Kidwell, Raymond Dr-Clovis Dermatology

12/13/2023

Can blood pressure pills increase your chance of skin cancer? A recent study showed that a type of pills used to control high blood pressure (hypertension) can increase the formation of precancerous skin lesions. If you are taking a calcium channel blocker and have a history of skin cancers or multiple pre skin cancers, it may be prudent to be switched to a different type of blood pressure pill. Here is an article about the recent study:
https://medicaldialogues.in/dermatology/news/use-of-calcium-channel-blockers-tied-to-more-severe-actinic-keratosis-on-face-and-scalp-study-121370

10/10/2023

I'm giving a health lecture this thursday "How to Live a Long and Healthy Life." All welcome

09/06/2023

Have you heard of "Barbie Botox?"
Apparently there is a wave of women, typically younger, asking for Botox to be injected into their neck muscles to mimic Barbie, played by Margot Robbie in the blockbuster movie

This procedure is also known as "Trap Tox". It is when Botox in injected into the muscles of the upper back/neck to reduce migraines and neck/shoulder pain

Injecting into this area for cosmetic purposes is non FDA approved, and would be classified as an "off-label use"

08/24/2023

Hair loss is a very common issue
Common treatments include:

Lifestyle adjustments such as
Adequate sleep and regular sleep patterns
Stress relief measures such as prayer, stretching and deep breathing
Avoidance of processed foods

Over the Counter treatments
Red light hair growth cap on Amazon ($600)- don’t buy the wand or comb becausre they are too hard to use consistently
Topical minoxidil/Rogaine 5%/2%
Biotin oral summplements
Shampoos/conditioner-most popular Nioxin- apply at sink before shower
Rosemary oil-apply to scalp at night

Prescription Treatments
Anti-fungal shampoo once per week (ketoconazole)-apply at sink before shower
Platelet Rich Plasma- drawing a person’s blood, spinning the blood in a centrifuge, then injecting the plasma into a person’s scalp
Oral minoxidil (blood pressure pill)
Hormone therapy
Finasteride (Propecia)- dihydrotestosterone blocker, FDA approved for men only
Dutasteride for men DHEA blocker, not FDA approved
Spironolactone for women- androgen hormone inhibitor
Latisse- FDA approved to increase the growth of eyelashes
Hair transplant surgery- 10-15 thousand dollars

08/10/2023

Dangers signs that a mole may actually be melanoma or pre-melanoma:
A stands for Asymmetry (part of the mole looks different than the rest of the mole
B stands for Border (irregular border is a warning sign)
C stands for Color (black or multi colored moles are concerning)
D stands for Diameter (any mole larger than a pencil eraser is concerning)
E stands for Evolution (any mole that is changing can be problematic)
If you have a mole with any of the above warning signs, please schedule an appointment with your doctor

08/08/2023

Take Vitamin B3 supplementation to decrease your risk of skin cancer (this study shows it decreases squamous cell and basal cell carcinomas, but not melanoma)

08/04/2023

If you suffer from moderate to severe acne, or are concerned about discoloration/scarring, Accutane (isotretinoin) can now be managed with telemedicine visits (after the initial consultation). This report shows a very high patient satisfaction rate

08/04/2023

If you suffer from a rare skin condition called Hidradenitis suppurativa, which involves recurrent boils usually in the groin and/or armpits, this study showed 70% of patients had a significant improvement in their symptoms

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), a chronic, recurrent, debilitating skin disease, is characterized by painful, inflammatory, subcutaneous lesions of the axilla, inguinal and anogenital regions. Overall prevalence of HS is ˜1%, and the impact of ...

08/04/2023

The first FDA approved medication to treat vitiligo- Opzelura cream
https://www.clinicaltrialsarena.com/projects/opzelura-ruxolitinib-treatment-vitiligo-us/

08/04/2023

This study showed that Dupixent, a treatment for eczema or atopic dermatitis, had a patient satisfaction rate of 85%

Data from the RELIEVE-AD study show long-term control and treatment satisfaction.