OUR CARIBBEAN SKIN SERIES / Pseudofolliculitis Barbae

Commonly known as razor bumps, PFB is often mistaken for acne, but it is actually caused by ingrown hairs. People of colour tend to have more of a challenge with the condition because of the shape of their hair follicles – curlier hair has a tendency to twist and grow inwards, where its sharper edges can contribute to inflammation.  

With men, the bumps tend to happen on their faces (from shaving) and with women, under their arms or along their bikini line. PFB can be quite painful, especially if the bumps get irritated or inflamed, but trying to get the hairs out on your own can make things worse, leading to infection and scarring.

In our experience, laser hair removal is super-effective. We use the GentleMax Pro™ laser, which uses a patented cooling technology that releases a quick burst of air after each heat pulse, making the process practically pain-free.

We also offer a Refining Treatment for Men – a facial using a combination of medical-grade Skinceuticals products that focuses on the face and neck area, leaving you feeling clean and smooth.   

People with darker skin are at the greatest risk for hyperpigmentation and scarring, so as tempting as it may be, don’t try to squeeze the bumps or extract the hairs yourself. Much better to come in and see us for a cohesive treatment approach.

WE’RE HAIR FOR YOU!

The story of Samson remains one of the earliest touchpoints for the ways in which hair has captured our imaginations. With his long tresses, he was invincible; once Delilah betrays and shears him, however, he loses all his strength. Hair is so intricately interwoven into our identity that it can be difficult when it does things we don’t expect it to do – from falling out to showing up in places we’d rather not have it. Worry not, though…we’ve got you covered!

Hair Loss

In both men and women, hair loss can take many forms. Telogen effluvium is a temporary form of hair shedding prompted by a stressful event, either emotional or physical – and we’re seeing a lot more of it now during the COVID-19 pandemic. Because it is hormone-related, many pregnant women also experience this type of hair thinning. The hair usually grows back, though it can take some time. 

Alopecia and alopecia areata, on the other hand, occur when your body’s immune system attacks your hair follicles, resulting in bald patches, In some cases, people lose all their hair; in others, the hair will grow back, but they are unpredictable conditions, often hereditary.

Our platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatments, in which we draw and process your own blood and inject it into the scalp, have had success in restimulating hair growth and avoiding prolonged or chronic hair loss by increasing blood supply to the hair follicles. The treatments do need to be spaced out and repeated, with upkeep recommended about every six months.

Of course, there can be other factors behind hair loss – including thyroid disease, anaemia and protein deficiencies – so it’s important to come in and see one of our dermatologists in order to be properly diagnosed.

That said, some hair shedding is perfectly normal – but if you start to notice that your hair feels or looks thinner, that there are bare areas, receding hairlines or wider parts, or that more hair seems to be coming off on your brush than usual, give us a call. 

Unwanted hair

Because hair is actually part of the skin’s structure, it can appear anywhere. On men, back hair is fairly uncommon; as women go through hormonal shifts, one side effect can be hair growth in unexpected areas.

Our laser hair removal treatments are a great long-term solution. Shaving can actually make unwanted hair grow back thicker, especially in sensitive areas like the ears, and can create conditions for painful ingrown hairs to thrive. Unlike waxing, it’s also relatively painless, doesn’t irritate skin the way most depilatory creams can, and over time, can minimise regrowth, often stopping it altogether.

Hirsutism

With this fairly common condition, women develop hair in a male pattern. It’s typically caused by either hormonal changes brought on by menopause, or the presence of polycystic ovarian syndrome, so once we see women – especially younger women – with unwanted hair that presents in ways you’d normally see on men, we send them for a pelvic ultrasound to determine whether PCOS is a contributing factor. Incidentally, acne also can be an indication of PCOS.

The good news is that hirsutism is treatment-responsive, but if PCOS is the cause, it’s important to to treat it as it can affect fertility, as well as increase the risk of other non-communicable diseases like diabetes. Hyperpigmentation or skin tags, especially under the arms and around the neck, can also be telltale signs of PCOS.

If you have concerns about any hair-related issues, schedule a consultation with us.

M is for MELANOMA

We’ve been receiving a markedly increased number of referrals from local GPs for patients with serious melanomas. It’s an alarming uptick that we hope will not become a trend. Proper skin care habits (including the daily use of sunscreen), regular-self checks and annual skin screenings are key tools in your arsenal against skin cancers.

OUR CARIBBEAN SKIN SERIES / Acne

Acne, a pretty common condition in which pores become clogged, happens in all skin types, but can be especially bothersome for people with darker skin, often causing hyperpigmentation and unwanted scarring.

Breakouts arise from an overabundance of oil in the skin, which mixes with bacteria and blocks the pores from breathing as they should. The skin gets inflamed and responds by developing lesions, some more serious than others.

