriasis often go much deeper, particularly for these people with more extensive psoriasis (covering more than 10 palm-sizes). In these individuals, there is an increased likelihood of several medical conditions, including arthritis and cardiovascular disease. Psoriatic arthritis is seen in up to 30% … Continue reading »
Our patients at SkinCare Physicians near Boston often ask what level of SPF (sun protection factor) in sunscreens is sufficient to reduce the risk of photodamage and skin cancer. It turns out that the answer is somewhat confusing. In order for sunscreen to perform maximally, applying a generous quantity is required. One ounce, or the equivalent of one shot glass amount, is needed to cover the exposed areas of the body for the average adult. When used in this manner, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a sunscreen of at least SPF 30 for planned sun exposures. However, most … Continue reading »
Chances are that you or someone you know has psoriasis. It is an incurable, non-contagious autoimmune skin disease that affects 3 out of every 100 Americans. Thankfully, remarkable progress in the treatment of psoriasis has recently occurred and dermatologists at SkinCare Physicians can now select from a multitude of therapies available at their Psoriasis Treatment Center near Boston. Living with psoriasis is often physically and emotionally disabling. Sufferers deal with intense itching, cracking, bleeding and flaking of their skin that can interfere with sleep, relationships, work and daily functioning. Unfortunately, the psoriasis condition commonly leads to feelings of despair, hopelessness … Continue reading »
Goodbye winter, spring has finally arrived! For many, that means getting back outdoors. But if your activity includes hiking, camping or gardening, beware! Poison ivy season is upon us as well. Poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac all contain an oil called urushiol that can cause an uncomfortable allergic rash in 85% of people. The itchy blistering rash, often appearing in streaks or lines, occurs 12-72 hours after skin contact with the oil. Springtime is the most common season, although the possibility of exposure continues well into the summer and fall. Tips to prevent the poison ivy rash 1) … Continue reading »
It seems so unfair, but it is true. Many people I see for BOTOX and fillers at SkinCare Physicians also complain about acne. Don’t despair, solutions exist to treat adult acne. Adult acne affects 25% of men and 50% of women at some time in their adult lives. Just last week, I saw a woman who had clear skin as a teenager, and now at the age of 32 started to have painful blemishes on her chin and upper back. Later in the day, I saw a 41 year old man who started to break out at age 12, and … Continue reading »
At SkinCare Physicians, our mission is to deliver personalized service along with ethical, skilled, comprehensive care. Our renowned physicians offer a broad range of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, providing patients with unparalleled service. This vision is the cornerstone of who we are and what we do. The physicans and staff at SkinCare Physicians work every day to help reach this vision. Our patients are our best teachers in showing us what we do well so that we can build on these successes! Not only do we perform regular patient satisfaction surveys to hone our skills, but we welcome spontaneous patient … Continue reading »
