| What is Rosacea or Acne Rosacea? |
 It is a very common skin condition that usually affects adults, both male and female. Although we still don't know what causes Rosacea, we know it presents with redness and small blood vessels, typically of cheeks and nose. There may be tingling and increased sensitivity to skin products etc. It can also present with bumps, pustules or even cysts and that is why it is considered an adult form of acne.
We know there are certain trigger factors that are known to flare it, such as sun, hot caffeinated drinks, spicy food, and alcohol especially red wine among other things. Many may not realize that Rosacea can also affect the eyes- causing blepharitis, or conjunctivitis. To treat rosacea, I look at the skin type (ie: dry vs. oily etc), the type of rosacea-is it mostly redness, pimples, cysts or a combination thereof. I usually treat with topical antibiotics, oral antibiotics if needed, and for the redness and blood vessels, I use the Vbeam laser that is a vascular specific laser (targeting the red pigment in the skin). I also recommend certain skin products that are better tolerated, gentler and actually treat rosacea skin. Products like Hylunia and Obagi-C are very helpful in controlling this condition. Daily sun protection is also very important. We have also recently added a new Vitamin C based peel that is rejuvenating and calming to rosacea skin.
Reem Tadros M.D. |
| Research Shows Incidence of Melanoma on the Rise |
Increased Sun Exposure Likely Culprit
NEW YORK (Aug. 3, 2007) - Over the past several decades, the incidence of melanoma - the most serious form of skin cancer - has steadily increased in the United States. From 1995 to 2004, melanoma has increased by more than 1 percent per year in this country - in sharp contrast to overall cancer rates that have steadily decreased by 0.6 percent per year during this time. While dermatologists and other public health officials work together to try to reverse this alarming trend, key findings from a successful multi-faceted intervention program designed to increase sun-safe behavior in children could play an important role in decreasing melanoma in future generations.
Speaking today at the American Academy of Dermatology´s Summer Academy Meeting 2007, dermatologist Martin A. Weinstock, MD, PhD, FAAD, professor of dermatology and community health at Brown University in Providence, R.I., and chief dermatologist at Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Providence, presented a summary of recently published research on the rising incidence of melanoma and trends in sun exposure.
"While the increase in melanoma rates from 1995 to 2004 was not specific to one age group, we did notice an increase in the youngest age group (from ages 15 to 30) and in the age 60 and older age group," said Dr. Weinstock. "The possible reasons for this increase in younger and older Americans are not documented, but one possible explanation could be more exposure to UV radiation - which we know is the most preventable risk factor for melanoma."
Youth and Sun Exposure
One population-based study published in the September 2006 issue of the journal Pediatrics found that although there was not a significant change in the proportion of youths that reported getting sunburned from 1998 to 2004, there were some interesting distinctions between the younger and older youths. For example, the 16 - 18 age group had more sunburns during that time period compared to the 11 - 13 and 14 -15 age groups - including an increase in the reported number of sunburns over the six-year study period. In 2004, 70 percent of the 16- to 18-year-olds reported getting sunburned, an increase from 64 percent reported by this age group in 1998.
In contrast, the study found that the younger age groups (ages 11 - 15) reported fewer sunburns and a decrease in the number of sunburns from 1998 to 2004. Specifically, the youngest age group studied (ages 11 - 13) fared the best in terms of the fewest sunburns - dropping from 75 percent in 1998 to 67 percent in 2004. Those in the 14 - 15 age group also reported a decrease in the number of sunburns from 1998 to 2004 - from 79 percent in 1998 to 70 percent in 2004.
"The study did not provide a definitive explanation as to why the younger age groups had fewer sunburns than their older counterparts, but one possible reason is that younger adolescents are more responsive to parental guidance than older teens - who tend to be influenced more by their peers," explained Dr. Weinstock. "This trend, however, is worth noting in future public education campaigns geared toward teens and adolescents."
Another study published in the January 2007 issue of the journal Pediatrics found that a multi-component community-based intervention successfully increased sun-protection behaviors in adolescents entering 6th to 8th "SunSafe in the Middle Years" program, designed as a randomized, controlled trial. The intervention used a broad range of role models - including school personnel, coaches, pediatricians, teen peer advocates and lifeguards - who actively encouraged adolescents to practice proper sun protection in different environments.
"The study found that there was significant improvement in the areas of the body protected by sunscreen, clothing or shade in the adolescents in the 10 communities randomly selected for the intervention versus those in the control towns," said Dr. Weinstock. "From previous research, we know that compliance with sun-protective behaviors goes down between 6th to 8th grades. I think this study demonstrates that a multi-component program which involves a variety of people influential to this age group can have a positive impact on sun protection behavior and should be considered a model for future educational efforts aimed at adolescents."
