In this video series, Dr. Nakatsui will be testing Latisse, a topical prescription that has been proven to lengthen eyelashes. He will be applying Latisse to only one set of eyelashes while leaving the other eyelashes untouched. Stay tuned for more updates and watch his eyelashes grow!
Formerly Groot DermaSurgery
Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category
Let’s talk about scars
Scar treatment can be challenging and requires a multi-dimensional approach in order to be successful. A scar can be the centre of attention but can also be a source of annoyance. For some individuals, scars are a part of who they are, whereas for others they are intrusive and cause insecurity. They can be caused by a variety of reasons such as acne scarring, trauma, and surgery.
Some individuals have thickened keloid scarring, where a scar becomes raised and discoloured. In order to treat the thickened aspect of the scar, many times cortisone injections will be utilized to reduce the thickness of the scar.
On the opposite end of thickened scars, people may get pitted scars where the skin sinks in various regions. These types of pitted scars can be tricky to treat; however, with improvement in technologies and techniques, pitted scars can often be improved. In some cases, Dr. Nakatsui will use an ablative laser to smooth out the skin and reduce the harsh edges that cause shadowing.
A new approach is to promote collagen re-growth in the region. Through the use of a technology called Percutaneous Collagen Induction (PCI), many tiny needles create tiny holes in the skin. The creation of these tiny holes stimulates collagen formation to help fill in the areas of depressed scarring.
Scar treatment also encompasses hyperpigmentation (darker pigmentation), hypopigmentation (lighter pigmentation), and erythema (redness). Hyperpigmentation and erythema can be treated fairly successfully with various lasers. Unfortunately, hypopigmented scars are more difficult to treat and currently there is no reliable solution to permanently bring colour back into a scar once the colour is gone.
Certain scars due to trauma are very visible to the human eye because the lines of the scar are fairly linear. Surgically removing the scar and carefully using various closure techniques to break up the linear scar can greatly reduce the appearance of a scar.
Scarring can impact an individual’s self-confidence. With current technology, scars can be improved. For those with scars that affect their self esteem and their daily living, don’t get discouraged as there are many great options to help treat your scars.
For more information regarding the various treatment options for scars please visit: scar revision for more information or you can contact the Groot DermaSurgery Centre at (780)482-1414.
May is Melanoma Awareness Month
May is Melanoma Awareness Month
Did you know that in 2017, approximately 7,200 Canadians were diagnosed with Melanoma? Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer that has been on the rise in Canada and across the world. If melanoma is diagnosed early, there is a high probability of successful treatment and curability! Staying vigilant and examining all lesions on your body regularly can help you stay on top of our skin health.
Here is a case example of melanoma with Dr. Nakatsui.
One of Dr. Nakatsui’s patients presented this mole to him and when presented this mole (above). Dr. Nakatsui had a strong suspicion that this oddly shaped mole could be something sinister. Through a diagnostic biopsy performed by Dr. Nakatsui at the Groot DermaSurgery Centre, the results confirmed that the mole was indeed a malignant melanoma, the most worrisome form of skin cancer.
What made Dr. Nakatsui concerned about the mole? We can look at the ABCDE’s of mole checking.
A – Asymmetry: The mole is asymmetrical in shape. If you draw a line through the middle, it is not perfectly symmetrical.
B – Border: The border is uneven and ill-defined. Malignant melanomas typically have uneven, scalloped, or notched borders.
C – Colour: The colour variation in this mole was subtle; however there are elements of light and dark brown, and even some shades of dark blue. Having a multitude of colours in a single mole can be a warning signal. These colours can be reds, browns, blues, whites, and/or blacks.
D – Diameter: The physical size of the mole was another concern for Dr. Nakatsui. The mole was approximately 2.0cm x 1.6cm in size. Malignant melanomas usually are larger than a pencil eras in diameter (6mm), but many malignant melanomas can be smaller than 6mm in size when they are first detected.
E – Evolution: This patient noted that the mole had changed in a relatively short period of time. It grew in size rapidly and it changed in colours within a few months. Any change in colour, shape, elevation, or any other trait, or even new symptoms such as crusting, bleeding, or itching should be examined by your family doctor or dermatologist.
It can be difficult to determine whether a mole is good or bad and the best way to be certain is to have your family doctor or dermatologist examine your moles.
Keep tabs on your moles – Take monthly photos of any or all moles. Use a ruler and place it beside the mole and take a photo. A couple weeks to a month later, take another photo with the ruler again and determine if there is any change to the mole in size, shape, colour, etc. If you do note changes, it is time to see your doctor.
