What can be worse than the onset of an
unsightly skincare emergency the day of a big event such as a wedding,
reunion, business interview, or first date? Have you ever cancelled a
first date because a cold sore erupted? How about an acne breakout the morning of your sister’s wedding or worse… your own? With tips and insights is board certified dermatologist, Dr. Margarita Lolis to help us handle these common emergencies within 24 hours.
Problem: Hives, Redness and Allergies
Solution:
When you realize a certain food, beverage, cream or cosmetic triggered
an allergic reaction discontinue use or consumption. As for treatment
Dr. Lolis suggests using hydrocortisone cream which can be purchased at
the drug store and should always be on hand. Also take an allergy medication
such as Claritin or Zyrtec. Try a cotton compress of apple cider
vinegar which is an anti-septic and anti-fungal that pulls any toxins
out of the skin. A compress with whole milk is also very soothing.
Problem: Puffy Eyes
Solution:
Cool tea bags, cold cucumber slices work wonders to constrict blood
vessels and reduce swelling when applied for 10 minutes. You don’t need
to see a dermatologist for any kind of treatment for this beauty issue
however be sure to invest in a good eye cream and keep it in the fridge.
Applying eye cream morning and at bedtime will help.
Problem: Cold Sore
Solution:
“Most dermatologists will offer cortisone injections to tame a cold
sore given its ability to rapidly address inflammation. This doesn’t
take very long to do so many dermatologists will tell you to come in the
same day. If you can’t get an appointment get your doctor to issue you a
prescription for Famvir, Acylovir or Valtrex,” Dr. Lolis suggests.
“Applying a lemon tea compress, applying witch hazel oil or peppermint
are some natural ways to treat a cold sore,” she adds.
Problem: Cystic Acne Breakout
Solution:
Resist the urge to squeeze and soak in rubbing alcohol. “This is such a
common response and people end up making the pimple worse not to
mention scarring their skin. Cystic acne is deep and if treated
correctly beneath the surface it could remain a bump and not a red,
scabbing mess,” warns Dr. Lolis. The secret to destroying a deep cystic
pimple is to get a steroid or cortisone shot. “What the dermatologist
will do is inject a diluted glucocorticoid
right into the pimple. You’re basically getting a concentrated dose of
steroid molecules that are naturally produced by our bodies responsible
for regulating metabolism, inflammation and immunity. Within one or two
days of injection into a cyst, the steroid will shrink the inflammation
producing relief of pain and almost immediate cosmetic improvement,”
explains Dr. Lolis. If you cannot get to the dermatologist apply a paste
of baking soda with water then remove it within 20 minutes. Natural
clay can also work very well as could a sea salt compress. Sea salt,
especially directly for the ocean only takes 20 minutes to dry up skin.
Problem: Chapped Lips
Solution:
“Use lip balms not waxes and go natural with ingredients such as almond
oil, vitamin E or A and make and at home paste of sugar and honey to
use as an exfoliator. You want to exfoliate lips in the shower when
temperature is warmer,” Dr. Lolis advises. Dry lips are always a beauty
bummer especially when they crack and bleed. If chronic chapped lips are
an issue, you may experience flare ups when lips are especially
sensitive. “Your lips lack a tough outer skin layer which is why they
are a darker color from the rest of your skin. Plus, there are enzymes
in our saliva made to break down fats and proteins which is why when we
lick our lips it makes matters worse.
About Dr. Lolis:
Dr. Margarita Lolis,
M.D. is a board-certified cosmetic, medical dermatologist and a
fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon with over 20 years of experience. In her
practice, she addresses common skin concerns such as acne prevention
and treatment in both teens and adults, sun-damage, skin discoloration,
wrinkles, changes to skin texture and loss of volume. On the medical
side, she is a trusted expert in melanoma and over-all skin
health. Dr. Lolis prides herself in honoring facial symmetry to deliver a
natural look to her clients. She always recommends a healthy skin care
regimen plus lifestyle habits that are aligned with her holistic
approach to beauty. Dr. Lolis is a member of the American Academy of
Dermatology, American College of Mohs Surgery, and the American Society
of Anti-aging. Her practice, Skin, Laser, and Surgery Specialists is in
New York City and Bergen Country, New Jersey.
No comments:
Post a Comment