Under normal circumstances, when treating patients with infectious diseases known to have airborne spread (measles, tuberculosis, now SARS-CoV-2), we isolate patients in negative pressure rooms with strict personal protective equipment (PPE) rules.  In New York City, we have run out of space and PPE.  COVID-19 patients are in regular ER rooms, with no walls, just … Continue reading Filtration Mask

Razor bumps.  Ingrown hairs.  The medical term is pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB). It’s characterized by inflammatory bumps that develop around the hair follicle after hair removal, especially shaving.  Men with curly hair and darker skin types are most prone to PFB in their beard area, but it can affect anyone, including womens’ bikini line, armpits, and … Continue reading Razor bumps

The art of shaving Hair should be 1-2 mm prior to shaving (clip if necessary). Ideally shave after showering so hair and skin are soft.  If you’re not fresh out of the shower, wash the area to be shaved with a gentle cleanser like the CeraVe foaming cleanser or hydrating cleanser.  You may also use … Continue reading Shaving tips

I want to emphasize how to use the medicated anti-dandruff shampoos.   Apply it to your scalp (for ladies and gentlemen with long hair, no need to coat the entire coif, which may be drying). If you have curly, dry, or color treated hair, put conditioner the ends of your hair before applying the shampoo to … Continue reading How to use dandruff shampoos

 Many people think about acne as an adolescent problem, which it certainly is: 85% of teens and young adults suffer from acne.  What is more commonly recognized is that it’s also an adult problem.  35% of women and 20% of men reported having acne in their 30s.  26% of women and 12% of men reported … Continue reading Acne

Fragrance Free: I insist on fragrance-free products (moisturizers, soap, laundry detergent) for my patients with eczema because fragrance is one of the most common sources of allergic contact dermatitis to which they are predisposed.  There is a second reason to avoid fragranced products: they may contain hidden phthalates, which are in the category of endocrine … Continue reading Fragrance Avoidance

I’d like to think I look glamorous in my hat, big sunglasses, and long sleeve UV protective shirt, but they also allow me to enjoy the outdoors safely.  I recommend a wide brim hat for coverage of ears and neck that is labelled as UV protective.  Sunglasses protect eyelid skin, which is very thin and … Continue reading Sun Protective Clothing

Recommended Sunscreens These are sunscreens that I have personally tried and have checked the ingredients for safety. Face:  Juice Beauty CC Cream: Shoutout to my childhood friend @tarapham for the rec from this brand which is from our hometown -- Marin County, CA.  It has UVA, UVB, and visible light protection and comes in 5 … Continue reading Sunscreen

A “Healthy Tan”  A lesser known legacy of Coco Chanel is that she is often credited with popularizing the suntan.  After disembarking from a cruise on the French Riviera, a photograph of her bronzed skin inspired generations to come.  Legend has it that her friend, Prince Jean-Louis de Faucigny-Lucigne, said, "I think she may have … Continue reading Sun Protection Philosophy

The shampoos  The mainstay of treatment for dandruff is a topical antifungal shampoo.  Many of the shampoos that fight yeast in seborrheic dermatitis also help scalp psoriasis, possibly because the antifungal agents are also inherently anti-inflammatory.  There are so many over the counter products-- I hope this summary helps guide your search for your go-to … Continue reading Dandruff Shampoos

What if I have color treated hair?  Honestly, this is a tricky question without a straightforward answer.  The less frequently you wash your hair, the longer your color will last (because even water itself will cause color to leak).  If you have dandruff, you will need to shampoo a couple times a week to keep … Continue reading Color Treated Hair

Dandruff It’s itchy.  It’s flaky. It’s white all over your black clothes.  You’re showering and washing your hair, but you worry that others are judging your hygiene based on the desert sandstorm that has accumulated on your shoulders.  Trust me, I know; I’ve been there. The most common cause of dandruff is a skin condition … Continue reading What is Dandruff?