Avoid sun exposure! Wear hats, sunscreen, long shirts to cover your arms, and long pants to cover your legs. Sun exposure can increase the chances of malignant melanomas and also increase the risk of other forms of skin cancers such as basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas.
There is a genetic component as well. Ask your immediate and extended family members if they have had melanoma.
When in doubt, check it out!
Mental Health – Let’s talk about it.
Let’s talk about it! Mental health, let’s make it loud and clear! Mental health is nothing to be ashamed about. Anxiety, stress, depression, negative thoughts, and contemplation of suicide are very real and very serious issues. Over 250,000 Canadians will suffer from some form of depression in their life time.
Depression can be silent. Much like our shadow following us wherever we go, sometimes the shadow of depression grows larger and darker. Please know:
YOU ARE NOT ALONE
In your darkest hours where you feel as if you are drowning and can’t keep your head above water, it is OK to ask for help. Call for help, call 911, go to the emergency, make sure that you speak with someone right away and tell them how you feel.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE
If you ever had thoughts of suicide, seek help as soon as possible. If you know someone who has talked to you about committing suicide, seek help for them and let them know:
THEY ARE NOT ALONE
Together, if we make Mental Health issues loud and clear, we can all make a difference in someone’s life. Things will get better. You are important. You are cared about. You are loved. Don’t be afraid to talk and don’t be afraid to listen.
WE ARE NOT ALONE
Call the crisis line at (780) 482-HELP (4357). They are there to help you 24/7.
Crescendo at the Winspear
Giving back to the community is so important to the members of the Groot DermaSurgery Centre! Dr. Thomas and Melanie Nakatsui support many initiatives, including the Royal Alexandra Hospital, the Edmonton Opera, McDougall House, and many others. Recently, Dr. Thomas and Melanie Nakatsui and the Groot DermaSurgery Centre were proud to have been one of the principal sponsors for Crescendo, a fantastic night of entertainment presented by the fabulous John Cameron Entertainment! It was a night in support of The Mental Health Foundation and the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation. Almost everyone’s lives have been touched by depression and mental health issues in some way and supporting Crescendo is one way each of us can help. If you were there, thank you, and we’re pretty sure you’ll agree with us that it was an amazing, outstanding event! For more information on the event and the important initiatives it supports, click on the links above.
On a final note, as one of the speakers said, if you’re suffering from a mental health issue, “it’s okay to reach out for help…”
The Unwanted Double Chin
As we age, our skin begins to lose laxity to the point where we begin to notice areas of loose and dangling skin on areas such as our arms, abdomen, and neck. One of the most commonly complained areas of excess skin and fat from our patients is around the chin and neck, also known as the submentum. Because our face and neck are the most visible parts of our body that is seen the most, it can be the area that can be most bothersome, even though other areas may be affected.
The typical treatments for tightening and removing excess tissue and fat around the neck and chin is a face and neck lift surgery. This type of surgery is still the best option for overall improvement; however, many individuals do not want to go through with a surgery or cannot take the adequate time off after surgery. In recent years, new or improved technologies and treatments have come through to
help eliminate fat, or tighten the skin around the neck and chin.
Belkyra is a new injectable medication that is approved for the treatment and reduction of excess fat under the chin on the upper neck. In the United States, Belkyra is called Kybella. The treatment is non-surgical and non-invasive, and consists of a series of injections of deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring molecule in the body that helps break down fat, into the problem areas.
CoolSculpting is a treatment that is typically associated with freezing away the fat cells of the abdomen. Recently, however, with the addition of the CoolMini, a new applicator that treats the double chin area, patients have noticed tremendous success and improvement to their unwanted double chin.
ThermiTight is the newest and most exciting technology for tightening loose skin! ThermiTight is a treatment whereby radiofrequency energy is applied below the skin’s surface. This technology involves inserting a small probe under the skin so that thermal energy can be safely delivered to the fat and the tissue beneath the surface of the skin to tighten the area from underneath without endangering the overlying skin.
For some people, they love their double chins and find them endearing. For others that do not feel the same way about their double chin, there are options. Give our centre a call today at (780) 482-1414 to book a complimentary consultation with Dr. Nakatsui to discuss the various options and treatments for you.
Patio season is here!
Patio Season is here!
