Archive for February, 2010
No Fair! Dermatologists Discover that Women Develop More Wrinkles than Men
You have often heard aging woman complain that as they age, they are deemed “old”, but as men age they become more “distinguished.” The findings from a recent study about facial wrinkles can be added to the list of complaints…
A recent article in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal (the official publication of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery or ASAPS) published a study that found women to develop more wrinkles around the mouth area than men do with advancing age.
While dermatologists (and aging woman) have long suspected this was the case, this new study points to the differences in facial anatomy as the root of this discrepancy. For example, women have fewer sweat (also known as sebaceous) glands in that region of the face. These glands are oil producing and work to keep the skin smooth and wrinkle-free. Facial muscles are also closer to the surface of the skin in women than the muscles found in men, which may cause the skin to pull tighter and eventually be an additional cause for more wrinkles. Additionally, women have fewer blood vessels resulting in less blood flow, which may contribute to the problem.
Even though these factors may contribute to wrinkling in women, the best way to prevent wrinkles is to practice good skin health. That means practicing safe sun exposure, avoid smoking, and keeping your skin moisturized.
For women who wish to correct some of these facial wrinkles, injections like Botox®, Dysport® or facial fillers, laser treatments, or microdermabrasion can be the solution. Contact Dermatology Associates of Atlanta for more information or to schedule a consultation.
FDA Considers Stricter Tanning Bed Regulations
Everyone has heard by now that tanning is bad. The harm from the UV rays in tanning beds can be cancer causing, even in moderation. That is why the FDA is publicly considering stricter regulations on indoor tanning salons.
As we have discussed in previous blogs, the World Health Organization has officially deemed tanning beds as a “definite” cause of cancer – upgrading them from their previous classification as a “probable” cause of cancer.
This has prompted the FDA to consider a requirement for more visible warning labels on tanning beds, to make user better aware of the risk they are taking. The FDA is also considering following suit with the World Health Organization and putting tanning beds into a more sever classification to establish them as a carcinogen.
Proponents of the tanning bed industry already have enough on their plate – actively lobbying against legislation to put taxes on tanning salons to help pay for the healthcare reform bill. Spokespeople for the tanning industry claim that it is only harmful for people who “overdo it.”
But as any qualified dermatologist would tell you, prolonged exposure to UV rays (like the tanning bed) causes cancer, no matter how “careful” you are about it. Last year alone, there were 69,000 cases of melanoma, the most severe type of skin cancer, and resulted in 8,650 deaths.
We at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta urge you to be proactive about your skin protection. Make sure you are practicing safe sun habits and come in regularly for mole checks by a board certified dermatologist. We guarantee it will help you in the long run!
Dermatology Associates of Atlanta Introduce PHAROS EX-308 Excimer Laser: The Newest Laser Available for the Treatment of Psoriasis
Dermatology Associates of Atlanta are excited and proud to introduce the PHAROS EX-308 Excimer Laser, the newest laser available for the treatment of psoriasis. The PHAROS Excimer laser will replace the XTRAC Excimer laser as our most effective and longest lasting laser psoriasis treatment yet.
The PHAROS Excimer laser works through a handheld device that emits concentrated beams of UV light. Using targeted technology, the UV light specifically treats the psoriatic lesions, and leaves any surrounding, health skin and tissue unaffected. Because of the maneuverability and precision of the device, the PHAROS Excimer is effective in the treatment of the most hard-to-treat areas, such as the hand, feet, elbows, knees and even scalp!
PHAROS Excimer laser treatments are completely painless and only take a few minutes to perform. Most treatment plans require sessions 2 times a week for 4 to 6 weeks. Many patients will experience clearing of psoriasis symptoms in 10 or fewer treatments, with remission results lasting several months.
Visit our website for more information on psoriasis or the PHAROS Excimer laser. If you suffer from psoriasis, PHAROS Excimer could be the solution, so schedule an appointment with one of our board certified dermatologists to see if it is the right treatment for you.


