Sponsored by the National Psoriasis Foundation every August, Psoriasis Awareness Month is dedicated to raising awareness, educating the public and dispelling myths about psoriasis.

Over 7.5 million people in the United States are diagnosed with psoriasis. This condition can be hard for children and teens to deal with daily as well as for adults. Each year, 1 in 5 people with psoriasis report being discriminated against at a public pool. This month is your chance to increase awareness about the disease and educate the public that psoriasis is not contagious. Help spread the word that pools are for recreation, not discrimination.


Tanning Beds Classified as Carcinogenic

A new report issued in July places tanning beds in the "highest cancer risk" category. The agency also reclassified all UV radiation as carcinogenic to humans, including UVA, UVB and UVC.

A review by the International Agency for Research on Cancer concluded that the risk of melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer, increases by 75 percent when use of tanning beds and sunlamps begins before 30 years of age. This high-risk tanning behavior, seen primarily in females, could explain the increasing melanoma rates for females 15-29 years old.

"Indoor tanning is particularly troubling because it is unnecessary and is practiced mainly for cosmetic reasons. Individuals, particularly young people, who utilize tanning beds are intentionally putting their health at risk," stated Dr. Pariser, President of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). "We hope that this new classification will persuade individuals to stop using or avoid indoor tanning all together."

This year, more than 1 million new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed in the United States, exceeding the incidence of all other cancers combined. It is estimated that there will be about 121,840 new cases of melanoma in 2009. Melanoma is the most common form of c ancer for young adults 25-29 years old and the second most common form of cancer for adolescents and young adults 15-29 years old. Read the full report about tanning beds and cancer.


Vitamin D Intake & Sun Exposure – Revised AAD Recommendations

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recently issued a revised recommendations regarding vitamin D intake after reviewing recent scientific literature. Recent reports have shown the importance of having sufficient levels of this vitamin for optimal health.

The AAD continues to recommend that the public obtain vitamin D from nutritional sources and dietary supplements, and not from unprotected exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or indoor tanning devices, as UV radiation is a known risk factor for the development of skin cancer.

The recommendations also now state that individuals who regularly and properly practice sun protection, such as the daily use of sunscreen on exposed skin or the wearing of sun protective clothing, may be at risk for vitamin D insufficiency. A higher dose of vitamin D may be necessary for these individuals and others with known risk factors for vitamin D insufficiency, such as those with dark skin, the elderly, photosensitive individuals, people with limited sun exposure, obese individuals or those with fat malabsorption. Therefore, the Academy encourages those with concerns about their levels of vitamin D to discuss options for obtaining sufficient dietary or supplementary sources of vitamin D with their physician. Read the full report about vitamin D.


Hormonal Therapy Option for Adult Women with Acne

Acne isn't just for teenagers. Many adult women experience outbreaks of acne, particularly on the lower 1/3 of the face and when premenstrual.

Studies show that acne affects more than 50 percent of women between the ages of 20-29 and more than 25 percent of women between the ages of 40-49.

For these women, hormonal therapy in the form of combination oral contraceptives (YAZ, Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Estrostep) and/or anti-androgen medications (spironolactone, flutamide) may help by reducing the activity of the male hormone testosterone.

The benefits of hormonal therapy may not be visible for several weeks. Several months of use are required to determine whether the medication is helpful for a particular individual. Most patients may need to continue using oral contraceptives or a topical retinoid (Differin, Epiduo, Retin A Mirco, Tazorac, tretinoin) to maintain clearance. Read the full report about hormonal treatments for acne. vitamin D.


New and Exciting at Water's Edge Dermatology


Now your friends and relatives can get Water's Edge Dermatology care at our new office in Lake Worth (Jog and Lantana). Dr. Danica Alexander is there to take care of all of your dermatologic and cosmetic needs.

Click here for the address and phone number


DOT Therapy - Fractional Laser for Skin Resurfacing and Rejuvenation

If you have spent years in the sun, especially without adequate sun protection, then you know what it can do to your skin. Wrinkles, skin discoloration, sun-spots, skin laxity may be reduced or eliminated with DOT Therapy. Also, if you have scars from acne or other skin injuries, then you may also be a candidate for this procedure.

Now, with DOT Therapy, an innovative, new laser procedure less than one hour in our office may restore your skin's youthful appearance. While the aging process cannot be stopped, with proper care you can maintain your rejuvenated skin's appearance for many years.

Click here for more information


Dysport ®

The FDA has approved Dysport® to treat forehead wrinkles and frown lines, making it only the second drug to be approved by the agency as a wrinkle treatment.

Call us for more information.


Latissse ®

The first and only FDA approved prescription treatment for inadequate or not enough eyelashes, growing them longer, fuller and darker.

Call us for more information.