Friends, Drinks, and great weather can only mean one thing: Patio season is upon us! During this time we want to look our best when socializing with friends. Firstly, we want to keep our skin looking young. The easiest and simplest way to do that is to lather on the sunscreen. Applying a good sunscreen with an SPF of 60 over all exposed areas of the skin will help prevent our skin from prematurely aging. Protecting our skin by covering up will also help reduce the chances of skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
Having a great fashion sense!
Hats are in fashion this year and wearing a large brimmed hat will not only keep your style up to date, it will also help add another layer of sun protection. Your eyes are just as susceptible to sun damage as your skin. Wearing sunglasses will not only allow you to express your style, sunglasses with 100% UV protection will help protect your eyes from possible sun damage.
Let the good times roll!
Laughing and smiling are all part of having a good time. Through movement around the eyes and forehead, wrinkles can start to appear. Smiling very deeply can create crows feet on the side of the eyes, while being expressive and moving your eyebrows up and down can create wrinkles on your forehead and in the area between your eyebrows called the glabella. The wrinkles in the glabella, many people call them the anger lines or number 11’s, is the most commonly complained area. Through the use of Botox, Dr. Nakatsui is able to reduce the appearance of these lines in the glabella, forehead, and around the eyes.
Looking our best!
Fillers placed in select areas can help rejuvenate the appearance of your face. Through age and weight loss, areas on the face can lose it’s fullness. For many, losing weight is a great accomplishment from hard work and dedication. With weight loss, one of the first areas to show is the face. Areas such as the cheeks and the lines around the nose and mouth, called the nasolabial folds, begin to sink. Through the use of fillers such as Juvederm and Restylane, Dr. Nakatsui is able to give the youthfulness and bounce back into these areas with a very natural appearance.
Having radiant skin!
The summer months can be harsh on the skin. The mixture of sun, wind, and dirt can take its toll on our face. Through new technologies, Dr. Nakatsui and the Groot DermaSurgery centre is able to improve the appearance of our skin. HydraFacial MD cleanses, exfoliates, and extracts impurities and dead skin cells while at the same time replenishes vital nutrients into the skin.
Look great in that summer dress!
Did you buy a dress that almost fits perfectly, but because of one little bulge in your stomach region you are contemplating throwing it away? Through the use of CoolSculpting, Dr. Nakatsui and the Groot DermaSurgery Centre can help eliminate localized areas of unwanted fat so that you can look your best in that sexy summer dress.
If you have any questions about any of the above treatments, or you want to book a complimentary consultation with Dr. Nakatsui, please do not hesitate to contact our clinic at (780) 482-1414. Thank you!
What is Pearl Fractional?
Through the advancement of laser technology, fine lines, wrinkles, and scars can become a thing of the past! Fractional lasers such as Fraxel and Pearl Fractional place tiny holes deep in the skin selectively removing columns of damaged tissue leaving the surrounding skin intact. Patients see an improvement in photo damage, tone, and texture, as well as a noticeably smoother and brighter complexion. The Pearl Fractional is often combined with the Pearl to achieve maximum benefit (Pearl Fusion). The photo shows one of our patients after one treatment with Pearl Fusion. Additional benefit can be seen with more treatments.
Read more about our treatments for photoaging and learn how to rejuvenate your skin or you can call our office at (780) 482-1414 to book a complimentary consultation.
For your convenience, Botox and filler appointments, as well as Coolsculpting, Thermitight, and HydraFacial MD appointments can be booked directly online or by calling the office directly at 780-482-1414. There is a $100.00 refundable deposit required to reserve an appointment using the online booking service (please note there is a $20.00 administrative fee deducted from this deposit). If you cannot find a convenient time using the online scheduler, please call as there may be additional appointment times available that are not visible online.
For all other services, please call to schedule an appointment.
Fields marked with an asterisk (*) must be filled out to complete this form.
Excessive Sweating
Approximately 3 percent of the population suffer from excess sweating. The excess sweat can be generalized all over the body or in more targeted areas such as the armpits, palms of the hands, and soles of the feet. This condition is called of excessive sweat is termed hyperhidrosis. Excessive sweating becomes noticeable after puberty. Stressful situations such as examinations, job interviews, or an important date often aggravate the sweating. Sometimes, it takes almost nothing for the sweating to start and once it starts, it usually worsens until the affected person can get away from everyone else and cool down. Unfortunately, most over the counter antiperspirants do not control hyperhidrosis.