Adults and Sun Exposure
Adults also failed to heed the warnings of dermatologists when it comes to practicing proper sun protection. A new article published in the June 1, 2007, issue of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention´s (CDC´s) Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report presented data showing an upward trend in the incidence of sunburns in U.S. adults. From 1999 to 2004, there was a 2 percent increase in the number of adults 18 years and older who reported getting sunburned (32 percent to 34 percent, respectively). While this represents only a slight increase, Dr. Weinstock pointed out that the data demonstrates that the occurrence of sunburns in the adult population is not decreasing.
"Dermatologists are concerned that melanoma and other skin cancers will continue to increase as long as sun exposure does," said Dr. Weinstock. "Since we know that overexposure to UV radiation is the most preventable risk factor for developing skin cancer, it´s critical for dermatologists to emphasize that people should practice proper protection when engaging in outdoor activities."
The Academy recommends that people of all ages Be Sun SmartTM by following these tips:
- Generously apply sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 that provides broad-spectrum protection from both ultraviolet A
- (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Re-apply every two hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating. Look for the AAD Seal of Recognition™ on products that meet these criteria.
- Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, where possible.
- Seek shade when appropriate, remembering that the sun´s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Use extra caution near water, snow and sand as they reflect the damaging rays of the sun which can increase your chance of sunburn.
- Protect children from sun exposure by applying sunscreen.
- Get vitamin D safely through a healthy diet that includes vitamin supplements. Don´t seek the sun.
- Avoid tanning beds. Ultraviolet light from the sun and tanning beds can cause skin cancer and wrinkling. If you want to look like you´ve been in the sun, consider using a sunless self-tanning product, but continue to use sunscreen with it.
- Check your birthday suit on your birthday. If you notice anything changing, growing, or bleeding on your skin, see a dermatologist. Skin cancer is very treatable when caught early.
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| Dermatologist Shares the Best Treatment Options for Women |
 SAN DIEGO (July 28, 2006) - Women make up the largest percentage of patients visiting dermatologists´ offices to seek cosmetic treatments and procedures. Dermatologists can provide a variety of options with immediate results for some of women´s most common skin concerns, and even advise patients about treatment
which can optimize skin health and that they may not have yet considered.
Speaking today at ACADEMY ´06, the American Academy of Dermatology´s (Academy) summer scientific meeting, dermatologist Marian E. Northington, M.D., F.A.A.D., of Birmingham, Ala., discussed the most frequent requests women make in the dermatologist´s office and the procedures dermatologists regularly recommend.
"Women want dermatologic procedures that are safe, effective and create the appearance of youth and vitality," said Dr. Northington. "Dermatologists can help women achieve these goals by listening to the patient´s specific concerns, evaluating the patient´s skin type and recommending treatments that result in the desired appearance."
Women most often request treatment for wrinkles, but this can cover a wide variety of aging skin on the face and the body. When discussing treatment options for the face, Dr. Northington recommends that when talking to a dermatologist about wrinkles women talk about texture abnormalities of the skin, such as roughness or a loose, crinkled paper-like appearance. She also recommends that women ask about uneven skin tone, redness and volume loss, which leads to prominent nasolabial lines and marionette lines.
The face is not the only area of the body where cosmetic procedures should be considered. It is important to discuss rejuvenating the hands, neck and chest, because these areas can show signs of aging due to their constant exposure to the sun. "By rejuvenating the face and not the other extremities, patients may find that their new, revitalized skin tone does not match the appearance of their other sun-exposed body parts," stated Dr. Northington, "thereby limiting the appearance of vitality and youth which they were hoping to achieve."
According to Dr. Northington, there are three cosmetic procedures that women should want and should ask about when considering treatment for aging skin. "As always, and with any cosmetic procedure, patient safety is the top priority for any dermatologist," stated Dr. Northington. "A well-informed patient and a skilled dermatologist are always the best prescription for a successful outcome."
Today, cosmetic uses for botulinum toxin include treating the vertical lines between the eyebrows and on the bridge of the nose, squint lines or crow´s feet at the corners of the eyes, forehead horizontal lines, and the muscle bands often visible on the neck, commonly known as "turkey neck."
During the procedure, which takes only minutes, small doses of botulinum toxin are injected into affected muscles. The toxin binds to the nerve endings, blocking the release of the chemical acetylcholine, which would otherwise signal the muscle to contract. The toxin then relaxes the injected muscle.
