Mistakes Happen...5 Ways to Ease the Pain of a Sunburn

Here are five ways to ease the pain and maybe, just maybe, limit the damage....

Getting a sunburn is a very bad idea. It looks bad, hurts, peels and inflicts long-lasting, wrinkle-inducing damage. It's especially bad for children: Even one blistering burn may double their lifetime risk of melanoma, a serious skin cancer. And it's totally preventable (with sunscreen, shade and clothing). But mistakes happen. 

1. If you feel the tale-tell tingling of a burn or see any sign of skin reddening on yourself or your child, get out of the sun and start treatment. "Sunburn tends to sneak up on us. It can take four to six hours for the symptoms to develop," says Barton Schmitt, a pediatrician at Children's Hospital Colorado and author of a new book, My Child Is Sick! Expert Advice for Managing Common Illnesses and Injuries, published by the American Academy of Pediatrics. So a touch of pink at the beach could turn into a big problem later.


2.  After a cool shower or bath, slather on a moisturizing cream or lotion to soothe the skin. Repeat frequently to make peeling and flaking less noticeable. And consider a product containing vitamin C and vitamin E: It might help limit skin damage (though studies have not proved that.)


3. Any burn draws fluid to the skin surface and away from the rest of the body. So drink extra water, juice and sports drinks for a couple of days and watch for signs of dehydration: Dry mouth, thirst, reduced urination, headache, dizziness and sleepiness. Children are especially vulnerable, so seek medical attention if needed.


4. Take (or give your child) a dose of ibuprofen (for example, Advil) as soon as you see signs of sunburn and keep it up for the next 48 hours, Schmitt advises. "It cuts back on the swelling and redness that is going to occur" and might prevent some long-term skin damage. "It's not just treating the symptoms; it's treating the severity of the symptoms." Acetaminophen (for example, Tylenol) will treat the pain, but does not have the same anti-inflammatory effect.


5. Most sunburns, even those that cause a few blisters, can be treated at home. But if a blistering burn covers 20% or more of the body (a child's whole back), seek medical attention, Allen says.


Lastly, think of the burn as a warning that your sun-safety net has failed and vow to do better. That means using sunscreen, covering up with clothing and hats and avoiding the sun as much as possible between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.  

For an appointment or to be evaluated for treatment, call our office (270) 685-5777 or for more information, please visit our website.

(*provided by The Skin Cancer Foundation, 2012)

Bypass the Pain of Varicose & Spider Veins

Road maps have their place and it isn’t on your legs! You may be one of the more than 80 million Americans who suffer from some form of venous disorder. Varicose and spider veins can cause physical pain as well as emotional discomfort. Don’t think that the treatment is a one-way street to major surgery.

Whether it is for cosmetic reasons or relief from pain, Owensboro Dermatology offers safe and effective outpatient treatments for varicose and spider veins. The minimally invasive procedures offer a virtually pain-free alternative that require no general anesthetic, no downtime, and no scarring and still provide optimal results.

To get a quick overview of two types of treatments offered at Owensboro Dermatology click on this video link. Recently featured on the Today Show on MSNBC Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda highlight two women’s effortless and effective journeys of becoming varicose and spider vein free. See the before and after results and hear about the treatments from their physician. Although the video clip focuses on two women, men also suffer from venous disorder and can benefit from treatments. Your insurance carrier may cover treatment. For an appointment to be evaluated for treatment, call our office (270) 685-5777or for more information visit our website.

The Gift that is Sure to Fit

Relieve your stress this Valentine's Day by getting something your loved one will love! A gift certificate from Advanced Aesthetics, our medical spa, is sure to be the perfect fit. Certificates are available for specific services, products, or a dollar amount. Call (270) 852-4785 to get your shopping done today!

For a look at all the services offered in the spa, click on this link to go to our website.

A New Year's Resolution for Your Skin

Every year people have item after item on their New Year’s Resolution list (i.e., getting organized, losing weight, eating better). If you are like most people, some of those items continue to show up year after year with not much headway being made on them. So here is something you CAN accomplish and help your skin at the same time! Throw out expired skin care products!

Yes that includes sunscreen. You may half a bottle left but don’t put your skin and your health at risk. Get in the New Year’s spirit of “Out with the Old and in with the New.”

Start with the easy ones..the ones with the expiration dates on them such as sunscreens, some acne products and prescription skincare products. Once the date is passed, throw it out. It has lost effectiveness and in the case of sunscreen puts your health at risk for burns. Also, products may get contaminated after so long with bacteria. Keep in mind that if not stored properly, products may expire and become tainted prior to that date.

Realize that there are no regulations or requirements under current U.S. law for cosmetic products to have expiration dates printed on the labels so here are some rules of thumb:

• Throw out skincare products that have separated, changed color, smell funny, changed scent significantly, changed texture dramatically, or just doesn’t feel right anymore when applied to the skin.
• If the container holding your product has expanded than this is a sign that the product needs to be thrown away.
• Products that contain water as one of the first ingredients have the shortest shelf life after opening because water encourages the growth of bacteria and other microbes.
• Also susceptible to bacterial contamination are products that are mostly waxes with minimal water, but that also contain plant extracts. Think about how long produce lasts in your refrigerator—not very long!
• If your product is labeled “preservative-free” definitely take extra caution, because without some kind of preservative system bacteria can flourish easily

So start right now, and check this New Year's Resolution off your list. Your skin will thank you for it!

Benefit Basket Up for Grabs

An auction gift basket from Owensboro Dermatology's medical spa, Advanced Aesthetics, will be up for grabs on Saturday, February 5 at a benefit for Diane Minton.

The gift basket provided by Advanced Aesthetics, Owensboro Dermatology and Henderson Dermatology includes an OBAGI Travel Kit; OBAGI Action; Clarisonic Brush; Spot Therapy Kit; Clarisonic Opal; bath sponge; Valentine chocolates, and handled basket. The basket with contents retails at $786.28.

Items are being donated and gathered from various businesses and individuals for the Auction/Fundraiser to help offset expenses for Minton, who is battling cancer. Minton, a resident of Owensboro, is employed by Owensboro Dermatology. For more information about the event see the flier below. If you or your company is interested in donating an item for the auction, please contact Janette at jford@owensboroderm.com .

Sticking with New Year's Resolutions Help Inside & Out

‎"If you stopped smoking for the new year, remember, the first 2 weeks are the hardest. Stay strong this week and remember - You are a non smoker." This quote came from the Tobacco Control Coalition for the Green River District's Facebook page. And if the internal health benefits aren't enough to motivate people to 'stay quit,' a recent study reported that premature skin aging is primarily linked to sun exposure and heavy smoking.

Premature skin aging before the age of 55 years is largely due to high sun exposure and heavy smoking, with male gender and fair skin also increasing the risk, say Australian researchers. Click here to read more about the study.

Benefit/Auction for Diane Minton

The funds from the following Auction/Fundraiser will help offset costs involved in Diane Minton's battle against cancer. Minton, who is employed by Owensboro Dermatology, is a resident of Owensboro.