Treatments For Excessive Sweating
Aluminum Chloride Hexahydrate
Treatment aims to control the excessive sweating; it is not a permanent cure. A topical agent known as aluminum chloride hexahydrate in absolute alcohol is available in Canada without a prescription under the name of Drysol.
Other Treatment Options
Usually localized applications of aluminum chloride hexahydrate provide satisfactory sweat control. When this regime does not work, other options may include internal medications (such as anticholinergics), electrophoresis, a technique utilizing a device called the Drionic machine, dilute formalin (for sweaty feet). In very rare cases surgery is necessary to remove the sweat glands or cut the nerve responsible for their stimulation.
Neuromodulator Injections
Sweat Inhibiting or Neuromodulator Injections, such as botox, have proven to markedly reduce sweating for an average of 6 months after 1 or 2 treatments.
When used correctly, neuromodulators are highly effective therapy for excessive sweating and effects can last 6 months or more in the majority of patients. Patients who have had Botox injections for excessive sweating are amazed by the positive change such a simple treatment can have. They often tell us that Botox injections free them from their fear of social embarassment!
Neuromodulators are highly purified proteins that interfere with the transmission of nerve impulses to the sweat glands. Consequently, once the neuromodulator has been injected around the sweat glands, they can no longer sweat for 6 months or more. Eventually the body recovers its ability to transmit nerve impulses to the sweat glands. At that point, the sweat glands can be reinjected.
It’s a very simple process and patients are usually extremely happy with the results as it essentially eliminates the need to worry about the excessive sweating for many months at a time!
If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact our clinic at (780)482-1414 to book a complimentary consultation.
Is this a worrisome mole?
The answer is, unfortunately, yes.
One of Dr. Nakatsui’s patients presented this mole to him and when presented this mole, Dr. Nakatsui had a strong suspicion that this oddly shaped mole could be something sinister. Through a diagnostic biopsy performed by Dr. Nakatsui at the Groot DermaSurgery Centre, the results confirmed that the mole was indeed a malignant melanoma, the most worrisome form of skin cancer.
What made Dr. Nakatsui concerned about the mole? We can look at the ABCDE’s of mole checking.
A – Asymmetry: The mole is asymmetrical in shape. If you draw a line through the middle, it is not perfectly symmetrical.
B – Border: The border is uneven and ill-defined. Malignant melanomas typically have uneven, scalloped, or notched borders.
C – Colour: The colour variation in this mole was subtle, however there are elements of light and dark brown, and even some shades of dark blue. Having a multitude of colours in a single mole can be a warning signal. These colours can be reds, browns, blues, whites, and/or blacks.
D – Diameter: The physical size of the mole was another concern for Dr. Nakatsui. The mole was approximately 2.0cm x 1.6cm in size. Malignant melanomas usually are larger than a pencil eras in diameter (6mm), but many malignant melanomas can be smaller than 6mm in size when they are first detected.
E – Evolution: This patient noted that the mole had changed in a relatively short period of time. It grew in size rapidly and it changed in colours within a few months. Any change in colour, shape, elevation, or any other trait, or even new symptoms such as crusting, bleeding, or itching should be examined by your family doctor or dermatologist.
Did you answer the question correctly? It can be difficult to determine whether a mole is good or bad and the best way to determine is to have your family doctor or dermatologist examine the moles.
Keep tabs on your moles – Take monthly photos of any or all moles. Use a ruler beside the mole and take a photo. A couple weeks to a month later, take another photo with the ruler again and determine if there is any change to the mole in size, shape, colour, etc. If you do note changes, it is time to see your doctor.
Avoid sun exposure! Wear hats, sunscreen, long shirts to cover your arms, and long pants to cover your legs. Sun exposure can increase the chances of malignant melanomas and also increase the risk of other forms of skin cancers such as basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas.
When in doubt, check it out!
Dr. Nakatsui on CTV discussing Hair Restoration Surgery
Hair loss occurs in approximately 50% of males and approximately 40% of females during their life time. Hair loss can affect an individual’s self-esteem and affect how they live their daily lives. Dr. Thomas Nakatsui is a dermatologist who specializes in hair transplants, using the most advanced, state-of-the-art techniques in hair transplant surgery. At the Groot Dermasurgery Centre, he has performed hair transplant surgery for over 15 years with great success and is a recipient of the Consumers’ Choice Award for hair restoration.