After injection, the muscle relaxes, creating a smooth surface that lasts about three to four months before the muscle recovers its original strength. Even after the actual effects of botulinum toxin are gone, the lines that are left behind are not as deep and don´t return to their original severity.
"Facial wrinkles can be classified into two types, those resulting from sun damage and the natural aging process of the skin, and those wrinkles produced by lifelong contraction of facial muscles, also called muscular lines," said Dr. Northington. "Muscular lines disappear when the muscle that produces them is rendered inactive or weakened by a muscular blocking agent like botulinum toxin - which typically occurs a few days following the procedure. By eliminating the excessive muscular pull, the surface of the skin stretches out and the wrinkle disappears."
Wrinkle Fillers
Fillers are commonly used to treat facial lines and wrinkles, hollow cheeks, receding chins, thinning lips and wrinkles between the eyes. There are many types of wrinkle fillers, including the following that are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and that are widely available:
- Purified collagen from cattle and humans is most often used to treat very fine wrinkles around the eyes and mouth, deep lines and creases, depressed scars such as those from acne or chicken pox, and to add volume to thin lips. Results last three to nine months.
- Hyaluronic acid gel may be used to treat lines around the mouth and to plump lips. Results last three to six months.
- Poly-L-lactic acid beads are commonly used to replace lost facial fat, especially around the eyes and in the cheeks. Results last up to two years.
- Self-donated fat, or fat transfer, is most often used to treat deep lines, deep scars, and hollow cheeks and restore contour to a face. Results last one to three years.
Despite the ease of use and minimal risk, Dr. Northington stressed that wrinkle fillers need to be injected by an experienced and well-trained physician, such as a dermatologist, in order to reduce the risk of side effects.
Fractional Resurfacing
Fractional rejuvenation uses a non-ablative (non-invasive) laser assisted by a computer that precisely reads the contours of the face and body and rejuvenates the skin without breaking the skin surface. It can be used to improve wrinkles, pigment irregularities and texture abnormalities. Since it only treats a fraction of the skin surface at a time, it may take several treatments to see results.
"The best place for women to find answers to their questions about aging skin is from their dermatologist, since we are the experts in the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of aging skin," stated Dr. Northington. "As the number of cosmetic procedures and treatments continues to increase and more technologically advanced treatments becoming available every year, a dermatologist´s recommendations can help consumers make informed decisions about what is best for their skin."
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| Congratulations Fadia |
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 Congratulations to Fadia, our check-out receptionist. On June 9, 2008 Fadia said "I do" to David Palmer, her fiancée. The wedding was held at the Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas and the reception followed at Charlie Palmer Steakhouse, Four Seasons, Las Vegas. | |
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| Staff & Hours |
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Brenda J. Dintiman, M.D.
Reem Kaiser Tadros, M.D.
Mary Mather, M.D.
Rolla Jaber, M.D.
3700 Joseph Siewick Dr.
Suite 403
Fairfax, VA 22033
703.648.2488
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
703.648.2488
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| Action Packed
Summer Specials |
Adventure Pack
for Summer
Have years of sunny vacations and outdoor activities left your skin looking and feeling parched? Our adventure package erases the years off your face, but not those hot summer memories. Botox available with this package at $100.00 off.
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3 Fraxel LaserTM treatments (to treat fine lines, wrinkles and age spots)
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2 hydrating peels (to re-hydrate your skin)
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Gentle Cleanser
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Epidermal Repair (Skinceutical moisturizer)
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Skinceutical Sports Block SPF 30+ $2,900.00
(original cost $3,252.00)
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The under an hour Power Hour or
De-Stress Express
Pressed for Time? So many people to see and places to be. Try our new "under an hour", instant gratification and maximum results peels.
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One ½ hour Power Peel - Microdermabrasion
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1 Vitamin C Hydrating Peel
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1 Colorscience Sunforgettable, SPF 30
$140.00
(original cost $150.00)
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Apeeling
Summer Series
Many of your skin problems can be answered with the right chemical peel. Peel the right way with our Chemical Peel packages!
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The Acne Lift Peel-Series of 4
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The 4 Layer Lift Peel-Series of 4
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The Lightening Lift Peel-Series of 4
$250 each
(original cost $260.00)
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Hair Laser
(Package of 3: Bikini, underarm, legs)
35% off the original price
of 3 treatments
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Bikini $487.50*
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Underarm $390.00*
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Lower Legs $877.50*
*series of 3 treatments |
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