Posts filed under ‘Myth Busters’
Myth Busters: Dull Skin Is a Normal Part of Aging
Dull skin is not your destiny; it’s actually an effect of sun damage and can be reversed with the right regimen. We recommend …
Continue Reading September 11, 2012 at 5:53 pm Derm RF 2 comments
Myth Busters: All Ticks Carry Lyme Disease
Ticks have gotten a bad rap for carrying Lyme disease, but in truth, only deer ticks carry the disease, and not all deer ticks are infected. Regardless, if you have been out and about in grassy or wooded areas …
Myth Busters: You Have to Suffer through Your Sunburn
A sunburn isn’t a punishment. It’s just your body’s way of protecting itself. If you suspect you have an impending burn…
Continue Reading August 14, 2012 at 5:32 pm Derm RF 5 comments
Myth Busters
Myth: It’s OK to Pop a Blister
The best way to deal with a blister is the same as a bratty brother—the silent treatment. That’s right, ignore it. Believe it or not, a blister is there to protect you. Often referred to as “nature’s dressing” because of the cushion they provide, blisters do best when left alone.
If, however, you get a blister that is so fluid-filled that it’s firm to the touch, the most we would ever recommend is puncturing the surface with a sterilized needle to allow the fluid inside to gently drain. If it pops on its own, keep the area covered with an antibiotic ointment and Band- Aid.
Myth Busters
Myth: Dark Complexions Offer Adequate SPF
While darker skin tones offer a natural SPF ranging from 5-13, this isn’t enough to keep your skin protected. The sun may not have your skin “seeing red,” but that doesn’t mean it’s not making its mark. Those with darker complexions might not see the accelerated wrinkles as soon, but they are more susceptible to other signs of aging like skin growths, hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone.
Most important, a sunburn is a warning; it’s the sun’s way of telling you it’s time to get out of the sun. Without the redness and burning sensation that accompanies a sunburn, those with darker complexions are less likely to sense the signal to get out of the sun. With skin cancer on the rise for all ethnic groups, sunscreen is an anti-aging opportunity all people should take advantage of year round.
Myth Busters
Myth: Applying Sunscreen Poolside is Plenty
Whether you’re at the pool, picnicking or on the beach, protecting skin when you get to your destination is not enough. You need to apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before leaving the house to let your skin absorb the SPF.
Once you get to your destination, reapply and then reapply again every hour and a half to two hours thereafter. Remember, it takes a lot of sunscreen (about a shot glass for every major body part) to get the benefits on the label.
Myth Busters
Myth: You Can Moisturize Your Way to Sandal-Worthy Feet
There is fungus among us! Did you know that more than one in three people have some form of foot fungus? What’s more, most people are totally unaware they have this condition. And that’s because what many mistake for dry or cracked skin on their heels is actually more than meets the eye. In this case, ignorance is definitely not bliss. Trying to moisturize the problem away can actually make foot fungus worse by sealing in the fungus rather than addressing the root cause of the problem.
Moisturizers are only effective at battling foot fungus if they include ingredients that address the underlying cause of the cracks. If you have cracks and are concerned about foot fungus, talk to your doctor about the best treatment options.
Derm RF
Dr. Kathy Fields
Dr. Katie Rodan
Mary Radford, RN
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