Dr.Nakatsui has trained extensively with Dr. Jerry Wong in the state-of-the-art follicular unit transplantation using the lateral slit technique, for creating the most natural-looking hair transplant possible. Dr. Nakatsui is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, the Canadian Dermatology Association, the American Society of Cosmetic Dermatology and Aesthetic Surgery, the American Society of Hair restoration surgery, as well as a member of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery.
Please click on the link below to watch Dr. Nakatsui discuss the hair transplant surgery and to see some before and after photos.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our clinic at (780)482-1414 or visit our dedicated hair transplant website. Thank you and have a great day!
What does ABCDE and skin cancer mean to a dermatologist?
When performing a physical examination of a mole, Dr. Nakatsui, a board certified dermatologist, is looking for certain features in a mole. Among other features, Dr. Nakatsui is looking for the ABCDEs in a mole.
A – Asymmetry: Unhealthy moles tend to be irregular in shape or non-circular.
B – Border: Problematic moles will have irregular, uneven borders.
C – Colour: Healthy moles are generally uniform in colour. Worrisome moles can contain multiple colours such as reds, blues, browns, whites, and even very dark moles can be worrisome.
D – Diameter: Worrisome moles are usually larger than 6mm in size, typically the size of a pencil eraser.
E – Evolving: When a mole begins to change it’s size, shape, colour, or begins to bleed, it is time to get it checked out.
Dr. Nakatsui strongly believes that having a yearly mole evaluation is an important part in your skin health. In the interim, doing a monthly self evaluation is extremely beneficial. Having a friend or family member assess your back is the best thing for those hard to see areas. Taking photos every month of your moles with a ruler beside the mole can also help determine if there are any changes in a mole.
When in doubt, check it out!
One little-known way to prevent premature aging of the face: Use sunscreen whenever outside.
The best way to prevent your skin from prematurely ageing is to apply sunscreen whenever you go outside! Collagen deterioration is accelerated by the sun’s rays. The Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays and the longer Ultraviolet A (UVA) rays of the sun penetrate into the dermis, causing the breakdown of collagen and the formation of wrinkles, as well as other signs of sun damage: dilated superficial blood vessels; pigment changes; and scaly patches. Wearing a hat to cover your face and sunglasses to protect your eyes can also help protect you from the damaging effects of the sun.
Through the use of SPF’s over 50, you can potentially help slow down the signs of ageing and also decrease the chances of skin cancers such as Basal Cell and Squamous Cell carcinomas. If you would like more information on how to slow down ageing of the face or you would like to look more youthful, please contact our clinic at (780)482-1414 for a complimentary consultation.
For your convenience, Botox and filler appointments, as well as Coolsculpting, Thermitight, and HydraFacial MD appointments can be booked directly online or by calling the office directly at 780-482-1414. There is a $100.00 refundable deposit required to reserve an appointment using the online booking service (please note there is a $20.00 administrative fee deducted from this deposit). If you cannot find a convenient time using the online scheduler, please call as there may be additional appointment times available that are not visible online.
For all other services, please call to schedule an appointment.
Fields marked with an asterisk (*) must be filled out to complete this form.
How do we get rid of frown lines?
Are you always asked, “Why are you angry?”, even though you may not be angry in that moment? Vertical lines in between our eyebrows (Glabella) can often give the appearance of anger or frustration. Squinting, concentrating, and yes, being upset will naturally cause you to use the muscles above your eyebrows and eventually form anger lines.
Through the use of Botox® Cosmetic, Dr. Nakatsui is able to help these frown lines fade yielding a more pleasant and more youthful appearance. Botox Cosmetic® can also be used to get rid of the horizontal lines on your forehead and the crows feet we get on the sides of our eyes.
Dr. Nakatsui personally performs all of the Botox® Cosmetic injections. There are no nurse injectors for fillers or Botox at the Groot DermaSurgery Centre. If you would like to book a free consultation with Dr. Nakatsui please fill in the form or contact our office at (780)482-1414. Thank you and have a great day!
Basic Life Support and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
Basic Life Support and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is an important skill to have. Knowing how to respond to a cardiac emergency can increase a person’s odds of survival and recovery by 30% or more.
