A nice article in the Globe about ethnic dermatology.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/fashion-and-beauty/beauty/beauty-features/the-rise-of-ethnic-dermatology/article2037235/
8.14.2011
Help, I have bumps on the back of the head?
Dear Dr Tareen,
Several years ago my barber cut the back of my head with clippers that seemed too sharp. The back of my head broke out and various treatments have only had temporary and minimum affect. I have tried everything but the bumps always come back with a vengence. Please help
Dear Reader
Thank you for your inquiry. It sounds as if you have developed a condition called acne keloidalis nuchae (AKN). This is more common in ethnic skin and typically occurs after some trauma to the area (such as the cut that you described). The bumps that develop are due to ingrown hairs. They can sometimes be successfully treated with simple acne medications (such as over the counter benzoyl peroxide wash) or prescription acne products (such as Retin-A). Occasionally injections of cortisone or surgical/ laser removal may be necessary. Consult a dermatologist as this may be a recurrent problem.
In addition, please contact the common skin conditions page of desidermatology.com. There you can read about the condition called pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) which is the same skin problem as AKN, just located in a different area (beard area). http://www.desidermatology.com/common_skin_conditions.html#Razor_Bumps_in_ethnic_skin
Several years ago my barber cut the back of my head with clippers that seemed too sharp. The back of my head broke out and various treatments have only had temporary and minimum affect. I have tried everything but the bumps always come back with a vengence. Please help
Dear Reader
Thank you for your inquiry. It sounds as if you have developed a condition called acne keloidalis nuchae (AKN). This is more common in ethnic skin and typically occurs after some trauma to the area (such as the cut that you described). The bumps that develop are due to ingrown hairs. They can sometimes be successfully treated with simple acne medications (such as over the counter benzoyl peroxide wash) or prescription acne products (such as Retin-A). Occasionally injections of cortisone or surgical/ laser removal may be necessary. Consult a dermatologist as this may be a recurrent problem.
In addition, please contact the common skin conditions page of desidermatology.com. There you can read about the condition called pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) which is the same skin problem as AKN, just located in a different area (beard area). http://www.desidermatology.com/common_skin_conditions.html#Razor_Bumps_in_ethnic_skin
8.05.2011
what can I do for depressed acne scars and oily skin (ps I don't have a lot of money)?
Thank you for your inquiry. Depressed scars are certainly damaging to your self esteem and we can work together to make yours better!
The best method of treatment is with fractional laser treatments. Ablative laser treatments are stronger and require fewer treatment sessions. However, there is some down-time involved while your skin heals. Also, if not done properly there is a small risk of hyperpigmentation or raised scars.
Non-ablative laser treatments are also very effective. These treatments are less intense, thus requiring more treatment sessions. However, the risk for discoloration and scarring is very minimal.
In terms of oily skin, you should begin to use a retinoid (retin-a, differin, tazorac). This is a prescription vitamin A cream that helps normalize the oil production of your face. The added benefit is that the retinoid cream can stimulate collagen below the skin surface to help heal your scars as well.
For more information about lasers, please see the "laser" section of desidermatology.com
Since finances are an issue, I want you to know that most of the products out there that claim to help scars ae ineffective -don't waste your money or time. A regimen of retinoid + laser will definitively work for you :)
Sincerely,
Dr Tareen
--
The best method of treatment is with fractional laser treatments. Ablative laser treatments are stronger and require fewer treatment sessions. However, there is some down-time involved while your skin heals. Also, if not done properly there is a small risk of hyperpigmentation or raised scars.
Non-ablative laser treatments are also very effective. These treatments are less intense, thus requiring more treatment sessions. However, the risk for discoloration and scarring is very minimal.
In terms of oily skin, you should begin to use a retinoid (retin-a, differin, tazorac). This is a prescription vitamin A cream that helps normalize the oil production of your face. The added benefit is that the retinoid cream can stimulate collagen below the skin surface to help heal your scars as well.
For more information about lasers, please see the "laser" section of desidermatology.com
Since finances are an issue, I want you to know that most of the products out there that claim to help scars ae ineffective -don't waste your money or time. A regimen of retinoid + laser will definitively work for you :)
Sincerely,
Dr Tareen
--
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