The Enhanced Image Pro ll, the world's most advanced 3D skin imaging system, sheds a whole new light on skin analysis, enabling Water's Edge Dermatology skin care professionals to see beyond the surface of your skin. The amazing Image Pro ll is a powerful combination of exclusive 3D spectral imaging, targeted complexion analysis and triple light source analysis. You'll see proof-positive evidence of your current skin condition, allowing your Water's Edge consultant to recommend treatment with incredible accuracy. And best of all, the process takes less than five minutes.


This technology takes skin analysis to a higher level

The most advanced technology and the most knowledgeable providers. Exactly what you would expect from Water's Edge Dermatology, South Florida's leader in skin care. With this technology, our skin care consultants can track the effectiveness of recommended treatments over time. And the patient will see those results, too.

Patient's skin is digitally scanned in seconds

Unlike anything you've ever seen You'll see pre-treatment pore and wrinkle depth. The powerful magnification and excellent resolution of the system shows details that enable accurate diagnosis and treatment. You'll be able to monitor your treatment from start to finish.
Cheryl Odell, cosmetic coordinator, discusses treatment options with patient

Simply call and make an appointment for a free skin care analysis with a Water's Edge Dermatology skin care consultant. You'll see:

• Targeted areas under intense magnification in normal, polarized and UV light
• We'll map, measure and analyze fine lines, pigmentation and vascularity
• View pore depth, sebum and porphyrin in 3D
• Evaluate skin tone and texture
• Archive assessments for future comparison to track treatment effectiveness
• Uncover future problem areas for preventive procedures

Computerized skin analysis shows the depth of wrinkles and
pores and measures sebum, porphyrin, pigmentation and vascularity

Free computerized skin analysis and consultation
by Water’s Edge Dermatology. Call for an appointment

Fungal infection of the toenails and fingernails is referred to as onychomycosis. It appears as white or yellowed nails that may be thickened and brittle. One or more nails may be involved, and different parts of a nail may be affected.

Toenails are the most vulnerable to fungal infection because shoes and socks trap moisture that promotes the growth of fungi.

If left untreated, onychomycosis can lead to permanent nail damage.

Onychomycosis is difficult to treat, and recurrence is common. Most antifungal creams and ointments are not every effective because they cannot penetrate the hard nail in sufficient concentration to kill the fungi. There are, however, some formulations specifically designed to penetrate the nail.

If the fungal infections have already reached the nail bed (the place where the nail starts growing), oral antifungal medications may be prescribed. These can reach the nail bed through the blood.

If a nail is badly damaged, nail removal may be recommended.

Follow these steps to prevent fungal infection:

• Practice good hygiene and keep hands and feet clean.
• Keep your skin dry, especially between the toes.
• Wear shower sandals in damp public places, such as swimming pools and locker rooms.
• Keep your nails trimmed and clean.
• Wear well-ventilated shoes, and change socks regularly, especially after exercise.
• Wear rubber gloves when washing dishes or doing other housework that could overexpose your hands to moisture.
• Sterilize any instruments you use on your nails before and after every use. This includes nail clippers and any instruments used in manicures or pedicures.
• Wash your hands after touching an infected nail.

This information is for general educational uses only. It may not apply to you and your specific medical needs. This information should not be used in place of a visit, call, consultation with or the advice of your physician or health care professional. Communicate promptly with your physician or other health care professional with any health-related questions or concerns.

Be sure to follow specific instructions given to you by your physician or health care professional.

Psoriasis is a long-lasting skin disorder that causes red, scaly patches on the limbs, trunk, scalp, and other parts of the body. It is not contagious.

The rash of psoriasis goes through cycles of improving and worsening. At times it can be disfiguring, uncomfortable, and even painful.

The scaling and unpleasant appearance of psoriasis lesions (especially if left untreated) can cause embarrassment and be a significant source of anxiety or depression. Psoriasis can also interfere with sleep and make everyday tasks difficult.

Each psoriasis outbreak can vary in severity. A mild outbreak, with small dandruff-like scales limited to one spot, could be followed by a severe outbreak with large thick plagues covering multiple parts of the body.

There are several ways to measure psoriasis severity. One simple approach is to measure the amount of the body covered by psoriasis. This is described as the percentage of body surface area. The area beneath one hand, including fingers and thumb, is equal to 1 percent of your body surface area. If all of your psoriasis lesions can be covered by two hands, about 2 percent of your body is affected.

