As the summer months approach, do you ever feel like, ” I wish I didn’t have to shave and be hair free for the summer!” or ” I hate those razor bumps and shave rashes we all get!”

So let me tell you why and how to best treat those nasty little hairs. The razor bump, a common and incredibly annoying issue that just won’t go away seemingly no matter what method of shaving you try- people no longer have to live with the pain and embarrassment that ingrown hairs or razor bumps can bring.

So what causes razor bumps?  Razor bumps are quite often confused with razor burn. Both conditions occur after shaving and cause irritation of the skin, but in fact are completely separate. Whereas razor burn is really just an irritation or rash after a dry shave or even with shaving creams, razor bumps are actually ingrown hairs, or in medical terms, pseudofolliculitis barbae.  Ingrown hairs are hairs that are growing underneath the skin, either because the hair never properly grew out of the follicle after shaving or because it eventually curled and grew back into the skin.

The reason why razor bumps occur is pretty straightforward . The point where the hair enters the skin  typically gets infected due to dead skin cells, oil and dirt , all of which leads to the inflamed red spots we all know and despise.

So what can kill three birds with one stone you ask? Wouldn’t it be great never to shave your arm pits, legs or your bikini line? No more shaving, no more razor bumps, no more razor burns? Well ,the best solution is permanent hair removal. Laser hair removal is the most popular and well-known kind of permanent hair removal – but is it the best? You can be sure that laser hair removal is much more effective with less annoying side effects than shaving, plucking, using hair removal cream, or waxing.

Generally, laser works great for pale-skinned patients with dark hair who want to reduce the unwanted hair on their upper lip, arm-pits, bikini line and legs, but can also be used on other areas that you dislike hair growth. It doesn’t work as well on dark-skinned or light-haired people (they may require more sessions ). Laser removal usually takes 4-6 sessions to achieve complete hair eradication but could require more or less. These sessions are recommended to be spaced at a month to six weeks apart. For some people ongoing sessions will be required to keep all hair at bay. So if you feel like hair is not your cup of summer tea. Maybe hair removal is just what the DOCTOR NICOLAIDES ordered . 😉

Acne

Acne is the most common skin condition in the US. It is most common in teenagers and young adults but can affect any age. Acne is chronic and often inflammatory. Acne occurs when hair follicles are plugged with oil and dead skin cells. It is characterized by large, red, and tender bumps, blackheads, or white heads (pus-filled pimples), oily skin. It primarily affects areas of the skin with a relatively high number of oil glands, such as the face, neck, chest, and back. It is not dangerous, but it can result in scars. The resulting appearance can lead to anxiety, reduced self esteem and in some depression. Dr Nicolaides and his team know that letting acne runs its course is not always the best advice and proper treatment is available to keep your skin looking as clear as possible. There are numerous procedures and treatments that Dr. Nicolaides and his team can perform including: prescription topical creams, oral meds, photodynamic therapy, blu-light therapy, chemical peels, intralesional injections (cortisone shots), and acne surgery. It is best to make an appointment for proper evaluation.

Allergy

Skin allergies (also called “allergic contact dermatitis”) occur when your skin comes in contact with an allergen, a substance that causes an allergic reaction. Common causes of allergic contact dermatitis is nickel, rubber, dyes, preservatives , fragrances, and poison ivy. If the cause is not clear Dr. Nicolaides and team perform extensive allergy testing called patch testing in order to discover the allergen.

  • Eczema (also commonly called atopic dermatitis) typically results in dry, sensitive skin. You may experience red itchy patches. Eczema can come and go over time, and flare-ups may cause the skin to  crack, ooze, and itch severely. itching can vary in severity from mild (just dry skin ) to severe (red, scaly, thick, fissured and oozing skin)
  • Hives (also known as urticaria) are raised itchy bumps. Typically hives appear reddish, and will “blanch” (or turn white) in the center when pressed.
  • Contact dermatitis is typically caused by exposure to an allergen or irritant. If you have red itchy bumps on your skin, especially at the site of contact with some potential irritant or allergen, you may be experiencing contact dermatitis.

If you suspect you have any of these conditions, Dr Nicolaides and his team can conduct an examination and do allergy testing to help determine the cause of your skin reaction and can recommend treatment to help relieve your symptoms.

Birthmarks

Most birthmarks are not serious, and some go away on their own. Some stay the same or enlarge as you get older. Usually birthmarks are only a concern for your appearance. But certain types can increase your risk of skin cancer. If your birthmark bleeds, hurts, itches, or becomes infected, call our office to schedule an appointment.

Boils

A boil is a skin infection that starts in a hair follicle. The infected area turns red and a tender painful lump develops, after which  turning white as pus collects under the skin. A boil can develop anywhere on the body but most common areas are the face,  neck, shoulders, underarms, buttocks. In many cases, the infection may require medical attention such as drainage and antibiotics.

Cysts

Cysts are very common. A cyst is a closed sac that may contain fluid, puss or semisolid material. They may be in many different parts of your body and may even be unsightly. Most cysts are benign. There are various types of cysts – acne, ganglion cysts, sebaceous cysts are the most common.

Treatments may include medical andor surgical intervention.

Eczema

Eczema (also commonly called atopic dermatitis). Eczema is a general term used to describe an inflammation of the skin resulting in dry, sensitive skin. You may experience red itchy patches. Eczema can come and go over time, and flare-ups may crack, ooze, and itch severely. Itching can vary in severity from mild (just dry skin) to severe (red, scaly, thick, fissured and oozing skin). there are many forms of  eczema depending on the nature of the trigger and the location of the rash. While they all share some common symptoms like itchiness, there are differences.

The following are some of the most common types of eczema:

  • Atopic dermatitis
  • Contact dermatitis
  • Ddyshidrotic eczema
  • Neurodermatitis
  • Nummular dermatitis
  • Seborrheic dermatitis
  • Stasis dermatitis

Treatment varies depending on symptoms and causes. No one treatment is best for everyone, and Astoria Dermatology’s objective is to prescribe medicine that reduces itching and discomfort, clears infections and prevents additional flare-ups.

Treatment options consist of prevention, customized skin care regimen, topical medications, phototherapy, and in some cases biologics.

Earlobe Repair

Earlobe repair is a cosmetic surgical procedure performed to repair torn, split, or stretched earlobe piercings resulting from accidents, injury, or wearing heavy earrings for a prolonged period of time. Earlobe repair surgery is a simple procedure that takes approximately 20 minutes. Dr. Nicolaides can re-pierce your ears 4-6 weeks after an earlobe repair procedure.

Freckles

Sun exposure and genetic factors make some people more likely to develop freckles. Freckles are not dangerous. However, as people with freckles have skin that is more sensitive to sunlight, they should take extra care to protect their skin from the sun. For cosmetic reasons freckles can be reduced and several  treatment options are available.