HOT TOPIC
Is Sunscreen Safe for Daily Use?
Recently there has been a discussion in the media about the safety of sunscreen. Skin Center follows the guidelines of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) which states the regular use of sunscreen is shown to protect you from skin cancer, prevent sunburn and decrease signs of aging. Sunscreen has been used for decades with no reported data of systemic internal side effects. As such, Skin Center recommends the continued use of sunscreen to prevent skin cancer.
FUN IN THE SUN
Sea Bather's Eruption
Sea bather’s eruption (more commonly know as sea lice) is a rash caused by the stings from the nematocysts (stinging cells) of jellyfish and some sea anemones. It was first described in 1949 in swimmers off the east coast of Florida. It usually presents in areas covered by a bathing suit and is more common in the summer months (peak months being May and June). The red itchy, painful rash is caused by the body’s allergic reaction to the toxin injected into the skin by the nematocysts.
 
Symptoms of sea bather’s eruption may start with a burning sensation. This itchy rash appears a few hours after swimming and may last up to a few weeks. Up to one fifth of people develop systemic symptoms (more commonly children) of fatigue, fever, nausea, diarrhea and abdominal discomfort. The only way to avoid sea bather’s eruption is to stay out of the water when the nematocysts are present. Infected bathing suits should undergo machine washing immediately as the nematocysts can remain in the fabric.
 
The treatment is supportive usually with topical cortisone for relief of itch. If patients develop severe systemic symptoms oral steroids may be needed.
COMMUNITY CORONER
Help Choose Our Next Charity
Skin Center believes in supporting the community that we serve. Our team would like your help choosing a charity to support this year. Please submit your favorite charity to Skin Center. In July’s newsletter we will put it to a vote! If we choose your charity you will win $50 SkinCenter Dollars to be used on products, cosmetic services or massages.
ASK DR. G
Booking a Flight?
A number of patients have told me that they are planning to travel over the summer and I thought I might let you know how I go about booking my air travel.
 
My favorite websites to search for flights are Google flights and Kayak.

 
Both websites are considered travel search engines and are designed to help you quickly research travel options. These websites are easy to use. Simply enter your desired travel dates and destination and the website will present you with a host of options to select from. I prefer the flexibility of Kayak as you can adjust the length of a layover, as well as the date and time of both takeoff and landing. Additionally, Kayak offers a Fee Assistant (no! they are not charging you a fee) that allows you to enter the number of carry-on bags and checked bags to determine the total cost of your flight, so there are no surprises when you finally book your flight.  I usually start with Kayak and then crosscheck Google Flights to make sure Kayak hasn't missed anything. 
 
I try to book directly with the airline because if there is an issue with the flight while traveling it simplifies matters. Of course, if you have a travel agent that you have a relationship with there is nothing better than knowing you have an advocate should issues arise. 
 
Once I have my ticket, I go to a website called SeatGuru ( https://seatguru.com ). By entering the airline, date, and flight number SeatGuru will display a map of the airplane with a key showing which seats are “better” than others. It also gives you information about legroom, seat pitch, and seat width. I love that it displays the in-flight amenities, and seat upgrades such as the availability of a power outlet or on demand videos.
 
By doing a little research before I travel, I make sure I am well prepared for my flight. 
 
I hope you find these tips helpful and I wish you a safe and pleasant trip.
 
Until next time,
 
Dr G 
954-500-SKIN (7546)