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A lot has happened since we opened our doors in September! Dr. Washburn attended three major educational conferences this fall to keep abreast of recent advances in dermatology. At the Massachusetts Academy of Dermatology meeting in Woodstock, Vermont there were updates on the diagnosis and treatment of the common conditions acne and contact dermatitis (see related articles). Important legislative topics discussed included proposed increased regulations to ensure the safety of skin treatments performed in spa settings, and the need for direct physician supervision of nonphysicians performing certain cosmetic procedures particularly when lasers are involved. At the Tufts-New England Medical Center symposium on current diagnosis and treatment recommendations for melanoma, innovative new treatments for advanced melanoma were discussed. The message continues to be that early detection of melanoma gives the best chance for survival. At the Mount Sinai Winter Symposium, Dr. Washburn learned of many advances in medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology that will directly benefit her patients.
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Tracey Young, Andrea Blossom, RN, Linda Kinch, MD, Ashley Denton,Janice Washburn, MD, Amy Boland, Jane Bomes, and Liz Ricketson.
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Andrea Blossom, RN performing a chemical peel.
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We recently welcomed two new staff members, Andrea Blossom, RN and Linda Kinch, MD. Andrea will be with us three days a week performing chemical peels, laser hair removal, and facial waxing. Andrea may be familiar to you as she and Dr. Washburn worked together for five years before Andrea took a hiatus to work as a school nurse. A native of Louisiana, Andrea attended Louisiana State University and received a diploma in nursing from Our Lady of the Lake College. We are thrilled to have her back with us! Linda Kinch, MD, a board certified internist, will be joining us part-time to perform chemical peels, laser hair removal, and ear piercing. A graduate of Georgetown University and Georgetown Medical School, Dr. Kinch previously worked at Newton Wellesley Hospital and The Spence Center. Please join us in welcoming these caring, competent and experienced practitioners to our group. With our talented staff and loyal patient base we have been able to hit the ground running and will continue to evolve to best fit the needs of our patients.
 Shedding Light on Acne and Rosacea
In the 1950’s x-rays were used to destroy the oil glands that cause acne. Today lasers are being tried to target either oil glands or bacteria that both play a role in acne. This interest in using lasers has been prompted by a rise in antibiotic resistance, side-effects of oral and topical treatments and public enthusiasm for a high tech approach. To date, the studies on lasers and acne have been much less rigorous than those on medications and acne, however it appears that lasers do work. Currently lasers that are used for acne require weekly or biweekly treatments for about 8 treatments to give results that may last for months. Side effects include a sunburn like reaction and swelling. So while laser therapy is not yet changing the face of acne, stay tuned.
Laser treatment of rosacea, the acne-like facial rash that affects many adults causing pimples, spider veins, redness and flushing, is another story. Lasers including the Pulsed Dye Laser and the Intense Pulsed Light system are extremely effective in clearing the redness associated with this common condition. Dr. Washburn has over 15 years of experience in using lasers for rosacea with excellent results.
The Sun and Vitamin D
With the shortened daylight hours upon us, the issue as to whether intentional sun exposure (i.e. in tanning beds) has health benefits is being hotly debated. Endocrinologists have theorized that increased levels of vitamin D3 over and above what had previously been considered “normal” levels may protect against certain internal cancers. Front page photos of a prominent Boston endocrinologist in his white lab coat lying in a tanning bed have given this issue national attention.
If this is true, how is it best to get these elevated levels? Oral supplementation is one way, but you would need to take in a lot of milk and oily fish. Is going to the tanning parlor a good option? No! The average person can obtain these elevated levels of vitamin D by exposing a small area of the body, such as the face and forearms, to the sun for 10 minutes two times a week. So while dermatologists advocate sun protection, it is hard to imagine that we don’t all receive at least this amount of exposure through our normal daily activities.
Vitamin D deficiency leads to rickets and bone mass loss (osteomalacia). These are not problems we see in the general population. There has been no increase in osteoporosis or decrease in serum vitamin D levels with typical sun protection recommended by dermatologists. Trying to elevate levels of vitamin D through excessive sun exposure is trading the possible and as yet unproven benefits of chemoprevention of one type of cancer with the certain risk of developing another.
Botox Update
Treatment with Botox Cosmetic continues to increase in popularity with both men and women. It is far and away the most popular cosmetic procedure performed today. It has been proven to be a safe and effective way to soften facial lines and wrinkles caused by sun damage, smoking, and aging. With refinement in technique no longer is there the concern of having a frozen expressionless face. We use only FDA approved Botox A from Allergan Corporation.
At Janice Cleveland Washburn, MD we have changed our pricing structure for Botox Cosmetic treatments to more fairly reflect the actual cost of Botox used. You will now be charged for the amount of Botox Cosmetic actually used in your treatment rather than a fixed price “per area”. We know that Botox Cosmetic treatments are not a “one size fits all” procedure. Some patients need a little more than others to achieve the desired result and our new pricing policy allows this flexibility. You may also want to try a little Botox in a new area, such as to decrease down turning at the corners of the mouth. The new pricing makes this more feasible.
We have also instituted the Botox Refer a Friend program. Refer a friend for Botox Cosmetic and you will receive a $50 discount off of your next treatment. Cards are available at our front desk while they last.
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