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

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Monthly Archives: March 2012

Hot Tub Folliculitis

It’s that time of year. The nights are still cool but you want to be outside and rip the cover off your hot tub that has been in hibernation all winter and jump right in, WAIT!!! That warm whirlpool has been brewing some bacteria for the past months. There are a few things you need know before you enjoy a little warm water massage.

Last week an 11yr old boy came into the office complaining of a rash that appeared on his lower abdomen 3 days earlier. The appearance of his rash and it’s location were a certain giveaway for hot tub folliculitis. After some questioning, the patient’s dad let me know their hot tub had been broken and when it was finally fixed his son was so excited he couldn’t wait for dad to check the chlorine levels to get in. The next day his rash appeared.

Hot tub folliculitis is caused by the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This form of bacteria thrives in hot tubs, especially hot tubs made of wood unless the water’s acid and chlorine levels are strictly controlled. Symptoms can be seen several hours to 2 days after coming in contact with the bacteria. It first appears as red itchy bumps and can progress to large, dark red, tender nodules filled with pus. The rash may be worse under swimsuit area where bacteria has been trapped for a longer period of time. If the condition is mild no treatment may be necessary. Antibiotics may be prescribed if the case is more severe. In the case of our 11 year old patient, he was put on oral antibiotics.  At his check-up yesterday his rash was much improved.

Moral of the story: Clean and chlorine will keep you in the clear

Botox: Prevention is the Best Medicine

You may have heard that prevention is the best medicine, when it comes to your skin that couldn’t be more true. ABC News has recently reported that more and more young women are seeking non-surgical treatment to delay the signs of aging.  This is a growing trend that we have seen in our own office. More and more women in their late 20’s and early 30’s are seeking Botox and laser treatments to help prevent signs of aging. Once environmental damage (i.e. chronic sun exposure, smoking, ect…) has been done we are limited on ways to help correct it. However, if you employ preventative measures at an early age you will not have problem later down the line. If someone comes in for treatment in their 60’s to try to get rid of the deep wrinkled on the glabella (in-between the eyebrows) or forehead Botox will probably not work for them however, if you start using Botox in y our 20’s-30’s the deep wrinkles will never develop. More importantly young women should avoid prolonged sun exposure and tanning beds. Chronic UV exposure not only increases your risk of skin cancer but it also breaks down collagen causing fine lines, wrinkles and sun spots.

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