Dermatology, Cosmetic Surgery, Mohs Micrographic Skin Cancer Surgery & Laser Surgery

« Back to Blog

Monthly Archives: October 2013

Banish Dry Skin With These Skin Care Tips

It’s that time of year when the weather starts cooling down and our skin starts drying out. Following these skin care tips can get your dry, flakey skin fast relief. 
 

1. Avoid Long Hot Showers– Hot water removes natural oils from your skin. Try to limit your showers to 5-10 minutes. Spending more time in the shower leaves your skin less hydrated than before you started. Choose a short warm shower for dry skin.

2. Apply your moisturizer right after the bath– To lock in the moisture from your shower apply your moisturizer when your skin is still slightly damp.

3. Soothe Chapped Lips: Choose a lip balm with 1% hydrocortisone for maximum relief like our Lipacort Lip Balm.

4. Use a Humidifier– Keeping the air moist in your home with a humidifier will also keep you skin moisturized.

5. Choose Ointments and Creams– When choosing a moisturizer for dry skin it is best to choose a cream or an ointment as opposed to a lotion. Creams are oil based where lotions are water based. For event better moisturizing choose ointments like Vaseline or Aquaphor. While ointments are not practical all the time choose them when you have some down time like watching TV or sleeping. Apply a layer of the ointment and cover the area with cotton gloves or socks for event better penetration.

6. Reapply, Reapply, Reapply!– Applying moisturizers once a day is not enough for dry skin. Apply you moisturizers multiple times a day for better results.

7. Make an appointment with your Dermatologist– Is your dry skin painful, itchy or not responding to moisturizers alone? You may have eczema. Eczema often times requires a prescription strength cortisone ointment. Your Dermatologist or Derm PA will be able to evaluate your condition and recommend the best treatment.

8. Visit the Hardware Store– You might be thinking how does this fits in with skin care? Well, we had a patient tell us about a hand cream he found at Home Depot and once we tried it we’ve been sold ever since: O’Keefe’s Working Hands.

Watch Dr. Sandra Lee’s video on Skin Care Tips Here

Meet our New Physician Assistant Ashlene Korcek!

We are very excited to introduce our newest addition to the Skin Physician and Surgeon Family: Ashlene Korcek.
 
Ashlene grew up near Portland Oregon with her mom, dad, and younger sister, where she learned to love spending time outdoors, especially when it came to snow skiing. She has had a passion for medicine for as long as she can remember, which lead her to obtain her Bachelors Degree in Health Science at Walla Walla University in Washington State. Ashlene then moved to California to study at Loma Linda University where she graduated with her Masters in Physician Assistant. While in  PA school, she fell in love with the field of dermatology and the variety it has to offer.
 
During her time away from the office, she still enjoys getting outside and hiking, biking, or rock climbing with her husband, Lucas.
 
Welcome to the family Ashlene!
 
CIMG2558 Tahoe

What Is a Physician Assistant?

In honor of National PA week I thought I’d take a moment to explain exactly what a PA is and does.

A physician assistant is a licensed and highly skilled health care professional, trained to provide patient evaluation, education, and health care services. A PA works with a physician to provide medical care and guidance to patients. A PA must attend a specialized medical training program associated with a medical school, which includes classroom studies and clinical experience. I personally have a bachelors degree in biology and also received my masters degree in physician assistant studies from the University of Southern California. I have been formally trained in dermatology by Dr. Rebish and Dr. Lee. Each PA must be supervised by a physician, and the supervising physician must always be available to the PA should the need arise.

A PA performs many diagnostic, preventative, and health maintenance services. As a physician assistant in dermatology, here are some services I provide:

  • Perform full body exams for skin cancer screening
  • Diagnose skin conditions, such as acne, psoriasis, skin cancer, rashes, etc.
  • Instruct and counsel patients on their medical conditions
  • Perform laser treatments, such as laser hair removal, VBeam laser for blood vessel removal, and sun spot removal with the MiXto laser
  • Perform minor surgical procedures
  • Write prescriptions
  • Act as first or second assistant during surgery
  • Perform cosmetic procedures, such as Botox, Dysport, Radiesse, Juvederm, and Restylane injections.

Frequently Asked Questions about Physician Assistants:

1. Are you a doctor? No, I am what is referred to as a mid-level practitioner, similar to a nurse practitioner. I am able to see patients, write prescriptions, and order tests.

2. Will you become a doctor? No, I have completed my formal training and passed national certification boards for physician assistants. I am not an intern or studying to be a doctor.

4. Are you a nurse or medical assistant? No, I have a bachelors degree in biology and have completed post-graduate training in a physician assistant program. I am board certified as a physician assistant.

5. What is the difference between a physician and a physician assistant?
The main difference between a physician and physician assistant is the amount of time spent in training. Physicians spend more time in school and also have to go through internships and residencies. Physicians can practice independently while PAs work with physicians and are ultimately under the physician’s supervision.

6. Do I have to see the PA? No. It is completely your choice on which provider you would like to see. 

7. What does PA-C mean? It means physician assistant-certified. It means the person has graduated from an accredited program and has passed testing by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).

8. Can you prescribe medications? Yes. I am able to recommend medications and write prescriptions.

9. How long have PAs been around? Since the 1960s physician assistants have helped expand the delivery of quality medical care.

erin small head shot

I absolutely love my job and could not imagine doing anything else.

I love being to work as a team with the physicians and other PA in our office to provide the best possible care for all of our patients.

Erin Jensen PA-C

 

If you are interested in any procedure or would like more information, feel free to schedule a consultation with our physicians or physician assistant by calling (909) 981-8929 or filling out our online contact form.

What’s New

In The Media and Other News

Watch Dr. Sandra Lee Make Varicose Veins Disappear on The Doctors!
Watch Video
Dr. Sandra Lee Discusses What To Do About Warts on Fox Studio 11 LA
Watch Video
Get Rid of Sweaty Palms - Dr. Sandra Lee on Fox Studio 11
Watch Video