Just as irritating is that fact that not only can the acne itself leave darker skin prone to hyperpigmentation, so can some of the medications used to treat it – including certain classes of oral antibiotics and over the counter treatments. This is why it’s important to see a dermatologist who has experience in treating skin of colour, as these dark patches can take a long time to fade.

What to avoid

People with sensitive skin are at the greatest risk for hyperpigmentation, and products that irritate or dry out the skin are some of the worst offenders, so steer clear of any pore-cloggers.

These include heavy creams, overly thick sunscreens and oil-based makeup and hair care products, the last of which can cause “pomade acne” – pimples that typically populate the hairline, forehead and temples. Sulphate-free shampoos are a better choice, as are hair conditioners and leave-in treatments that are creamy (as opposed to oily). 

Teenagers’ battle with acne is often caused by a combination of hormones and lax skin care routines; with time, as well as the right diet and skin care regimen, it usually settles down. Other acne contributors include:

·       Stress

·       Smoking

·       Face touching (and hair in the face)

·       A diet high in oil, fried foods and sugar

·       Improper skin care

·       Dirty makeup brushes/sponges

·       Poor sleeping habits

As anyone who has dealt with acne knows, it can be persistent, so come in and see us for a well rounded treatment approach that’s custom designed for your skin.

FROM PREGNANCY GLOW TO SKIN WOES?

As precious as the gift of motherhood is, it comes with a host of other experiences you may not have bargained for, many of them affecting your skin.

Acne

With hormones fluctuating both during pregnancy and after childbirth, it’s quite common for mothers to suffer from breakouts. Progesterone is a hormone that regulates your period and support healthy pregnancies. The flip side is that high hormone levels increase oil production, which causes clogged pores and acne.

After you give birth, it can take a little while for progesterone to get back down to its normal level; once it does, pregnancy-induced acne typically goes away. Make sure to drink lots of water, as dehydration can lead to oily glands, putting the breakout cycle into motion once again.

As much as you love your baby, dealing with the demands of a newborn can also be stressful – and stress can trigger pimples. Make sure to carve out some space for self-care, including a regular skin care routine.

The good news is that many of the topical acne treatments that are not safe to use while pregnant are fine postpartum, even if you’re breastfeeding (once you don’t put it on your chest). In some cases, pregnancy-related acne is very stubborn, in which case we recommend coming in for a consultation.

Melasma

Dubbed the “mask of pregnancy”, melasma is a common form of skin discolouration that appears symmetrically on the face. Sunlight aggravates the condition, and people with darker skin tones are more at risk. It is generally triggered by hormonal changes during pregnancy, although stress, birth control pills, and even harsh skincare products can also bring it on.

Melasma can be tough to get rid of. While there are many hopeful treatment options, from topical creams to chemical peels, there are no guarantees – but protecting yourself from the sun goes a long way in managing the condition.

Stretch Marks

These dreaded pinkish-red streaks on tummies, hips, derrières, and breasts are a side effect of motherhood most people want to avoid. Stretch marks happen when collagen and elastin, two of the fibres that keep your skin tight, elongate because of the weight gain. You’re more likely to get them if your mother had them as well.

Prevention is better than cure, so “take in front”, as they say, and moisturise well! This helps skin maintain its elasticity, making it more flexible when your tummy starts to expand. Sometimes, despite your best efforts, stretch marks still show up – in which case, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatments, where we inject the area with proteins that stimulate collagen production, helps even out skin tone and promote healing.

Hair Loss

A side effect of pregnancy that can feel more traumatic than labour, telogen effluvium is a temporary form of hair loss prompted by a stressful event. In pregnancy, it’s often hormone-related and although the hair thins to a noticeable degree, the good news is that it usually grows back.

It’s critical to consult your dermatologist for this condition, as dietary changes and supplements can have a positive effect. PRP treatments have also proven very effective in re-stimulating hair growth and avoiding prolonged or chronic hair loss.

Dark Circles

Hormonal imbalance during pregnancy can cause blood vessels to dilate and give the impression of dark circles under your eyes, but they could just as easily be caused by insufficient physical activity (lethargy tends to make skin puffy) or sleep deprivation. The lack of sleep can affect women either during or after pregnancy, as sleep can be compromised by things like morning sickness, acid reflux and of course, frequent feedings postpartum. Genetics may also play a role.

It’s hard to get rid of dark circles, but we have found PRP treatments to be quite effective, though they must be supported by proper lifestyle habits, including a balanced diet, regular exercise and quality sleep.

We know you wouldn’t trade being a Mom for anything, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with the unwanted side effects of pregnancy; give us a call to schedule a consultation.