• Mild psoriasis = up to 3% of the body affected
  
  
• Moderate psoriasis = 3% to 10% of the body affected
  
  
• Severe psoriasis = more than 10% of the body affected
  

Severity is also influenced by the type of psoriasis, the impact the illness has on a person’s quality of life, and a person’s susceptibility to side effects from treatment. Psoriasis is generally considered severe if it covers the palms and soles because of its impact on a person’s ability to walk and perform day-to-day tasks.

About 10-30% of people with psoriasis will also develop psoriatic arthritis. Symptoms of psoriatic arthritis include stiffness, pain, and swelling of the tendons and joints, as well as morning stiffness and generalized fatigue.

Normal skin cells (keratinocytes) start growing in the deepest layers of the skin (epidermis) and rise to the surface as they mature. The mature cells at the surface eventually fall off from everyday wear and tear and are replaced by newer cells below. This process usually takes about a month.

In skin affected by psoriasis, this process is accelerated and takes just a week or more. The skin cells multiply quickly and accumulate on the surface in silvery scales.

This rapid growth is the result of a problem with the immune system.

Under normal circumstances, the immune system’s T cells patrol the body looking for bacteria or other foreign substances. The T cells' attack on such invaders is called the immune response. People with psoriasis have overactive T cells that trigger an increased production of skin cells.

Many of the treatments for psoriasis are aimed at controlling the immune response.

Although there is currently no cure for psoriasis, there are multiple treatments available that can usually lead to a clearing of symptoms. The goal of treatment is to stop the skin cell overgrowth that leads to plaque formation and inflammation.

Treatment options include topical medications, oral medications, phototherapy, lasers, and a new class of medications called "biologics."

Your doctor will recommend one or more of these treatments depending on the following factors:

• Type of psoriasis
• Location (scalp, trunk, hands feet, etc.)
• Severity of psoriasis
• Results of previous treatments
• Ease or convenience of a treatment
• Possible side effects

Since some treatments work better for some patients than others, be prepared to try more than one treatment.

Topical medications: over-the-counter

For mild to moderate psoriasis, some people may find sufficient relief from one or more of the following creams or ointments applied directly to the lesion:

• Moisturizers - While moisturizers won’t actually heal lesions or plaques, they can reduce the itching and scaling. For psoriasis, the greasier the better, so choose ointments over lighter creams and lotions.
  
  
• Coal tar - One of the oldest known treatments for psoriasis, coal tar is available without a prescription as a shampoo, gel, and cream. Coal tar reduces inflammation, slows the growth of skin cells, and relieves itching and irritation. It can be messy to apply and has a strong odor.
  
  
• Salicylic acid - This medication is available in shampoos, creams, lotions, pads, paste, and soap. It works as a peeling agent, removing scales from the skin, and it’s often combined with other topical treatments.

Topical medications: prescription

• Anthralin (Micanol) - An established, safe treatment for psoriasis (especially of the scalp), anthralin slows down skin cell growth and reduces inflammation. The medication may stain clothing and non-affected skin.
  
  
• Calcipotriene (Dovonex, Taclonex) - This synthetic form of vitamin D slows skin cell growth, flattens psoriasis lesions, and removes scales. While it doesn’t address inflammation specifically, most patients notice a reduction of skin redness.
  
  
• Corticosteroids ("topical steroids") - Corticosteroids slow skin cell growth and relieve itching by suppressing the immune system. They work quickly and are easy to use. They may be used alone for mild psoriasis or combined with other therapies for severe lesions. Side effects include thinning of the skin, stretch marks, and reduced immune function, so prolonged use should be avoided.
  
  
• Topical retinoids (Tazorac) - Retinoids are a class of medications derived from vitamin A that are used for a variety of skin conditions. Some retinoids, such as Tazorac, have been formulated for application to the skin. (Oral retinoids, such as Soriatane, are taken by mouth.) Tazorac is FDA-approved for the treatment of psoriasis and helps slow the growth of quickly multiplying skin cells.
  
  
• Calcineurin inhibitors (Elidel, Protopic) - These medications, typically used for atopic dermatitis (eczema), may be prescribed in some cases of psoriasis.