Dr. Thomas Nakatsui and his team at the Groot Dermasurgery Centre take the time to educate themselves in order to stay on top of current treatments to help you look younger. Staff at the Groot Dermasurgery Centre also take time to stay on top the newest guidelines for Basic Life Support (BLS) and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
St. Johns Ambulance put together a short video demonstrating what to do in just that situation. Please click on the link below to watch what to do in just that case. Please note – Watching the video below does not replace actual training from a trained professional. The Groot Dermasurgery Centre encourages everyone to take a certified course in Basic Life Support and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
What is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a chronic condition of the skin which is often characterized by flare-ups and remissions. It typically begins from 30 years of age on, as a redness of various areas of the face; including the cheeks, nose, chin and forehead. It may also occur on the neck, chest, scalp or ears.
Rosacea can vary substantially from one individual to another. Some common signs of rosacea include: facial flushing, persistent redness, bumps and pimples and facial veins.
At the Groot Dermasurgery Centre, Dr. Thomas Nakatsui takes a multi-faceted approach to treating Rosacea. First is patient teaching and knowledge. Prevention – by avoiding foods or beverages that trigger facial flushing, including alcohol, spicy foods, caffeine products (such as coffee, tea, cola and chocolate), hot soups, and hot drinks, this can be controlled.
Oral and topical medications that can help reduce redness and inflammation are a great method in treating Rosacea and many patients have found great benefit from them.
For Redness and Blood Vessels – IPL, Dye laser, Help-G laser, or Cutera Excel laser treatments are used to remove dilated blood vessels.
For more information, please visit our website at www.grootdermasurgery.com or you can contact our office at (780)482-1414.
#yeg #GDS #telangiectasias #laser #facialrejuvenation #Rosacea #Acne
Suffering from scars?
Scarring can be caused from trauma, acne, or something more personal. Scarring can impact our daily lives, such as how we feel, what we wear, and how we act.
Dr. Thomas Nakatsui and the Groot Dermasurgery Centre has treated various forms of scarring for over 15 years using the most advanced forms of lasers surgery and various surgical techniques.
Scar revision requires an observant eye and a creative multi-dimensional approach to be successful. Component analysis of the scar is the first step. A scar may be linear, raised, thick, depressed, uneven, vascular, hyperpigmented (brown discoloration) or hypopigmented (devoid of color). By treating each of the components, the overall improvement is greatest.
In most cases the ideal time to begin treatment is 6 – 12 weeks after the wound has occurred. This allows the laser surgeon to direct the body’s natural healing process to an improved cosmetic result. In certain cases, re-excision of an old scar is performed prior to laser treatments in order to re-establish the 6 to 12 week window of opportunity for laser scar revision.
If you would like more information about scars, please visit our webpage or contact our office at (780)482-1414 where any of our friendly staff members will be glad to help.
Controlling Winter Itch
Solutions for Winter Itch
In the winter months moisture is sucked from the air and the surface of the skin may become dry and itchy. At its worst the skin may become chapped and may even crack.
Cleansing the Skin
- Avoid bathing or showering more than once a day.
- Use lukewarm rather than hot water.
- Add unscented oils to the bath such as Aveeno or Aveeno Bath Powder.
- Use mild soaps such as Aveeno Dry Skin, Pears, and Cetaphil – minimize lather. Thoroughly rinse all soap residues from the skin.
- Use gentle shampoos and conditioners, such as Cliniderm or Johnson & Johnson Baby No Tears.
Moisturizing the Skin
- After bathing, pat the skin dry – do not rub. Apply a moisturizer while the skin is still damp. Suggested non-scented moisturizers may include: Aveeno, Moisturel, DML Fragrance Free, Glaxal base Complex 15.
- Apply moisturizers such as Aveeno to areas of dry skin such as the hands and elbows throughout the day.
Laundry
- Use unscented laundry detergents such as Tide Free, Cheer Free, All Free & Clear, Arm & Hammer Unscented, Wisk Free or Purex Unscented.
- Use very little unscented detergent with each wash cycle – 1 tablespoon for a regular load.
- Do not use fabric softeners in the washer or dryer.
- Wash all new clothing and linens five times before use or add a quarter cup of powdered milk to the second rinse cycle. The milk will bind to and remove the chemicals within the fabric, such as formaldehyde, which cause irritation.
Skin Care products
- Avoid skin care products containing alcohol and perfumes.
- Avoid scented deodorants – unscented antiperspirants are OK.
- Avoid tight fitting clothes made of material that does not breathe, such as polyesters.
Environment
- Add moisture to the air with a humidifier.
- Keep the thermostat to a comfortable level but not too warm.
Prescription Creams
If you skin becomes chapped, cracked or winter itch is keeping you up at night there are prescription creams that will restore a proper balance of moisture in the skin. See your dermatologist.